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
2 hour Intro to stand up paddle boarding in Studland
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Coastal foraging and edible seaweed
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Discover RSPB Arne - Guided Walk
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Events at Durlston Country Park': “The Uncanny Scenery of a Dream”: Art Exhibition by Stanley Donwood
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Events at Durlston Country Park: Cuppa and Chat
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Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run
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Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Yoga
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Events at Durlston Country Park: ‘Purbeck Places - Take another Look’ Exhibition
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Forest Bathing Walk at RSPB Arne
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Events at Durlston Country Park: Seabird Boat Trip
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Events at Durlston Country Park:Reset Your Stress Levels and Rejuvenate Your Mind!
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Kayak, Fish, Forage
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Swanage Pier History Walk
Swanage Pier History Walk - Wednesday 25th May at 2.30pm. Enjoy a tour following in the footsteps of the Victorians in a stroll along the pier, a pleasure that has been enjoyed by...