Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-hestercombe-half-term-474586007_1107422374762663_5004940668191773622_n.jpg" alt="Fairy doors, hestercombe somerset half term " class="wp-image-105394" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-hestercombe-half-term-474586007_1107422374762663_5004940668191773622_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-hestercombe-half-term-474586007_1107422374762663_5004940668191773622_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-hestercombe-half-term-474586007_1107422374762663_5004940668191773622_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-hestercombe-half-term-474586007_1107422374762663_5004940668191773622_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-hestercombe-half-term-474586007_1107422374762663_5004940668191773622_n-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Secret fairy doors at Hestercombe Gardens</figcaption></figure>



Join in the musket drills and discover what it was like to be part of a 17th century Taunton Garrison in the stable courtyard of <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/montacute-house/events/fbbd4d23-2d6d-4881-82b7-75a7651a0aae?origin=search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montacute House</a> in South Somerset, Sat 15 – Tues 18 Feb. Wander through the snowdrops at <a href="https://bishopspalace.org.uk/whats-on/family-fun-wells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bishop&#8217;s Palace in Wells</a>, with a children&#8217;s trail, Nature Ninjas‘ workshop and&nbsp;windcatchers crafting, throughout half term. <a href="https://www.durlston.co.uk/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durlston Country Park</a> in Swanage is all set up for February half term with a Treemendous Tree Trail, glass engraving and drawing workshops, Wild Weds and dino discovery activities throughout the week.



Search for secret fairy doors hidden around the beautiful gardens of <a href="https://www.hestercombe.com/whats-on/secret-fairy-door-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hestercombe,</a> near Taunton, with some cute wellness activities along the way. Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb. Take the kids – and the dog – to Wincanton Racecourse on <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/kingwell-hurdle-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bet MGM Kingwell Hurdle Day</a> on Sat 15 Feb. The racecourse’s biggest fixtures of the year is a doggie day out, with classes, dog races and all kinds of pet-related stalls.



Discover the challenges of stone age survival at the <a href="https://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/whats-on/fire-stones-and-bones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheddar Gorge &amp; Caves</a> from Fri 14 – Sun 23 Feb, with fire-lighting and tool-making, digging for &#8216;bones&#8217; and dressing up in prehistoric garb. It&#8217;s all about animals at the <a href="https://swheritage.org.uk/events/february-half-term-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Somerset Rural Life Museum</a> in Glastonbury this half term, from creepy crawlies and reptiles to donkey rides and a petting farm. From Sat 15 – Sat 22 Feb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shows-amp-screenings">SHOWS &amp; SCREENINGS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-The-Gruffalo-David-Scotland-Kemi-Clarke-and-Elouise-Warboys-Photo-by-Mark-Senior-©.jpg" alt="The Gruffalo - David Scotland, Kemi Clarke and Elouise Warboys - Photo by Mark Senior ©" class="wp-image-105503" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-The-Gruffalo-David-Scotland-Kemi-Clarke-and-Elouise-Warboys-Photo-by-Mark-Senior-©.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-The-Gruffalo-David-Scotland-Kemi-Clarke-and-Elouise-Warboys-Photo-by-Mark-Senior-©-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-The-Gruffalo-David-Scotland-Kemi-Clarke-and-Elouise-Warboys-Photo-by-Mark-Senior-©-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-The-Gruffalo-David-Scotland-Kemi-Clarke-and-Elouise-Warboys-Photo-by-Mark-Senior-©-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-The-Gruffalo-David-Scotland-Kemi-Clarke-and-Elouise-Warboys-Photo-by-Mark-Senior-©-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Gruffalo, the egg. Photo © Mark Senior </figcaption></figure>



Join <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-little-prince/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Little Prince</a> as he wanders the universe in search of the true meaning of friendship, encountering loneliness, love and real happiness along the way, in Toby Thompson&#8217;s one-man adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous book at the egg in Bath, Thurs 13 – Sun 16 Feb. There&#8217;s monstrous fun with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler&#8217;s <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-gruffalo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gruffalo </a>at the Theatre Royal Bath, Thurs 13 – Sun 23 Feb. Floella Benjamin’s book <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/coming-to-england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coming to England</a> –&nbsp;her own story of moving to England as a child&nbsp;– comes to life at Lighthouse Poole, Thurs 13 – Sat 15 Feb. Expect fire effects, poetic puppetry, light displays and bubble masterpieces in <a href="https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2024/11/26/sun-16-february-creation-the-bubble-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creation: The Bubble Show</a> at the Dorchester Corn Exchange, Sun 16 Feb.



