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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

Castle Critters Family Quest Sep 13

Castle Critters Family Quest

Castle critters family quest at Corfe Castle. Join in with this family quest to find the hidden critters that call the castle home. Explore the castle ruins to discover how they help or hinder us...

Future Studland Survey Sep 13

Future Studland Survey

The National Trust and Dorset Coast Forum are working in partnership to build a long-term plan for the Studland area. The Future Studland plan will look ahead for the next 20 to 50 years. A key area...

Mindfulness Walk Sep 13

Mindfulness Walk

Booking essential - free event. 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...

Champagne Afternoon Tea Sep 15

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Make yourself feel really special by enjoying a refreshing champagne afternoon tea in the rare 'Devon Belle' Pullman observation car as you steam through the spectacular Purbeck countryside....

Full Moon Walks at RSPB Arne Open to All Sep 16

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...

Early Morning Yoga and Breakfast Sep 18

Early Morning Yoga and Breakfast

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful location whilst local yoga teacher, Sonja Lockyer, guides you through a one-hour yoga session followed by a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by...

Dorset Bird Festival Sep 21

Dorset Bird Festival

A wonderful weekend at RSPB Arne with: Talks by DWT Wild Woodbury, RSPB Dorset Senior Site Manager, Birds of Poole Harbour, Mya Bambrick and The White Tailed Eagle Project Behind the scenes guided...

Early Morning Bird Walk Sep 21

Early Morning Bird Walk

A ranger from the Dorset Wildlife Trust team will lead you on a wander around the island, lakes and lagoon. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the island and listen out for the sounds of the...

Nature and Wellbeing Fair Sep 21

Nature and Wellbeing Fair

Bring the whole family to the seaside for: Great music & free activities - think snakes, bees, wildlife conservation, sustainability & much more... With 25+ local initiatives/projects &...

Trust10 Sep 22

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...

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