Whether you are planning a holiday or day trip or just wondering what there is to see and do in Dorset during July, here's some fabulous ideas for how to spend your summer.
July really is the time to get outside to enjoy the south coast sunshine and warmer evenings. So, it's not surprising that this month is filled with lots of music festivals, camping adventures, carnivals and outdoor theatre shows to make the most of the good weather.
For a full list of events this month, take a look at our What's On guide for July.
Outdoor music festivals
© Camp Bestival
We’ve got some fantastic music festivals taking place this summer – here are our top picks.
The family-friendly Camp Bestival returns to the beautiful grounds of Lulworth Castle at the end of July for a four day extravaganza. Not only will there be headline music acts such as Sir Tom Jones, Sugababes, Basement Jaxx and The Zutons, but the festival will also feature many family favourites like Dick and Dom and Mr Tumble. Weekend camping tickets are available from £249.50 for adults and £117 for children, with children under 5 getting a free ticket.
SandFest returns for its 8th instalment at Sandbanks in mid July and this year’s headline act is Sonny Fodera. This is a beach festival like no other with the world famous golden sand of Sandbanks Beach underfoot and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Jurassic Coast in the distance. This event is for 18+ year olds only and tickets start at £50.
With over 60 live acts across 6 stages, Poole Harbour Festival is back for 3 days on the last weekend of July. The headliners are UB40 and Feeder, with Happy Mondays, Vengaboys, Judge Jules and N-Trance, plus loads of local and tribute bands too. There’ll be kids entertainment, plus lots of food and drink stalls too. Day and weekend tickets are available, starting from £27 for an adult ticket and £10.50 for children.
Carnivals
It wouldn’t be summer without carnivals, and we’ve got some brilliant ones taking place this July.
Kicking off the 2025 Carnival season is Wareham Carnival. With live music and food and drink and then the Carnival Procession on the final day, don’t miss these 3 days of fun on the third weekend in July.
Swanage Carnival and Regatta is one of the biggest events taking place in Swanage and draws visitors every year from far and wide. Enjoy 8 days of events from the last Saturday in July.
Lyme Regis and Bridport Carnivals take place in August.
Reconnect with the land beneath your feet
This summer, why not get out those walking shoes and discover Dorset’s history.
Not only is the scenery and landscapes amazing to look at, there is a story behind what lies hidden beneath your feet as you walk through our beautiful countryside.
Discover mystery and intrigue as you wander along riverside walks, over the top of hills or next to the magnificent Jurassic Coast. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll still get to see cracking views and there is always a pub, café or tearoom nearby to sample a few local flavours. Read our blog for 5 suggested walking routes to follow.
Swanage Jazz Festival
This year’s line-up for the 2025 Swanage Jazz Festival has now been finalised.
Headline acts and supporting artists will be performing traditional to contemporary jazz in a variety of venues for 3 days on the second weekend of July.
Tickets starts from £45 for adult with concessions for under 19s, free tickets for children 11 years and under, and a FREE Fringe Festival in local hotels and pubs.
Go wildlife watching in Dorset
© Peter Moore Photography
If you find that listening to the sounds of birdsong sooths your senses, there are lots of places to visit in Dorset where you can watch wildlife and get closer to nature.
There are many country parks and nature reserves where its easy to find peace and solitude on woodland tracks and heathland hikes. Whether you want to venture out on your own or would rather join a guided walk with a wildlife ranger, there’s always something new to see and listen out for.
Dorset is home to a huge amount of wildlife including rare red squirrels, ospreys, dolphins, reptiles, eagles and lots more.
From 4 to 6 July 2025, visit Coppet Hill near Bridport to take part in lots of wildlife activities such as moth clubs, nature walks, and bee and bird talks. You can camp overnight at their campsite or glamping pods, or just visit for the day.
Sherborne Castle Classic and Supercars Show
Photo courtesy of Sherborne Classic & Supercars Limited
With over 1500 vehicles, the Classic and Supercars Show returns to the stunning grounds of Sherborne Castle on the third Sunday in July.
For car enthusiasts and families alike, this event is a huge crowd pleaser.
Adult advance tickets are available from £18 (which includes a 18% discount on the gate price). Accompanied children under 16 get FREE entry.
Open air theatre
What could be better than a warm summers evening and sitting outside for a picnic and outdoor theatre show?
Shakespeare seems to be the flavour of the month with Twelfth Night being performed in the gardens at Kingston Lacy and Romeo and Juliet with the backdrop of Corfe Castle.
The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company bring their latest production 'Gentle Harry's Farm' to Bradford Abbas, Stourpaine and Child Okeford. Bursting with live music and original songs this brand new version of The Rudes' smash hit musical comedy, will be sure to raise a smile.
As well as your chairs and picnics, remember to take a blanket or warm clothing for when the sun goes down as the evenings in July can still feel a little cool.
Car free adventures
Corfe Castle Railway Station © Diana Jarvis
If you want to leave the car at home or head out for a day of adventure by bus, train or boat, we’ve got some great ideas for car free adventures in Dorset.
Jump on a double-decker open top bus to see more of our amazing county, take to the sea with a Coastal Cruises boat trip between Poole and Swanage or step back in time for a nostalgic ride on a Swanage Railway steam train.
Whichever way you choose to travel, you can put away the Sat Nav, relax and let someone else do the driving!
Yoga in the outdoors
Yoga with Sonja Lockyer on Brownsea Island © National Trust Images/Rachel L
If you're a fan of yoga, don't forget to bring your mat with you on holiday and enjoy outdoor yoga at a number of venues across the county.
Free Park Yoga takes place at Durlston Country Park, Poole Park and in Bournemouth's Central Gardens every Sunday morning from May to September.
Stay a little longer
If you're planning on an overnight stay or short break during your to Dorset visit this July, we've got lots of choice places to stay.
Whatever your budget or requirements, choose from hotels, B&Bs, pubs and inns, holiday parks, glamping or camping.
