Blog

See you next year!

Following a fantastically successful final Fairground at Night on Saturdy 22nd October, when visitors and volunteers alike enjoyed the Halloween theme, Hollycombe closed its doors for 2011 for its winter maintenance period. Dates for 2012 are being finalised and will be placed on the website shortly. However, the normal opening pattern for the early part of the year will be as for 2011, with Hollycombe opening on Good Friday, 6th April 2012. There will be some new events next year as well as some old favourites moving to new dates.

Meanwhile, a big 'thank you' to all our 2011 visitors and to our volunteers and staff for all their hard work this year. We look forward to seeing you from April next year.

Don’t miss the Halloween Fair at Night on Saturday 22nd October!

Don't miss the Halloween Fair at Night on Saturday 22nd October (7-10pm) as this is your last chance to come to Hollycombe this year.

Gates open at 6.30 and the rides will run from 7pm. We hope, if we can, to run some trains as well.

Why not dress up for the evening and add to that spooky, fun feeling?

There is no need to pre-book – just pay on the night – £10 for adults & £8 for children/seniors.

Last few chances to enjoy Hollycombe this year!

Saturday 22nd October is the last open evening at Hollycombe.

Don't miss the chance to come along and enjoy two more daytime openings on Sundays 9th & 16th October.

If you haven't experienced the steam fair in the dark, you've missed a unique experience! There's nothing like the sounds and smells of a steam-driven fair at night, so come along and experience it before it's too late to do so this year! Once you've paid to come in, all rides are free too!

Saturdays 15th & 22nd October have a ghostly theme with a Halloween flavour. It's nothing serious, just a bit of extra fun!

Fair at Night openings are here!

Hollycombe's 'Fairground at Night' Saturday evenings are keenly looked forward to by everyone and the 2011 season is here at last!

Held from 17th September to 22nd October, between 7 & 10pm, the steam fair comes alive with all the lights on and the smell, sights and sounds of the steam engines that drive the fair in these dark autumn evenings. This really is a magical experience not to be missed. Additionally, the train crew will endeavour to run the Quarry Railway, again a magical experience in the dark! The cafe will be serving its usual excellent fayre and you can pick up those early Christmas presents in the Gift Shop.

The last two evenings - 15th & 22nd October - are Halloween themed in a light-hearted way, so why not dress up and add to the not-too-scary atmosphere. Don't forget, the emphasis is on fun!

Do come along and enjoy the unique atmosphere of what fairgrounds were like 100 years ago. You won't find it anywhere else!

• Please note: There is no need to purchase tickets in advance; in fact, we do not sell advance tickets, only tickets on the night.

Simplicity at Great Dorset

Hollycombe's diminutive 3 ton Wallis & Steevens 'Simplicity' steam roller is a star attraction in the Old Glory magazine marquee at this year's Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Delivered to the site on Saturday 27th August, the unusual roller has attracted a lot of attention even before the show opened and a lot more during the open days.

Only six of these little rollers survive, of which only around three are in working order including the Hollycombe one.

It is due to return to Hollycombe after the show and will be in steam during the Rally Weekend on 10th & 11th September.