November 2024

1. Half Term Family Red Squirrel Walks on Brownsea Island

Head to Brownsea Island for the National Trust’s Red Squirrel Family Trail, starting Saturday, October 19! Kids and families can enjoy an interactive trail with red squirrel masks, learning fun facts about these fascinating creatures along the way. Try out activities like the pine cone toss, drey building, and other squirrel-inspired games. The trail is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and runs until we close on Sunday, November 3. No booking required, and it’s free for all ages!

2. Minterne Gardens Fireworks Display

Celebrate Bonfire Night 2024 with a spectacular fireworks display at Minterne Gardens on Friday, November 1! Enjoy an evening of delicious food and drink, lively music, sparklers, a warming bonfire, and a dazzling fireworks show over the picturesque lake. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the bonfire lighting up at 7 p.m. and the fireworks display starting at 7:30 p.m. Get your early bird tickets in advance: £15 per adult, £7 per child, or £40 per family.

3. Autumn Fun at Tumbledown

Head to Weymouth for a free family event these school holidays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Kids can dive into fun, autumn-themed activities, including pumpkin carving, a new take on apple bobbing, and a variety of games, arts, and crafts.

4. Bournemouth Fireworks Display

Get ready for Bournemouth’s biggest fireworks celebration as Bournemouth Fireworks at the Littledown Centre goes supersonic on Saturday, November 2! This year’s event features Oasiss, one of the UK’s top Oasis tribute bands, headlining the live entertainment. With three fireworks displays included in one ticket, it’s no wonder Bournemouth Fireworks is a community favorite. Fireworks displays kick off at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., with the return of the thrilling White Knuckle display at 9 p.m.—the loudest and latest show in the South! Enjoy pre-show entertainment from talented fire performers and live music in the arena. The event also offers plenty for families, including a Family Indoor Zone, free sports sessions for young people, and one of the largest funfairs to visit Bournemouth all year.

5. Dorchester Rugby Club Fireworks

Join us for the annual fireworks display at Dorchester Rugby Club on Tuesday, November 5, 2024! Experience the biggest and best fireworks show in Dorchester, complete with attractions for the whole family. Enjoy a delicious hog roast, BBQ, kebabs, pancakes, and donuts, along with outdoor and indoor bars. Kids will love the sparklers, trampolines, slides, and roundabouts! Doors open at 6 p.m., and the fireworks display begins at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening of fun!

6. Weymouth Bonfire Fireworks and Guy Fawkes Celebrations

If you’re staying in Weymouth, you won’t want to miss the Weymouth Guy Fawkes Celebrations, one of the Borough’s largest annual community events! Head to Weymouth Seafront on Saturday, November 5, for a night of fun at the free Big Guy Fawkes Event. Families will gather on Weymouth Esplanade to partake in the community celebrations, featuring a fantastic family funfair on the Pavilion Forecourt starting at 4 p.m., along with traditional stalls and attractions along the seafront. A highlight of the evening will be the lighting of the giant beach bonfire at 7:40 p.m., followed by a spectacular free fireworks display over Weymouth’s moonlit bay at 8 p.m. Don’t miss out on this exciting event for all ages!

7. ILLUMINATE at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Illuminate 2024, presented by OT Event Technicians! Experience a captivating outdoor winter lights display in our enchanting Subtropical 18th-century gardens. This vibrant illumination transforms the gardens into a magical winter trail, guiding you through the heart of the landscape to discover rare plants and trees showcased in stunning colors that highlight their forms, shapes, and textures. Explore the dazzling Illuminate display while visiting our Gift Shop, Plant Centre, and Tea House. Share the beauty of the gardens with family and friends during this festive season. We’re also a dog-friendly attraction, so feel free to bring your furry companions on a short, non-extendable lead. The event runs from Friday, November 22, until January 4, 2025, open on selected dates and times. Don’t miss this spectacular winter experience!

8. Choral Evensong

You are warmly invited to the monthly Choral Evensong service at St. Peter’s Church, Dorchester, on Saturday, November 23, at 4:30 p.m. This cathedral-style service features beautiful music, including Tallis’s O nata lux, Ives’s Edington Service, Rose’s Preces & Responses, and Ireland’s Greater love hath no man. Guest organist Graham Scott will be joining for this occasion. This is a free event, and attendees are encouraged to stay for a glass of wine after the service.