THERE’S a whole host of fantastic family-friendly events going on this weekend. Wander around the stunning grounds of Capability Brown at Milton Abbey and learn about his life or take a stroll down the harbour for the eagerly-anticipated biggest Seafood Festival in the country.

* ADMIRE one of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s most beautiful creations at Milton Abbey this weekend as a major multi-media exhibition opens up to the public for the first time.

To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability, Milton Abbey has become one of 14 regional hubs for the Capability Brown Festival hosting an exhibition about the landscape designer’s life and work.

Explore a brilliant range of artworks, an interactive experience and walk the wonderful grounds.

The exhibition, held in the Abbey church and school buildings, is open to the public daily from Sunday July 10 until August 21. For more information, visit capabilitybrownatmiltonabbey.org

* BE SURE to catch a taster of the best seafood in town at the ninth Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival this weekend on Saturday and Sunday on Weymouth’s harbourside.

Try tasty treats from nearly 100 stalls all vying for your custom and wash it all down with champagne while watching a cooking demonstration from top chefs and enjoying live music.

There’s worse ways you could spend your weekend.

The festival kicks off at 10.30am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday and lasts all day.

* DISCOVER the work of local artist Olivia Nurrish as the Jurassic Skyline is transformed into Dorset’s tallest art gallery for the summer.

From this Saturday until September 4, the Jurassic Skyline will become Dorset’s tallest art exhibition, displaying art from Celebrating the Great British Seaside against the spectacular backdrop of the Jurassic Coast.

Definitely not to be missed.

* ENJOY an easy lunchtime listen to the sounds of the Silhouettes in Greenhill Gardens on Weymouth seafront on Sunday.

The band are performing on the bandstand from 2pm to 4pm to raise funds for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

As the music draws to a close, wander the gardens in search for the funky fish, an art display by 150 local school pupils which has been re-installed near the tennis courts.

* TIME travel into the past to Thomas Hardy’s childhood with a visit to Hardy’s Cottage.

The National Trust property has a stunning wild garden full of foxgloves ready to explore this weekend with a walk on the wildside.

If it does rain on your parade, shelter inside the cottage to delve deeper into Hardy’s upbringing and learn about his early years growing up in Higher Bockhampton.

Open 11am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday each week. Visit the National Trust website for more information.

* IF live music is your thing, head to the Jurassic Fields festival in Asker Meadows, near Bridport, today and tomorrow. The festival is gearing up for its biggest year yet with more than 30 acts performing.

Headliners The Fun Lovin’ Criminals are coming all the way from America for the electric gig to take to the stage on Saturday night.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy 80s band Doctor and the Medics.

See jurassicfields.com for more. Friday’s events run from 6.30pm to 11pm and Saturday’s from 10am to 11pm.

* IT’S a bit further out of town, and one for the adventurers, but the Pier to Pier Swim takes place this weekend from Bournemouth to Boscombe.

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you do fancy a splash about in the sea, head east to Bournemouth to brave the open water swim on Sunday, July 10 to take part in the event.

* THE much-loved musician and actress Toyah will be performing at the Dorchester Corn Exchange tonight at 8pm.

Get up close and personal with the household name and pop icon as she brings her acoustic show to the stage. It promises to be a lively, entertaining and revealing show with Toyah performing an unplugged set of her well-loved hits and classic songs, alongside recalling stories from her colourful 35-year career.

For tickets and information visit dorchesterarts.org.uk