What's on in Dorset

Looking to find out what's on in Dorset? You’ve come to the right place, as Dorset has a fantastic year round events calendar for you to enjoy. Our vibrant county plays host to an amazing array of events from the mildly eccentric to the world famous. Dorset's country life is showcased at the many county shows and country fairs where prize animals parade, and the thrill of the fairground beckons. Dorset carnivals and regattas also take place in our coastal towns, each bringing its own celebrations and a bucket-load of traditional seaside fun for the whole family to enjoy. There's plenty of Dorset events to choose from - scroll down the page to check out our event info!

Add to the mix fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside and great attractions, and you can see why there are always plenty of reasons to visit Dorset.

Amazing music and food festivals in Dorset!

If you are looking to see what's on in Dorset music and food wise, why not soak up the atmosphere and swing into action at one of Dorset’s many music festivals – choose from folk, jazz, classical or a well renowned festival, such as Camp Bestival, which attracts A-list entertainers to its centre stage.

There’s always a mouth watering abundance of local produce on offer at country fairs and food festivals across Dorset to tantalise your taste buds. Plus, you can pick up tips at demonstrations by celebrity and award winning chefs!

If you’re a seafood lover then make sure you don’t miss out on the award winning Dorset Seafood Festival, the UK’s largest seafood festival. Just picture yourself savouring a feast of seafood in the picturesque setting of Weymouth peninsula whilst enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere – sound good?

Outdoor events in Dorset!

Love the great outdoors? Why not embrace Dorset’s wonderful scenery at a walking festival or join a guided fossil walk and let your inner explorer loose!

The fun isn’t just on the ground! Let the pilots of the world famous Red Arrows and Black Cats wow you with incredible aerobatics and hair raising stunts or fly a kite to the highest height at a kite festival!

Or perhaps you want to experience something a little more unique? Why not have a go at a chilli eating competition?

Family events in Dorset

Looking for an event that the whole family will enjoy?  There are so many family events taking place across Dorset that we don't know where to start! There's carnivals, country shows, festivals, tank displays, nature events....the list goes on!  Check out our listings below to find your perfect Dorset family event!

Cracking comedy and Dorset's vibrant cultural scene

The arts are all around you in Dorset with musical performances, sparkling productions and arts and film festivals to inspire and surprise you.

Why not catch a top comedian in a cosy Dorset venue and be the first to see their set as they warm-up for a national tour?

This may be one of the most peaceful parts of the country but it buzzes with activity throughout the year!

Simply use the ‘What’s On’ search facility to search our list of events.

Why not stay in Dorset and book your accommodation today!

Make the most of Dorset’s fantastic events calendar and book a break to Dorset.

We have plenty of accommodation for you to choose from – chic hotels, homely B&Bs, cosy self catering cottages and pretty holiday parks.

We handrawn heart Dorset Events

Eventscoming soon!

Bournemouth International Film Festival Oct 09

Bournemouth International Film Festival

Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) 2026 is a two-day celebration of emerging filmmaking talent, taking place on 9-10 October. The festival showcases bold new voices through curated...

Caroline Ireland – Vibrant Pastels Oct 09

Caroline Ireland – Vibrant Pastels

Caroline Ireland is largely self-taught as an artist, who has painted and drawn all her life.  She trained and worked as an archaeologist in the 1970s and 80s, and, after a number of career...

Community Poppy Project Oct 09

Community Poppy Project

The poppy project was started by the Castle's volunteer wellbeing 'Hooks and Heritage' crochet group who initially came up with the idea to crochet poppies to mark Remembrance Day. The...

Cowboys in Space Oct 09

Cowboys in Space

Yee ha cowboys! Saddle up for an out-of-this-world adventure! A herd of cows has been abducted by mischievous aliens and the cowboys need your help to bring the herd home. Search for the missing cows...

Folklore and Fairies Family Quest Oct 09

Folklore and Fairies Family Quest

Step back into a time where everyday life was filled with folklore, mystery, and superstition, where every home had its own secrets. On this family quest, uncover strange beliefs about cooking,...

Gillingham Carnival Week Oct 09

Gillingham Carnival Week

Traditional carnival events including processions, fun fair and stalls. Treasure hunts, quiz nights, funfair, duck race. Sporting events including fishing, darts and skittles and much more. ...

