Looking for things to do in Dorset in February? After the long winter month of January, February brings a fresh mix of seasonal events and family-friendly activities across the county.
With Valentine’s Day celebrations, February half term events, and the first signs of spring appearing, it’s a great time to explore Dorset. While temperatures may still be chilly, snowdrops begin to bloom in Dorset’s gardens, parks and countryside, making it a lovely month for winter walks and scenic days out.
Dorchester Beerex
Dates: 6th – 7th February 2026
Located at Dorchester Corn Exchange, your ticket price includes a commemorative glass, programme and two halves of beer or cider. The evening sessions also have live music.
Snowdrops At Springhead
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0NU
The gardens at Springhead will be open to admire the pretty snowdrops on 11th – 15th & 21st February 2026
Entry to the gardens will be free but donations appreciated. Dogs are also welcome on leads.
Cool Coast Ice Rink
Dates: Dates: 13th December 2025 – 22nd February 2026
The indoor ice rink in Bournemouth at the Bournemouth International Centre is on until Sunday 22nd February 2026. Ice skating session times run from 11:00am until 8:45pm.
Railway 200 Exhibition Train At Swanage Railway
Dates: 16th – 18th February 2026
Celebrate 200 years of Britain’s railway story with a special visit from the Railway 200 Exhibition Train, coming to Swanage Railway for three days this February.
Stationed at Corfe Castle station, the exhibition offers a fascinating look at how Britain’s railways shaped travel, engineering, communities, and everyday life. Step aboard to explore interactive displays, historic stories, and hands-on exhibits suitable for all ages.
Tank Museum February Half Term
Dates: 14th – 22nd February 2026
The theme for February half term at The Tank Museum is Adventure Quest. Enjoy special, family friendly activities this February Half Term, with tours, crafts and much more.
Durlston Country Park Half Term Activities
Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL
Dates: 16th – 22nd February 2026
There are a range of activities happening in Swanage through February Half Term including
- Pirates of Purbeck trail
- Wild Wednesdays
- Dinosaur Discovery
ILLUMINATE At The Blue Pool
Dates: until 22nd February 2026
Illuminate is back at the Blue Pool for 2026. In 2025 it was a huge success. There’s over 1km of professionally staged illuminations, lighting the woodland trails.
Glimpse the beautiful deep waters of the Pool and the ancient woodland whilst stopping at carefully selected positions along the way to relax and enjoy this unique setting.
Dorchester Beerex
Dates: 6th – 7th February 2026
Located at Dorchester Corn Exchange, your ticket price include a commemorative glass, programme and two halves of beer or cider. The evening sessions also have live music.
Bugtastic Trail At Walled Garden Moreton
Dates: 2026 TBC
Pick up a trail map for £3 per child from the Garden Shop, find the hidden ladybirds, complete the minibeast quiz and win a prize!
Kingston Lacy Snowdrop Walks
Dates: as below
Kingston Lacy also offer snowdrop walks on selected dates in February. Meet the gardener in the Fernery, who will discuss the different varieties of snowdrops at Kingston Lacy.
2026 dates include January 26th – 30th / February 2nd – 6th, 9th – 13th. The cost is £10 per person. Pre booking essential.
Mapperton House And Gardens Snowdrop Sundays
Dates: as below
Entry is chargeable to Mapperton House and Gardens. 2026 Snowdrop Sundays will be held on 1st, 8th, 15th February 2026.
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival
Dates: 14th – 22nd February 2026
Shaftesbury in Dorset is known as the first snowdrop town, and is a popular location choice for seeing the snowdrops. The snowdrops bloom from late January until mid March. The varieties include rare and unusual Galanthus species and cultivars.
You can enjoy plenty of the free snowdrop walks that are also very wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Pine walk, Trinity Centre, Swans Yard & Library Garden are popular places to spot the snowdrops in Shaftesbury.
The Shaftesbury snowdrop festival will take place between 14th – 22nd February 2026.
Find out more about snowdrop events in Shaftesbury
South West Model Show
Dates: 7th – 8th February 2026
Visit the Tank Museum for the biggest model show in the South West. There will be a huge collection of model tanks, plus planes, ships and trains. All will be available to view, make and purchase.
February Half Term At Corfe Castle
Dates: 2026 TBC
The Teddy Bear zip line is back! Take your own teddy (or borrow one when you’re there) and send it flying down the teddy bear zip line.
You can also join in with the new Mission Conservation family quest exploring the multi-million pound conservation project that has just started at Corfe Castle. Hunt the castle ruins for the quest boards, note down your answers as you go to earn your conservation coin.
Lyme Regis Pantomime – Aladdin
Dates: 18th – 21st February 2026
Lyme Regis Pantomime Society are putting on their panto during February Half Term.
Highcliffe Castle 50% Off Family Admissions Day
Date: 18th February 2026
Each family admission ticket on 18th February receives a 50% discount.
Arrive at the gift shop anytime between 10am and 3pm, present your Eventbrite ticket or purchase your admission ticket on the day.
There is lots to keep the little ones entertained around the Castle from diary entries to interactive stained glass and colouring!
Sixpence Day At Russell-Cotes
Date: 27th February 2026
Discover the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum for the 1922 Friday admission price of just sixpence. Entry to the art gallery and museum in Bournemouth is FREE on 27th February but donations of 6p or more are welcome.
Check out what’s on in Dorset in March and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.