The May Bank Holiday is fast approaching and we're sure you'll want to make the most of this long weekend in beautiful Dorset.
If you’re short of ideas, don’t panic we’ve got your back. Our county is bursting with great things to see and do that will make the 3 day break one to remember!
With the sunshine returning and the weather warming nicely there really is no better time to enjoy a get-away in our amazing county. Combine this with loads of fabulous activities, attractions and events and you’re sure to have a great time.
Explore our delightful landscape
With the stunning Dorset landscape in full bloom and bursting with colour, this is a brilliant time to get out and explore. However you choose to go about it, whether on foot, pedal power or horseback you’re in for a treat.
Dorset has lots of delightful cycling and walking routes that offer some of the most awe inspiring scenery away from the more well-known paths. Or why not enjoy the breath-taking Jurassic Coast on the water with a boat ride or kayak tour? With so many fantastic watersports on offer you can’t help but have a great time.
Get out and active
Spring offers a great opportunity to get active and enjoy all Dorset has to offer. Why not try a new activity or reacquaint yourself with a forgotten passion. From fishing and golf to outdoor adventure and wonderful wildlife there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Check out the wide range of activities on offer in Dorset and make this weekend your most action packed yet.
May Bank Holiday events
Between Saturday 3 and Monday 5 May 2025, the May Bank Holiday weekend includes some fantastic events.
Covering two very different music genres, Teddy Rocks Festival and Sherborne Abbey Music Festival takes place over the weekend. From classic to rock, these music festivals feature both well known names and local talent.
The Dorset Spring Show promises to be a blooming good day out with food, farming, flowers and more. Watch demonstrations and entertainment, browse the shopping stalls, explore educational zones, and even make the acquaintance of a lamb!
Bank Holiday on a budget
Offering great value for a family day out, check out our blog to find 30 days out costing less than £30 for families.
For some great low-cost or no-cost days out in Dorset read our value-for-money blog or check out our top ten ideas for free days out. Explore castles, go on a nature trail or ride your bike for a cycling adventure in our beautiful countryside.
If you've got children under 5 years old, they get in for free at Lyme Regis Museum, Swanage Railway, Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, Highcliffe Castle, The Blue Pool, Sandworld, Nothe Fort, Portland Castle, Larmer Tree Gardens, White Mill, Shire Hall Museum, Russell-Cotes House, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Terracotta Warriors, Bennetts Water Gardens, Museum of East Dorset, Hardy's Cottage, Max Gate and Clouds Hill.
For children under 3 years old you can get discounted tickets or free entry at Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Monkey World, The Tank Museum, Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Wimborne Model Town, Teddy Bear Museum, Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, Lulworth Castle, Exbury Gardens and Railway, The Dinosaur Museum, Foxdown Children's Farm, Sturminster Newton Mill.
Accompanied by a paying adult, children under 12 years old get free admission to Athelhampton Gardens, children under the age of 14 get free entry to Swanage Pier, children under 16 have free admission to Dorset Museum and Blandford Fashion Museum, and children under 17 get into Holme For Gardens for free. Young children sitting on the lap of an accompanying adult at The Rex Cinema do not need to buy a ticket.
There are also museums, country parks, hill forts and more which offer free admission. See the full list of over 200 free things to do in our wonderful county.
And don't forget to look at our Special Offers page to see what deals and discounts are available to save some money during your break.
Sample some of Dorset’s fabulous fare
Dorset has an excellent reputation for fantastic food and drink. Sample some of the delightful local produce or purchase your own at the many farmers markets and enjoy a delicious picnic at one of Dorset's beauty spots.
Sit back, relax and enjoy a slice Dorset Apple Cake at one of our welcoming tearooms or tuck in to a well deserved pub lunch at one of our cosy country pubs. Just don’t forget to wash it down with some of our locally produced ciders and ales. Now that sounds like our kind of bank holiday weekend!
With all of this just waiting to be enjoyed, can you really afford not to book your break in Dorset?
We have a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Choose from cosy cottages, farm stays, welcoming B&Bs, country hotels and scenic caravan and campsites. Some will have the added bonus of hot tubs and spa facilities to really treat yourself this May.
Your break in Dorset is only a click away! See you soon…
• Hotels
• B&Bs
• Self Catering
• Farmhouses
• Pubs & Inns
• Caravan and Holiday Parks
• Campsites
• Glamping
For travel advice over the Bank Holiday weekend in Dorset, visit Travel Dorset.