Gorcombe Pumpkins Oct 09

Gorcombe Pumpkins

From Saturday 3 October 2026 join us to 'Pick a Pumpkin'!  Be treated to a variety of pumpkins as you find the perfect ones for you and your children! Lets not forget Halloween is...

HALLOWEEN ARCHERY Oct 09

HALLOWEEN ARCHERY

Join us for a thrilling Halloween archery session perfect for adults and kids alike. During this experience, you'll receive all the necessary equipment and expert coaching from our instructors,...

Heritage Fridays Oct 09

Heritage Fridays

Have you ever wondered what life in a medieval castle was like? Would you be able to carry water from the well, and what kind of food would you have eaten? Have a go at carrying a yoke and discover...

Holistic Water Retreat Oct 09

Holistic Water Retreat

Step aboard for a deeply restorative three-hour holistic retreat cruise through the tranquil waters of Poole Harbour. This is more than a boat journey – it's an invitation to reconnect with...

Let Me Entertain You A Tribute to Robbie Williams Oct 09

Let Me Entertain You A Tribute to Robbie Williams

Featuring songs such as Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Feel, Rock DJ (and many more!), you'll be singing along and dancing to all the greatest hits. Join us as we journey through over three decades...

Mark Thomas: 40 In Stand Up Years Oct 09

Mark Thomas: 40 In Stand Up Years

So, here's what he has done so far in numbers; performed comedy for 40 years, won 8 awards for performing, 4 for human rights work and 1 he invented for himself, made 6 series of the Mark Thomas...

Pipeline Theatre - George and The Drag Queen Oct 09

Pipeline Theatre - George and The Drag Queen

Pipeline Theatre presents its brand-new show, 'George and the Drag Queen': a bittersweet, bonkers cake mix of the epic and the geo-political, beaten together with the everyday, and the plain...

Find yourperfect event

Why notstay a while?

Bookham Court

Bookham Court Holiday Cottages enjoy panoramic views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale in Dorset. Personally run by Nicola Foot, the 5 Holiday Cottages are furnished to a high standard, making...

Brace of Pheasants

Nestled in the Plush Valley just off the Wessex Ridgeway, ‘The Brace’ is a quintessential Old English thatched country Inn. The perfect location to enjoy a break away from it all. Enjoy...

Chideock Grange Holiday Cottages

This is a small, quiet holiday cottage complex, on the outskirts of the village of Chideock, set in a hollow by Winniford Stream and surrounded by rolling farmland. A mile inland off the main road, it...

Cliff Cottage

  4 Star VisitEngland Grading: 85%   Gold Award   VisitEngland ROSE 2026 Award in Recognition of Service Excellence Lyme seafront cottage for four with private parking, Cliff...

Coppet Hill

Just three miles from the Jurassic Coast, and surrounded by some of Dorset’s most spectacular hills, our 600-acre family farm is a peaceful haven for walkers, campers and wildlife lovers. Our...

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...

Crabbers' Wharf

Discover the Charm of Crabbers’ Wharf luxury apartments – Your Seaside Escape. Nestled on the edge of Portland Harbour, Crabbers’ Wharf offers a unique self-catering experience where...

Curated Cottages

Curated Cottages offers a handpicked selection of Dorset holiday cottages, each chosen for its character, comfort and location. As a Dorset-based, independent company, we take a more personal approach...

Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages

Located in the heart of Hardy’s Dorset, Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages offers a relaxing break surrounded by beautiful countryside and set in 12 acres of West Dorset’s Piddle Valley. No...

Dorset Hideaways

Dorset Hideaways is a Holiday Cottage Agency showcasing a range of properties from cosy cottages crammed full of Dorset charm to luxury retreats oozing with coastal chic. Our aim is to make it easy...

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...

Graston Farm Cottages

A warm welcome awaits you at Graston Farm Cottages nestled in the beautiful Bride Valley, just a mile from the sea, a perfect location for outdoor lovers. Enjoy excellent walking and cycling routes...

Helpful Holidays

Helpful Holidays offers a diverse selection of self-catering cottages in Dorset, catering to various preferences and group sizes. With properties in both West and East Dorset guests can choose between...

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...

