10 things to do in Dorset over the Easter weekend

So if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to enjoy the mini-break from work, but are stuck for things to do, why not check out one of the events below? 

There won't be any spring sunshine as the Met Office is predicting heavy rain on Good Friday up until 2pm, with cloudy conditions forecast through until Easter Monday.

Yellow Buses will be operating a public holiday Sunday service on Good Friday and bank holiday Monday, a normal Saturday service on Saturday and a normal Sunday service on Easter Sunday.

While MoreBus will be running a Sunday service on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and bank holiday Monday, with a normal Saturday service. 

More than 550miles of roadworks are being lifted in Hampshire but drivers will still face reduced speed limits and narrow lanes as traffic cones remain in place at junctions three and five of the M27, the M271 between Southampton and Romsey and junction six of the M3 at Basingstoke.

Travelling by train? All lines in the Reading area will be closed, except the South West Trains route to and from London Waterloo. On Friday 3 and Monday 6 April a limited train service will run between Basingstoke and Reading.

We have also made a list of 18 Easter Egg trails taking place around Dorset, which you can see here. 

Good Friday 

• The sixth Big Bournemouth Beer Festival takes place at the BIC’s Purbeck Hall from Friday until Sunday. Expect to find range of traditional real ales as well as novelty and seasonal beers, plus a cider and perry bar, wine bar.
  There will be ticketed sessions on Friday and Saturday along with ‘Sup-up Sunday’, a non-ticketed session with no admission fee. Tickets are £7 - £7.50.
   
• ​The new Tank Factory Exhibition is now open at Bovington Tank Museum. There will also be a number of events running until Sunday, April 12, including an Easter egg hunt, tracked vehicle rides and Tanks in Action, as well as free family activities, talks and tours every day. To find out more, visit tankmusuem.org.
   
• A host of Easter fun activities takes place Brownsea Island from Good Friday to Easter Monday. From 10am to 4pm free games, arts, crafts and face painting on Saturday and Sunday only, can be enjoyed. The cost of the Cadbury Egg Trail is £2.50 and normal admission prices apply.

Saturday 

• A Messy Easter and Egg Drop competition are being held at Christchurch Baptist Church in Beaconsfield Road, Bargates, Christchurch, on Saturday. It will be from 10am to 1pm. To find out more, call the church office on 01202 487442. Alternatively, email office@ christchurchbaptist.org.uk.

Easter Sunday

• The Mayor of Bournemouth will be holding his annual charity duck race at Bourne Stream in the Lower Garden on Easter Sunday. The fun begins at 2pm and ducks are £1 each.
   
• The coastwatch lookout at Peveril Point will be open to the public on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. It opens from 2-4.30pm. Refreshments offered and donations welcome.
  
  
• Children can enjoy Easter activities on Fisherman’s Walk on Sunday. Sessions are from 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 3pm, costing £5 per child, which features an Easter egg hunt, weaving an Easter crown and Easter cake. It is aimed at ages five to 12-year-olds but younger siblings are welcome and all children must be accompanied by an adult. For details, go to Kithkinforestschools.co.uk

Easter Monday

• ​A prehistoric performance is coming to the Pavilion Theatre on Monday and Tuesday. Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo brings a whole host of dinosaurs to life during the live show. Tickets cost £13.50 and ‘danger seats’ are available for booking. For details, visit bhlivetickets. co.uk.

And if you have a bonus day off...

• An Easter mystery hunt is taking place at the Red House Museum, on Quay Road, on Tuesday.
  Families are invited to look for the hidden pictures in the museum garden with goodie bags for those who find them all, running from 10.30am to 12noon.
  Tickets cost £3 per child and £1 per adult and booking is essential, which can be done by calling them on 01202 482860. 
  
  
• ​Children will be able to enjoy Easter craft activities and a story at West Howe Library on Tuesday. The event takes place from 2.15pm to 3.30pm and is suitable for all ages. Booking is not necessary, however for more information, call the library on Cunningham Crescent on 01202 573665.