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Events and Festivals in Purbeck

 

On the Isle of Purbeck, there is a year-round calendar of events to keep you entertained at all times and in all weathers. So whether you are wanting to take an art class, watch open-air theatre or eat all you can at a foodie festival, there is plenty on offer.

Toe tapping fun

If you’re a music lover, then we’ve got just about everything you could want, from headlining acts at Camp Bestival to up and coming local bands performing in pubs.

Blues, Roots and Folk are big on the list of music festivals which take place every year and have a huge following – so book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Challenge yourself

Are you the fitness fanatic in your family whose idea of a relaxing holiday is to go for a 5 mile run every morning? Then you might like to take part in or watch one of our many sporting events – marathons, rowing regattas, walking challenges and triathlons are just a few. Or why not make up your own running, cycling or walking route – there are plenty of hill climbs to get the heart racing!

Family friendly

The events calendar is bursting with things to keep the kiddies amused or to entertain the whole family during your visit.

The Tank Museum’s TankFest is a highlight of the year – the world's biggest and best live display of historic armour, living history, and much more at the Home of the Tank. And then when summer arrives it’s all about carnival week with fun and games, competitions, fancy dress and parades.

If art is more your scene, you won’t want to miss Purbeck Art Weeks where there are open studios to watch the artists at work, exhibitions and musical performances.

And if you are visiting during the school holidays, our local attractions always have extra special events to let the children burn off some energy and the adults put their feet up for five minutes!

Something for all seasons

It’s not just the summer which is packed with events. If you are visiting at Easter, you’ll find chocolate egg hunts and treasure trails for all ages – who doesn’t love chocolate!

Autumn brings Halloween fancy dress parties, pumpkin festivals and amazing firework displays and bonfires on Guy Fawkes Night. And then to close the year, you can celebrate the Winter Solstice, witness the lighting up of our towns and villages with Christmas lights, join in with some carol singing, and then ring in the New Year with a glass of bubbly or two.

Book your stay on the Isle of Purbeck

So you've planned what you are going to do while on holiday, now find somewhere to stay. You'll find lots of choices from homely guest houses to 5 star campsites. For extra advice, contact one of team at Swanage Information Centre.

Events coming soon

Kings' View Experience Mar 26

Kings' View Experience

Called the Kings' View, the platform stands tall within the Keep where royal living quarters once were. Until now, this part of the castle has been inaccessible to everyone except conservation...

Story Tots Mar 26

Story Tots

Join us for a cosy morning where you can bring your little ones to enjoy our children's books, participate in fun craft activities like colouring, meet other families, and grab a coffee.

Sunflower Planting Mar 29

Sunflower Planting

Bring your Mum, Grandma or special someone and plant a sunflower seed in your very own eco-pot whilst in the surrounding of a 1000 year old ruined castle. Take your sunflower home and watch it grow...

Wild wetland bird walk Mar 29

Wild wetland bird walk

Brownsea Island is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Our guided walks, led by an expert Dorset Wildlife Trust ranger, take you through the island's vibrant wetlands, where the...

Amadou Diagne & Cory Seznec Touki - Plastic Man Mar 30

Amadou Diagne & Cory Seznec Touki - Plastic Man

Touki's sound infuses East and West African styles and traditions with Appalachian banjo, folk motifs, and orchestral arrangements. Amadou Diagne's powerful percussion, Cory Seznec's...

Mother's Day Mar 30

Mother's Day

Make this special occasion unforgettable by treating the special women in your life to a mouthwatering three-course meal at Kingston Country Courtyard. Indulge in exquisite flavors, with each dish...

Mother's Day at the Grand Hotel Mar 30

Mother's Day at the Grand Hotel

Mother's Day Sunday Carvery We are now taking bookings for our delicious Carvery on Mothering Sunday (30th March). Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views across Swanage Bay. Mother's Day...

A One Man Show with David Hepworth & Mark Ellen Apr 04

A One Man Show with David Hepworth & Mark Ellen

Now in their fifth decade of working together, David Hepworth & Mark Ellen, are two of the nation's most experienced music writers, broadcasters, and podcasters. They will be looking back on...

Easter Trail on Swanage Pier Apr 04

Easter Trail on Swanage Pier

The Easter Bunny, along with his friends, is hiding on Swanage Pier. Can you find them, discover the Easter saying and answer our quiz in our egg-citing Easter trail. Here is what you need to do……….....

Bluey Apr 05

Bluey

WACKADOO! BLUEY IS VISITING SWANAGE RAILWAY! Come and meet everyone's favourite Blue Heeler at Harmans Cross on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April. You must purchase a timed event ticket to meet...

Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle Apr 05

Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle

Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 5-21 April 2025, from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm, so come along and explore the...

Studland's Easter Adventure Apr 05

Studland's Easter Adventure

Head along the trail and find nature inspired activities for the whole family. Do you know your adder from your grass snake? Learn about the six native reptile species that call Studland their home,...

Plan Your Visit

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