Loose Reins

Loose Reins is where the world slows down. It’s where the daily grind is left at the gate and a place of experience, discovery and relaxation opens up. It’s where you reconnect, come...

Newlands Holiday Park

Newlands is a family run park located in the picturesque World Heritage village of Charmouth, just a stones throw from the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast near the Dorset/Devon border. Set in 23 acres of...

Riverside Park

We are located on the banks of the River Stour in the centre of the beautiful historic town of Christchurch, within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, spectacular natural harbour, Hengistbury...

Rosewall Camping

Rosewall is a family run camping park, set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the World Heritage Coast, in the hamlet of Osmington Mills five miles east of Weymouth. Our thirteen-acre south...

Spurwing Guest House

We are Steph and Richard, owners of Spurwing Guest House. We pride ourselves on our bed and breakfast Dorset being a friendly, popular and comfortable chalet-style bungalow, with ground floor...

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa is tucked away in the picturesque village of Evershot in the heart of the Dorset Downs. An 18th Georgian Manor House, made famous by its links with the...

Swanage Holiday Properties

Your Perfect Dorset Escape Starts Here Welcome to Swanage Holiday Properties — a handpicked collection of beautiful self-catering holiday homes in Swanage and across the Isle of Purbeck. Whether...

Sykes Holiday Cottages

Sykes Holiday Cottages have over 30 years' experience in letting exceptional self-catering holidays. We are the leading UK holiday cottage booking company and are experts in giving customers the...

The Fleur de Lys

The Fleur de Lys, located in the historic village once frequented by Thomas Hardy, offers stylish boutique rooms, exceptional food and a peaceful escape in the heart of Cranborne Chase National...

The Grange at Oborne

A charming country house hotel with a boutique-feel, set in a pretty village just one mile from Sherborne, one of the most beautiful towns in England.  The Grange is just seven miles from Yeovil,...

The Grosvenor Arms

The Grosvenor Arms is a gorgeous coaching-inn with 16 high-end boutique bedrooms in the heart of Shaftesbury. With a show-stopping Georgian frontage, contemporary rustic design, and fabulous seasonal...

The Horton Inn

Nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside near Wimborne, The Horton Inn is the perfect place to eat, drink, stay and unwind. Full of traditional country pub charm, we offer a warm and friendly...

The King's Arms

The King’s Arms is a gorgeous newly refurbished hotel and foodie pub on Dorchester’s high street. With a history entwined with Thomas Hardy and a roll call of glamourous guests from former...

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

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...

The Victorian Barn Dorset

This is the Dorset dream you've been longing for; stunning scenery, rolling hills, and a prehistoric coastline. And this, right here, is the Dorset holiday accommodation you have been dreaming of...

Toad Hall Cottages

Toad Hall Cottages is a leading provider of holiday cottages throughout the South West, and with an office in Lyme Regis in the heart of the region, they know Dorset inside out.   ...

Warmwell Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

Brilliant new investments have transformed Warmwell Holiday Park into a park packed with fantastic facilities and amazing accommodation. There is so much fun available to you at this park, including...

West Bay Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

West Bay Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the fantastic Jurassic Coast and gorgeous nearby harbour setting. The park offers a fun-filled, action-packed getaway with its fantastic...

White Horse Farm

White Horse Farm offers its guests a peaceful and relaxed self-catering holiday in beautiful rural Dorset. We have four attractive barn conversion cottages and a 4 star three bed roomed lodge cabin;...

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Set in a spectacular clifftop location overlooking Bournemouth's famous coastline, the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel offers an inspiring destination for Leisure stays, business stays,...

Boutique Retreats

Embark with Boutique Retreats on an otherworldly escape with a spellbinding sojourn in Dorset. Nestled amongst the most enchanting corners of the county, our handpicked collection of luxury retreats...

Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park and Spa

Set on the stunning Jurassic Coast, just moments from the beach at Bowleaze Cove, Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa is one of Dorset's leading five-star holiday parks. Planning a family holiday...

Burnbake Forest Lodges

Tucked away in the heart of Purbeck, between the historic village of Corfe Castle and the golden sands of Studland, Burnbake Campsite and Forest Lodges is the perfect base for discovering Dorset's...

Character Farm Cottages

Welcome to Character Farm Cottages Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside, Character Farm Cottages is a family-run collection of five charming self-catering holiday cottages located...

