 I don't know about you but Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year. We decorate the house at start of October and look forward to doing lots of autumnal things and of course trick or treating! I have put together a list of all FREE events and activities going on across Dorset this October half term. I am super excited that Halloween is during the school holiday this year and at the weekend too, even better!! Enjoy! Halloween at Brewery Square - Dorchester Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween at Brewery Square! From Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 31 October, come and join in the Halloween fun. Vote for your favourite! Explore the spooky Halloween window displays and cast your vote for the best one. Snap a selfie! Meet our fantastic community scarecrows and capture some Halloween memories. Don't forget to vote for the best scarecrow too! The winning entry wins £100 for a local charity or cause. Trick or Treat! Visit participating businesses and see what spooky or sweet surprises are in store! Simply spot the trick or treat posters and head instore for a sweet treat, or a spooky surprise! All treat no trick party at Bournemouth Life Centre - 31st October ALL TREAT no trick is an annual Halloween alternative. Everyone is welcome to come as they are and enjoy some games, crafts, entertainment and food and drink. All for FREE! All ages are invited to drop by for an evening of fancy dress (optional) and fun (guaranteed)! Christchurch BID Pumpkin Patch - 31th October 2026 Saturday 31st October Pumpkin Patch Saturday, 31st October Druitt Gardens (Dry weather), Druitt Hall (Wet weather). Free children’s Pumpkin Patch Children and their families can choose a pumpkin to take home. The autumnal-themed props make a perfect family photo opportunity. Don't forget to take part in the Pumpkin Trail this Autumn. The trail will guide you through the town centre and will run from 19th October - 1st November. For all Christchurch BID and other events in town, visit our website to find out further details www.christchurchbid.co.uk/event Special thanks to Friends of Druitt Gardens, Christchurch Town Council, and all the BID Businesses who have made this event possible. WDSME Halloween open day - 31st October 2026 Free train rides , donations welcome. Please see their website for more information: Open Days | WimborneDSME railway FREE Light Party - Corfe Mullen - 31st October Light Party is coming up so soon! A safe and fun space for young families on Halloween Focussing on the light, you can rest assured there will be no scary-ness here. Please note tickets do sell out relatively quickly and for health and safety in numbers once fully booked they cannot release any other spaces. Link to booking - https://parishofcorfemullen.churchsuite.com/events/hjsblflh FREE Halloween arts & crafts - 28th October - Bourne Something spooky is coming to Bourne Community Hub Book your tickets here: www.ticketsource.com/poole-communities-trust Sandworld Weymouth - FREE entry for all in fancy dress! This half term visit Sandworld for FREE if you turn up in fancy dress! I hope you all have a great school break and Halloween (if you celebrate it)
If you have seen any other free events please do share them in a comment below to let others know.
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Newborn Photography on the day baby was born This is quite possibly one of, if not THE most exciting blog posts that I have ever written. This was supposed to be the birth photography session that I have been waiting many years to do, but instead I ended up helping to deliver the baby! I loved it so much and I want to thank Mum and Dad for letting me be there to experience this with them.  It all started at 330am on 16th June 2025 when my friend called me as she was in labour. I was on call to drive to her to hospital as well as photograph the birth. I jumped out of bed, quickly got dressed then drove to Wimborne, only to arrive to her laying down in the door way about to push the baby out! I didn't have time to think about getting my camera out of the car, I just helped her and her husband deliver the baby. The paramedics soon arrived after the baby, and took them both to Bournemouth hospital. I followed with their daughter in my car and spent the day with them before bringing them home around 430pm.
It was an incredible experience, and I don't even feel like I "missed" out taking the birth photos, I feel like being there in the moment was so much better than photographing the moment on this occasion. I have wanted to photograph a birth for at least the past 8 years, not for work, just for me, and I feel like I have achieved what I wanted to, being there was so much better.
I still got to take some beautiful photos of the baby on the same day she was born, just a few hours old.  7 day old newborn photography session One week later, to the day, my friend came to the studio with her baby for her newborn photography session. This was an extra special session for me as you can imagine.       I would like to thank my wonderful friend and her husband again for allowing me to be there, this experience is something that I will never forget. And as for the birth photography? No, I do not offer it, and no I will not start to. It was purely a personal thing that I wanted to do, it was never a work thing. Newborn photography in the studio? Yes I can definitely help with that, that is my work thing, and I have welcomes babies as young as just 4 days old in the studio before. ! You can find out more about my newborn photography service in Poole, Dorset on my website.  4 month baby photography sessionWhen she was 4 months old I had them back in the studio for a little mini session to capture her growing. She was an absolute delight and we didn't need to spend long at all to get a few gorgeous photos. I love photographing babies this age, we usually get some smiles and lot of interaction.    Christmas Baby PhotographyDecember was the perfect time for the next photoshoot. I had my Christmas backdrop and props out ready and we captured some gorgeous moments again. She was 6 months old at this Christmas photoshoot.     8 month old baby photography sessionNow she is confidently sitting on her own, it is time for her next photoshoot! I am loving documenting her first year , knowing home much these photographs will be treasuured for many years to come. Plus, I got a gorgeous new picnic basket for Christmas so I jumped at the chance to try that out, and the photos came out amazing, I was so pleased!       First birthday cake smash photographySeriously. how fast can 1 year go?! I cannot believe a year ago I was there on the day she was born and now I have just captured her first birthday photos. It has been amazing watching her grow and change this past year. She has had every age photoshoot that I capture in the studio.        Toddler Christmas PhotographyChristmas is coming around again so it was time for her next set of photos. This time she is walking around and has got her own little personality. We managed to get some more gorgeous photos, these are just a few of my favourites from the latest Christmas photoshoot taken at my studio in Poole.      I hope you have enjoyed this blog and how I have captured baby's first year and beyond. If you have a little one or are expecting, I would love to capture your family's story for you. What is the the next milestone for your family?  Baby led newborn posingYou may have read previous social posts or blogs before about natural newborn posing and wondered what exactly it is. It means that your newborn photography session is guided by your baby. Your newborn photography session with me here at my natural light studio in Poole, Dorset is completely led by your baby, and not by a strict posing work flow. I use my 13+ years of experience to work with your baby to produce the most beautiful, natural photographs possible that you will treasure for many years to come.   Why baby led posing is less stressful for parentsWhen you visit me with your baby, you will still get full choice of which props and colours you would like to use. . However none of the props that I have define the image, your baby will always be the centre of each and every photo that I take, all of my props simply compliment each other and your baby. What makes me different to most other newborn photographers is that I do not guarantee any particular "pose". My job is to work with your baby and photograph them in their most comfortable positions from all angles to create a stunning collection of images for you to choose your favourites from. Not having to ensure your baby is always sleeping, and trying to achieve a set list of poses means that newborn photography sessions with me are a lot more relaxing and natural experiences. You get to chill out on my comfy studio sofa with a hot drink and a snack whilst I take care of your little one and create those precious memories that you will treasure.    