FLUFFY bunnies and chocolate eggs will be coming to Dorset this Easter weekend with spring fun in store for everyone.

Families are being invited to join the annual chocolate-fest at a number of events and activities across the county from egg hunts to wildlife adventures.

There are tasty prizes on offer at the Giant Easter Egg Hunt at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens this bank holiday weekend.

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt takes place over the course of four days of the Easter weekend with a fluffy bunny prize for the winner.

There will also be a children's entertainer, bouncy castle and face painting at the event, which is sponsored by the Dorset Echo.

John Houston, general manager of Abbotsbury tourism, said: “Come and enjoy a traditional Easter Egg hunt on a grand scale at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

“There's a real sense of rebirth and rejoicing as the spring blossoms unfurl here.

“We think this spring will be a riot of colour at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

“So many of our camellias are flowering or about to bud, and our large leaved rhododendrons are about to explode into bloom.

“The magnolias might also be out at the same time, seeing as they're out a little bit late due to all this cooler weather we've been having.”

Kingston Maurward's annual Easter Egg Hunt is set to be full of spring fun again this year with activities for all ages.

Children and adults alike will love searching for clues around the animal park to claim their chocolate egg prize.

Dorset Wildlife Trust has a wild Weymouth Easter in store, with events at Lorton Meadows nature reserve and the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre.

Nicky Hoar, communications officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This year we have more events than ever before for families to get up close with the wonderful nature of Weymouth.

“No need to choose between the beach and the meadow events, why not try an activity at both these fantastic centres and wake your family up to spring?”

Throughout the Easter school holidays the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester will be holding a Great Dinosaur Egg Hunt, when children can hunt through the museum to spot dinosaur eggs on display and solve the dinosaur mystery.

The event will take place from March 29 to April 14.

 

Here's a round up of what's going on this weekend.

EGG HUNTS:

  • Abbotsbury Gardens: Good Friday to Easter Monday, all day
  • Kingston Maurward Animal Park: Good Friday to Easter Monday, all day
  • Borough Gardens, Dorchester: Saturday 30 March from, 10am-1pm, all day
  • Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester: Good Friday to April 14, all day
  • Portland Castle: There will be a trail every day from Good Friday to April 14 from 10am to 5pm.
  • Bennett’s Water gardens, Chickerell: Good Friday to April 14, all day
  • Monkey World: Good Friday to Easter Monday – the first 100 children to enter each day get a free chocolate egg, all day
  • Tank Museum, Bovington: Good Friday to Easter Monday, all day
  • Forde Abbey: Good Friday to Easter Monday, all day
  • Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster: Easter Sunday
  • Fleet Airarm Museum, Yeovilton: Good Friday to April 14, all day
  • Charmouth: The National Trust Rangers and volunteers have organised an easter egg trail at Stonebarrow Hill, Charmouth on the Golden Cap estate. It takes place on Saturday April 29 from 11am to 3pm, entry cost £3 with a chocolate prize for entrants.
  • Knoll Visitor Centre in Studland: An egg trail will take place from 11am until 3 pm on March 29 and Monday 31.

OTHER EVENTS:

Friday March 29:

  • Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and fancy dress egg hunt, Toy Barn, Sherborne: 10am-4pm

Saturday March 30:

  • A Family Evening of Traditional Folk Music and Song.  Brownsword Hall, Poundbury: Tickets from Dorchester TIC £3 to include a glass of wine and nibbles. Children Welcome. 5pm
  • Bridport Craft Fair, Bridport Town Hall. 9am-3pm.
  • Lyme Regis Beer Festival: Marine Theatre, March 30 noon-11pm

Sunday March 31

  • Easter Bonnet Parade Lyme Regis Baptist Church Hall for judging, then from Langmoor Gardens to Theatre Square for the parade. 1:30pm - 4pm.

Monday April 1

  • There will be activities for the family at RSPB radipole Lake from April 1 -12. The free events will take place from 10am to 3pm every day, including pond dipping and wildlife walks.

Wednesday April 3

  • Discover Dorset, Dorchester TIC: 10am-4pm Family glass painting,
  • Dorset County Museum, Dorchester: 10:30am-noon. Children must be accompanied at all times; Up to two per adult. Free Event. 01305 756827

April 3-7:

  • Circus Wonderland at Asker Meadows (off South St) Bridport. A spellbinding show to enchant audiences of all ages. Weekdays 4:30pm & 7:30pm, Saturday 2pm & 5pm, Sunday 2pm. 07531 612240

Tuesday April 9

  • Blown Away (family theatre), Dorchester Arts Centre: 11am sold out, 2pm tickets available

LET US KNOW If you're planning an event let us know by adding your event to our online What's on section. To add your event click here

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS If you take any great photos during the Easter weekend email them to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk