IF you’re looking for a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy this spring, look no further than these offerings from National Trust sites across Dorset.
Be it exploring dinosaur footprints in the Purbeck countryside, or a 10k trail run at Knoll Beach, there should be something for everyone throughout March and April.
Corfe Castle
A Castle Quest: Celebrating the Bankes estate
- Daily until Thursday April 7, 10am-4.30pm
Celebrating 40 years since the bequest of the Bankes estate to the National Trust, this trail takes participants on a journey of discovery around the historic ruins. From dinosaur footprints to the earthwork remains of the Durotriges Celtic settlement, this free trail will be fun for children and adults alike. No booking is necessary.
Quiet hour
- Every Wednesday, 9-10am
Relax and enjoy a peaceful hour at Corfe Castle every Wednesday morning. This event could be perfect for people with additional sensory needs and their carers, so that they can fully immerse themselves in the experience of visiting the castle grounds and ruins without worrying about how busy the site will be.
Booking is essential, call 0344 800 1895 for more information.
Guided walk on Corfe Common and Purbeck Ridgeway
- Friday March 25, 10am-1pm
Join Ben Buxton on a 3.5 mile guided walk exploring Corfe Common and the Purbeck Ridgeway. Tickets are £10 and booking is essential, call 0344 249 1895.
‘The Castle and the Dragon’ family trail
- Saturday April 9 to Wednesday 27, 10am-4.30pm
Help the friendly but forgetful Corfe Castle Dragon find the items that she’s lost around the castle. Each item is very important to the history of Corfe Castle, so keep your eyes peeled as your search the ruins. This trail is free and no booking is required.
Hartland Way guided walk
- Thursday April 28, 10am-12 noon
Join Ben Buxton for another a 3.5 mile guided walk, this time exploring Hartland Moor and the Purbeck countryside. Tickets are £10 and booking is essential, call 0344 249 1895.
Kingston Lacy
Silent space
- Every Wednesday, 2-5pm
Enjoy the tranquillity of the Kingston Lacy garden in a dedicated silent space. Take time to relax, turn off your phone, rest quietly and connect to the nature around you. It’s free and no booking is necessary.
Healthy cycle rides
- Every Thursday, 10-11am
These traffic-free trail rides are led by trained volunteers from Dorset Council’s health and activity team and take riders around the Kingston Lacy estate at their own pace. Bike hire is available but must be booked in advance by calling 01425 480 811.
Mother’s Day
- Saturday March 26, 9.30am-4pm
You can treat your mum to a cream tea in the cafe, spot spring flowers in the garden and join in with a free craft activity to make them a special gift to remember their day.
40 Years of Conservation and Care
- Daily from Monday March 28, 10.30am-3pm
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bankes bequest, join Kingston Lacy in looking back at some of the conservation work the National Trust has overseen at the house during the past four decades.
Forest bathing workshop
- Friday April 29, 8-10am
Take some time out to connect with nature, on a forest bathing workshop that weaves through Kingston Lacy’s gardens and woodlands. Tickets cost £15, call 0344 249 1895 to book.
Studland
Trust10 trail run
- Sunday March 27, Sunday April 24, Sunday May 22. 8.30-11am.
Blow the cobwebs off by joining a monthly 10k trail run at Knoll Beach. Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, runners can explore the area by taking on the multi-terrain route across sand, road and off-road tracks. The Knoll Beach Cafe will be open for refreshments from 9.30am.
The runs are free and no booking is required.
Great Dorset beach clean
- Shell Bay: Saturday April 2, 10.30am-12 noon
- Knoll Beach: Saturday April 2, 10.30am-12 noon
- South Beach: Saturday April 2, 1-2.30pm
The whole family is welcome to look after the Dorset coastline and help wildlife with a cleans in three coastal locations. Booking is required and can be done by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay.
Easter Egg Hunts in Dorset
- From Saturday April 9
Kingston Lacy, Studland Bay and Brownsea Island are the top spots for Easter Egg Hunts in Dorset this spring. Youngsters can complete the trail and collect a Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg. The price is £3 per trail with no booking necessary.
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/easter-egg-hunts-in-the-south-west for more information.
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