Natural, baby led newborn photography in DorsetI would love to capture these first precious memories for you, so If you love my natural baby led approach to newborn photography and would like to see more, please check out this link for more information and to request a booking information pack:   An outdoor family photography session in Dorset is the perfect way to capture your growing family and make memories that you will all treasure for many years to come. Photographs become more valuable over time and you will never regret having a photography session with your family, but you may well regret not having one. Beautiful, outdoor family photography in DorsetWe are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. Dorset has everything, from some of the worlds most beautiful beaches to acres of forests, and not a motorway in sight! This is why I only offer outdoor family photography. The scenery is absolutely stunning around here, why not make the most of it. What to do before your family photography sessionWhen you book in we will decide a location together, this could a memorable place for you or I can share my favourite locations with you to chose from. You can choose to involve the extended family, just immediate family, or even just the kids. The choice is yours, it is your session. I will help guide you to get the most from your session. What you choose to wear is of course also down to you also, but I am happy to guide you if you wish. I will be in touch the day before your session, as I am sure you are all aware that the climate is very unpredictable in this country, so there is a always a chance we may have to re arrange due to bad weather. If you are booking a summer photography session the ideal time is either first thing in the morning or 2 hours before sunset (the golden hour) we will discuss times when you get in touch to book in. During the cooler months, we can usually do the middle of the day/late morning/early afternoon.  What happens during your family photography session?Depending on the package you choose, we get either 30 minutes or 1 hour together. I will take you to a few different spots to take some photos. The session is relaxed and fun for everyone. The children are free to run around and I can chase after them, if they are not keen on sitting down with you please do not worry. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to get the kids involved which results in a beautiful selection of gorgeous natural images to choose from. What happens after your family photography session?You get to go away with memories of lovely family time on the beach or other beautiful location whilst you wait for your photos. Your images are presented in an online gallery for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever.  No matter what the age(s) of your child(ren) an outdoor family photography session will provide beautiful memories for you to treasure and share with your friends and family. I would love to capture some beautiful family memories for you that will only grow in value as the years go by. You can find out more and get in touch for a booking information pack here:  I often get asked what to bring or how to prepare for your newborn photography session with me here in my beautiful studio in Poole, Dorset. The short answer is that you do not to bring anything or prepare in anyway. Having a baby is the most amazing time of your life but it can be very hard to adjust to in the early days so I do not want to add in any extra stress of you feeling that you need to prepare for your newborn photography session! What should we bring to our newborn photography session?You do not need to bring anything extra to your newborn photography session. However, if you would like to bring along anything personal to include in the photographs then please feel free to do so, but please do not feel that you have to as I have everything that we will need here. You just need to bring your normal change bag with plenty of spare nappies and milk if you are bottle feeding.  What should we wear to our newborn photography session?Again, this is completely up to you. If you would like some photos of yourselves with your baby you might want to bring something to get changed into. This really depends on how you would like the photos to look. There is no need to get changed unless you would like a more formal / posed photo. If you would like a photo of your baby without an outfit/wrap on then I would suggest that you bring a change of clothes for yourself as there is always the small possibility that you might get a little wet!
How should we prepare for our newborn photography session?Have a good look through my portfolio before booking your newborn photography session with me you will know the type of images to expect when you visit the studio. If you have any particular props/colours that you would like to use I will ask you when you arrive. If you have not had chance to decide I can show you my beautiful collection of props, wraps and outfits and you can choose when you are here so please do not worry. My images all follow the same natural, neutral style so I do find that most people are happy for me to choose what to use but please do let me know if you have any preferences.  Do I need to make sure that baby is fed and asleep for the newborn photography session?There is no need to make sure that your baby is asleep for the photography session. It is always a good idea to feed your baby before you leave home in the morning so that you can be happy they will be content in the car journey here but please do not worry if you arrive and they need a feed. We have up to 3 hours of time together and we stop for feeds and cuddles whenever is needed. Your baby will never be expected to work to "my schedule", I always work around them. If you have any more questions about a newborn photography session you might like to read my newborn photography FAQs page.
Or please do get in touch, I would love to hear from you as I love talking to clients before their newborn shoot.  A Christmas photography experience here in the studio in Poole is the perfect way to kick start the festive season. In this blog I share the images from one session from last Christmas with you so you can see what to expect. These beautiful girls were 6 months and 2, almost 3 years old at their session, and as you can see we got a gorgeous selection of images. I just love a red Christmas dress, don't you?  A fun Christmas experience for allYour children will love their time in the studio during their Christmas photography experience, and you will have fun watching them. If they are old enough they can help to choose which props they would like to use. I have a lovely little wooden sleigh that they will love sitting on and they can help to deliver some presents too! We also have plenty of fake snow and might even have time for a snowball fight (parents are encouraged to join in too!) After we have taken some beautiful Christmas photos they will be able to enjoy some milk & cookies (over 1's only) which also creates the perfect opportunity for even more cute photos!   The perfect Christmas giftGive the gift of memories. Beautiful festive photos of your little one(s) make the perfect gift for friends and family. Your children will love seeing their photos on display year after year and you can re live the memories together. Photos are the gift that will only ever increase in value after time.   An all inclusive Christmas photography packageYour photography experience includes a 15-20 minute session in the photography studio, milk and cookies (for over 1's) and the best bit; you get ALL if the digital images so you don't even have to choose your favourites or purchase any extra..         For more information and to book your Christmas photography experience, visit my Christmas web page here:
 Christmas is coming faster than I can imagine this year so I wanted to share my range of gift ideas with you. Whether you have had a session with me and are looking for the perfect gifts using your beautiful photographs for family members, or if you are thinking about buying a loved one a photography session for next year, I have you covered. Photo books
My beautiful range of photo books start from just £45! Choose from three sizes of mini accordion albums with personalised covers in a selection of colours, or a stunning linen covered book in size 8x6 or larger. Photo wall artChoose from my signature bamboo photo blocks, or fine art board mounted prints for the perfect way to gift your favourite photographs to your family this year. They will love to have beautiful family photographs proudly displayed on their walls at home.  Bamboo wall art starts from £95 Fine art board mounted prints (as above) start from just £25 Christmas tree photo decorationsI have beautiful double sided snowflake Christmas tree decorations available for you to purchase with your favourite photos on for just £10. I also have double sided keyrings available to purchase for the same price.