Sing your socks off at Frozen and The Greatest Showman sing-along screenings at <a href="https://redgravetheatre.com/events/?category=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Redgrave Theatr</a>e in Bristol, Mon 17 &amp; Tues 18 Feb. <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-dinosaur-that-pooped/bristol-hippodrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dinosaur that Pooped</a> is a rock show (geddit?) adapted from Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter’s bestselling book at the Bristol Hippodrome, Tues 18 Feb. The Magical Mr West does magical scientific experiments with the help of a wisecracking cartoon crow in <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/crafty-fools-adventures-in-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crafty Fools: Adventures in Science!</a> at Lighthouse Poole, Tues 18 Feb



Pete the badger gets carried away with cleaning up the forest in <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/tidy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tidy</a>, a musical show with puppets based on Emily Gravett&#8217;s book, at the egg in Bath, Tues 18 – Sat 22 Feb. Go on a journey through <a href="https://weymouthpavilion.com/shows/jurassic-earth-the-original-best-live-dinosaur-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jurassic Earth</a> to become an official dinosaur ranger, watching a dinosaur egg hatch, and meet a cute ankylosaurus, pterodactyl and some baby hatchlings. Weymouth Pavilion, Thurs 20 Feb.



Discover what&#8217;s in <a href="https://www.missiontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/2024/10/22/angelica-sprockets-pockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angelica Sprocket&#8217;s Pockets</a> at The Mission Theatre in Bath, Thurs 20 – Fri 21 Feb. <a href="https://redgravetheatre.com/event/2025/02/pirates-love-underpants/2014/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pirates Love Underpants</a> (thank goodness) it turns out, in a stage adaptation with puppets and music of Claire Freedman and Ben Cort&#8217;s book at The Redgrave Theatre in Bristol, Fri 21 – Sun 23 Feb. Want more dinos? The Natural History Museum’s own <a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/natural-history-museum-presents-dinosaurs-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaur Live</a> show is on at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare, Sun 23 Feb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-active">GET ACTIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/006-SWSC-Skiing-in-front-of-mirror.jpg" alt="South Wilts Ski Club" class="wp-image-102131" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/006-SWSC-Skiing-in-front-of-mirror.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/006-SWSC-Skiing-in-front-of-mirror-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/006-SWSC-Skiing-in-front-of-mirror-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/006-SWSC-Skiing-in-front-of-mirror-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/006-SWSC-Skiing-in-front-of-mirror-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South Wilts Ski Club</figcaption></figure>



Explore the Mendip Hills&nbsp;– underground&nbsp;– on a <a href="https://mendip.me/book/caving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caving Open Weekend </a>organised by the Mendip Activity Centre in Churchill, Fri 14 – Sun 16 Feb. It&#8217;s skates on for the last weeks of the <a href="https://www.coolcoasticerink.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cool Coast Ice Rink</a>, the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast, on at the Bournemouth International Centre every day until Sun 23 Feb.



We may be a few hundred miles from snowy slopes here in the West Country, but kids can still hone their snow skills at <a href="https://southwiltsski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Wilts Ski Club</a>. This is a giant state-of-the-art ski simulator, designed to fast track their technique. Every session comes with a professional instructor, making it an ideal way to get ahead before you hit the slopes for real. For more info, check out our review<a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/south-wilts-ski-club-review/"> here</a>. DJ Quest and Lotte Nørgaard lead the way at<a href="https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/bounce-spring-family-dance-party/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Bounce! Dance Party</a>, a high-energy session of music, dance and movement games at Bristol Beacon, Mon 17 Feb. Make like a Ninja on the obstacle courses at the <a href="https://ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/bristol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ninja Warrior UK</a> adventure park at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, open every day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts-crafts-amp-workshops">ARTS, CRAFTS &amp; WORKSHOPS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1293" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-holburne-feb-half-term-PXL_20250109_144641694.jpg" alt="Pop Art tote bag workshop, The Holburne Museum february half term" class="wp-image-105388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-holburne-feb-half-term-PXL_20250109_144641694.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-holburne-feb-half-term-PXL_20250109_144641694-800x690.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-holburne-feb-half-term-PXL_20250109_144641694-1000x862.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-holburne-feb-half-term-PXL_20250109_144641694-400x345.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-holburne-feb-half-term-PXL_20250109_144641694-768x662.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pop Art tote bag workshop, The Holburne Museum</figcaption></figure>