Chesil Beach Holiday Park

Perched above the spectacular coastline with panoramic views across Chesil Beach, Portland and the Fleet Lagoon, Chesil Beach Holiday Park is a five-star holiday park offering the perfect blend of...

Classic Cottages

Classic Cottages have the perfect holiday home waiting for you in Dorset. From family-sized homes with sea views in Lyme Regis to chic couple’s boltholes in the heart of Bridport,...

Clifftops

Perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, Clifftops offers an exceptional coastal retreat within the grounds of Pennsylvania Castle Estate. Crafted from local...

Cove Lodge

Cove Lodge represents the very definition of laid-back luxury. The lodge provides panoramic sea views, an elegant interior, and the perfect location for short breaks, or getaways with friends. Cove...

Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages

We are a local, family run business offering a friendly but professional service to both our home owners and guests. At Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages we realise the importance of a holiday,...

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...

Dream Cottages

From iconic coastal escapes to peaceful countryside retreats, Dream Cottages helps you experience Dorset exactly the way you imagine it. Whether you're dreaming of morning walks along the Jurassic...

Durdle Door Holiday Park

Our Holiday Park enjoys miles of stunning coastline, endless views, and unrivalled access to the unique limestone arch of Durdle Door. With coast and countryside right on your doorstep, it's the...

Grandeur Property

Luxury Holiday Homes in Dorset with Grandeur Property Looking for the perfect place to stay in Dorset? Grandeur Property offers a collection of luxury holiday homes in Bournemouth, Poole and the...

Kersbrook

The Kersbrook is a beautiful thatched, eighteenth century Grade II listed building (1780) set in its own picturesque mature gardens just off the town centre with views across Lyme Regis. Family run,...

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...

Lulworth Holiday Cottages

Escape to enchanting thatched cottages, hidden sunlit terraces, and timeless period homes nestled in the rolling parkland of the privately-owned Lulworth Estate. Here, you’ll experience some of...

Lyme Bay Holidays

Discover award-winning holidays along Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast with Lyme Bay Holidays, your local experts for unforgettable self-catering escapes. Whether you’re planning a...

Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat

Escape, unwind and recharge in a stunning West Country woodland. Choose from three distinct award-winning luxury treehouses, each one a self-contained nest for two with its own facilities (and no...

Osmington Mills Lodge Park

Tucked away in a peaceful wooded valley on Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast, Osmington Mills Lodge Park is a five-star luxury lodge park offering the perfect escape from the everyday....

Pennsylvania Castle

Pennsylvania Castle is an exclusive wedding, events and private rental venue overlooking the charming Church Ope Cove and UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline. The neo-gothic design of the Castle...

Sandford Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

The wonderful woodland surrounds Sandford Holiday Park which is bursting with new activities and facilities to make your holiday unforgettable. A Blue Flag beach is just a short drive away, perfect...

Symondsbury Estate Holidays

Charming and unique Holiday Cottages in West Dorset near Bridport and the Jurassic Coast.  Symondsbury Estate offers a collection of beautifully restored self-catering holiday cottages in West...

The Front Rows Holiday Park

A collection of 20 luxurious holiday homes situated on the cliff edge of The Estate. The Front Rows provide an ideal base for those who wish to explore The Isle of Portland and experience everything...

The Heights Hotel

The Heights Hotel set on the summit of Portland with stunning sea and coastal views over Weymouth and Chesil beach towards Lyme Bay. A warm welcome awaits you at the hotel - whether you are staying...

The Priory Wareham

Nestled on the banks of the River Frome in the heart of historic Wareham, Dorset, The Priory is one of England's most enchanting country house hotels. Set within beautifully maintained riverside...

UK Lodge Breaks

UK Lodge Breaks offers a fantastic selection of lodges across Dorset, making it easy to find the perfect retreat. Whether you're looking to explore the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, relax on...

Upton Grange Holiday Cottages

From it’s location of privilege, cossetted in the centre of the tiny unspoilt hamlet of Upton, where the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline rejoices in the simplicity of nearby Ringstead Bay, the...

Wareham Forest Tourist Park

Our Park is situated midway between Bere Regis and Wareham in the heart of Wareham Forest. We have spacious and level camping, caravan and motorhome pitches in a tranquil woodland setting, with...

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.