Photography gift vouchers I sell a lot of gift voucher at this time of the year. What better gift to give than a family photography session where the memories will be treasured for many years to come. Vouchers are posted to you so that you have something physical to give to your loved ones. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, and although my sessions go up in price a little every January, any extra will not need to be paid! I can do gift vouchers for any amount, you can find out the prices of my photography sessions here: Family photography prices Baby photography prices Newborn photography prices Cake smash photography prices Christmas 2026 cut off datesPhoto gifts must be ordered and paid for by 9th December, to be delivered in time for Christmas. Gift vouchers can be ordered right up until 19th December, to be delivered in time for Christmas. How to order Christmas photo giftsWhat ever you choose , you can be sure that you will choosing a gift that will be very well received.
Please do get in touch if you need any help deciding what to buy, I will be more than happy to advise.   Family generation photography sessions in DorsetI get really excited when clients ask if they can bring their parents to their family photography sessions. Yes of course! These are my favourite type of family sessions. I know how much these beautiful memories will grow in value over time, as every year passes you will treasure them even more. No one ever regrets having an extended family photography session. And the best part, there is no extra cost, I do not charge per person so it really is the more the merrier!   These precious moments captured between grandparents and their grandchildren are absolutely priceless. And knowing what joy they will bring over the years makes my job even more special.  The perfect location for your family photography sessionPerhaps you have a favourite place to go to together as a family that already has lots of lovely memories? Or I have a list of my favourite locations that I love to go to to create beautiful family memories.   Family photography sessions - the perfect giftI sell a lot of gift vouchers for family generation photography sessions, the most popular being grandparents milestone birthdays or wedding anniversaries. People also like to buy photography vouchers for gifts for Christmas. I have beautiful printed vouchers that can be sent out in the post, which are perfect for family members to gift.  When was the last time you had all the family together, AND captured the occasion? I would love to capture some priceless memories for you that will be treasured for ever. Find out more about my family photography sessions, and request a booking information pack here:  A baby photography session is the perfect way to capture your fast growing baby whilst they are still little.. These sessions are ideal for babies between 6 weeks to 5 months, and babies between 6-9 months (who can sit unaided but are not yet crawling) I also offer newborn photography sessions and cake smash photography sessions in my photography studio here in Dorset.  What type of photos can I expect at a baby photography session?For baby photography sessions here in my Poole photography studio, I use the same natural style and props, wraps etc as a newborn photography session. The type of photographs you can expect from your session will largely depend on the age of your baby. A 6 week old, your baby is likely to still be very sleepy during the day and we may still get newborn style images, such as these beautiful images:   If your baby is closer to 4/5 months they may be able to push them selves up on their tummy and we may get some super cute photos like these:  If your baby is sitting un-aided we can expect some gorgeous photos like these during your baby photography session:   Can we have a family photo at our baby photography session?Yes of course, family photos can be included at no extra cost with any baby photography package. Siblings are welcome too, but please bear in mind that I only offer baby photography sessions in the studio during school hours.   What can I do to prepare for our baby photography session?If you have time, have a look through my baby photography gallery to see which props / colours you might like to use. At this age, most parents choose to bring a couple of favourite outfits with them also. I have a beautiful collections of outfits and wraps in the studio so you do not have to bring anything if you don't want to. What can I expect during our baby photography session?When you arrive at the studio we will have time to get your baby changed and I will set out a couple of props (if you would like to use any) of your choice. The session is led completely by your baby. It lasts up to 1 hour which allows plenty of time if you baby is still young and needs to stop for a cuddle or a little top up feed. If you baby is still very young or premature you may wish to consider booking a newborn photography session, which allows more time, as newborn photography sessions last up to 3 hours.  What can I expect after our baby photography session?You get to go away with lovely memories and most likely a tired sleepy baby! Your images will be presented in an online gallery which is sent via email for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever.   I would love to capture this short lived stage of your baby being so small and give you some gorgeous memories that you will treasure for a lifetime. You can find out more about my baby photography sessions here, and request a booking information pack:  I often get asked what to bring or how to prepare for baby photography sessions with me here in my beautiful studio in Poole, Dorset. If you have specific clothing or photos that you would like to use this guide may help you. However, otherwise I have everything that you should need here.  What should we bring to our baby photography session?Please bring your normal change bag with nappies, spare clothes and milk if needed. You may wish to bring along a few favourite outfits, however this is completely up to you, I have some in the studio and plenty of lovely wraps for you to choose from when you arrive. I have a coffee machine in the studio for you to enjoy, as well as cold water and snacks.  What should we wear to our baby photography session?Again, this is completely up to you. If you would like some photos of yourselves with your baby you might want to think about what you are wearing. It might be helpful to know that my background is pure white. Or you can have a less formal photo snuggled up with your baby on my lovely grey studio sofa. This really depends on how you would like the photos to look.   How should we prepare for our baby photography session?It is always advisable to have a good look at my portfolio before booking your baby photography session with me then you will know the type of images to expect when you visit the studio. I will ask you when you arrive if you have any particular props/colours that you would like to use . If you have not had chance to decide I can show you my beautiful collection of props, wraps and outfits and you can choose when you are here so please do not worry. My images all follow the same natural, neutral style so I do find that most people are happy for me to choose what to use but please do let me know if you have any preferences.   Baby photography sessions are ideal from 6 weeks to 4-5 months , or when your baby is sitting but not yet crawling (around 6-9 months) I would love to capture this beautiful fleeting stage of your baby being so small for you to treasure forever. You can find out more and request a booking pack here:  Wow, I bet you can't believe how fast that first year has gone. Your tiny little bundle has changed more in their first year than they ever will in any other year. They will have likely learnt to sit up, crawl, and may have even taken their first steps by now or you may have heard their first few words. What a tremendous amount to learn in one year! They are still your little baby though and they are still small, so you will want to capture them before they change again over the next few months. A cake smash is the perfect way to celebrate your baby turning one and these sessions are so much fun for both your baby, and for yourselves to watch.  I have written this guide to help you prepare for your baby's cake smash.  Do I need to bring a special outfit to the cake smash?I have lots of lovely outfits in the studio for you to choose from but if you have bought something special for your baby to wear please feel free to bring that along. Please bear in mind that it will get messy! Do I need to supply the cake for a cake smash photoshoot?I supply a cake included in the price of your cake smash photography package. You can choose from a buttercream sponge or a donut stack. The donut stack is vegan. If your baby has any allergies please do let me know upon booking. I can supply a nut, dairy and gluten free cake if needed.  Can I choose the decorations for a cake smash photoshoot?Yes of course. I have a beautiful collection of neutral, eco friendly props that I clean and re use for cake smash photography sessions.  What do I need to bring with me for a cake smash photoshoot?I always advise parents to bring some of their baby's favourite snacks. If you have booked the smash and splash package please bring a towel and some baby wash/bubble bath. If you use baby wipes please bring some along, otherwise I have wet cloths to use to help clean them up.  What can I do to help prepare for my baby's cake smash photoshoot?If your baby has not tasted cake before it is a good idea to give them some to try before you come to the studio for their cake smash photography session. Messy play is also great for babies to get used to their hands being messy , if this is new to you please do try and give it a go before you come to the studio with your baby for their cake smash photography session.  Be prepared to get stuck in during the cake smash photoshootThis is a brand new experience for your baby and they are at that age now where they may be very wary of what is going on around them and might need some time to settle into new situations. The best thing that you can do is be prepared to sit with them for a short while and maybe even help them smash up the cake! If you have older children , please do feel free to bring them along to join in the fun too!  What happens to the cake after the cake smash?Usually, the cake is still in an edible state after your baby has finished with it so I wrap it up for you to take home. If your baby is turning one soon, I would love to help you celebrate with a cake smash photoshoot for them.
