Half Term Highlights in Poole
From outdoor antics of the feathered kind to high speed thrills of the world's motorsport elite, half term is set to be full of thrills in Poole.
Kicking off a weekend of exhilarating international motor sport Rallye Sunseeker comes to Poole Quay for a unique ceremonial start and parade on Friday 25 February. The best cars, drivers and teams from the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia and Barbados will arrive on Poole's continental quayside from 6.30pm onwards for a fabulous line up ranging from state of the art World Rally Cars to historic vehicles. The only free event in the programme, get up close to cars and talk to the drivers before they take to their vehicles at 7.30pm for the Ceremonial start of the rally, with each car leaving the starting blocks at 30 second intervals.
Get back to nature on Brownsea Island for the new Winter Weekends 19 Feb-27 March. February is the perfect time to see the rare native Red Squirrels and Sika Deer as well as the fabulous birdlife. Catch the National Trust boat from Sandbanks and discover more about Brownsea's wildlife with trails and craft activities for all the family.
See birdlife at its best on a specially tailored trip with experts from the RSPB on a Poole Bird Boat on 20 February. Watch a cast of thousands strike a pose and make the most of the avocets, oystercatchers, great crested grebes, shelducks and many other species that live in and around Poole Harbour.
If walking is your passion, take a snowdrop walk at the historic Kingston Lacy Estate where the carpets of delicate blooms are in flower now until the end of February. Blow away the winter blues with stroll along Sandbanks, Britain's best beach and winner of more Blue Flags than any other UK Beach. Jurassic Jaunts have a series of guided walks with the traditional well earned Pub lunch reward in Feb-March 2011 as well as a series of free downloadable walk guides showcasing local gems.
Children visiting Compton Acres should keep their eyes peeled for owls, deer and foxes as they explore the historic Grade-II listed gardens. Mini adventurers will be challenged to find an array of hidden creatures an animal trail in the 10-acre gardens.
There's something for everyone at the South's biggest leisure complex Tower Park. Get wet and wild whatever the weather at Splashdown water park with the UK's best flume rides, water play zone and tot's splash pool, catch up with the latest release at Empire Cinemas or bowl your way to victory at Bowlplex before relaxing at one of the many restaurants.
Visit the newly arrived spring animals at Farmer Palmers. Help to feed kid goats, go wild in the sand playground, hone your tractor driving skills or try the indoor tractor bouncy castle and soft play area. Take the woodland walk and see if you can spot the farm's 17 fallow deer who have just taken up residence.
Rotten rascals can take on a Castle Quest around the ruins of the iconic Corfe Castle. Look out for the shields to find out the facts and claim your special badge. Displays of medieval costumes, stone carving, trebuchet firing, wattle and daub, torch making and archaeology trays will bring the castle's history to life before your eyes.
Meet some of the aquatic stars of Finding Nemo, Sharks Tale and The Little Mermaid and discover the truth about Jaws and Piranha as Bournemouth Oceanarium meets Hollywood this half term. Meet the residents of Bikini Bottom in special 'Spongebob' themed interactive sessions or take part in the Walk of Fame trail with all your favourite underwater celebrities.
