What with the sandy beaches, notorious seafood cafes, ice creams, cliffs, and acres of fields, you would be forgiven for presuming that Graston Farm is a summer destination. But think again! We’re open year-round and love nothing more than sharing our slice of the countryside with visitors whatever the season.
Spring is one of our favourite times of the year. Graston Farm is the perfect spot to shrug off winter and welcome the longer days and warmer sun. There are plenty of ways to soak up the joys of Spring on the farm; from feeding the new calves and lambs to exploring bluebell-filled valleys and signs of new life in the fields and rivers on our doorstep.
Spring also welcomes a flutter of local events, perfect for those thinking about Easter holidays and Spring staycations. From triathlons to food festivals, here are a few ideas:
Bridport Street Markets
Every Wednesday and Saturday Bridport’s main streets welcome market stalls selling everything from locally-brewed beers to paintings, hardware, flowers and second hand books. If you’d like to bag a bargain or hunt for treasure, pop down on a Saturday when South Street becomes awash with antique and Bric-a-Brac stalls.
https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/markets/
Treasure Planet
This eclectic exhibition of local artists promises to bring the Bridport Arts Centre to life from 20th February to 21st March. The exhibition will feature a range of media, from wax to textiles and photography, all exploring the beauty and intrinsic nature of the people, places, experiences and geology of the Jurassic Coast.
https://www.artwey.co.uk/artwey-event/treasure-planet-a-celebration-of-life-on-the-jurassic-coast/
Same views, less crowds — Spring on Hive Beach and the Jurassic Coast.
Royal Armoured Corps Display
Military and big vehicle enthusiasts rejoice! On three dates throughout the year in March (7th), June and October, vehicles from The Tank Museum will rally into action for a special display in the Kuwait Arena. It’s a rare opportunity to see some serious machinery in action.
https://www.tankmuseum.org/whats-on/events/rac-display-spring
Jurassic Trail
Blow away winter cobwebs (and excess) with Beyond Events’ spectacular Jurassic Trail – a running event for all levels. The two-day event on the 25th and 26th April kicks off at nearby West Bay. Participants can take on whatever distance they fancy from a gentle 6km to a grueling marathon. Other events include the Bridport half 3rd May, Bridport Triathlon 17th May, and West Bay Triathlon 28th June.
https://www.beyondevents.org.uk
Fossil Festival
We’re pretty mad about fossils year-round, but from the 1st – 3rd May Lyme Regis steps it up a gear with its annual Fossil Festival. Events include meet the scientists (from museums all over the country), fossil-themed walks, theatre, comedy, music and lots of hands on activities for the whole family. Entry is free, too.
https://www.fossilfestival.co.uk
Swannery Hatchlings Just five miles from Graston Farm, Abbotsbury Swannery is one of the few places in the world where you can get up close to nesting Mute Swans. Hatching season is one of the best time’s to visit; between May and late June the Swannery is awash with fluffy cygnets. Some even hatch on the pathways. You can join feeding sessions between midday and 4pm each day.
https://www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/baby-swans-hatching-at-abbotsbury-swannery-p543153
Little guests feed new lambs at Graston Farm
Food festivals
We’re lucky to have some of the finest produce in the UK on our doorstep here in West Dorset. The food festival season kicks off with the Springtide Food Festival Bridport just down the road on Hive Beach. Over 60 stalls serve up locally-made bread, preserves, beer, cider, wine, cheese, chocolate, cakes, charcuterie, fish and meat. Next up, the Bridport Vegan Food Market runs at various times throughout the year from June 13th, and the locally-run Bridport Food Festival serves up delicacies from 14th – 20th June. https://www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/spring-tide-food-festival-p1210243 / https://www.bridportveganmarket.co.uk/ / https://www.bridportfoodfestival.co.uk/
Chesil Rocks
This laid-back arts and music festival on the 18th – 19th June is the perfect way to welcome in summer. The Thursday will kick off with a Comedy Night, followed by an evening of classical music and then a whole heap of fun for all the family on the Saturday. You can pick your ticket for each event. An impressive 25% of the festivals annual budget goes to the Samaritans.
Get in touch to find out more and book your stay here.