Learn more about my cake smash photography sessions and find out how to book here:  A cake smash is the perfect way to celebrate your baby turning one. You will remember their special first birthday forever so choosing to capture it with a professional cake smash photography session is a decision that you will never regret. Before your cake smash photography sessionIf your baby has not tasted cake before or participated in messy play you might like to let them have a go at this. You might also want to buy a special outfit, or you can choose from one of mine in the studio. Please feel free to let me know beforehand if you have a particular prop/set up request. When booking you will get a choice of donuts, or cake. Please do let me know about any allergies upon booking.   What to expect during your cake smash photography sessionWhen you arrive in the studio, you will have a chance to get your baby changed into either their own outfit that you have brought with you, or you can choose one of mine. The cake and decorations will be set up ready. My set-up is very minimal, as this keeps the focus of each image on your baby not an elaborate bright set up. I have a semi naked style cake on a lovely wooden stand, usually some kind of neutral bunting/bead decoration, and some ONE letters. We can change anything around if you would like to before we start the session. When your baby is ready, we will sit them next to the cake and wait for the fun to begin! I will be there capturing your baby reacting to the cake and getting stuck in. After the smash , if you have booked the smash and splash package I will get your choice of bath tub ready with some warm water and bubbles whilst you undress your baby for the next set of photos. Splash time is always super fun as most babies absolutely love the water. We always get some more gorgeous photos of them splashing around and playing with the bubbles. After the bath tub time, it is time to dry off and get changed to go home.   Will I need to get involved in my baby's cake smash?Yes you most likely will have to get involved, so please be prepared for this.. Please do wear something that you do not mind getting messy, as the chances are that you might need to encourage your baby a little bit or show them what to do with the cake if they are unsure. I will give you a spare spoon to get stuck in with them if they need a helping hand. However, some babies get their hands right in as soon as we sit them by the cake and do not need any help at all! Even if that is your baby, they will likely be walking or crawling around with cake on their hands so be prepared to get some on you too, I usually do!    Will my baby eat the whole cake at there cake smash photoshoot?To be honest, no. The idea of the session is not to present your baby with a cake for them to eat, If you think of it as more of a messy play session, with a special birthday theme of a cake.. If your baby loves getting their hands messy , the chances are they will absolutely love playing and smashing up the cake. They will likely eat some of it, but they usually don't each much at all.  Leftover cake?9 times out of 10 the cake is still good enough to be wrapped up for you to take home and eat. However, I cannot guarantee this as on occasion we have ended up with just a pile of crumbs at the end and you wont want to take that home!  What happens after a cake smash photography session?You get to go away with memories of the special day, along with an engraved wooden spoon whilst you wait for your photos. Your images are presented in an online gallery for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever. If you would like the photos back in time for your baby's first birthday I would suggest booking the session around a month before their birthday. Or many people chose to do the session on their actual birthday.  If your baby is turning one soon, I would love to help you celebrate this special occasion. For more information about my cake smashes including prices, please take a look at these links and get in touch to request a booking information pack.  Photo book optionsI am super excited to share my ever popular mini accordion albums, and they now come in 3 sizes! These are my best selling product and they make the perfect little gifts for family or for you to display at home with your beautiful memories in. These gorgeous little books come in a choice of 3 sizes: 8x8cm - mini square album - 12-18 pages 12x12cm - large square album - 6-10 pages 10x14cm - large portrait album - 6-14 pages All sizes come in a selection of colours and cover materials with your bespoke choice of personalisation on the cover. Rounded edges ~ Dove grey suede (light grey, as pictured) ~ Iron grey suede (dark grey, as pictured) ~ Deep sea blue velvet ~ Emerald green velvet ~ Dijon yellow velvet ~ Soft rose velvet (light pink, as pictured) ~ Off white velvet (as pictured) ~ Crimson red velvet (Christmas red) - Aquamarine blue velvet (as pictured) ~ Liquorice black velvet Square edges New for 2026 - Warm grey textile weave - Sage green linen ( as pictured) - Beige linen  Sage Green large square photo book The perfect gift for family and friendsThese little book are perfect as you can use them as a mini book or open them out and keep them on display. They look great on a shelf or mantlepiece. They hold together with a magnetic closure.   You can find out prices , and how to order your book(s) here:
 Newborn Photography in Poole, DorsetNewborn photography sessions take place when you baby is around 7 days old. It is always a good idea to book in whilst you are pregnant as spaces always book up fast..  What to do before your newborn photography sessionIt is always a good idea at my portfolio before booking your newborn photography session with me so that you will know the type of images to expect when you visit the studio. It is worth thinking about if you might like some parent and baby photos and if you have other children that you would like to bring along to the session also. When you book I will send you an information pack which should answer your questions. You can find some answers to my most frequently asked questions here:  What happens during your newborn photography session?When you arrive at the studio you will have plenty of time to choose some of your favourite props, outfits and wraps whilst I make you a hot drink. Your baby will likely need feeding and changing during your time here, the morning is yours and totally baby led. I never book more than one photography session in per day so we have up to 3 hours if we need it. Most sessions last around 2 hours. You get to sit back and enjoy your tea or coffee whilst watching me working my magic with your little one. I have 13 years of experience photographing new babies so I know to how to work with your baby to produce beautiful natural photos that you will treasure forever.  What happens after your newborn photography session?You get to go away with lovely memories and most likely a tired sleepy baby! Your images will be presented in an online gallery which is sent via email for you to choose your favourites. Then you will receive your images via email or in the post (depending on the package you have chosen) and you get to treasure them forever.  