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
Childrens Swanage Pier History Tour
Swanage Pier has a fascinating history and has always been an important part of Swanage. We will take a walk along the Pier, for about 45 minutes, strolling in the footsteps of past generations to...
Easter Brilliant Birds Trail at Brownsea
Have your very own woodland adventure this Easter at Brownsea Island. Follow our interactive trail and discover all about birds and their amazing lives. Race your family in the bug and spoon race,...
Easter-Inspired Fun on Swanage Pier with the Easter Bunny
It's shaping up to be an 'eggs-citing' Easter on Swanage Pier, Come along and meet the Easter Bunny and take part in 'eggs-ceptional' Easter-themed crafts and hopping...
Eggcellent Easter Trail on Swanage Pier
The Easter bunny has hidden some eggs on the Pier, find them all and solve the Easter saying and discover the items hidden in the eggs to earn your reward. So here is what you need to do... Pick up...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail
Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail, Daily 10am-4pm Hop on up to Durlston as we enjoy the Easter holidays! Head to the Castle reception and collect your activity trail booklet. Just...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run
Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location! Durlston Country Park is now host to Park Run every Saturday. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Wild Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays Drop in at the Learning Centre from 11am - 3pm to have a go at weird and wonderful painting, crafts and activities. Wild Wednesdays runs every Wednesday of the school holidays and...
Not Quite the Dawn Chorus Guided Walks for Families
Have you always wanted to know what the birds are getting up to when you're getting ready for school? Or what birds you have singing in your garden? Then why not come join us for one of our (Not...
Pliosaur - The Terrifying Sea-Rex
The Home of Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster! On the back of the incredible BBC documentary 'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster' we are very excited to share our amazing Pliosaur skull...
Sign-Writing Course With Terry Smith
Terry Smith, a traditional signwriter, has been working in the traditional way, creating posters, pub and house signs, illustrations, murals, coach painting and lining for over 35 years. In a computer...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Kids' Events
Events For Kids: 26th October: Wild Durlston Kid's Activity, 10:30am - 12pm Join a Durlston Ranger in the Learning Centre to learn more about the country park through games and...
Seasonal Family Bushcraft Workshops
New for 2024 season, bring your parents along to these seasonal family bushcraft workshops with local expert Joe Peartree. From wood carving, fire lighting skills, animal tracking to foraging and den...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Stargazing
Stargazing Join us and the Wessex Astronomical Society at the Learning Centre to and look through the telescopes and the observatory dome telescope. The event is weather dependent, in case of bad...
Events at Durlston Country Park: WonderDomes Family Activity
WonderDomes Family Activity Join wonderdomes for an activity exploring the world of plants, through play and creativity. Discover the life of Marianne North, ‘intrepid explorer’, activist...
Historical Tour and Cream Tea in Brownsea Castle
Discover the intriguing history of Brownsea Island with one of our knowledgeable guides, who will take you on a journey back in time. Learn about the castle's eccentric past residents, royalty,...
Swanage Pier History Walk
Swanage Pier History Walk Saturday 16th March 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...
The Songs the Beatles Gave Away
BBC's Bob Harris and author/music journalist Colin Hall set out upon an intimate speaking tour based around their mutual love and appreciation of The Beatles, including a rare archive from Bob...
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...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Family Art Workshop with Ilona Skladzien
Family Art Workshop with Ilona Skladzien, 11am-1pm Join Ilona for 2 hours to create artworks inspired by being a parent or having a parent. Ilona will show you her way of working with paper napkins to...
Dawn Chorus Guided Walk
The Dawn Chorus is one of the UK's best wildlife spectacles - so why not join us to immerse in Arne's own Dawn birdsong orchestra! It is an event not to be missed, as we take you through the...