A HOST of activities are taking place across Dorset and the New Forest this bumper Easter weekend.

A new exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the popular Hengistbury Head Land Train opens at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre on Good Friday. Entry is free and it will be open daily between 10am and 5pm until Sunday, August 5.

Watch tanks roll into action at The Tank Museum in Bovington at 1pm every weekday during the Easter holidays, starting from Good Friday. There will be “realistic lifelike explosions”, expert commentary and vehicle rides.

The ninth annual Big Bournemouth Beer Festival returns to the BIC this weekend between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There will be a range of traditional ales to try along with seasonal and novelty beers, plus a cider and perry bar and a wine bar.

Members of the public are invited to St Albans Head Lookout, near Worth Matravers, over the Easter weekend. Visitors will be able to find out about the work of the volunteers who help protect and save lives at sea and on the coastal path. Takes place between 10am and 5pm from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Entry is free but donations are welcome.

The Mayor of Bournemouth's Charity Duck Race takes place in the Bourne Stream in the Lower Gardens from 1.30pm on Saturday.

Wareham's famous Saxon Sword is going back on display in the town museum following its Spring re-opening on Good Friday. The sword, which belongs to Dorset County Museum, was discovered in 1927 and was last on display in Wareham in 2014.

Monkey World will be giving away free Easter eggs to the first 100 children through its doors between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

There will be a house trail, garden games, a treasure hunt, competitions and more at the Russell-Cotes Museum from Saturday.

Families can have a go at egg rolling at Bournemouth’s Stour Valley Nature Reserve on Saturday between 11am and 3pm. Collect your rubber egg from the visitor centre, then head to the slopes to race your eggs before decorating them. No need to book, costs £2.

Hattie Miles will be giving two guided walks in Bournemouth over the Easter weekend. The first, Hidden Secrets of Bournemouth, takes place on Saturday. Meet at the Miramar Hotel for 11am.

The second, Hidden Histories of Boscombe Chine, sets off from The Chine Hotel at 10.30am on Easter Monday. Both walks cost £6 or £5 for over 60s and students.