If you are expecting your little bundle soon, I would love to capture this special time for you. You can find out more here:   Newborn and sibling photography in PooleMany families who book in their newborn photography session are not first time parents. Siblings are always welcome during newborn photography sessions. Depending on their age, they might be a little reluctant to lay next to their brand new baby sister or brother, if they are young themselves, they will still be getting used to them. I don't force anything during sessions. If they are not ready, we will try again later. Or we try a different set up. Whilst most older siblings are happy to come over and have a photo taken with the new addition to their family, the typical 2 year old often is not. With plenty of patience and letting them go at their own pace, we can get the perfect photos for you of your little ones together. I have put together some answers to frequently asked questions about newborn and sibling photoshoots. If you have any other questions, please do get in touch, I would love to help. What should siblings wear for newborn photography sessions?I recommend dressing siblings in soft, neutral colours such as cream, white, beige, grey, soft blues, dusty pinks, sage green, or earthy tones. These timeless colours complement your newborn beautifully and create a beautiful classic look that won't go out of style. Simple clothing works best. Plain dresses, knitwear, rompers, dungarees, linen shirts, or well-fitted tops without logos, large graphics, or bright neon colours photograph beautifully. Try to avoid clothing with characters, slogans, or distracting patterns, as these can draw attention away from your family's expressions. I have plenty of beautiful outfits and wraps in the studio for your baby which we can use, or you can bring your own outfit if you prefer.  What if my toddler is too little or wont hold the baby?Don't worry if your toddler is energetic or a little shy, this is all completely normal. I work at their pace, use gentle encouragement, and create a fun, stress-free environment to capture genuine smiles, cuddles, and sibling connections. If they are not keen to snuggle the baby , that is absolutely fine, we have plenty of time and we can try again later. I will never force them to do anything they are not happy doing, and we can often capture some gorgeous candid natural portraits instead. If your older children are toddlers or pre schoolers, bringing along snacks, drinks, and a favourite small toy can help keep them happy in between photos.  We have 3 older children , can we bring them all to the newborn photography session?Absolutely! I love including older siblings in newborn photography sessions. Whether you have one, two, three, or even more children, we can always make sure everyone has the opportunity to be part of these special memories. To help the session run smoothly, we usually begin with the family and sibling photographs while everyone is fresh and engaged. Once we've captured those images, older children often head home with another adult or enjoy a break while we finish the individual newborn portraits. This allows us to keep the session relaxed and gives your newborn plenty of time for feeding, settling, and those beautiful newborn baby portraits.    Can we have a family photo during a newborn photography session?Absolutely! There are a couple of different options for family photographs with your newborn in the studio. You can have a lovely relaxed snuggly family photo on my studio sofa, or if you prefer, something a little more posed, all stood together by my crisp clean white wall.    Things don't always go to plan. And not just for sibling sessions, for newborns on their own too , every baby and every child has their own schedule and agenda and they don't run by ours, which is why every single one of my sessions from newborn, to family and all the babies in between are completely led by you, not me. My aim is to capture your family, as they are , beautifully and naturally and to make this into beautiful memories that you will treasure forever.   If you are expecting again I would love to capture this next amazing part of your family's story. Please visit the link below for more information and to get in touch.  Cake Smash Photoshoots in Poole, DorsetA cake smash photography session is the perfect way to celebrate your baby turning one. The sessions are so much fun for your baby, and also for you to watch, and best of all you get to keep the beautiful memories to treasure forever. My cake smash sessions are the same natural style as all of my work, but you still have a few choices, you can choose which type of cake you would like , and your favourite props and outfit. Cake smash props  I have two beautiful wash tubs to choose from if you are having a splash and smash session. As well as lots of different lovely cake stands, and other decorations.  Cake smash cake choices  Buttercream sponge, or donuts? Cant decide - have both! They all look great with any of my set ups. I also have a selection of lovely wooden cake toppers. If your baby has an allergy, please do get in touch to discuss your options. I can provide a dairy, gluten and nut free cake for them.  Cake smash outfitsI have a beautiful collection of outfits in the studio for you to choose from. These are just some of the lovely little outfits that I have from age 9 to 18 months. You are always welcome to bring your own outfit if you have something special that you would like your baby to wear. Cake smash decorations   I love setting up cake smash sessions with my beautiful range of eco friendly decorations. Many of these are hand made by myself from up cycled materials such as my popular hand made upcycled rag bunting. When you come to the studio I will have the cake and some props set out ready and then you can choose which props and decorations you would like to use. I don't use balloons or other disposable decorations during my cake smash photography sessions. More information about Cake Smash PhotoshootsIf your baby is turning one soon I would love to help you celebrate. You can find out more and get in touch here:   Eco friendly cake smash photographyA cake smash photography session is the perfect way to celebrate your baby turning one. They are so much fun to watch , and you will get beautiful memories to cherish for many years to come. But have you ever thought about the potential waste? What about the cake? All the single use decorations? Well, I can put your mind at rest, as there is minimal waste with my cake smash photography sessions here in my baby photography studio in Dorset.  Plastic free business championAs a plastic free business champion (who has recently received my GOLD award!) I take waste very seriously. This is why it is so important to me to reduce waste (not just plastic, food too!) in what ever way I possibly can.  Re-usable cake smash decorationsAll of the decorations that I use in my cake smash photography sessions are re usable. Some of them are even hand made by me, from upcycled materials. I do not ever use balloons, or any other single use decorations. The cake smash cakeAlthough there is clearly no plastic in the cake , it was a big issue for me when I started doing cake smashes that there could be a lot of waste. What actually happens at my cake smash sessions, is that I wrap up what ever is left of the cake and you get to take it home to eat it later! I can assure you the cakes are very yummy. After putting the cake together, I always enjoy the off cuts with a cup of tea just before you arrive for your session! For food hygiene reasons, I do not bake the cakes, I buy them. I put the cakes together and decorate them. I have food hygiene level 2 qualification. Plastic free cleaning productsI wash and or clean all of my props after each session. A lot of cleaning is done after each session, so I stopped using disposable cleaning wipes and I now use refillable cleaning sprays with cloths. I also clean the floor immediately before each session, as your baby will be sat there eating cake! For this reason I also ask you to take off your shoes before you enter the studio to keep it nice and clean. I have cloths and water available to use should you be booking the simply smash package with no bath tub after.  