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
Events at Durlston Country Park: 'Sea Change': Exhibition by Carrie Mason
Poole 'Sea Change': Exhibition by Carrie Mason 10am-4pm An exhibition of drawing, print and sculpture by Carrie Mason exploring the transformational effect of the sea on both...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Cuppa and Chat
Cuppa and Chat Enjoy a cuppa, make new friends and enjoy the lovely woodland setting of the Durlston ‘Shed’. Just drop in and say hello to our ‘Sheddies’. FREE....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run
Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location! Durlston Country Park is now host to Park Run every Saturday. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world....
Historical Tour and Cream Tea in Brownsea Castle
Discover the intriguing history of Brownsea Island with one of our knowledgeable guides, who will take you on a journey back in time. Learn about the castle's eccentric past residents, royalty,...
Pliosaur - The Terrifying Sea-Rex
The Home of Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster! On the back of the incredible BBC documentary 'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster' we are very excited to share our amazing Pliosaur skull...
Victorian Weekend
Victorian Weekend at Swanage Railway. A three-day celebration of the era that built the railway branch line from Wareham to Swanage in the 1880s. Includes: - Home Fleet of Locomotives. - LSWR No. 563,...
Easter Brilliant Birds Trail at Brownsea
Have your very own woodland adventure this Easter at Brownsea Island. Follow our interactive trail and discover all about birds and their amazing lives. Race your family in the bug and spoon race,...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Stargazing
Stargazing Join us and the Wessex Astronomical Society at the Learning Centre to and look through the telescopes and the observatory dome telescope. The event is weather dependent, in case of bad...
Come and Sing Evensong
Advance notice of our next "Come and Sing" Evensong at St Mary's Church in Swanage which will be on Palm Sunday, 24th March, when we are delighted to welcome Dr David Flood to lead our...
Full Moon Walks at RSPB Arne Open to All
New for 2024, Full Moon Walks at Arne are now open to all! Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight. Join us for a 2 hour guided walk around the...
Full Moon Walks for Women at RSPB Arne
Back for 2024! Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, in an event uniquely created by women for women. At Arne we believe no one should feel unable...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail
Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail, Daily 10am-4pm Hop on up to Durlston as we enjoy the Easter holidays! Head to the Castle reception and collect your activity trail booklet. Just...
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt Can you help the Easter Bunny hunt for eggs? Come to Swanage railway for a fun filled family trip and as you travel look out of the windows to spot the missing eggs. This event is free...
Eggcellent Easter Trail on Swanage Pier
The Easter bunny has hidden some eggs on the Pier, find them all and solve the Easter saying and discover the items hidden in the eggs to earn your reward. So here is what you need to do... Pick up...
Parent and Baby Walks at RSPB Arne
Happening this year on every last Friday of the month (except December). Get outdoors and meet other young families on a gentle nature walk with frequent stops. Suitable for parents with babies under...
Pre Schoolers Nature Club Frogs and Toads
Explorer's wanted! Whether it's bug hunting, puddle splashing or getting crafty, you can expect an all-round adventure! Our Preschool Nature Club is a monthly nature group for children aged...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Glass Engraving Workshop
Glass Engraving Workshop Join Rob Page from the South West Guild of Glass Engravers for a brilliant workshop demonstrating and teaching the art of Glass Engraving. No experience is needed to learn...
Easter Sunday Carvery
Join us at the Grand Hotel for a lovely Carvery this Easter Sunday. Sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous views across Swanage Bay. To book a table call 01929 423353.
Events at Durlston Country Park: Guided Walks
Durlston Rocks!' Geology Walk, 11am, 22/10/2023 Join a Ranger to discover Durlston's rocks, fossils and prehistoric past. Pleasure Grounds Guided Walk, 11am-12.30pm,...
Easter-Inspired Fun on Swanage Pier with the Easter Bunny
It's shaping up to be an 'eggs-citing' Easter on Swanage Pier, Come along and meet the Easter Bunny and take part in 'eggs-ceptional' Easter-themed crafts and hopping...