Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
10th Anniversary Celebration
Last updated 30 September 2024
We’re celebrating!
Join us on Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of October, at the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre for a weekend of festivities to celebrate a decade of memories, education, and exploration at this beautiful location.
Come and enjoy a variety of more than 30 activities including guided walks, crafts, music, food, and interactive activities for all ages.
It’s all FREE so don’t miss out! For ticketed activities please visit EventBrite, they are going fast – www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1005122497447
Some are drop-in activities. Those that are ticketed are marked with an * on our listing below:
Friday 4th – The Big Night Out
Fully booked
8.30pm – 10.30pm. Join us for an evening under the stars exploring the wonders of the night sky, an insight into the fascinating world of moths and the possibility of seeing some bats in action!
Saturday 5th, 9am – 9pm
* Guided walk: Bird watching for beginners, 9am – 10.30am
Join us for an evening under the stars exploring the wonders of the night sky, an insight into the fascinating world of moths and the possibility of seeing some bats in action! Check ticket availability …
Museum & Exhibition Tours, hourly throughout the day 10am – 6pm
Embark on an exciting journey through history with our museum and exhibition tours! Take the chance to learn about the history of Hengistbury Head and see a selection of the archaeological artefacts found on the site. Then venture into the exhibition gallery to have a hands-on exploration of the experimental materials created during the Performing the Past experimental archaeology project. Tours start on the hour according to demand.
Travel back in time more than 2000 years and experiment with firelighting, pigments and paints, wool spinning, flint knapping and pottery. Take a look at the world of ancient crafts with a hands-on workshop, featuring a variety of traditional skills and techniques. Join this immersive experience and see what you can create! Check ticket availability …
Family nature activity: Moths, 10.30am – 11.15am
Join a Ranger for a look into the fascinating world of moths and identification by meeting some of the species native to the local area. Be amazed at the size and colour of our moths – there are nearly 1000 species here at Hengistbury Head!
Family nature activity: Pond life and bugs, 11.15am – 12pm, and 2.30pm – 3.15pm
Join a Ranger for a look into the fascinating world of moths and identification by meeting some of the species native to the local area. Be amazed at the size and colour of our moths – there are nearly 1000 species here at Hengistbury Head!
* Family nature activity: Meet the sheep, 12pm – 12.30pm, and 2pm – 2.30pm
Join a Ranger for an up-close ‘meet and bleat’ with our small herd of Cotswold sheep. Find out about their important role as conservation grazing machines and how we care for them. Check ticket availability …
Ukelele music and Gin tasting, 12pm – 1pm
Enjoy a delightful afternoon blending the joyful strums of ukulele music with the sophisticated flavours of gin. This unique event combines live musical entertainment with a guided gin-tasting experience, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and enjoyment.
* Family nature activity: Wildflower wander, 12.30pm – 1pm, and 4pm – 4.30pm
Step into a world of colour and wonder with our Wildflower Wander adventure! Explore the beauty of wildflowers and learn about the diverse plant life that thrives in our area. Check ticket availability …
* Guided walk: Poetry by heart, 1pm – 2pm
A short nature walk with nature poetry along the way. Be inspired to try learning some poems by heart – it’s easier than you might think! Check ticket availability …
* The Big Geology walk, 2pm – 4pm
Fully booked
Walk back in time 40 million years! Embark on an exciting journey through time with The Big Geology Walk! This engaging and educational walk will show you how Hengistbury Head formed in a massive tropical delta close to the equator and how it ended up as it is today. Also a chance to see the massive coastal protection works which are taking place this autumn. Check ticket availability …
* Ancient storytelling for adults (15+ only), 3pm – 4.30pm
The Second Battle of Moytura: 50-minute first act, 15-minute interval and 25-minute final act. Long, long ago when the fair isle of Ireland was known as Inis Fáil – the island of destiny – two magical races struggled for dominion: the divine Tuatha de Danann, the folk of the goddess Danu and the ferocious sea raiders and pirates, the Formorians. Their enmity culminated in a battle to end all battles on the plains of Moytura. Join storyteller Lizzie Bryant for a lively and engaging telling of this epic wonder tale central to Ireland’s mythological cycle and meet the ancient Irish gods and goddesses. Expect a murderous prophecy and a look that can kill, a silver-armed king and a magical cow! In the context of an old mythic narrative, the content of this story includes descriptions of or references to death, murder, warfare, sex, birth, magic, shapeshifting, gross overeating and its consequences! Check ticket availability …
Mead tasting, gin, food and ancient music, 5.15pm – 6pm
Join us for an evening that blends the rich flavors of mead and gin with the enchanting sounds of ancient music. This unique event offers a delightful combination of taste and auditory experiences, showcasing historical beverages and timeless tunes.
