What’s On this February Half Term in Dorchester 2026

Half term is just around the corner (February 16th – 22nd). The week when the kids are off school, and you’re hunting for fun, family-friendly things to do around town! If you’re looking for ideas during February half term in Dorchester, Dorset, we’ve pulled together a great mix of activities, attractions and local highlights to keep little ones entertained, and to help support local businesses too.

Whether you’re after hands-on experiences, creative activities or indoor adventures, here’s what’s (or likely will be) happening in and around Dorchester during half term, plus bonus ideas for days out if the official calendar is still filling up!

1. Half-Term Children’s Craft Activities (February 16-20, 2026)

Venue: Shire Hall Museum

Event: Monday 16th – Friday 20th February | 10:30am-12:00pm

Discover a week of creative children’s craft activities led by the museum’s wonderful volunteers. These relaxed drop-in sessions invite young visitors to explore themes such as kindness, citizenship, social justice and caring for the planet through hands-on making and design.

Children can create friendship bracelets, posters, environmental pop-up cards and even protest badges to express their ideas. It’s creative, thoughtful and confidence-building, all in a welcoming, friendly setting.

Free for children aged 5-12, accompanied by an adult with a Shire Hall Museum admission ticket. Learn more here.

2. The Wow Bubble Show for Kids

Venue: Dorchester Arts, Corn Exchange

Event: Tuesday 17th February | 11:00am

Everybody loves bubbles, and Richard Welsh really loves bubbles. This fun-filled, laughter-packed show is created especially for children aged 3 to 8.

Expect giant bubbles, smoking bubble volcanoes, bubble sculptures and interactive games, with plenty of audience participation. There may even be the chance to stand inside a giant bubble. An unforgettable family show guaranteed to make everyone say wow.

3. Family Treasure Hunt

Venue: Across Dorchester

Event: 13th February – 15th March

To celebrate World Book Day, Dorchester is hosting a family-friendly treasure hunt as part of a nationwide event taking place in towns and cities across the UK.

Keep an eye out for 10 yellow posters displayed in shop windows around town. And here’s a helpful clue: you might want to begin your search at the local library!

There are £50 book tokens up for grabs, but most importantly, it’s a fun, free activity to keep the children entertained over half term. Happy hunting!

4. Behind the Scenes Store Tour

Venue: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Event: Wednesday 18th February

Join the collections team for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Collections Discovery Centre. Get closer to fascinating objects from natural history, art, archaeology and social history, visit the Conservation Studio and learn more about how collections are cared for and catalogued.

Tours are free for Members and Adult/Concession ticket holders and must be booked in advance. Each tour is limited to 12 participants, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Book your tickets here.

5. Attention All Shipping: A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast

Venue: Corn Exchange – Dorchester Arts
Event: Thursday 19th February | 7:00pm–8:30pm

As the Shipping Forecast enters its second century, writer and broadcaster Charlie Connelly brings his insightful and entertaining show to Dorchester.

Inspired by his bestselling book, this performance explores how a maritime weather report captured the imagination of a nation. Full of humour and fascinating stories, an engaging evening all.

Book your tickets here.

6. A Head Full of Coldplay

Venue: Corn Exchange – Dorchester Arts
Event: Friday 20th February

A Head Full of Coldplay delivers a spectacular tribute show packed with anthems, lasers, confetti cannons and Xylobands, creating a true stadium-style experience.

Classics such as Yellow, Paradise, The Scientist and Hymn For The Weekend all feature in a set designed to get audiences singing along. A brilliant night out for families and music lovers.

Book your tickets here.

7. Mozart by Candlelight

Venue: St Peter’s Church

Event: Friday 20th February | 7:00pm

Music at St Peter’s presents an atmospheric evening of chamber music in the evocative candlelit setting of St Peter’s Church.

The programme features Mozart’s beloved Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (K.525) and the Clarinet Quintet (K.581), with soloist Natalie Burton. Lasting just over an hour and presented without an interval, it promises a beautifully immersive experience.

Tickets are £15 and early booking is recommended. Book here.

8. Plaza Cinema

A trip to the Plaza Cinema in Dorchester is the perfect family-friendly outing! This classic local cinema on Trinity Street has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and screens a great selection of films that are perfect for children (and adults too!).

Fantastic Films for Kids
Whether your little ones love talking animals, animated heroes or laugh-out-loud adventures, there’s something showing that will keep them entertained:

• GOAT – A fun, family-oriented animated adventure the kids will love.
• Stitch Head – A magical story full of charm and creature-feature fun.
• Kangaroo – A heart-warming tale perfect for younger viewers.
• Zootropolis 2 – The exciting sequel with everyone’s favourite bunny cop and fox partner (check session times at local cinemas).
• The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie – Porky Pig and Daffy Duck save the world in this hilarious animated romp.

Plaza’s schedule changes regularly, so it’s worth checking the “What’s On” page online to plan your visit and book tickets in advance.

A Great Family Day Out
With affordable ticket prices and a cosy cinema experience, Plaza Cinema Dorchester is a brilliant choice for a February half-term adventure that’s just a short walk from the heart of town. Popcorn, laughter and memories included!

9. Visit Brewery Square

If you’re looking for an easy, flexible day out during half term, Brewery Square offers everything in one place. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, and only two minutes from Dorchester South train station, this vibrant area is packed with shops, restaurants and leisure options that suit the whole family.

You’ll find well-known favourites including Nando’s, PizzaExpress and Côte Brasserie. Perfect for a relaxed family lunch or early supper after a morning activity.

For shopping, browse brands such as Hobbs and Phase Eight, alongside independent favourites including Woods Furniture.

Families can enjoy a film at Odeon Cinema Dorchester, while grown-ups might fit in a workout at Anytime Fitness Dorchester. There’s even the Premier Inn Dorchester for visitors staying overnight.

With restaurants, independent retailers and entertainment all in one place, Brewery Square makes a brilliant half term stop.

Plan Your February Half Term in Dorchester

This February half term offers a wonderful mix of creative workshops, family entertainment, live music and cultural experiences. By choosing local events and venues, you’re helping to support the independent organisations and businesses that make Dorchester such a vibrant place to visit.

For full listings and any additional events added closer to the date, be sure to check the official Discover Dorchester events calendar before planning your week.

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