Cake smash spoons!Each cake smash session comes with a gorgeous engraved wooden spoon. These are a huge hit, babies love banging and bashing a wooden spoon. The best part is that when we have finished the cake smash photoshoot, I wash it ready for you take home as a reminder of your baby's first birthday for many years to come. You can re use your spoon in the kitchen, or keep it for a special baking spoon when your little one is a bit older and wants to help in the kitchen. Is your baby turning one soon? I would love to help you celebrate this amazing milestone together. Please do get in touch I would love to hear from you.   The summer holidays are fast approaching, we will have 6 weeks to entertain and make memories with the children. Whilst you might be going away, or have some other big days out planned, you will more than certainly be looking for other FREE events and activities to fill in the days. I have put together a list of FREE events and activities across Dorset so that you can get ahead with your planning. Dates have been confirmed for the free Weymouth summer fireworks displays this year. You can see the fireworks anywhere along the seafront. Start planning your 2026 Summer Holidays with Joanne Dewberry's SUMMER HOLIDAY PLANNER! Every summer I start planning by getting Joanne's summer holiday planner. You can download it yourself for FREE (or you can buy a lovely printed one - see above, that is me on the right - pre heatwaves haha) If you run your own business , the summer holidays can be a challenging time, but for amazing hints and tips for organising both the children and your small business and using your Summer Holiday Planner efficiently, check out her blog https://joannedewberry.co.uk/summer-holiday-planner/ Lobster Dig - 12th August 1030am-12pm - Avon Beach Lobster Dig at Avon Beach! Join in on Wednesday 12th August, 10:30-12:00pm, for a FREE community event that's perfect for little adventurers! The Noisy Lobster team has hidden 100 Lobster Sand-Shapers on the beach and it's up to the children to dig, search and find them! Location: Avon Beach, opposite the Occasion Huts Library doors trail - Until 24th September 24 local schools have each created a story door, and there’s one hidden in every library. Download the map to begin the trail. How many doors can you find? The trail will run from Monday 25 May to Monday 28 September. Brewery Square, Dorchester - various datesLooking for ways to keep the kids active, entertained, and smiling this summer without breaking the bank? Brewery Square in Dorchester has got your mid week plans completely covered. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the holidays, Brewery Square is turning into the summer playground. Whether your little ones are future gold medallists, mini-strikers, or just looking to burn off some energy, bring them down for three days of completely FREE family fun. FREE summer movies - Tuckton Tea Gardens - varoius dates The line up for 2026 outdoor cinema is officially out. Whether you're making a night of it with the kids or fancy a relaxed riverside evening with friends, there's something for everyone and no booking required. Just show up and they will take care of the rest. Dorchester Kite Festival - 25th July 2026 A brand new festival is coming to Dorchester on Saturday 25th July 2026. Let’s Go Fly! Kite Festival is being hosted on The Great Field between 11am and 4.30pm. On the day, you’ll find… Huge stunt kites with commentated flying Art in the Park with Kites A flying area with space to launch your own A selection of market stalls and food Arts and crafts activities FREE Summer youth events - Bourne Community Hub - various dates Looking for fun and engaging activities for your children during the summer holidays? There is a fantastic programme of free events running throughout July and August at the Bourne Community Hub. These sessions are designed to help young people stay active, build confidence, learn new skills and make new friends in a safe and welcoming environment. Children aged 8–14 can attend independently with a completed consent form. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free Family Fun Day - Bourne Community Hub - 13th August 2-5pm  FREE family fun day at the Boune Community Hub. Lots of free activities. Bournemouth Natural Science museum - every Tuesday & Wednesday throughout August Open on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 - 16:00 throughout August! So come and visit this summer. It's FREE! Dorset Dinghy Day - 8th August - Iford, Christchurch For the uninitiated amongst you the rules are very simple: We launch at Iford Bridge and drift down the river. You have to be in something inflatable, literally anything inflatable will do! This is a family friendly event. You will be on the river for at least a couple of hours and unless you have a life-size inflatable replica of the Titanic then you are going to get wet. We drift away down the river and finish at Christchurch Quay literally miles away from the start point so do not expect to park and collect your car afterwards. You take part in this event at your own risk, the event organiser takes absolutely no responsibility for what happens on the water Anonymous Festival - Dorchester - 31st August SAVE THE DATE: ANONYMOUS FESTIVAL 2026 Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 11am-5pm 11am-5pm The Borough Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset Totally FREE I went to this event last year and it was an amazing FREE day out! All of the activities, workshops, games etc are all free! FREE Disney Lorcana fun day - Entoyment, Poole 15th August 11am-5pm Entoyment are hosting a Disney Lorcana Fun Day and everyone is welcome – whether you’re a Disney fan, already play Lorcana, or have never seen it before! It’s a great day out for kids and adults, and with our café on site, parents can relax with a coffee while the children get involved (or join in the fun themselves! ). Check out the poster for all the details. FREE family films at The Allendale, Wimborne. Various dates FREE Family Films Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne Doors open at 10am. Dates are now available for all of the Summer Season of films. See if you can guess the films from the clues in this image. For licencing reasons, they are unable to share the film titles online. Please sign up to their newsletter to discover which films are showing at www.linktr.ee/allendalecentre Bike nights on Poole Quay. Fridays throughout July and August Witness an amazing array of motorbikes every Friday evening during July & August set against the stunning backdrop of Poole Harbour. As usual, Brewery Square have free summer entertainment on again this year for the little ones. For more information visit - https://brewerysquare.com/ FREE Firework displays - multiple dates Throughout August there are many FREE local firework displays across Dorset, these include:
Local museums with FREE entry Did you know that many of our museums in Dorset are free to enter? These make the perfect wet weather activity when you need to get out of the house but the weather is not great.
Local attractions with FREE entry If you are looking for somewhere to visit locally with no entrance fees, I have put together a little list for you.
Other ideas for FREE activitiesOther ideas for free activities in the school holidays. You don't need a set day to have fun. How about getting the kids to choose something from this list or perhaps they have their own ideas of something that you can do for free in the holidays.