* Iron age metalworking, 7pm – 8pm
Fully booked
Step back in time more than 2000 years and immerse yourself in the craft of Iron Age metalworking! Experience the transformative processes of bronze casting and iron smelting as you explore the techniques and traditions that shaped early civilizations. Check ticket availability …
* Night navigation across Hengistbury Head, 7.30pm – 9pm
Fully booked
Night Navigation – Join Mountain Leader David Tainton on a night-time walk using all your senses. Don’t be afraid! Check ticket availability …
Sunday 6th, 10am – 4.30pm
* Guided walk: Birdwatching with CHOG, 10am – 12pm
Join members of Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group on this birdwatching walk, looking for songbirds, waders, gulls and more. For all the family – bring your binoculars! Check ticket availability …
Museum & Exhibition Tours, hourly throughout the day 10am – 4.30pm
Embark on an exciting journey through history with our museum and exhibition tours! Take the chance to learn about the history of Hengistbury Head and see a selection of the archaeological artefacts found on the site. Then venture into the exhibition gallery to have a hands-on exploration of the experimental materials created during the Performing the Past experimental archaeology project. Tours start on the hour according to demand.
* Mixed craft activities, 10.30am – 12.30pm, and 2pm – 4pm
Travel back in time more than 2000 years and experiment with firelighting, pigments and paints, wool spinning, flint knapping and pottery. Take a look at the world of ancient crafts with a hands-on workshop, featuring a variety of traditional skills and techniques. Join this immersive experience and see what you can create! Check ticket availability …
Family nature activity: Moths, 10.30am – 11.15am
Join a Ranger for a look into the fascinating world of moths and identification by meeting some of the species native to the local area. Be amazed at the size and colour of our moths – there are nearly 1000 species here at Hengistbury Head!
Family nature activity: Pond life and bugs, 11.15am – 12pm, and 2.30pm – 3.15pm
Join a Ranger for a look into the fascinating world of moths and identification by meeting some of the species native to the local area. Be amazed at the size and colour of our moths – there are nearly 1000 species here at Hengistbury Head!
* Family nature activity: Meet the sheep, 12pm – 12.30pm, and 2pm – 2.30pm
Join a Ranger for an up-close ‘meet and bleat’ with our small herd of Cotswold sheep. Find out about their important role as conservation grazing machines and how we care for them. Check ticket availability …
Ukelele music and Gin tasting, 12pm – 1pm
Enjoy a delightful afternoon blending the joyful strums of ukulele music with the sophisticated flavours of gin. This unique event combines live musical entertainment with a guided gin-tasting experience, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and enjoyment.
* Hengistbury Head ecology, history and geology walk, 12pm – 2pm
Join us for a captivating walk that combines ecology, history, and geology into one enriching experience! Discover the local flora and fauna as you walk through various habitats, learn about the people who lived here and walk in the footsteps of your prehistoric ancestors. How has the land changed over time. What is important, fascinating and unusual about this special place! All the family are welcome. Check ticket availability …
* Hengistbury Head ecology, history and geology walk, 12pm – 2pm
Join us for a captivating walk that combines ecology, history, and geology into one enriching experience! Discover the local flora and fauna as you walk through various habitats, learn about the people who lived here and walk in the footsteps of your prehistoric ancestors. How has the land changed over time. What is important, fascinating and unusual about this special place! All the family are welcome. Check ticket availability …
* Autumn rag wreath making, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Fully booked
Embrace the cosy spirit of autumn by creating your beautiful rag wreath! This hands-on craft activity will guide you through the process of making a charming fall wreath using colourful fabrics and seasonal decorations. Check ticket availability …
* Guided walk: Nature journaling, 2pm – 3pm
Join Lorraine and Sally for a ramble to sketch/paint nature and the environment. With lots of tips on capturing what you see in the natural world to make a journal. Bring sketch materials if you have them. Check ticket availability …
* Family nature activity: Wildflower wander, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Step into a world of colour and wonder with our Wildflower Wander adventure! Explore the beauty of wildflowers and learn about the diverse plant life that thrives in our area. Check ticket availability …
Venue
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Broadway
Southbourne
Bournemouth BH6 4EW
Information: 01202 128444
Website: www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/…/The-Visitor-Centre