Events at Avon Heath Country Park

Colours of Autumn Trail

Poster for the Santa's grotto experience.
On now.

£3.70 per child, with Prize Bag.

Follow the trail and at each clue colour in the co-ordinates to reveal an autumnal treasure.

Don't forget to count the autumn stickers along the way.

Start from the Visitor Centre every day, 10am to 4pm.

Countdown to Christmas!

Saturday 30 November 2024 from 10 am to 4pm

Poster for Countdown to Christmas event.
Join us for a day of family festivities as our Christmas season gets underway!

Activities to enjoy:
  • Santa’s Grotto
  • first pick of our no-drop Christmas pine trees for sale
  • Willow star making craft
  • toasting marshmallows by the fire
  • 20% off in the gift shop for one day only
  • tasty seasonal treats at the café
  • lauch of our Winter Activity Trail-Wildlife in Folklore
  • The Stolen Nose Warmer Quest for little ones
  • local Ringwood choir, The Tuesdays
Charges apply for activities. No need to book (except Santa's Grotto).

Pull a Pine

Sunday 1 December 2024 at 10:30am, midday and 1pm

Poster for pull a pine event.
Join our Rangers for this popular family friendly event and help with important habitat management by cutting down and burning small pine trees.

Pine trees are an invasive species on heathlands. Without management, their growth prevents species like gorse and heath from flourishing which our rare heathland wildlife needs to survive.

As a thank you for your hard work, we invite you to take home a pine tree of your choice for Christmas!

Hot drinks, mince pies and festive spirit also provided!
£15 per family (up to 5 people).

To book, please call 01425 478082.

Wreath workshop

Tuesday 10 December 2024 from 10am to midday

Poster for Wreath making event.
Weave and decorate your very own wreath out of sustainably sourced Willow to add some colour to your home this festive season.
All materials will be provided and are sustainably sourced from the park. All proceeds go back into conservation of the heath.

Hot drink and tasty treat included. Please bring extra items you wish to personalise your wreath with. Your wreath will naturally dry out and can be reused each season to make a new display.

£25 per person (adults only).

To book, please call 01425 478082.

Dogmas Walk

Wednesday 11 December 2024 from 11am to midday

Poster for Dogmas Walk event.
Christmas Jumpers at the ready- it's time for Winter Walkies!

Join us and our friends at Dorset Dogs for a group dog walk around the heath. All furry friends will receive their very own Christmas
goody bag worth £10!

Christmas jumpers are encouraged (humans and dogs included!). Please only bring friendly dogs that are happy around other dogs.

£5 per dog.

Spaces limited so book now by calling 01425 478082.

Father Christmas magical grotto experience

Poster for the Santa's grotto experience.
Dates:
  • 30 November and 1 December
  • 7 and 8 December
  • 14 and 15 December
  • 21 and 22 December

£15 per child (accompanying adults go free).

Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto, includes a present for every child, and afterwards jump aboard Santa's sleigh for a great photo opportunity.

Various timeslots available when you book online.

On the day, please go to the country café a few minutes before your timeslot to check in.

Mini Scots Pine Bonsai workshop

Saturday 8 February 2025 and Saturday 28 June 2025. £20 per session, flat rate, which includes families, couples and individuals. 

You need to commit to attending all 3 sessions to fully enjoy this workshop.
A bonsai tree.
Fascinated by the Japanese art of Bonsai? Then sign up for this special 3 stage Bonsai workshop with enthusiasts Barre and Peter.

Introductory talk in October followed by a group walk on the heath to identify mini Scots Pines perfect for shaping.

Return in February and join Barre and Peter out on the heath to dig up and pot your 3 specimens and get more tips about pruning and caring for your trees at home.

In June return for the final session with your 3 trees for more tips on pruning, shaping and care from Barre and Peter.

Contact us for more information and to book.

Health Walks

Every Tuesday at 2pm
A frosty morning on the heath, the heather is covered by a layer of ice, with tall conifers in the background.
Our Health Walks are on Tuesdays from 2pm to 3pm, leaving from the Visitor Centre. Led by our team of friendly volunteers they are a chance to walk with a group and perhaps make some new friends.

Special offer for any new Health Walker - get free parking for your first three weeks. And of course, the walks are also free.

You must register for the walk and complete our health questionnaire before you attend. We recommend arriving a few minutes before to check in with the walk leader. Find out more about Dorset Health Walks.

Avon Heath Outdoors

Various dates throughout the year
Avon Heath Outdoors image
Avon Heath Outdoors are expert instructors in all kinds of outdoor adventures!

Join them this festive season for family-friendly crafting workshops making wooden Christmas tree decorations and creating your very own Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

For further details and to book please visit their website or follow them on Facebook for their latest upcoming events.

Come along and get creative whilst having fun!
 

Contact us

Avon Heath Country Park

Name: Avon Heath Country Park
Email: avonheath@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 478082
Full contact details