Free weekend? Here's our weekly round up of things to do across the county - and don't forget to check our 50 things to do with your children in half term for loads more events for youngsters

Friday

Spot a red squirrel on Brownsea Island

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare red squirrel on their trip to Brownsea Island should join one of the guided walks taking place this Friday at 11.30am and 2pm. With autumn in full swing, the squirrels are coming down from the canopy of trees to store food and can be spotted playing in the lower branches. Normal admission fees and boat fares apply. National Trust members, free entry.

Pig out at the Sausage and Cider FestivalCorfe Castle and Greyhound Inn Dorset England.jpg
"Corfe Castle and Greyhound Inn Dorset England" by JimChampion - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Greyhound Inn are hosting their own sausage and cider festival in Corfe Castle, starting this Saturday. So, if you’re feeling peckish come along and sample a selection of hand-made sausages, all washed down with a pint of artisan cider. Opening times: 12 pm-9.30pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

Get spooky in Studland

If you need an excuse to head to the beach on a brisk day then take the family on a Halloween trail in Studland. Starting from Knoll Visitor Centre, follow the clues left by creepy crawlies and creatures of the night to win your prize. There are also some free seasonal crafts on offer for children at the Discovery Centre. Trail £2 per child.

Have fun foraging in Arne

Now celebrating its fifth birthday, the Arne Forage festival brings together local traders, local food producers and craft stalls. Visitors can try their hands at bush craft with the Ancient Technology Centre, or even practise their knife skills. Those who fancy foraging themselves can go on a walk and try out a range of activities in the great outdoors. No booking required, 11am – 4pm.

Brave Beaulieu

Get in Halloween spirit and head to Beaulieu for its Half-Term Hauntings this weekend. Beaulieu is supposed to be one of Britain’s most haunted places, with ghostly sightings reported in the 13th century Abbey and at Palace House. If you’re brave enough to take part, there’s a range of activities on offer: follow the Halloween quiz trail and take a lucky dip in the witch’s cauldron; listen to scary stories from the costumed guides in Palace House and the Abbey, and have your face painted as something scary. Normal admission fees apply, with half price entry for all children in Halloween costume.

Have a feast at Wimborne Food and Drink Festival

This weekend marks the beginning of this year’s Dorset Food Week. First port-of-call for foodies will be Wimborne, where over 50 food and drink producers from all over Dorset will set up market in Minster Green, Town Square, Cornmarket and Willow Walk. Visitors and locals are invited to celebrate the best seasonal, fresh food from the county with a farmers market, anonymous travelling market, demonstrations and special offers. For wine connoisseurs, there’s also wine tasting in the Cornmarket. Free entry.

Seek out sculptures at Corfe Castle

If you’re not distracted too much by the views from the top of Corfe Castle this weekend, then look out for some subtle sculptures positioned in various places around the grounds. The National Trust has teamed up with Purbeck Art Weeks to put on this sculpture trail for any interested visitor.

Sunday

Appreciate art and nature at the Wildlife Art Exhibition in Swanage

Well-known wildlife artist, Bruce Pearson, is showing off some of his best work at an art exhibition in Durlston Country Park this Sunday. Pearson is inspired by the natural world and creates art which embodies the rhythm and restlessness of nature with powerful, dramatic results. Exhibition continues till 23rd November. 10.30am-4pm.

Watch bands battle it out in Boscombe

The Burrow is putting on a Battle of the Bands at the Shelley Theatre in Boscombe this Sunday. If you fancy seeing some live music from some of the best local youth talent, then this is your night planned. Starts at 7.30pm. Free entry.

Join the circus

The popular Family Circus Fun Day at the Lighthouse in Poole is back in town. Watch performances from Company Non Nova and Clement Dazin before trying out your own circus skills with several workshops. There’s also face painting for those who want to look the real part when they’re clowning around. Free entry.See http://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk./family-circus-fun-day-2 for details.

Get crafty in Christchurch

Arts & Crafts Teapot

For all craft-lovers out there, The Dorset Team will be hosting their Autumn Craft Fair at Hoburne Park in Christchurch this Sunday. Forty stalls will be selling everything crafts-related, including: homeware, jewellery, stationary, fused glass, paintings, felt gifts, cards, soap, and much more. Free entry. 10am-3pm.