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.

Showjumper at Dorset County Show

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 map© Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

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.

2 Minute beach clean information board at Studland, Dorset

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.

Exterior of Kingston Lacy

Autumn carnivals

Shaftesbury Carnival illuminated procession in Dorset

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 takes place on the last Saturday in September. 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 begins in late September with their Grand Illuminated Procession taking place on the first Saturday in October. Throughout the week you can take part in treasure hunts, bingo and quiz nights, or visit the fun fair and watch the duck race.. 

The events are fun for all ages and the carnival processions are free to watch.

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!