Create model brick flying machines, inspired by the 100+ aircraft – supersonic Concorde, fixed-wing aircraft, iconic WW2 warbirds and fighting jets of the Falklands conflict – on display at the <a href="https://www.nmrn.org.uk/events/half-term-activities-brick-builders-inventors-and-innovators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fleet Air Arm Museum</a>, Yeovilton, Mon 17– Fri 21 Feb. Be inspired by Pop Art and design and print your own patterned tote bag at the <a href="https://holburne.org/events/pop-print-go-family-drop-in-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holburne Museum</a> in Bath on Tues 18 Feb (no need to book).



Make 3D cardboard collages at <a href="https://swheritage.org.uk/events/february-half-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pictures &amp; Patterns</a> workshops inspired by the museum&#8217;s current exhibition of work by Somerset artist Rachel Reckitt at the Museum of Somerset, Taunton, Sat 15 – Sat 22 Feb, excl Sun. Drop into <a href="https://arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/february2025halfterm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">We are family: let&#8217;s make art</a> workshops at Bristol&#8217;s super cool international centre for contemporary arts, with Creatives in Residence, Let’s Make Art. Arnolfini, Bristol, Tues 18 &amp; Weds 19 Feb. 



Craft your own Roman helmet and shield at the <a href="https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/whats-on/the-craft-arena-gladiators-of-britain-art-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gladiators of Britain</a> art workshop at the Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Weds 19 Feb. You can follow a gladiator trail around the real helmets, swords and other Roman artefacts in the exhibition, too. Something new to do with Lego: print with &#8217;em at <a href="https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/lego-printing-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lego printing workshops</a> at the Taunton Brewhouse, Weds 19 Feb. Budding naturalists get your pencils and drawing pads at the ready for a <a href="https://avalonmarshes.org/events/childrens-nature-journaling-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature journalling workshop</a> at the Avalon Marshes Centre, near Glastonbury, Thurs 20 Feb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-Helios-at-Bath-Assembly-Rooms-c-National-Trust-Images-James-Dobson-3.jpg" alt="Helios at Bath Assembly Rooms (c) National Trust Images, James Dobson " class="wp-image-105403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-Helios-at-Bath-Assembly-Rooms-c-National-Trust-Images-James-Dobson-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-Helios-at-Bath-Assembly-Rooms-c-National-Trust-Images-James-Dobson-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-Helios-at-Bath-Assembly-Rooms-c-National-Trust-Images-James-Dobson-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-Helios-at-Bath-Assembly-Rooms-c-National-Trust-Images-James-Dobson-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-Helios-at-Bath-Assembly-Rooms-c-National-Trust-Images-James-Dobson-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Helios at Bath Assembly Rooms © National Trust Images, James Dobson </figcaption></figure>



Be amazed by a 7-metre diameter sculpture of the sun – aka <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/bath-assembly-rooms/events/f54dd7b3-75d3-48f4-885b-4b45c753cd07?origin=search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helios</a> – made by Luke Jerram and suspended from the ceiling of the Bath Assembly Rooms. Each centimetre represents 2000 kilometres of the real sun’s surface, with rippling lights, solar imagery and sounds of the sun recorded by NASA. Spectacular. From now until Sun 23 Feb. 



Race your friends or family with their new remote control cars, follow the new family trail or build your own motoring icon in Lego during <a href="https://www.haynesmuseum.org/whats-on/events/february-half-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">half term at the Haynes Motor Museum</a> at Sparkford, from Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb. It&#8217;s all about robots at <a href="https://aerospacebristol.org/february-half-term" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aerospace Bristol</a> – build your own robot, robot driving skills, live demos – and other robotic adventures. Sat 15 Feb – Sun 2 March. Have a spell in the cells at the historic courthouse Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, with trails and crafts; kids go <a href="https://shirehalldorset.org/events/february-half-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free over half term</a>. Sat 15 – Sat 22 Feb.

February half term holiday guide: Somerset, Dorset & Bristol

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