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: 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: Grounded Exhibition
Grounded Exhibition: 10.30am-4.30pm Grounded, by walking artist Emma Scattergood, features paintings, drawings and words inspired by walking and noticing - encouraging visitors to also slow down and...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run
Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location. Free event but register through www.parkrun.org.uk.
Events at Durlston Country Park: Castle Tour
Castle Tour Discover the history of Durlston Castle. Free but Donations welcome.
Events at Durlston Country Park: Seabird Boat Trip
Seabird Boat Trips Guillemots, Puffins, Peregrines and geology with the Durlston rangers. Booking required via www.coastalcruisespoole.co.uk/ poole-bird-watching-cruise/ Meet at Swanage Pier....
Swanage Railway Diesel Gala and Beer Festival
A three day feast of diesel as the Swanage Railway home fleet is joined by a host of visitors and works an intensive and varied timetable of passenger trains giving visitors the opportunity to ride...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Glass Engraving Workshop
Glass Engraving Workshops Learn this fascinating craft. Adults and children (8+) welcome. In the Learning Centre,. £18. Booking required.
Wellness in the Dunes: Yoga, Sound, Sauna & Lunch
Spend the morning immersed in dune, sea and open sky. The experience begins with yoga in the shelter of Studland's dunes, led by Paula, an experienced instructor with over 12 years of practice....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Durlston's Seabirds
Durlston's Seabirds, 11am To celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, join a Ranger for a short introduction to the birds found on the Durlston cliffs - 1/2hr. Free. Castle Reception...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Super Seabirds Activity Trail
Super Seabirds Activity Trail 10am-4pm Discover Durlston's amazing Guillemots and other seabirds and win a prize! £3.50 per trail pack, available from the Castle Reception. ...
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...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Meet a Moth
Meet a Moth! Take a look at what we’ve found in last night’s moth trap. Meet at the Castle Reception. Donations welcome.
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
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...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Guided Walks
Guided Walks: Meet at the Castle Reception, £3.50​​​​ Wednesday 29 April: Orchids and other Spring Flowers, 2.30pm A guided walk to hunt for flowers, including our Early Spider Orchids and...
Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle
Embark on a fascinating journey through Brownsea Island's rich history as you explore the island and the castle's picturesque grounds. Hear intriguing stories of the island's past,...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Look! And Look Again! Exhibition
Look! And Look Again! Exhibition 10.30am-4.30pm Three artists explore their shared interest of Purbeck's coast and wildlife. Prints, Paintings and Drawings by Robin Mackenzie, Heather Gibbons and...
Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C – Major Solo Art Exhibition
Purbeck-based sculptor Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C. presents a major solo exhibition spanning nearly four decades of work. Primarily working in wood and bronze, Thomas blends traditional craftsmanship with...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Kids Activities.
Kids Activities Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, Pirate Medallion Drop in, 11am-2pm As Swanage Pirate Festival arrives in town, drop into Durlston's Belvedere to make your own pirate medallion!...
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...
