The ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ is upon us, the point in the year where summer still lingers on, but autumn is beginning to rear its head. The harvest is being gathered, the landscape is coloured golden and the hedgerows are full of blackberries and spiders spinning their silk.
September is an ideal time to visit this stunning county, the summer crowds have gone home but the weather is still mild enough to enjoy the best that Dorset has to offer.
Here are our top picks this month.
Dorset County Show
Held in early September at the Dorchester Showground, The Dorset County Show embodies the essence of Dorset’s agricultural heritage and is a staple on the Dorset events calendar. From livestock displays and equestrian competitions to artisanal food stalls and craft exhibitions, you can really immerse yourself in Dorset’s rural traditions. There’s plenty for families too, including live entertainment in the main ring with motorcycle stunts and scurry racing, thrilling fun fair rides, and kid friendly shows and games.
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Say cheese! The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, as its name suggests, is a festival devoted to cheese with plenty of cheese making, cheese tasting, cookery demonstrations and cheese related events. As well as numerous dairy delights, there’s also arts and craft stalls, live music, Punch and Judy and kids entertainment constituting a fab family day out in mid September.
© Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Dusk Til Dark – A Free Arts Festival in Weymouth this September
One of the most enchanting events in Dorset this September is Dusk Til Dark in Weymouth. This free evening arts celebration transforms the town centre with light, movement and creativity. This year’s theme, Sonnet of Samsara, features a breathtaking outdoor dance performance with international artists, local performers and hundreds of hand-painted silk pennants. It’s a unique way to experience Weymouth after dark - immersive, inspiring, full of community spirit and definitely not one to be missed!
Great British Beach Clean
Every September thousands of people across the UK head to the coast to take part in the Great British Beach Clean. With more and more people wanting to travel responsibly and give back to the community in which they stay, this is an ideal opportunity to help keep Dorset’s beaches looking beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Heritage Open Days
September heralds the return of the much loved Heritage Open Days, a 10 day event (from early to mid September) where many of Dorset’s historic properties, castles, museums, theatres and churches open their doors for free!
It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage in Dorset’s enthralling history and culture and a chance to see hidden places that are not usually open to the public.
Find somewhere to stay in September
Dorset has a fantastic array of accommodation from award winning B&Bs, luxury hotels, cosy countryside boltholes, campsites with sensational views and quirky shepherd's huts and bell tents.
Come and stay with us in September and we promise you'll want to return time and time again!
