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  1. High Angle Battery is located on the Isle of Portland and we visited recently to explore the historic site.

    High Angle Battery Portland Dorset 15

    Constructed in the 1890’s, the Victorian gun battery was built to help defend Portland Harbour against invasion.  Its main purpose was to fire shells at a high angle onto any attacking ships below.  With the high position and underground buildings, tunnels and concealed gun emplacements it made it almost invisible to enemy warships.

    HIGH ANGLE BATTERY PORTLAND 1

    Despite its incredible design, advancements in ship speed meant the site quickly became disused and the battery went out of use after only 10 years, never firing a single shot in combat.

    This site is now a Scheduled Monument and in 2022 it was placed on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.

    HIGH ANGLE BATTERY PORTLAND 2

    High Angle Battery is located close to the New Ground and you will find free parking close by plus an information board which is worth reading. You will need to watch young children as there are high walkways on the upper gun level and broken glass in some of the tunnels.  Our children loved exploring and went in and out of the many ‘ghost tunnels’ and rooms.

    HIGH ANGLE BATTERY PORTLAND 3

    While you are there, I’d recommend walking over to the Verne Citadel to marvel at the stunning coastal views and pop into Fancy’s Farm to feed the animals.

    If you are driving and heading towards the Height Hotel on the New Ground road then keep your eyes on the right and look for a low stone circular wall.  Within this circle you will find some super cool dinosaur footprints which are preserved in slabs of limestone.

    EVERLASTING STONE CIRCLE DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS PORTLAND

    You can also go and visit Tout Quarry Sculpture Park where there are estimated to be over 70 sculptures to discover in the abandoned stone quarry.  To read more about Tout Quarry Sculpture Park, please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.

    Tout Quarry Free Places Blog

    All activities mentioned are free and makes for a great day out if you pack a picnic.

    If you are looking to stay on the Isle of Portland for a few days then I can thoroughly recommend The Penn Estate.  If you would like to read about our recent break away from home then please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.

    High Angle Battery Portland Dorset 15

  2. When your little one is due to start school it can be a scary time for both parent and child so it’s a good idea to attend meet-ups and make friends before September.

    Below is a list of new starter reception Facebook groups, home educating groups and venue meet-ups that have been found for 2025 but if you know of any more then please Contact Us.

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    SCHOOL RECEPTION STARTER FACEBOOK GROUPS

     

    • POOLE •

    Heatherlands Primary School 

    Lilliput Infant School 

    Talbot Primary School

     

    • BOURNEMOUTH •

    Elm Academy

    Hill View Primary Academy School 

    Kingsleigh Primary School 

    Moordown St John’s Primary School  

    Muscliff Primary School

    St Marks CE Primary School 

    The Epiphany School 

    Malmesbury Park Primary School

    Winton Primary School

     

    • WIMBORNE & FERNDOWN •

    Ferndown First School

    Merley First School

    Parley First School 

    Rushcombe First School 

     

    HOME SCHOOLING FACEBOOK GROUPS

    Bournemouth, Poole and Surrounding Area Home Educators

    Home Educators in Dorset

     

    SOFT PLAY / MOBILE PLAY SCHOOL MEET-UPS

      

    LOLLIPOPS PLAY CAFÉ

    Address: Lollipops Play Café, 16 Landseer Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9EH
    Website: Lollipops Play Cafe

    Lollipops School Starter 2025 3

     

    DISCOVERY VILLAGE ROLE PLAY CENTRE

    Info: Join other parents and carers of children starting school for the first time this September at the specially designed play sessions. These friendly meet-ups are the perfect way to help your child meet future classmates, start forming friendships, and feel more comfortable before the school term begins. To register your interest, please visit the website below.

    Address: Discovery Village Role Play Centre, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
    Website: Discovery Village Role Play Centre

     

    MINI MONSTERS

    Address: Mini Monsters, 960 Wimborne Rd, Moordown, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2DG
    Website: Mini Monsters

    Mini Monsters School Starters 2025

     

    LITTLE BUGS SOFT PLAY

    Info: To help with the new school transition, Little Bugs will be hosting School Starter sessions for some of the local schools.  Sessions will include kids drinks, snacks, colouring and soft play!

    Address: Little Bugs Soft Play, 380 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9AU
    Website: Little Bugs Soft Play

     

    LITTLE TREASURES VILLAGE

    Address: Little Treasures Village, Troveuk, 21b Saxon Square, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1QA
    Website: Little Treasures Village

    School Starters Little Treasures Village 2025

      

    If you know of any more School Reception Facebook Groups or Soft Play Meet-Ups then please do Contact Us

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