Discover Dorset in 2026! From celebrating the Jurassic Coast’s 25th anniversary to marvelling at Luke Jerram’s glowing Helios installation, this year is packed with unforgettable experiences. Gaze at vibrant kites, unwind at the luxurious Silverlake Lido, and cheer on world-class athletes at the iQFOiL Windsurfing Championships. Make Dorset your destination for adventure, art, and relaxation!
The Jurassic Coast turns 25
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast designation – England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles between Studland in Dorset and Exmouth in Devon. This coastline is like a giant timeline of Earth’s history, showing 185 million years of change including stunning cliffs, arches, and fossil-filled beaches.
Look out for special events taking place this year to celebrate 25 years of the Jurassic Coast.
Luke Jerram’s Helios shines bright this spring
UK artist Luke Jerram’s touring exhibition ‘Helios’ will be illuminating Dorchester Corn Exchange from Saturday 28 March until Monday 6 April 2026, 10am to 4pm. The event is free, however donations are welcome.
The giant orb measuring 7 metres in diameter features detailed imagery of the Sun’s surface and will be suspended above the ground. On a number of evenings, there will be special events and workshops ‘under the sun’ including drawing, scripts and movement – these events may be ticketed.
Dorchester Kite Festival
Get ready for an uplifting event in Dorchester this June!
Winging its way to The Great Field at Poundbury, Let’s Go Fly Dorchester Kite Festival will feature spectacular and colourful professional kite displays on Saturday 6 June 2026, from 10am until 4:30pm.
Look to the skies as huge animals, characters and shapes float above the town.
Silverlake Lido – Opening Summer 2026
A CGI of Silverlake Dorset's new Lido
Launching in summer 2026, the Silverlake Lido will welcome both Silverlake guests and the local Dorset community. This stunning destination will feature a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, cold plunge, sauna, watersports equipment hire and indulgent spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Accompanying the lido, the Firefly Restaurant will offer lakeside dining with breathtaking views and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere.
Set to be one of Dorset’s most exclusive leisure spaces, a limited number of community memberships will be available for purchase. You can pre-register your interest to be sent all the latest news.
iQFOiL Windsurfing World Championship 2026
© Sailing Energy/IQFOiL Class
iQFOiL Windsurfing is a fast paced and exciting sport, and the World Championships will be coming to Weymouth from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 September 2026.
During the 5 days, 250 athletes from over 40 nations will compete in the Men’s and Women’s events.
It will be the first time the UK has hosted a major championship in the class, and the first World Championship on UK waters in an Olympic windsurfing discipline since 2009.
British rider Emma Wilson (who is a Dorset local) and her team mate Andy Brown will be defending their World Championship titles at the event.
The majority of the windsurfing will take place near the National Sailing Academy on Portland, however on the Saturday, you can watch all the action on a big screen near Weymouth Pavilion. And there will be the medal ceremony as well, where you can cheer on the winners.
