May Half-Term in BCP: What’s On This Week (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole)

May half-term is landing with loads of family-friendly things to do across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole — perfect if you’re looking for a day out, something active, or a bit of creative inspiration.

From outdoor trails and castle events to museums, funfairs and sporty challenges, here are some of the highlights happening this week (22–31 May).

Quick highlights (at a glance)

• Football-themed mini golf challenge at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf (23–31 May)
• Scavenger hunt fun at Queen’s Park with trail sheets from Woodpecker Café
• Nature trails, garden games and crafts at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum (23–31 May)
• Live music, vintage cars and discounts at Highcliffe Castle (24 May + 27 May)
• Free-entry family activities at Poole Museum (selected dates across half-term)
• Live music and activities at Upton Country Park (including 24 May)
• Free pond dipping at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre (26 May, 10am–4pm)
• Branksome Funfair at Branksome Recreation Ground (22–31 May)

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf: football-themed challenge (23–31 May)

With the Summer World Cup on the horizon, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is running a football-themed challenge from 23 to 31 May.

Expect quiz questions around the course to test your football knowledge as well as your putting skills — and you’ll have a chance to win a prize. There’s also a tie-breaker challenge on 31 May, inspired by the Women’s FA Cup Final, with three winners announced on 2 June.

Queen’s Park: family scavenger hunt (trail sheets available)

If you fancy something simple and outdoors, Woodpecker Café and Queen’s Park Golf Course are hosting a park scavenger hunt for families.

Trail sheets are available from the café and the golf shop, and there’s also a popular play park right next door — handy if you’re planning a longer stop. The café and facilities also offer a dedicated children’s menu for breakfast and lunch.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum: nature trails and crafts (23–31 May)

For a mix of history and hands-on activities, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is running nature-themed half-term fun from 23 to 31 May.

There are House Trails, Garden Trails, Garden Games, and nature-inspired craft sessions on selected days — a great option if you’re looking for something interactive that still feels like a proper day out.

Highcliffe Castle: Pop Up Sunday + half-term discounts (24 May and 27 May)

Highcliffe Castle has a couple of standout dates this half-term:

• Pop Up Sunday (24 May): live music, vintage cars, local creatives and food from the Castle Pantry — plus 20% off admission.
• Wednesday 27 May: 50% off admission, with Hands-on Creative Kids workshop activities and family-friendly entertainment.

If you’ve got visitors in town (or you just want a change of scenery), it’s a lovely setting for a half-term treat.

Poole Museum: free entry and family activities (selected dates)

Poole Museum is always a solid shout for families — and with free entry, it’s an easy win if you’re watching the pennies.

Half-term highlights include:

• Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May: pay-what-you-can gallery tours with storyteller Louise Jordan
• Wednesday 27 May (morning): clay modelling drop-in
• Tuesday 28 May: interactive talk, Across the Water: Dunkirk and the Women of Brownsea
• Plus a new pirate trail coming soon to the maritime galleries

Upton Country Park: live music, workshops and an open day (including 24 May)

Upton Country Park is packed with activity this half-term, including workshops at Rock & Rose Rituals and live music at the Purbeck Guitar Festival in the Walled Garden.

There are also family-friendly attractions like bouncy fun play and face painting, plus an Upton House Open Day on Sunday 24 May, offering the chance to explore the historic house.

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre: free Pond Dipping Detectives (26 May, 10am–4pm)

For a proper outdoorsy half-term moment, there’s a free Pond Dipping Detectives drop-in session on 26 May from 10am to 4pm at Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre.

You can explore what’s living beneath the surface — from pond insects to newts — and even examine your discoveries under a microscope. Equipment is provided.

Top tip: dress for the weather (wellies or old trainers recommended). There’s also free parking on site.

Branksome Funfair: classic rides and family entertainment (22–31 May)

If you’re after classic half-term energy, Branksome Funfair is in town from 22 to 31 May at Branksome Recreation Ground.

Leisure centres and live shows

If the weather turns (or you just want an indoor plan), there are plenty of options:

• BCP leisure centres have half-term sports sessions and pool activities (check timetables and booking via the BCP Leisure website).
• BH Live Active is running holiday programmes and leisure sessions across its centres, including pool attractions and activities for younger children.
• Bournemouth Pavilion and the BIC have a busy schedule of live entertainment, including Unicorn Live! on 30 May.

Important update: paddling pools not reopening on 23 May

A quick heads-up for anyone planning a splash about this weekend: both Redhill and Hamworthy Park paddling pools are still not ready to reopen on 23 May, due to unforeseen circumstances and ongoing maintenance.

Make it a great half-term

Whether you’re planning a full day out or just looking for something to fill a couple of hours, there’s plenty happening across BCP this week — from museums and castles to outdoor trails, funfairs and free nature activities.

If you’re heading out, it’s worth checking event pages before you travel (especially for timings, booking and any last-minute updates).