February Half Term in Dorset

There might still be a chill in the air but that’s no reason to give Dorset the cold shoulder during 2024's February half term holidays.

We’ve got wonderful events, fabulous food and lots of the very best visitor attractions to keep your family entertained during the school break.

Half Term events in Dorset

The February half term holidays signals the start of the Dorset events calendar. From family-friendly to nature and wildlife events, it’s a great time of year for a short break in Dorset.

See the Blue Pool in a whole new light at Illuminate. You'll get to enjoy this wonderful nature reserve after dark, enjoy some tasty refreshments at the tea room and even toast marshmallows on the terrace. 

Catch the last week of the Cool Coast Ice Rink - the south coast's largest indoor ice skating rink. Little ones can ease onto the ice on the mini rink or you can book a penguin skate mate to help them glide around the ice. After your skate session (or if you're just watching), stop at the Alpine Terrace cafe where there'll be festive drinks, hot food, winter warmers, and sweet treats.

There are a number of free or budget-friendly events taking place during half term. At Durlston Country Park, drop into the Learning Centre on Wild Wednesday for free painting and activities or take part in the Dinosaur Discovery Trail for £3.50 per trail pack. Or get crafty in Shaftesbury and make your own Snowdrop Festival Crown for free.

Scroll down this page to find family friendly events taking place during half term.

Fantastic family attractions

Dorset is jam packed with visitor attractions everyone can enjoy, from family fun to enthusiast days out you’ll find it here in Dorset.

You'll have a fluming good time at Splashdown Waterpark on their twisting and turning indoor slides. Zoom down the Zambezi Drop, rides inflatable tyres on the Mississippi Drifter or dare to enter the Dragon's Lair!

There’s tonnes of fun to be had at the Tank Museum. There'll be trails, crafts, games and of course Tanks! Children under 4 years go free.

At Dorchester, the Teddy Bear and Dinosaur museums are family favourites and great fun for kids big and small. Meet Winnie the Pooh, Rupert and Paddington or roarsome and t-rexiffic dinosaurs! Children under 3 years go free at both museums.

Find more Dorset visitor attractions within our things to do guide.

Low cost days out

Get out and about this half term and explore Dorset for free. Our county has mile upon mile of fantastic walking and cycling routes waiting to be explored. Take in the sights and sounds of our glorious rural landscape and jaw dropping coastline, not to mention some of the freshest air around!

The North Dorset Trailway is a great family-friendly walking or cycling route. Read our cycling blogs for some inspiration on days out in Dorset that won't break the bank.

Why not try and take in one of our Top 10 Dorset Views? Visit one of the special spots on our list and share it with us social media, it’s always great to hear tales of your adventures.

Don't forget to take a look at our top ten free days out in Dorset and low cost days out in Dorset blog. From castles and giants to nature reserves and deserted villages, there's lots to keep all ages entertained this half term holidays.

Make sure you check out our Ideas and Inspiration guide for a huge range of ideas to make your break in Dorset extraordinary.

Eat your heart out

With so much to see and do during February half term we’re sure you will have worked up an appetite. Well if you love your food, you’ve come to the right place!

Dorset is renowned for the very best in local produce which means you’ll get to sample some of the most amazing culinary delights. It’s no surprise that celebrity chefs including Mark Hix have chosen to be located right here.

What could be better than a day out exploring followed by a hearty pub lunch by a roaring fire? Don't forget to wash it all down with a glass of locally produced wine, cider, ale or Dorset ginger.

Find wonderful places to eat within our Dorset food and drink guide.

Book your half term holiday now!

Your break to Dorset is only a click away. Find your perfect accommodation and start planning your visit now!


• Hotels
• B&Bs
• Self Catering
• Farmhouses
• Pubs & Inns
• Caravan and Holiday Parks

We handrawn heart low cost days out

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.   

You may also like...

Family Friendly

If you’re seeking fun-packed days out in Dorset, we've got loads of ideas for all ages.

Animals & Farms

If your family like to ‘go wild’ and get close to nature, Dorset has lots to offer.