Anyone at a loose end during the May half-term break in Christchurch and East Dorset has plenty of choice of activities to keep them busy.
As part of the Activate Coast & Countryside project, there are a number of taster sessions for people to try their hand at sports they may not have experienced before.
Courses include kayaking at Wimborne riverside, surfing at Highcliffe beach, golfing and mountain biking at Moors Valley and mountain biking at Badbury Rings. Full details by clicking on the Activate link at www.moorsvalley.co.ukor call 01425 470721.
Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch has activities for children aged 5 to 13 running from 9am to 4pm during the week as follows:
- Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 May Multi Sports days
- Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May Bounce, Bend & Boogie days
- Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 May Soccer Academy
Details at www.dorsetforyou.com/2-rivers-meet or call 01202 477987.
QE Leisure Centre in Wimborne is running a Fun First Club on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May for over 8s. This offers a daily programme of sporting activities as well as creative arts and crafts. Activities run from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
There is also an Arsenal Soccer School for 5 to 12 year olds from 28 to 30 May and a Mini-Gunners Course for 4 to 6 year olds on Wednesday 28 May.
In addition QE Leisure Centre is offering a number of other sporting courses, including swimming, soccer, free running, trampolining, indoor climbing and tennis as well as dance workshops. Full details at www.qe-leisure-centre.co.uk or call 01202 888208.
Children can find a whole host of activities at Verwood Hub – everything from arts and crafts activities to bouncy inflatables, a DJ school, roller disco and children’s cinema.
Emmanuel Sports Hall in Verwood has a trampolining and gym session, a multi-sports session and football coaching. More details of activities at Verwood Hub and Emmanuel Sports Hall can be found at lifestyleverwood.com or call 01202 828740.
For kids who like the rugged outdoors Moors Valley Country Park has a number of activities including a family self-led trail based on the popular Percy the Park Keeper story books. Kids can also Go Nuts about Nature from 26 to 29 May between 11am and 3pm. Join the Rangers and volunteers from Butterfly Conservation totake a closer look at bugs, butterflies, andmore. Full details at www.moors-valley.co.uk or call 01425 470721.
Christchurch Countryside Service has events at nature reserves in the borough including a Woodland Wildlife Walk at Steamer Point on 27 May, a Digital Camera Workshop for Children at Steamer Point on 28 May, a Minibeast Safari at Purewell Meadows on 29 May, a Priory Marsh Wildflower Walk at Stanpit Marsh on 31 May and a Wildflower Walk at Nea Meadows on 31 May. Bookings and further information from 01425 272479.
Anyone with an interest in Mr Selfridge should visit Highcliffe Castle where the Selfridge Exhibition covers the six years he spent at the Castle from 1916 to 1922. This exhibition records the remarkable rise and fall of the Showman of Shopping and the extravagant spending on pretty women and gambling which eventually led to his downfall. He is buried in St Mark’s churchyard in Highcliffe. Details of the exhibition at www.highcliffecastle.co.uk or call 01425 278807.