* Crabbing at Poole Quay, Lake Pier or Mudeford Quay. Check out this great article on top tip for crabbing in Dorset. * Visit the beach * Try geocaching * Go to the park * Fossil hunting * Watch the sunset/ sunrise * Picnics * Prize bingo night * Movie nights * Games nights * Do some baking * Splash park I hope you all enjoy the summer as much as we always do and I hope that you get some inspiration from reading this. If you know of anything else please do share in the comments section. Please make sure you check venues for more up to date information before travelling, some events require pre booking.  Getting your family together to capture some special memories that you will treasure for many years to come is one of the most valuable things that you will ever do. Memories become more and more precious as the years go on, and capturing your growing family is something that you will never ever regret. I love going out and about all across Dorset meeting families to capture such special memories for them and I would love to do this for your family too. Extended families are also more than welcome, family generation photography sessions are something that I do a lot over the summer months. Choosing a location for your family photography sessionIt is completely your decision where you would like to meet in Dorset for your family photography session. Think about what type of background you would like in your photos. What would suit your family better? Where do you like to go together? Are you a beach family, or do you prefer the countryside? Or maybe you prefer something a bit more urban. The main types of outdoor photography sessions that I usually do are either on the beach or in the forest. I have favourite locations across Dorset that I am happy to recommend but I am also happy to meet you at any other place that is special to your family.  The best time of day for your family photography sessionIf your photography session is taking place during the summer months, the best time is either early evening (2 hours before sunset) or first thing in the morning when the light is at its best. When you book in we can discuss this to work around your family. If your photography session is taking place during the autumn we can be more flexible with times. Where possible, it is always advisable to work around your little ones naps so that they are happy during the photography session.  Choosing clothing for your family photography sessionI like to keep my photography sessions as natural as possible so it really does not matter what you wear. It is up to you if you want to think about what clothing you think will go well with your chosen location, or if you prefer to simply wear something that represents your family's style. If you would like to you can have a look through some of the many family photographs that I have taken over the years. This will give you an idea of how different colours look in different locations. If you would like some recommendations, neutral, pastel colours, or blues with no bold logos or text look great on the beach. For the forest you can add in some more patterns and bolder colours. If matching clothing are important to you, with the linen or bamboo package there is time for outfit changes if you would like to do so. For beach photography sessions, it is more natural if you take your shoes off, but again that is a completely personal decision. Ideally everyone should either take their shoes off, or keep them on.   Preparing the children for your family photography sessionDepending on the age of your children, it is a good idea to tell them about what will happen when we meet. Tell them my name beforehand, and I will talk to them and I like to show them my camera and what it does. Most children will be unfamiliar with cameras as they are used to most people having just phones now. We will spend some time taking some family photographs together, and then usually some of the children on their own. If you have booked the linen or bamboo package there should also be time to capture some natural photos of the children playing. They will enjoy looking through the photo gallery with you at home after your session and will love looking at the printed photos when you put them up on your walls or in frames too. You will be creating such special memories for them which will only grow in value over time. Watching themselves grow up is a very important part of learning about who they are.   How to find out more about my family photography sessionsYou can find out more about my Dorset family photography sessions here. I would love to hear from you to capture your beautiful growing family. Birthday celebration ideas for your little oneYour child’s birthday is a magical day to celebrate their growth, personality, and all the joy they bring into your life. From their very first candle to their adventurous toddler years, each milestone is special. As a photographer specialising in capturing these precious memories, I love seeing the unique ways parents celebrate these occasions. Need some inspiration? Here are just a few birthday celebration ideas to inspire their first or next party. For the party itself, keep it simple. Think of a theme that matches your baby’s budding interests—maybe a favourite animal or colour. Add in soft, sensory toys or activities that little guests will enjoy. Cake smash photography sessionsThe first birthday is a monumental milestone—for your baby and you as parents! A cake smash photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate and capture this one-in-a-lifetime moment. I love to capture babies’ curiosity and delight as they explore their cake (with their hands, faces, and even feet!) These sessions aren’t just pictures; they’re a fun experience that allows your little one to shine. Find out more about my eco friendly cake smash photoshoots. Toddler adventuresToddlers are on the move, and their parties should reflect that energy! This age is perfect for creating hands-on experiences. Set up a mini “construction site” with toy diggers and sand for a construction-themed bash, or have a backyard safari with stuffed animals and explorer hats. Interactive setups are not only fun for the little ones but also create adorable photo opportunities. Imagination takes flightAs your child grows, their personality blossoms—and their interests expand! By ages 4 and 5, many kids are eager to share their favourite stories and hobbies with friends. Consider hosting a party based on their favourite character, book, or activity, from pirate treasure hunts to fairy-tale tea parties. This is also a fantastic time to book a family photo session. Use the occasion to get group portraits with grandparents, siblings, and other loved ones.. These memories are treasures for years to come. Capture the moments that matterNo matter how you choose to celebrate, remember that your child’s birthday is all about cherishing the little things—the giggles, the frosting-covered fingers, and the joy on their face as they blow out their candles. As a photographer, I’d love to help you preserve these precious moments. Cake smash not your thing? I also offer beautiful outdoor family photography sessions which are perfect to mark the special occasion. Contact me to schedule your child’s birthday photo session and make their celebration truly unforgettable. What ever you decode to do to celebrate your little one's birthday, I hope you all have a great time and make some memories that you will cherish for many years to come.  Welcome to my haven. My beautiful, calm space. My beautiful baby photography studio backs onto my house in Oakdale, Poole, Dorset. If you haven't already visited, I would love to show you around. Baby photography studio in Poole.I have been photographing babies for over 13 years now. I have been in my current space for 4 years so I thought it was time for an update! As a natural light photographer, the available light is absolutely essential when choosing a space for my newborn photography sessions. My studio is ready for all light conditions, and in the summer I add diffusers to the extra sunlight that comes in. In the colder months I have extra heaters to make it warm and cosy for happy content little bundles. Home comforts, and more.... My photography studio has a beautiful comfy sofa which doubles up as a cosy place for parents to chill out during their session (whilst I take care of their baby and create beautiful memories) and a place for the parent and baby photos. I have found myself migrating to the sofa over the past few years rather than a backdrop as parents are more comfortable and relaxed, so this helps produce beautiful natural images. It also makes the perfect setting for cosy family photos should you have any older sibling(s) that you might wish to bring to your newborn session. I have a lovely coffee machine , which uses recyclable pods (I am working on getting reusable ones) and plastic free snacks available, as well as cold drinks. I have wi-fi access for you to use, with the password on the wall. The studio is attached to the back of my house, with the kitchen right next to it should you need to warm up bottles. I am a naturally clean and tidy person so you should feel at ease if you need to use the bathroom whilst you are here. I ensure this is thoroughly cleaned. Beautiful neutral propsMy studio is kitted out with everything we will need for your baby photography session, and more! Whilst your beautiful little one will be at the centre of every single photo that I take, I do have a gorgeous collection of props, wraps and outfits to make those photos just that little bit more special. It is my job to work with your baby to create the most beautiful, natural images for you to treasure forever.   Newborn photography      I offer beautiful, natural newborn photography from my studio for babies from just 4 days old up to 6 weeks. Please visit my newborn photography pages for more information. Cake smash photographyCake smash sessions are the perfect way to celebrate your baby turning one. Please visit my cake smash photography pages for more information. View my gorgeous wall art and photography books   When you come to me for your photography session, you will see my stunning range of wall art on display, as well as some of my photo books. Should you fall in love with any of these, I have a special "on the day" price list for these products. If you are expecting or have a little one under 1 year, I would love to hear from you to see how I can help you capture this special time for you. Please do get in touch for more information.
