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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

The Kingcombe Visitor Centre

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The Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Dorset Wildlife Trust's Kingcombe Visitor Centre and cafe, nestled in the heart of the stunning Kingcombe National Nature Reserve

03/06/2026

**Final Weekend of DAW 2026!**

Don’t miss the final few days of Dorset Art Weeks 2026. Come and visit our inspiring exhibition at Venue 260, held at the beautiful Kingcombe Visitor Centre. Featuring a wonderful collection of nature-inspired artwork, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy creativity in a stunning countryside setting.

While you’re here, take time to explore the wildlife gardens and surrounding Kingcombe Meadows national nature reserve —and enjoy a visit to the café. The Kitchen at Kingcombe

📍 Venue 260 – Kingcombe Visitor Centre
🎨 Dorset Art Weeks 2026
☕ Café open 10am - 3pm (3.30pm Saturday & Sunday)

We look forward to welcoming you ~ Nansi

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-art-weeks-2026-at-kingcombe-tickets-1982691366249?utm_source=chatgpt.com

14/05/2026

Have you noticed bat's at dusk and want to learn more about them ? We've got just the course coming up at The Kingcombe Visitor Centre on the evening of Wednesday 17th June with a local bat expert. To book a space see the Dorset Wildlife Trust events page.
Matt

07/05/2026

🌿🌾 Step into the wild and discover the secret lives of grasses and sedges in this fascinating field workshop with expert botanist Jim White.

Jim is a wealth of knowledge about both botany and Kingcombe. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a wildlife enthusiast or a budding botanist 🔍, this is an exciting opportunity to see familiar plants in a completely new light.

Most of the day will be spent out in the field, with time to look at a wide range of species 🌼🍃.

Book your tickets here - https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-06-03-introduction-grass-and-sedge-identification

01/05/2026

🍃Birding Workshop at Kingcombe National Nature Reserve 🐦

Whether you're new to birdwatching or have decades of experience, come along for a day of discovery with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Hamish Murray.

This one-day workshop is perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their bird identification skills, combining guided walks around Kingcombe with some relaxed indoor learning.

As we spot different birds, we’ll explore key clues that help with identification, including:

🐦 Where and when did we see it?
🐦 Characteristic movement, size and shape
🐦 What are its distinctive colours and markings?
🐦 Is it on its own or in a group?
🐦 Behaviours
🐦 Is it making any sounds?

We'll look at what equipment to use, how to make simple field sketches and notes, and how to use smartphone apps, cameras and other technology.

Book your tickets here - https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-05-27-identifying-birds-sight-and-sound

Please note: The day will involve walking along footpaths and some slopes so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

~ Bex

25/04/2026

The Kingcombe Visitor Centre and the surrounding national nature reserve looking so beautiful, loads of Bluebells, Swallows and Orchids around, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Swifts too !
Swallow barn on site is hosting information on Beavers, how they shape rivers, landscapes and local wildlife, also as part of our big give beaver campaign Dorset Wildlife Trust
The Kitchen at Kingcombe
Matt

17/04/2026

Swift, Swallow or Martin ? Learn more about how to identify birds by sight and sound on our bird i.d. course coming up next month. To find out more about our fantastic range of courses head to the Dorset Wildlife Trust website/courses and workshops.
Matt

13/04/2026

🌳 Nature Tots at Kingcombe Visitor Centre 🌳
Fri, 17 April 10.30am - 11.30am

Do you have (or look after) little ones who love exploring the great outdoors and need a change of scene?

Come and join us for **Nature Tots**, a relaxed, monthly session designed especially for children aged five and under and their parents or guardians. All welcome to this friendly and welcoming setting.

Together, we’ll explore the beautiful Kingcombe Visitor Centre site and discover the wildlife that calls it home through hands on, curiosity led activities. Sessions may include:
🍃 Nature walks
🎨 Simple crafts and painting
📖 Story time
💦 Muddy play
🐞 Bug hunting and wildlife discovery

It’s a chance to slow down, step outside, and enjoy nature with your little ones. 💚 ~ Nansi
Booking link below 👇

Why not make a morning of it and treat yourselves at The Kitchen at Kingcombe café for the perfect little escape. 🥪🍰☕️
Dorset Wildlife Trust

📷D Meadowcroft, V Ashby & E Websdale

12/02/2026

Lots of signs of spring at The Kingcombe Visitor Centre, primroses, snowdrops, daffodils on site and frogspawn was spotted on a pond on the surrounding nature reserve. The birds are all getting very vocal and enjoying the milder weather - learn more about some of the birds on site on our half term event next week - visit the Dorset Wildlife Trust events page for more information and to book. The Kitchen at Kingcombe

07/02/2026

Kingcombe Visitor Centre is now open and our fantastic range of walks, talks and courses are now available to all on the Dorset Wildlife Trust events page.
The snowdrops and primroses on site and the surrounding nature reserve are looking amazing, birds are very vocal enjoying the longer day length as springs arrival is gathering pace. See you soon - Matt
The Kitchen at Kingcombe

02/01/2026

Join us for the first guided walk of 2026 to Powerstock Common.

Booking essential due to group size as we take the minibus from Kingcombe Visitor Centre to Powerstock Common. Link in comments.

Step into nature in 2026 and experience the wildlife, habitats, and seasonal changes of Kingcombe Meadows National Nature Reserve. The first of a series of monthly walks to explore the reserve’s rich habitats and the wildlife they support.

These relaxed, informative walks are ideal for anyone with an interest in nature, whether you’re a beginner or a regular wildlife enthusiast. You’ll gain insight into conservation at Kingcombe Meadows while enjoying time outdoors in a beautiful setting. 🌳👣

Address

Dorset Wildlife Trust, Kingcombe Visitor Centre, Lower Kingcombe
Dorchester
DT20EQ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441300320684

Website

https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/kingcombe-centre

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