Embrace Spring with plenty to do across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Embrace this springtime

Things to do in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

by Tyra Silinda

There’s plenty to do this springtime and during the Easter holidays. With the lighter evenings and milder climate it’s the perfect time to venture outside and take in the spring air from bike riding, to family festivals/ camping, to easter egg extravaganzas, to splashing in the water at the beach and feeling the sand between your toes. Here’s some fantastic ideas to kickstart your spring.

Mini Golf course at Boscombe chine gardens

The mini- golf course is opening again this spring adjacent to the Squirrel Cafe. This is a fun and affordable activity for young families to do during the upcoming easter holidays. With an amazing view of the seafront being within walking distance of the Bournemouth pier. Pricing: Adults £5.50 / Seniors £ 4.50 / Juniors £3.50 / Family: £16.50 More info: Tel: 01202 309229 www.parkcafes.co.uk/SquirrelCafe/ Squirrel.aspx Bournemouth Pier Fireworks

Every Friday night, prepare to be ‘oohed and aaahed’ at the spectular fireworks display from The Pier. There is also an opportunity to enjoy food and drink at the cafés and bars on the seafront. Location: Bournemouth Seafront, Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA Pricing: Free When: Friday 6th ,13th ,20th and 27th August and Friday 3rd September. There will also be fireworks on Saturday 4th September as part of the Bournemouth Air Festival. More info: www.bournemouth. co.uk/whats-on/bournemouth-fridayfireworks-p2613603 Rock Reef

With up to 28 indoor climbing challenges to choose from, you’ll need to be top of your game to complete them all. Suitable for families with children (from the age of 4), with activities for adults and children to enjoy. Location: Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth BH2 5AA, When: All day, everyday. Pricing: From £9 per person (See website for more information More info: rockreef.co.uk/

Take in valuable time at this fun festival featuring Dorset’s finest homemade arts, crafts, food & drink. With live music from local artists. There’s dance sessions, children’s fun shows and mascot appearances, with a fun family fun zone that include rides, crazy golf, rock climbing wall and Kayaks. Location: The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne BH21 3DH When: 25th June to 26th June 2022. Saturday – Sunday at 10:00 -21:00 PM Pricing: Available from: Standard ticket: £4 per person (Under 4 free) (Early bird ticket £2.00 per person available from 1st of April, see website for more information)

More info:

www.familyfestdorset.co.uk/ or info@familyfestdorset.co.uk

All the usual fun of the farm but with an Easter egg hunt and fun run over the Easter bank holiday from Good Friday all the way up to Easter Monday inclusive. The hunt includes hidden tickets hidden with the eater eggs and a golden ticket can be exchanged for a huge chocolate egg. Alongside the easter egg hunt there are also tractor rides that involve rescuing the easter Bunny. Location: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Wareham Road, Poole BH16 6EU When: 9th -24th April 2022 Pricing: Adults & Children 3+: £15.00 2-year-olds £7.50, Under 2’s: Free More info: farmerpalmers.co.uk/

The Dolphin swimming pool – Family swimming

Not one for the serious swimmers (lanes have been removed), this is a time for the kids to let off steam and do some serious splashing. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 12.00 – 1pm, Saturday 2-3pm Sunday 10am-12pm & 2pm-3pm. Swimming sessions vary within this timetable. Please see website for details. Pricing: Adults from £5.25, Kids from £3.00 Location: Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1TN More info: www.everyoneactive.com/centre/ everyone-active-leisure-centre-poole-dolphin/

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Military and passenger planes abound at this outdoor museum. There’s an area for picnics close to the main runway at the airport and a new aviation trail is nearby. Opening hours: April - October, Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 Location: Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA, More info: www.aviation-museum.co.uk/

Easter fun at farmer palmers

Nature Tots at Stour Valley Nature Reserve

A great way to get your little ones more in touch with nature and an opportunity to make new friends. Nature tots will enjoy wildlife -themed activities and trails and create magical images and crafts from things collected along the way. A great event for pre-schoolers. Location: Granby Road, Bournemouth BH9 3NZ When: 2nd – 18th April 2022, From 10:30am to 3pm During Easter holiday Pricing: £3.00 per child

Contacts:

www.visitstourvalley.co.uk/Events/Get-outside.aspx or www.visitstourvalley.co.uk/Events/Events-calendar.aspx