 Newborn photography sessions at my studio in Poole, DorsetNewborn photography sessions in my Poole studio take place when your baby is between 5 days and a few weeks old. Sessions are totally baby led and you will get a set of gorgeous natural photographs that you will treasure for many years to come.  When is the best time to book in your newborn photography session?If you follow me or any other newborn photographers on social media, you may notice we are often advise "booking" in for your newborn photography session whilst you are pregnant, and ideally not waiting until your baby arrives to get in touch. It is always advisable to book in for your newborn photography session as soon as you can, anytime after your 12 week scan. The sooner you book in, the more likely you are to have the best chance of getting a space.  The benefits of booking your newborn photography session whilst you are still pregnantI have a VERY limited amount of spaces available for newborn photography sessions. When you book in early, not only will you secure your space but you will: Have more time to plan details Booking ahead allows time to think about and discuss:
Be less stressed after delivery The first couple of weeks with a newborn can be exhausting and unpredictable. Having your newborn photography session already arranged means one less thing to organize while recovering and adjusting. to life with your brand new baby.  How to book in your newborn photography sessionBut how do you "book" in when we don't know when your baby is going to arrive? When you book in, we pencil a date in the diary around 7 days after your due date. I understand that most babies do not arrive on their due date so this can easily be changed if necessary. I will be in touch nearer to that time to see how things are going. As you can understand, I need to be quite flexible with my time, hence why I can only book in a VERY LIMITED amount of babies per month. What if my baby has already arrived, can I still book a newborn photography session in?Babies are often early or late, which sometimes leads to me having last minute spaces available, so I can occasionally accommodate clients who get in touch after their baby arrives. But I can not guarantee space, and I often have to say that I am unfortunately fully booked. If you baby is already a little older you can still book in, for older baby photography session.  Professional photography pricingSo you have decided you would love some professional photographs of your new baby or your lovely family. Congratulations! The most important thing I can tell you is you will never regret this decision. Photographs become more valueable over timeYour Photos Become More Valuable Over Time Long after the children have grown, your photographs remain. They become the memories you revisit for years to come. Professional photographs are usually the ones that are passed down through generations, printed on walls, added to albums, and treasured in ways we often don’t fully realise until time has passed. Photography is one of the few investments from a special season of life that actually increases in emotional value over time. But where to look next? How much is a baby or family photography session going to cost? This is a huge consideration and your budget plays a huge part in making this decision. Since I started my business over 13 years ago, my pricing has always been clear and up front. There are no viewing appointments that get you to spend more on your photos than you can afford. I know many photographers successfully work like this, but its not for me, and it likely isn't for you either.. When I make a large purchase I need to know the costs upfront, not how much COULD this cost me. A huge difference in my pricing to most others, is that you chose your package when you book in. This way you know exactly how much it is going to cost you, however this does not stop you adding on additional photos or products should you wish to at a later date, but this absolutely NO PRESSURE and viewing your images is done online in the comfort of your own home giving you the chance to choose your images in your own time.  What is included with photography packages?I have clear set packages to choose from when you book your photography session. Each package includes the photography session and some images. The amount of images included depends on the price of the package that you choose. Newborn, baby and family photography sessions have the choice of 3 packages. Cake smash photography sessions have 2 package options.  How much do professional photography sessions actually cost?If you are still here, thank you for reading on. I am assuming you would like to know how much my photography sessions actually will cost you. All of my pricing is clearly avaliable on my website so you know if you can afford a session with me before you get in touch for more information. My prices vary depending on the type of photography session you would like to book. You can find my prices here:     It seems like it was only just the Easter holidays and the next one is nearly upon us! School holidays can be expensive times keeping the children entertained, so I have put together my usual half term holiday blog of free local events and activities that will hopefully help you out this May. Lovely Bubbly Show - Bourne community hub- 28th May 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 Join the Poole Communities Trust youth team and Richard Welsh for The Lovely Bubbly Show this May half term! Ticket available at: www.ticketsource.com/poole-communities-trust WDSME - Free train rides, Wimborne 25th May 2026 Wimborne and disctrict society of model engineers are open to the public during May half term on 25th May 2026 (and also during all the dates above) Please do come along for train rides. Donations welcome. (Weather dependent) BH21 3DA Make your own caterpillar - Oakdale library - drop in anytime during May half term Come and join in for our activities during May at Oakdale Library, including making your own caterpillar during Half-term week! Our library gardens are also open, come and explore! The Parks Foundation - bug hunts various dates and locations  As usual the parks foundation have their jam packed monthly schedule of events, some of which take place during half term week. Some events are now chargeable but the bug hunts are free. There are many more I have just shared a few of the locations with you that have some half term events on. You can find out more on the parks foundation website. Park Yoga - Poole Park. Every Sunday Join in for FREE Park Yoga. Every Sunday from 3rd May 9.30am - 10.30am. Look out for the Park Yoga flag. No need to book. Bring a mat or towel. Visit the Park Yoga Poole Facebook page for more information. Library Legends Challenge - all year long To celebrate the National Year of Reading, Library Legends have set five different quests for you to complete. Each quest is made up of 6 challenges. You will collect a star for every challenge you complete. When you finish a character's quest, you will get their special collector's card. Collect all five collector's cards to get a medal and earn your place in the league of Library Legends. Drop in to any BCP library to collect your Library Legends booklet and start the challenge today. Local attractions with FREE entryIf you are looking for somewhere to visit locally with no entrance fees, I have put together a little list for you.
If you know of any other FREE local events please do add them to the comments below so that others can see.
Have a great half term, and hopefully the nice weather will return! Please make sure you check details with event providers before travelling to events.  Last weekend (25th April) saw the 11th Poole Baby Event , which as always, took place inside Gather at the Poole Dolphin Centre. I had such a great day chatting to so many expectant and new parents , as well as catching up with so many lovely local businesses. Kelly's Toddler Bloom taster session was a huge hit and throughout the whole day she had babies laughing and smiling at her bubbles and other toys.   We were lucky enough to have a visit from Puddle this time too! This was a first (and I hope not a last!) for the event. Puddle Ducks have been so great in sponsoring the event over the year.s.
We had bumper goody bags this time with lots of goodies in!  We raised £85 for Spring support who support families who have lost their baby. Some of the Spring ladies also came along to promote awareness of this amazing charity.  From bumps to babies to toddlers, we had something for everyone. If you came to the event I hope you enjoyed it and we hope to see you at the next one on 26th October 2026. Poole Baby Event October 2026 | Facebook Kind words from some of the other businesses that attended the event: "Samantha, wow, thank you so much for yet another fabulously successful Poole Baby event on Sunday. I know how hard it is to pull events like this off; but you smashed it and made it look so easy. Well done to you, and thank you for having me attend again. I had a tremendous time. It was also lovely meeting and networking with new faces and familiar ones again. I had loads of fruitful chats with both other small businesses and visiting parents and their babies; and have one couple signed up to do a Baby Massage & Reflexology Workshop with me! Fantastic! Thank you again so much! Until next time everyone, take care. Much love, Maria (Manka) " "The Poole Baby Event was a wonderful collection of all things baby from tiny heads to tiny toes and with wonderful support and advice for Mums on hand from the experts there! It was a joy to meet to many Mims and their babies and children there! I was excited too when they purchased some of my designs. Well organised by Samantha thank you so much! " "Another great day and some lovely conversations plus I was able to signpost families to our new groups that are opening in BCP " If you are a local baby business that would like to attend our future events, you can register your interest here: Poole Baby Event    Disclaimer : These photos are all taken on phones, they are not professional photos.
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