JANUARY can be a particularly bleak and dull month.

Christmas is over, the weather isn't great and sticking to a New Year's resolution isn't as easy as it's made out to be.

However, there are plenty of fun activities to take part in and places to explore.

We have compiled a list of 10 things that are happening across Dorset this January to brighten up the month and help you get the most out of what's on offer.

1. The Quest for Excalibow - The Bowjangles

Start the month off with a performance by the Bowjangles at Frampton Village Hall near Dorchester on January 10.

Bowjangles are a string quartet who not only play their instruments, but dance, sing, leap, tumble and joke whilst they perform. This intrepid string quartet present a magical, theatrical, musical journey through myths, folklore and legends.

The Bowjangles will also take you on a journey through a portal in a cello case, in the quest to find the most priceless relic of all, a magical violin bow known as Excalibow.

Expect tales of monsters, ancient gods, historical figures and characters of pure fantasy in this action packed show, full of comedy, panache and a variety of musical genres.

The performance will begin at 7:30pm and finish at 9:30pm.

Tickets cost £10 per adult and £6 per child.

To book your tickets, call the Box Office on 07968 586906 or visit: www.artsreach.co.uk

2. The Woodland Trail - Kingston Lacy

If your New Year's resolution is to explore and exercise more, the Woodland Trail at Kingston Lacy is ideal.

This is a multi-use trail that is designed to be used by walkers, runners, families, cyclists and off-road wheelchairs.

This trail will lead you through beautiful woodland and along old carriage drives that were created by the Bankes family.

The trail begins at the car park at Kingston Lacy and finishes when you pass Kingston Lacy house and return to the visitor reception.

Due to the unpredictable British winter weather, it would be wise to wear and pack waterproof clothing.

More details about the trail can be found at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy/trails/the-woodland-trail-at-kingston-lacy-in-dorset

3. The Pudding Club at Thimble Inn

The Thimble Inn in Dorchester will be holding its monthly Pudding Club on January 14.

This sweet evening will begin at 7:30pm where you will be greeted by a cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.

A light main meal will then be served to ensure room is spared for four delectable desserts.

This tasty event costs £25 per person.

Spaces are limited so be quick with booking your table.

The Thimble Inn will require a £5 deposit to reserve your space.

Call them on 01300 348270 to book.

4. Trips from West Bay - Lyme Bay Rib Charter

Every Sunday in January, Lyme Bay Rib Charter is offering a half an hour Jurassic Coast Cruise twice a day.

This Cruise is the perfect way to see the magnificent Dorset coastline, cliffs and iconic scenery such as that seen on Broadchurch.

The cruise times are 10:30am and 11:30am, but it is advised that you arrive beforehand for the loading, unloading, stowing your kit and receiving your safety brief.

For adults (aged 12+) the ride costs £15 and for Children (aged 5-11) it costs £12.

To book, visit the Lyme Bay Rib Charter website: http://www.lymebayribcharter.co.uk/trips-from-west-bay

5. The Dirty Devil Stampede 2020 - The Bovington Tank Range

The filthiest fitness event of the year returns for its sixth year in January.

Over the weekend of January 18 and 19, three muddy races will take place at the Bovington Camp.

The Dirty Devil Stampede 5k Fun Run will occur on January 18, mainly appealing to those who want an introduction to mud running in a relatively safe environment.

This race is untimed so there will be no pressure to run at a certain pace; you can enjoy the moment while being splattered with mud.

All members of the family can run around the muddy tank tracks and complete the course together.

Minimum age for this event is 8 – children aged between 8 and 14 will need to twist the arm of a responsible adult (adult must be 18 or over) to enter this race.

The Dirty Devil Stampede 10k and The Dirty Devil Double will be taking place on January 19.

This multi-terrain run of the new, much longer one or two loop course takes you around the iconic location of the Bovington Tank training ground.

During the Dirty Devil Stampede you will encounter trails, hills, mud, plenty of water, the sheep dip and the knife edge so you will be kept on your toes throughout.

There will be prizes for the Top Three Male and Female competitors.

A 2020 Dirty Devil custom Buff and Finishers Medal will be given to all who complete their chosen course.

For more information regarding times, prices and booking for each race, visit: https://bustinskin.com/events/the-dirty-devil-stampede-2020/

6. Chinese New Year Children's Crafts - Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum are hosting a drop-in craft session for children on January 25.

This fun, informative event is from 10:30am to 1pm.

It will focus on celebrating the Year of the Rat with themed crafts.

The session costs £4 each and standard admission into the house applies.

7. Splashdown Waterpark

For the first week of January and following weekends, the thrilling Waterpark in Poole will be open from 10am to 5pm.

The plethora of exciting rides on offer will undoubtedly give you an adrenalin boost to keep you motivated throughout the month.

From fast, exciting flumes to more sedate and calm slides, every member of the family is catered for.

For off-peak ticket price information, see the Splashdown website: https://www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/poole/tickets-and-opening-times/

8. Dog friendly beaches in Dorset

Taking your beloved pooch for a walk in the winter sunshine or pouring rain is a necessary activity but also a fun one.

It can be made even more enjoyable for everyone by visiting some of the gorgeous beaches in Dorset.

Here are just a few places you can explore with your four-legged friends:

Avon Beach in Mudeford welcomes dogs on the beach between October 1 and April 30 with no lead required during this time period.

Poole beaches such as Branksome Chine and Canford Cliffs also allow dogs to roam freely between October 1 and April 30.

For a full list of dog friendly beaches, visit: https://www.visit-dorset.com/ideas-and-inspiration/dog-friendly/dog-friendly-beaches

9. Oasis Fun Bournemouth, Glen Fern Road

Oasis is an indoor, fun-filled experience for the whole family.

A six lane bowling alley is available, as well as an indoor soft play centre, large Adventure Golf course, arcades and pool tables. Delicious food and drink is also served in their American diner and bar (only open Fridays-Sundays).

This is ideal for when the winter weather strikes and will keep everyone entertained in the warm indoors.

Oasis is open 10am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 11pm Friday and Saturday.

There is no entry fee into Oasis, but prices vary per activity.

10. Blinded By The Light at the Marine Theatre

If you are looking for something other than a large box office film to watch, look no further.

Grab some popcorn and a friend and visit The Marine Theatre.

On January 30 The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis is showing the 2019 film, Blinded By The Light, an uplifting British comedy-drama set in 1987.

It revolves around a teenager from an Asian family who learns to live his life, understand his family, and find his own voice through the music of American rock star Bruce Springsteen.

The film will start at 7:30pm and is rated a 12A.

Advance tickets cost £6 and tickets bought on the door cost £7.50.

Tickets are available to buy in person from Lyme Regis and Bridport Tourist Information centres and over the phone on 01297 442138.

They can also be bought on the Marine Theatre website: https://www.marinetheatre.com/blinded-by-the-light/