Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre and Local Nature Reserve

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre and Local Nature Reserve This is the page for Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre. We are owned and operated by BCP Council. Keep it clean. Do not post spam.

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Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre opened in February 2014 and is owned and operated by BCP Council. The old thatched barn has been converted to house displays of the internationally important archaeology, geology and ecology found at this unique Nature Reserve. Our variety of exhibitions and events are designed to raise awareness and understanding of this fascinating place which is not only a Nature

Reserve, but an Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest and ranks as one of the most important such sites in England. Here are our page rules:
We welcome debate and will not censor critical comments, but we reserve the right to remove posts from users who post anything against our page rules:

1. Be civil, tasteful and relevant, and respect everyone, including the people managing this page who are here to help.

2. We have a profanity filter and posts containing swearing will automatically be deleted.

3. Do not post anything that is unlawful, libellous, harassing, defamatory, abusive, threatening, harmful, obscene, profane, sexually oriented or racially offensive.

4. Do not publicly post any personal information, such as contact details (your own or anyone else's).

6. Do not advertise products or services.

The Sun is coming out for half-term! There are a few spaces left on our half-term activities. To book your spot please v...
21/05/2026

The Sun is coming out for half-term! There are a few spaces left on our half-term activities. To book your spot please visit our website www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/whats-on for more details

🌿🔥 Summer Living History Day at Hengistbury Head 🔥🌿Step back in time 12,000 years and experience history like never befo...
20/05/2026

🌿🔥 Summer Living History Day at Hengistbury Head 🔥🌿

Step back in time 12,000 years and experience history like never before!

Join us at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre for a fun, hands-on day where the past comes to life — perfect for families, home-educated learners, and anyone curious about ancient history.

📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm
📍 Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Southbourne
✨ What’s happening?

Hands-on craft stalls and live demonstrations
Explore a replica Iron Age trading port
Learn ancient skills like:
🔹 Pottery making
🔹 Flint knapping
🔹 Painting with natural pigments
🔹 Textile weaving & jewellery making
🔹 Ironworking

Guided tours of the museum, roundhouses, and archaeological sites
Meet skilled craftspeople and heritage experts

This immersive event brings to life human history from the Stone Age through to the Roman period, with plenty to inspire learners of all ages.

🎟️ One ticket gives you access for the whole day, so you can dip in and out as you explore.

👉 Book your place Via our Website:

https://www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/whats-on

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended!

👇 Tag someone who’d love this and share with your community — we’d love to see you there!

🪨✨ Family Archaeology Adventure – Book Your Spot Now! ✨🪨Wednesday 27th MayEver wondered what it’s like to be an archaeol...
19/05/2026

🪨✨ Family Archaeology Adventure – Book Your Spot Now! ✨🪨

Wednesday 27th May

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an archaeologist? 🏺
Now you can find out as a family!
Join us for an interactive mock excavation experience led by students from Bournemouth University. Perfect for curious young minds, this hands-on session brings history to life in a fun and engaging way.

👧 Ideal for children under 10
⏱️ 45-minute sessions
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 £6 Family ticket (2 adults + 2–3 children)
📦 Includes your own 1m x 1m excavation plot
🔍 What to expect:

Dig for hidden finds like pots, flints & bones
Learn real archaeological techniques
Piece together clues from a 4,000-year-old story
Work together as a family team of explorers!

🧤 All tools and materials provided
🌤️ Outdoor activity – please wear suitable clothing & footwear
👉 Spaces are limited – book your family adventure today and uncover the past together!

HALF TERM ACTIVITY ~ ARCHAEOLOGY WALK FOR ALL THE FAMILY & FUN CRAFT DEMONSTRATION!Saturday 23rd May 10am.Walk in the fo...
18/05/2026

HALF TERM ACTIVITY ~ ARCHAEOLOGY WALK FOR ALL THE FAMILY & FUN CRAFT DEMONSTRATION!

Saturday 23rd May 10am.

Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors!

Discover 12,000 years of history at Hengistbury Head. Join us for a guided walk around this beautiful local landmark as we uncover the lives of the people who came before us and explore how Hengistbury Head became one of Britain’s most important prehistoric sites. There will also be a short demonstration of a Heritage Craft at the start by our Performing the Past Volunteers.

Book here: Hengistbury Head Website
https://www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/whats-on

Or Direct On EVENTBRITE HERE:
https://tinyurl.com/HengistburyWalkThisWeekend

Adults £3.50 Children - FREE!

