What to do this summer

There is so much to do over the summer holidays in this area.  Look, visit and enjoy.

Poole Town and Country Show at Upton Country Park.  Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August 10am-5pm.  Suffolk Punch horse demonstrations, birds of prey, medieval re-enactment village including fighting knights, the Sheep Show, working and agility dogs, as well as rural demonstrations.  Arts, craft and gift marquees. Companion Dog Show on Sunday.  Admission: £5, concessions £4, Children age 5-16 £2, Family Ticket: £12 (2 adults and 2 children)

Upton Country House Craft Fair – August Bank Holiday, 29 and 30 August.  Entrance to house £1.  Free parking.

2-8 August - Bournemouth Carnival week with a procession on 8 August

Wimborne Market – come rain or shine, the largest covered market in the area offers a wealth of fresh produce, flowers, stalls, antiques and bric-a-brac.  There is a small charge for parking, but no entry fee, so turn up and browse.  Refreshments available.

Walford Mill - Until 5 September Summer Exhibition, Gardener’s Delight.  A beautiful collection of botanical studies by David Crompton runs alongside the exhibition. Free event.

Wednesday nights - Flowers by Candlelight in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens throughout August.  Tapers will be available from dusk.  Get there early to avoid the queues. Performances in the Bandstand during the Candle light evenings will include:
4 August – Poole Borough Band (as part of Bournemouth Carnival week)
11 August – Poole Borough Band
25 August – Gugge2000

Heavy Horse Farm Park – a unique mix of education and fun for all the family. Daily shows and heavy horse demonstrations.  Free wagon rides and tractor trailer rides.  Try driving a real tractor.  Pony rides, fun straw barn, go-kart area. Craft activities. During the last week in August, the park is holding a midsummer country evening with a live band and BBQ. Tickets on sale now.

Dorset Arts and Crafts at Bovington Middle School – claimed to be the biggest and best craft show in Dorset.  6-10 August.  Free parking.  With a special section: Passion for beading.

14 and 15 August - Christchurch Carnival Procession leaves Stanpit at approximately 3.30pm arriving at the Quay at around 4.30pm.  Grand Firework Display on Saturday night at 9.30pm

Trehanes Nursery – pick-your-own blueberries at this Hampreston attraction near Stapehill, which was recently featured on the “The One Show.”  A healthy morning or afternoon between the blueberry bushes will be rewarded with punnets of plump fruit.

Friday night firework displays from Bournemouth Pier at 10pm throughout August

New Forest Safaris – treasure the memory.  Come face-to-face with red deer on these inspiring New Forest Safaris, which set off regularly from Burley (behind the Queen’s Head).  Travel through ancient woodland to a tranquil lake.  Keep very quiet and you should be rewarded with a visit from curious deer.  If you are lucky, they may even feed from your hand.  Also camping, barbecues and corporate events.

Thursday nights - Fireworks on the beach.  Takes place on Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks, Poole.  Entertainment and BBQ.  Throughout August from 7pm, fireworks at 10pm

Lulworth Castle – a great day out for all the family especially with the Knights of Lulworth Castle appearing in August.  This jousting spectacular runs until 30th and will thrill you with realistic battles, foot combats, medieval games and equestrian expertise.

19-22 August – Bournemouth Air Festival said to be the biggest event of its kind in the UK. It takes place between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers. This year’s line-up includes the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Royal Navy Blackcats Helicopter displays