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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.

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.

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!

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

Bee Wild About Pollinators Jun 01

Bee Wild About Pollinators

Brownsea island will be buzzing with family fun this May half term. Follow our self-led activity trail to learn all about plant pollinating insects. Have a go at our feed the hungry caterpillar game,...

Paddle and Cake Jun 01

Paddle and Cake

Make the dream of paddle boarding around this beautiful island a reality. Whether this is your first time paddle boarding or you're a seasoned pro this trip is for you. Warm up afterwards with hot...

Purbeck Art Weeks Festival Jun 01

Purbeck Art Weeks Festival

Welcome to Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2023. A two week festival celebrating all aspects creative of art. Artist Open Studios for you to explore around the Purbecks offering a broad selection of...

Supper and Safari Jun 01

Supper and Safari

A fantastic opportunity to meet some of Brownsea's more elusive wildlife. Enjoy a boat ride to the island and a tasty homecooked meal before heading out with one of our knowledgeable guides on a...

Swanage Fairy Festival Jun 01

Swanage Fairy Festival

Swanage fairy Festival will be making a huge splash again this year in the stunning seaside town of Swanage in Dorset. You will be mesmerized with the spectacular live mermaid show, spellbound by the...

Swanage Pier Photography Exhibition Jun 01

Swanage Pier Photography Exhibition

Saturday 27th May - Sunday 16th July Back for a second year is our History of the Pier exhibition at the end of the Pier. The photo exhibition takes you through the history of the 'new Pier'...

Kayak Foraging Jun 03

Kayak Foraging

Join us on one of our kayak foraging adventures this summer. We'll investigate the life in our bay through foraging from the kayaks, identifying wild plants and searching for edible seaweeds as we...

The Enchanted Cinema – Family Workshop Jun 03

The Enchanted Cinema – Family Workshop

We're excited to announce that as part of the Purbeck Art Weeks Festival, the Enchanted Cinema will be coming to Sandy Hill Arts, taking you on a live cinema adventure with Studio Ghibli &...

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