August is a great time of year to visit Dorset! The sun is shining (hopefully!), and Dorset is buzzing with fantastic events, things to do and places to go! If you're visiting Dorset in August then this is a great time of year to visit our beaches and get out on the water or why not head inland and discover Dorset's beautiful countryside and market towns where you'll find some fantastic attractions, activities and shops! We’ve provided our ideas of some of the things you can enjoy during August in Dorset but make sure you check out our Things to Do and What’s On pages!
Great places to stay in Dorset
First and foremost, if you’re coming to Dorset for a holiday or short break and you need somewhere to stay then you’ve come to the right place! There are some great accommodation options with swimming pools, perfect for a dip on a hot day or why not make the most of our great outdoors and camp out under the night sky or if you fancy something with a bit more style, we’ve got loads of amazing glamping options!
Check out our special offers and late availability to see if you can grab yourself a bargain!
Dorset beaches!
With over 100 miles of coastline, Dorset is home to numerous beautiful beaches, each one with its own unique charm and character!
Head to Lyme Regis, Weymouth or Swanage for a bit of sandcastle building, swimming in the sea and relaxing in a deck chair or visit West Bay for stunning geology and Charmouth for a spot of fossil hunting.
Check out our Dorset beaches page and discover the perfect beach for you. Make sure you always follow safety advice.
What's on in August in Dorset
There is so much happening in August we don’t know where to start!
Camp Bestival takes place at the majestic Lulworth Castle over the first weekend in August. Here you can enjoy 3 whole days of music to tackle all taste buds, stand up comedy, DJ sets, and a fantastic line up for the little ones - this is a festival not to be missed!
If you like it hot, then make sure you check out the Great Dorset Chilli Festival in early August…definitely the hottest day out in Dorset!
Jurassic Fields Festival in Bridport hosts some top headliners such as Toploader, Reef and Artful Dodger and takes place over 3 days in mid August and is not to be missed!
We Out Here Festival takes place across 4 days in mid August and boasts over 200 artists, celebrating genre pioneers alongside the best in emerging talent. By day, enjoy the biggest names in Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, Brazilian and sounds from across the globe, and at night, dance to some of the scene's most exciting DJs delivering genre-bending sets across House, Disco, Boogie, Techno, Broken Beat, Jungle, Drum and Bass and everything in-between.
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival in mid August celebrates outstanding, original young folk, roots and world music, young up and coming musicians as well as national and international folk acts and a good variety of local music.
This year sees the return of Candles on the Cobb in Lyme Regis; a dramatic and spectacular event illuminating the historic Cobb Harbour at Lyme Regis with 5000 tea-light candles
There are also folk festivals, cider festivals, agricultural shows, summer firework displays and much more….check out our what’s on pages to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Days out in Dorset
If you’re looking for a family fun day out then there’s plenty of options in Dorset! There’s the renowned Monkey World and Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park for animal lovers, 3D zombie Woodland and Archery for those looking for an immersive experience as well the Tank Museum, Swanage Railway, Heavy Horse Farm Park and everything in between!
Visit one of Dorset's castles
Why not visit a castle or four? Uncover the great stories of Sherborne Castle, feel like you're in a fairy-tale at Lulworth Castle, visit Henry VIII's finest coastal fort at Portland Castle or visit one of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, Corfe Castle.
Whilst at Corfe Castle you have the added option of visiting the King's View Experience. The Kings' View is a platform that stands tall within the Keep where royal living quarters once were and offers unparalleled views. Until now, this part of the castle has been inaccessible to everyone except conservation teams using ropes and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is only available this year .
Corfe Castle are offering a 20% discount to all visitors who arrive after 2.30pm during August.
Regattas and carnivals!
Many towns host carnivals and regattas throughout August so there's plenty of events for you to enjoy and most are free!
Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival takes place in early August and includes a dazzling torchlight procession, fireworks, carnival as well as a duck race and candles down the river. Swanage Lifeboat Week follows in mid August and is a hugely entertaining week culminating in a raft race. Next up is Bridport Carnival and Torchlight Procession in mid August when the town buzzes with a fun packed line-up of events.
Get out on the water
August is a great month to get out on the water. Join an organised group activity with Fore Adventure or Cumulus Outdoors and try your hand at kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, coasteering or snorkelling – a great way to explore the sea and Jurassic Coast.
Visit the beautiful town of Wareham and hire a rowing boat and paddle up the river or hop on board a river cruise! Or enjoy a coastal cruise or blast from West Bay on Lyme Bay RIB Charter!
If giant inflatables are more your thing, then head over to Dorset Adventure Park and traverse more than 200m of wet inflatable fun!
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Dorset's countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Go hiking or cycling in Dorset's National Landscape or enjoy a treetop adventure at Go Ape Moors Valley!
Book your August getaway
If you're planning on visiting for more than one day, take a look at our huge range of accommodation options including hotels, B&Bs, campsites and more.
