May Half Term in Dorset

The 2023 May half term holiday is coming around fast and there really is no better place to spend your valuable time off than right here in Dorset!

Dorset offers lots of fabulous days out with a huge variety of family-friendly attractions, activities and wonderful events to enjoy. We’re so confident that you will be blown away with what's on offer you’ll be back again very soon.

Don’t believe us? Just take a look at what’s on offer this May half term…

Half term events in Dorset

Enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Sherborne Castle Country Fair on 29 May. Held in the grounds of the historic Sherborne Castle, enjoy an action packed day of activities and displays.

Wild Wednesdays return to Durlston Country Park for free, drop-in art activities for kids and families. You can also take part in a Super Seabirds Children's Activity Trail for just £3.50 per prize trail pack. 

There are a number of family-friendly festivals taking place across the county during half term and most of them are free. Children will be enchanted at the Swanage Fairy Festival or for tasty treats head over to Christchurch Food Festival or Poole Seafood Festival.

Family friendly Dorset attractions

Many of Dorset’s attractions offer some wonderful days out during the school holidays to keep your gang entertained.

The National Trust's Kingston Lacy house and gardens is running family friendly activities for young and old. Explore the woodlands, take in the wildlife and have a go at their '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾' with hands on activities to try.

The Tank Museum always offers a gigantic day out during May half term. Experience the biggest day out in history and see tanks roll into action with realistic life like explosions accompanied by expert commentary.

For the cutest day out in Dorset you have to see the baby swans hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery. During May to June hundreds of new fluffy cygnets can be seen hatching in nests and alongside the pathways throughout the swannery. How many can you see?

With such a great variation of days out and events you really will find something to entertain everyone here in Dorset.

Half term on a budget

If you're looking for free or budget-friendly things to do during your stay in Dorset, why not read our blog all about low cost days out. From country parks and animal farms to rockpooling and town trails, we've got lots of fun ideas for all ages.

You might also like to check which special offers are available to grab a bargain and save some money during the half term holidays.

If you need a bit more inspiration, take a look at our full list of over 200 free things to do in Dorset including bike rides, museums, nature reserves, iron-age hill forts, castles and iconic landmarks.

Explore all Dorset has to offer

Don’t forget that Dorset also has lots of stunning countryside, breath-taking beaches and gorgeous towns and villages to discover.

Sample our county’s world famous food and drink at our wonderful restaurants, pubs, inns and tearooms. With the quality of produce on offer, spending some time here is a must for anyone serious about top quality food and drink.

If you’re looking for further inspiration in planning your break in Dorset, make sure you check our Visit Dorset blog. You’ll find some great articles, including guest blogs, about what to see and do during your get-away.

Book your half term holiday now!

With all of this waiting for you to enjoy, you should really start thinking about booking your Dorset adventure!

We have a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes.

Your break in Dorset is only a click away! See you soon…


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Glamping

Days Out Ideas in Dorset

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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.