Centre VR

A great experience for both children and adults to step into the virtual world and be able to either race, fight, go on holiday, build empires and more. Virtual reality centre is Europe’s largest virtual reality venue, with 30 stations of the very best VR headsets with all the top title’s available to either play multiplayer or solo. Location: Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1EN When: From 2nd April 2022 Pricing: (See website for more pricing and booking information) More info: centrevr.co.uk/contact/ or centrevr@centrevr.co.uk

Battle Boats Adventure wonderland

Think of it as bumper cars but in boat form with speed and plenty of water (so be prepared!) A must-try for easter and a great way to welcome the spring and warm weather action. Location: Adventure Wonderland, Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA Pricing: Available from:, Adults & Children £19:50 2 years and under: free

More info:

www.adventurewonderland.co.uk/rides/view/battle-boats

A great way travel alongside the sea front and take in the beautiful views and this is a great way to incuse exercise with the family and this is also a great way to bonding activity for families and friends as well as a great way to teach children teamwork at a young age. Location: 4C West Cliff Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5EY Pricing: Available from: Adults- £8.00 to £25.00 Children- £ 5.00 to £20.00, Tandems £15.00 to £35.00 (See website for more information for times and more prices) Contacts: Tel: 07594505776 www.koolcyclehirebournemouth.co.uk/ or www.bournemouth. co.uk/things-to-do/kool-cycle-hire-p1524913

Classic Cars on the Quay

Come and view an array of classic cars on six dates during May on the Quay in Christchurch. Visitors are able to view cars from all eras all lovingly restored and maintained. When: 1st May – 22nd May – 10th July – 24th July – 4th September and 25th September 2022 Location: Christchurch Quay Pricing: Free to visit and view, exhibitors from £1.00 but please check with organisers for details More info: For full details with the organisers web site bppcltd.com/ and their Facebook page for any last minute changes to schedules Enjoy a delicious cream tea using locally sourced ingredients while taking in the breathtaking Dorset Coastline. Don’t miss Frieda’s fantastic homemade cakes. Location: 7 Stafford Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 1JH When: 28th April 2022, 10th May 2022 (See website for more information) Pricing: Available from: Adults £ 35.00 per person Children 5-11 years -£ 30 .00 Contacts: Tel:01202291981 Email: info@friedastearoom. co.uk or www.friedastearoom.co.uk/2020/09/03/ published-on-dorset-travel-guide-27-8-2020/

Fancy testing your pottery skills? Get the whole family involved and get your hands dirty. Who can make the best easter bunny? Special easter activities during the Easter holidays. Location: The Fountain, 1 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AE, When: Everyday during the easter holiday Monday – Saturday 10:00-17:00 (open until 10pm on Thursday) Sunday -11:00- 16:00 Pricing: Adults and children: £3.50 each More info: www.theclaystudio.co.uk/

Easter Holiday Art Day by Art & Soul

A opportunity for your mini artis the to create their very own amazing masterpiece. Children of all ages are supported and encouraged to understand that art is good no matter how messy it may come out - that’s the beauty of art. Location: St. Peter’s Centre, 10 Chapel Road, Poole BH14 0JU When: 20th April 2022, From 9:00AM - 13:00PM Pricing: Free More info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/easter-holiday-art-daytickets-260308298127

Christchurch Treasure Hunt trail

Self-guided treasure hunt themed Treasure Trail for both adults and children to join in. Follow the trail route that will test to see if you can solve the sneaky clues dotted around the town. Can you discover the location of the buried treasure? Location: The Christchurch Treasure Trail starts at, High Street, Christchurch Pricing: Available from: £9.99 per Trail (See website for booklet information and map) More info: www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/things-to-dochristchurch-dorset City Cruise Poole

Cruise around Poole harbour and witness the panoramic views on open air decks with a fully licensed bar. Learn about the towns history from the captain /tour guides whilst breathing in the sea air. Location: The Red & White Kiosk, The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ Pricing: Available from: £ 11.50 to £24.00 (See website for more booking information) More info: www.cityexperiences.com/poole/city-cruises/

Christchurch Food Festival

One of the biggest events on the Christchurch calendar the festival returns offering visitors a great showcase of food and wines from the UK, Europe and around the world. Come for a day out and enjoy the many free outdoor events, stalls and demonstrations When: Thursday 2 June – Sunday 5 June inclusive Location: Christchurch Quay Pricing: A free to visit event though some demonstrations may be bookable with a separate entrance fee Other information: Visit the event www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk

The clay studio