October is a lovely time of year to visit Dorset. As the leaves change from gorgeous green to rusty red and with the rush of summer behind us, the county once again settles into a more relaxed pace. Although the weather may be cooling down and there'll be a few more rainy days, it doesn't mean you can't get out into the great outdoors to enjoy a walk or bike ride or even an alfresco coffee on sunnier days.
Experience the best of our glorious gardens as they showcase their autumn colours, and don’t forget to boo-k your autumn getaway for half-term and Halloween – it’s going to be spooktacular!
Autumn carnivals
You might be mistaken for thinking that carnivals only take place in the summer months – not here in Dorset.
We’ve got two spectacular carnivals, both in the north of the county, to brighten up your autumn nights.
Shaftesbury Carnival has been held for over 145 years and this year there will be market stalls, food, games and entertainment, plus 2 processions (including an illuminated evening one), marching bands and a fun fair too!
Gillingham Carnival Week includes treasure hunts, bingo and quiz nights, or you can visit the fun fair and watch the duck race. Not forgetting the processions on the final Saturday - the children's procession takes place at 3pm, with the grand finale illuminated procession starting at 7:15pm.
The events are fun for all ages and the carnival processions are free to watch.
Film Festivals in Dorset
Bournemouth International Film Festival is held in mid October. The festival will showcase UK and international short and feature film screenings, as well as industry panels, creative workshops, filmmaker networking and Q&As and more.
Sherborne International Film Festival takes place in mid October at a pop up cinema in Powell Theatre. It's your chance to catch up with some of the best recently released foreign films. There is a mixture of drama, action, comedy, thriller and tragedy, sometimes many found in one movie.
The annual Purbeck Film Festival is much loved by visitors and locals. Showing a varied mix of classic, award-winning, independent or foreign language films in some wonderful and unusual venues, the film festival takes place from mid October to early November.
Pumpkin Picking and Carving in Dorset
October is the month for heading out to one of Dorset's farms, putting on your wellies and picking your perfect pumpkin. Whether you choose to carve it or cook it, this is a fantastic autumnal tradition for all ages to enjoy.
There will be pumpkin picking and carving events taking place across the county and beyond.
Swanage Blues Festival
Every October thousands of music lovers come to Swanage Blues Festival, where there'll be 76 gigs at 18 venues. Expect superb music, drinking, eating, dancing, fun and laughter across the town and beyond, starting on Thursday evening and going on till late Sunday evening.
Regular fans say they love the friendly atmosphere and the wide range of electric and acoustic music available in the pubs, restaurants and hotel bars.
Dorset's Awesome Autumn Colours
Photo credit - Sherborne Castle and Gardens by Paul Dibben
As the seasons change, our beautiful gardens and countryside will be turning brilliant shades of red, orange and gold this month. A sign that autumn has well and truly arrived.
Grab your walking boots and a warm jumper to head out into the fresh air and awaken your senses. Hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, feel the cool autumn air on your face and toast the season with a pumpkin spiced latte – yum!
We’ve got two great blogs with lots of days out ideas for visiting gardens, woodlands and nature reserves or taking an autumnal walk in our glorious countryside.
October Half Term Holidays and Halloween
The autumn school holiday in Dorset starts in late October.
There’s will be lots of things to see and do for all the family during the October half-term holidays including pumpkin picking, craft activities, treasure trails and lots more.
For Halloween, get dressed up in your most ghoulish outfit and jump on a ghost train, explore haunted tunnels or create your own fang-tastic potion.
Events for writers and literary lovers
The first Romance Writing Festival takes place in Bournemouth during mid October. It will bring together a range of speakers, from bestselling authors to publishing insiders, editors and literary agents to help inspire, improve and progress both budding and experienced romance writers on their writing journey to publication.
The line-up for the 11th Dorchester Literary Festival is almost complete and lots of events can be booked online. Famous writers who will be giving talks include Martin Clunes, Jeremy Vine, Gyles Brandreth, Rev Richard Coles. It takes place from mid to late October.
Book your October getaway to Dorset
Wanting to book a short break or holiday in October? We've got some great accommodation options for you. From luxury hotels and cosy self-catering cottages to B&Bs and budget friendly holiday parks, there's something for everyone.
