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What's On in Swanage

Looking for a place which offers a variety of music, sport, food and activity events throughout the year? Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck is the place to come to, with regular festivals and lots of family-friendly activities. Swanage alone has over 30 festivals each year, so there will always be an event to entertain. Swanage Carnival is one of the highlights of the Swanage event calendar and the two mile carnival procession is enjoyed by thousands each summer, raising money for local charities. This week long event at the beginning of August includes three firework displays and over 100 events, including art competitions for children and adults, treasure hunts and a dog show. Why not join the fun?

The Swanage Fish & Food Festival in June celebrates food, fun and all things fishy, with free children’s activities. You are sure to be able to try some of the freshest seafood around, while enjoying the seaside location.

Music festivals and events in Swanage

Want to holiday in a place buzzing with music events and festivals? Swanage has something to suit all tastes. From free concerts by Swanage Town Band playing at the bandstand to the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, you can enjoy live music in a wide variety of venues.

In September, the Swanage Folk Festival combines folk music, Morris dancing and children’s activities. If you are more of a blues fan, the Swanage Blues Festival takes place in October with over 100 musicians at 60 events.

Running, hiking, swimming and rowing events

Swanage is a favourite location for kayak fishing competitions, Jurassic Coast hikes for charity and the annual sea rowing regatta.

In July, the Wild Swimming Festival champions sea swimming in and around Swanage Bay.

The Studland Stampede in October is a 12 km off road running event over heathland and sandy beaches.

Family friendly events in Swanage

Wanting to keep the children entertained during the school holidays? They will enjoy the activities and trails offered by Durlston Country Park which has a year round programme with activities for families. The National Trust at Corfe Castle and Studland Bay also offer an inspiring range of events.

Why not go back to the stream trains of the Railway Children? Events for all the family take place on Swanage Railway throughout the year, including steam and diesel galas.

Other family friendly events include the Fairy Festival, Pirate Festival and Swanage Lifeboat Week.

Nature and wildlife events

If you want to meet a moth, watch migrating birds, go on a wildlife photography walk or get the chance to spot a dolphin, Durlston Country Park is the place to go, with a full programme of activities throughout the seasons. They also host star-gazing events at their observatory along with the Wessex Astronomical Society.

Every summer the Durlston Country Park Rangers pair up with Coastal Cruises to offer guided bird watching boat trips to see the seabirds nesting on the nearby cliffs, including gannets, guillemots and a small number of puffins.

Cultural events, film and theatre

The Purbeck Art Weeks Festival takes place every May and artist studios and pop-up exhibitions will be opened for the festival. Purbeck Art Weeks includes live performances of classical music, poetry, dance and illustrated talks.

The Mowlem Cinema and Theatre offers you all year-round entertainment with live music and theatre performances and also a wide range of cinema for all tastes. The Mowlem is also a venue for the Purbeck Film Festival during the autumn.

Open air performances in Swanage

The Amphitheatre at Prince Albert Gardens overlooking Swanage Bay is the perfect location for open air theatre throughout the summer, look out for a variety of shows and musical events in this stunning location.

Book your stay in Swanage

Now you know what’s on, find somewhere to stay during your holiday in Swanage. We have plenty of B&B, self-catering and camping options for you, plus ideas of things to do, places to eat and interesting shops to discover.

Need extra advice? Contact our Information Centre for helpful visitor information.

Events happening soon

Dorset Art Weeks Jun 05

Dorset Art Weeks

23 MAY - 7 JUNE 2026 Dorset Art Weeks (DAW) returns 23 MAY - 7 JUNE 2026. The largest visual arts event of its kind in the county offers 16 days to explore an extraordinary variety of art, from...

Intermediate Yoga on Swanage Pier Jun 05

Intermediate Yoga on Swanage Pier

Yoga on the Pier returns this summer for its eighth year. These sessions offer a joyful start to the day, a chance to connect with the Swanage community, and an opportunity to support the Swanage Pier...

Purbeck Art Weeks Jun 05

Purbeck Art Weeks

Purbeck Art Weeks 2026 promises two inspiring weeks of creativity, performance and discovery across one of the most beautiful corners of the UK. Here's a taste of what's in store: A...

Yoga on Swanage Pier Jun 05

Yoga on Swanage Pier

Yoga on the Pier returns this summer for its eighth year. These sessions offer a joyful start to the day, a chance to connect with the Swanage community, and an opportunity to support the Swanage Pier...

Looking to stay overnight?

Corfe and Purbeck Holidays

Corfe and Purbeck Holidays

Corfe & Purbeck Holidays specialise in letting quality self catering holiday properties in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.  All of our our cottages are well equipped, comfortably...

Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel

Located in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, The Grand Hotel has stunning views across the bay and has direct access from the gardens to the private beach. The Burlington Health Spa and...

Kingston Country Courtyard

Kingston Country Courtyard

Kingston Country Courtyard is a 16th century B&B accommodation. We have 26 rooms located around two courtyards with car parking facilities onsite. We have a wide variety of rooms available...

Swanage Holiday Properties

Swanage Holiday Properties

Swanage Holiday Properties offers a carefully curated collection of self‑catering holiday homes across Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck, perfect for families, couples and coastal explorers looking to...

THE PIG on the beach

THE PIG on the beach

Perched on a cliff above Studland Bay on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, THE PIG-on the beach is a mellow yellow hotel with sweeping sea views. Expect Kitchen Garden food, roaring log fires, gargoyles...

The Pines Hotel

The Pines Hotel

We are an independently run, 43 bedroom cliff top hotel, enjoying stunning, panoramic views of Swanage Bay with our own private access to the sandy beach below. Quietly situated close to the South...

Burnbake Forest Lodges

Burnbake Forest Lodges

Tucked inside the glorious Purbeck region of Dorset on the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, Burnbake Campsite and Forest lodges is the perfect location for a great British getaway for family,...

Dorset Cottage Holidays

Dorset Cottage Holidays

Dorset Cottage Holidays is Dorset's largest independent, family run agency. Established over 25 years ago and located locally in the heart of Corfe Castle in Dorset.   We...

Knoll House Hotel

Knoll House Hotel

You’ll find us at Studland Bay on the Isle of Purbeck, between Poole and Old Harry Rocks. Purbeck is a quiet landscape of coast, cliffs, heath and woodland, and a haven for wildlife. It’s...

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A suite room at The Pines Hotel

Where to Stay

From hotels and B&Bs to cottages and apartments, all budgets are catered for in Swanage.

Durlston Country Park Milky Way

Stargazing

Swanage is the only town in Dorset to have its own Astronomy Centre and Observatory.

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