There’s a moment every half term when the kids are bouncing off the walls, the weather has turned and you start pricing up theme parks. Put the calculator down. The best half term in Dorchester might be the one where you don’t drive anywhere far at all.
This October, Brewery Square is going full spooky, and most of it is completely free.
Brewery Scare: trick or treat and vote for the spookiest window
Cobwebs, creepy crawlies and a skeleton or two. Our businesses have gone all out turning their windows into Halloween scenes, and it’s up to your family to pick the winner. Follow the window display posters, check out every spooky scene, then scan the QR code on the poster with your phone camera to vote. It takes less than a minute.
The best bit? Look out for the trick or treat posters in business windows. A poster means that business is taking part, so head inside, say “trick or treat!” and get a sweet treat or a spooky surprise. It’s a proper trick or treat, just in daylight and without knocking on strangers’ doors.
Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October, between 10am and 3pm Cost: free
Meet the scarecrows of Scare in the Square
Local schools, charities and community groups have built their very own scarecrows for Scare in the Square, and they’re all gathered together ready for a Halloween selfie. Each one has a plaque telling you about the people behind it, plus a QR code so you can vote. The winning group gets £100 for their cause, so every vote really counts.
The scarecrows are on display throughout half term, so there’s plenty of time to find your favourite.
When little legs need to burn off energy
Nikki’s Little Play Café on Pope Street is a lifesaver on a drizzly day. Soft play for the little ones, a coffee and a sit down for you. Everyone wins.
When you need an hour of calm
Nothing quietens a group of kids like a big screen and a bag of popcorn. Check what’s showing at the Odeon in Dray Horse Yard and book ahead, as half term matinees fill up fast.Visit here: https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/dorchester/
For older kids who say they’re “too old” for trails
Challenge them to beat the clock at The Great Big Escape. You’ve got 60 minutes to crack the clues and get out. It’s brilliant for tweens and teens, and surprisingly competitive for parents. Check age guidance when you book. Book here: https://thegreatbigescape.com/
Treats, obviously
You can’t do half term without a reward. Creams Café is the spot for waffles, sundaes and the kind of pudding the kids will talk about all week. For a proper meal, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Zizzi and Wagamama are all within a few steps of each other, so there’s no arguing over where to go. And for the grown-ups, Santos + Co has live music from Jack Daniels from 7pm on Halloween night, Saturday 31 October.
Bring the dog too
MUTT Everything Dog on Pope Street is our dog café and shop, so the four-legged member of the family gets a Halloween treat as well. It’s just celebrated its first birthday, and yes, it even has soft play for dogs.
Your half term plan in one glance
- Park at Fairfield or hop on the train to Dorchester South.
- Vote for your favourite Brewery Scare window and trick or treat around the Square.
- Vote for your favourite scarecrow.
- Soft play, a film or an escape room, depending on ages.
- Finish at Creams. Non-negotiable.
