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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

Mindfulness Walk Apr 24

Mindfulness Walk

Embark on a journey through mindfulness in nature. Attune your senses to the woodland's whispers. Traverse sensory landscapes living in the moment, concluding with mindfulness movements in the...

Talk: The Destruction of Arctic Convoy PQ17 Apr 24

Talk: The Destruction of Arctic Convoy PQ17

A tale of strategy, courage and human fallibility told by Naval historian and former submariner, Andy Boyd. On 4 July 1942 , Arctic Convoy PQ17, crossing the Barents Sea with supplies for Russia, was...

Wild wetland bird walk Apr 25

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 beautiful wetlands. Brownsea...

Swanage Carnival Classic Car Show Apr 26

Swanage Carnival Classic Car Show

The annual Carnival Classic Motor Show is a great, family-friendly spring day out and charitable event run by the Swanage Carnival committee. This is your chance to experience a fantastic selection of...

Trust10 Apr 26

Trust10

Trust10 running is about enjoying the landscapes and nature surrounding you rather than a competitive event supported by timing systems. Therefore, if timing is important to you, we recommend that you...

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend May 02

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Celebrate the Early May Bank Holiday weekend at Corfe Castle with a variety of activities to keep all the family entertained and amused. Try your hand at games such as fun archery, dress as a medieval...

Momoko Gill music event May 02

Momoko Gill music event

Following a sell out launch at the Jazz Cafe, unique drummer, songwriter and vocalist, Momoko Gill, brings her new album 'Momoko' and her band to Sandy Hill Arts. A must-see gig !

30th Anniversary Celebration & Afternoon Concert May 16

30th Anniversary Celebration & Afternoon Concert

Celebrate 30 years of the Purbeck Film Festival with an elegant afternoon at Encombe House. Stroll through the house's spectacular gardens, enjoy a selection of teas and cakes, and experience the...

Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge May 16

Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge

Experience the stunning beauty of England's Jurassic Coast on this iconic Ultra Challenge! Starting at Corfe Castle, you'll traverse the breathtaking coastline through landmarks like Lulworth...

All-Terrain Vehicle Nature Tour May 17

All-Terrain Vehicle Nature Tour

Let one of our team show you the nature and history of this special place, all from the comfort of one of our ATVs. You will be taken along a vast stretch of the beautiful Jurassic Coast and back in...

Family Neurodivergent Nature Walk May 23

Family Neurodivergent Nature Walk

A safe, friendly, non-judgemental space to meet like-minded neurodivergent people who enjoy spending time in nature. What can we learn from our natural world about creating the best environment to not...

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