WITH the weather set fair for the weekend, what better excuse do you need to grab the family and head out to see some of Dorset’s more beautiful sites?

The ancient Swannery in the village of Abbotsbury is a perfcet place to be this weekend and the children will want to oooh and coo over the newest arrivals.

Since the start of this month, fluffy grey cygnets have been hatching throughout the gardens on the banks of the Fleet and this is a great opportunity to go and see them for yourself.

It is expected that more than 1,000 cygnets will hatch over the next six weeks at the site on Chesil Beach.

There are approximately 900 swans and 150 nests at the world’s only managed colony of wild mute swans which was founded by the Benedictine monks in the eleventh century. The first hatchling, Sunny, escaped his egg in the first week of May and according to tradition, his arrival heralded the official start of summer.

Head Swanherd Dave Wheeler said the cygnets usually hatch in the second or third week in May – this year is the second earliest date ever recorded since the Swannery began.

Mr Wheeler said the swans usually mate for life and they are familiar with every couple at the swannery.

He added: “It’s great seeing the same pairs rearing their cygnets.

“Now that one has hatched this usually sets the others off, so there will be loads of little ones on the way soon.

“There are over 100 nests and there are an average of six eggs in each nest so it’s a busy time.”

The swans return to the swannery year after year to nest and raise their young.

Female swans, called pens, start laying eggs from the age of three and can continue until they are 20.

Delicious local food, colourful, quirky arts and crafts stalls and some great live music has all been lined up for this Sunday’s family fun day at Minterne House, Minterne Magna near Dorchester.

The opulent Anonymous Travelling Market will be in situ with its vast array of edible and wearable goodies and furnishings and there will also be a classic car display, garden tour and children’s activities, Pimms and much more.

The day runs from 11am until 4.30pm and tickets are £3, with children and parking free.

There is also some great stuff going on at Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock where the National Trust is holding its Spring Tide Festival and farmers’ market tomorrow and Sunday. As well as a rich variety of local foods to sample and buy, there will also be artwork, biodiversity groups, live music, free PR advice and much more to enjoy.

The popular Hive Beach Café will be serving up special Spring Tide treats and there will be a circular festival walk starting at 1pm from the beach.

The stroll will last about 90 minutes and is aimed at families including those with dogs.

As part of the festival, award-winning photographer Ben Osborne will be at Portland Bill tonight to hold a picture-taking masterclass.

The idea is to try and capture the evening light and the twilight atmosphere as the light fades.

There’s plenty of subject matter including the famous Pulpit Rock, old quarries, rusty cranes, a spectacular lighthouse, the ‘Bill’ itself and its famous tide race.

The event runs from 5pm and 10pm and costs £30. Booking is essential on 01305 269512. It you fancy combining fitness with family fun, why not head down to Lodmoor Country Park, near Weymouth, and have a go on the new outdoor gym?

The apparatus is suitable for all age ranges and abilities, is open all year round and, most importantly, it’s free to use.

While there, you can visit the Sea Life centre or pop into the carpark cafe for a bite to eat or just a relaxing cuppa and ice cream.