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, join a guided walk to find a rare red squirrel or be bedazzled by our autumn carnival processions. And don’t forget to boo-k your autumn getaway for half-term and Halloween – it’s going to be spooktacular!
Pumpkin Picking and Carving
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 are pumpkin picking and carving events taking place across the county and beyond.
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.
Red Squirrel Walks
Photo credit - National Trust Images
Autumn is the best time of year for the chance of seeing a rare red squirrel on the National Trust’s Brownsea Island.
As these cute creatures forage for food to hide away for winter, they venture out from the safety of the trees down onto the woodland floor, which makes them much easier to spot.
Red squirrels are extremely rare in England and only live in the south of the country on islands such as Brownsea.
Halloween and October Half Term Holidays
The autumn school holiday in Dorset starts in late October.
There’s lots of things to see and do for all the family during half-term 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.
Purbeck Film Festival
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 late November and continues into early November each year.
There’s also a number of family-friendly films for younger viewers as well as exclusive Q&As and film previews.
Book your October break 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.