Enquiries 01202 128444

🌅 FINAL CALL: Dawn Chorus at St Catherine’s Hill 🌿🗓 Saturday 17 May | ⏰ 6:00amThere’s still time to join us for this mag...
11/05/2026

🌅 FINAL CALL: Dawn Chorus at St Catherine’s Hill 🌿

🗓 Saturday 17 May | ⏰ 6:00am

There’s still time to join us for this magical early-morning experience ✨
Spring is the perfect season to hear birdsong at its best, and this guided Dawn Chorus walk is a wonderful way to start the day.
Walk with a local bird expert as they help you spot and identify the birds that call St Catherine’s Hill home 🐦

📍 Meeting point: what3words 👉 hockey.tricks.mooring

💷 Cost: Adults £6 | Children FREE

Wrap up warm, set that early alarm, and enjoy a peaceful morning with nature 🌄
We’d love to see you there!

📸 Photo by Neil Wesson

Hengistbury Head: Then and NowWhen wandering across Hengistbury Head, thoughts often drift to the footsteps of our prehi...
06/05/2026

Hengistbury Head: Then and Now

When wandering across Hengistbury Head, thoughts often drift to the footsteps of our prehistoric ancestors — from the Stone Age through to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Recently, while exploring the Hengistbury Head Archive, this photograph from around 1914 caught my attention.
It offers a striking reminder of the military presence stationed here during the early days of the First World War. Look closely and you can see an ‘audience’ of local people gathered along the Double D***s in the mid-ground, watching events unfold.
Now contrast that scene with today — May 2026 — where local schoolchildren make their peaceful way across Barn Field, accompanied by the sound of skylarks.
The landscape itself tells a story too. Notice the short, closely grazed turf in the historic image, with very little natural scrub. This reflects a time of heavy overgrazing by rabbits during the 20th century.
Undoubtedly, Hengistbury Head has benefited from more than 40 years of careful management as both a Nature Reserve and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, allowing wildlife and heritage to flourish once more.

🌼 What’s On This May 🌼May is packed with exciting activities here at the museum, with something for all ages to enjoy! F...
29/04/2026

🌼 What’s On This May 🌼

May is packed with exciting activities here at the museum, with something for all ages to enjoy! From hands‑on family sessions to creative and interactive experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun together.

✨ Highlights this month include:

-Family‑friendly workshops and activities
-Interactive sessions inspired by archaeology and history
-Short, engaging events perfect for younger visitors
-Small‑group experiences with plenty of chances to get involved

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another visit, we’d love to welcome you this May.

📅 Check individual event listings for dates, times, and booking details.
🎟️ Advance booking recommended for popular sessions.

🌅Not long until Dawn Chorus at St Catherine’s Hill 🌿🗓 May 17th | ⏰ 6:00amSpring is the perfect time to get outside and e...
27/04/2026

🌅Not long until Dawn Chorus at St Catherine’s Hill 🌿

🗓 May 17th | ⏰ 6:00am

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sounds of birdsong. Join us for an early morning Dawn Chorus walk at St Catherine’s Hill, where we’ll be accompanied by a local bird expert who will help identify the wonderful birds that call the hill home 🐦✨

📍 Meeting Point:
What3Words 👉 hockey.tricks.mooring

💷 Cost:
Adults £6 | Children go FREE

Wrap up warm, bring your curiosity, and start your day with nature 🌄
We’d love to see you there!



Photo by Adrian Simmonds

🌸 Felted Flowers Workshop 🌸🗓 Saturday, May 2 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM📍 Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre💷 £15 per personLearn wet fe...
21/04/2026

🌸 Felted Flowers Workshop 🌸

🗓 Saturday, May 2 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
💷 £15 per person

Learn wet felting and create beautiful spring flowers in this relaxed, hands-on workshop. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike—come make something blooming lovely! 🌼

Tickets available on our website

Join Dorset Dogs and the Heritage Activator at Hengistbury Head for a *FREE* historical guided walkies focused on our re...
21/04/2026

Join Dorset Dogs and the Heritage Activator at Hengistbury Head for a *FREE* historical guided walkies focused on our relationship with dogs; past and present.

Learn about how dogs were a part of our lives from the Iron Age through to today, alongside some great tips for connecting with your dog and the nature around us when out in special places for both history and nature such as Hengistbury Head.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/historical-guided-walkies-with-hengistbury-head-and-dorset-dogs-tickets-1987043823566?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*139xe9o*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjQzMzE2MTkxLjE3NzYxNjE5MjM.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NzYxNjE5MjIkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzYxNjE5MjIkajYwJGwwJGgw

Address

Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve
Bournemouth
BH64EN

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441202128444

Website

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