What's on in Dorset

Looking to find out what's on in Dorset? You’ve come to the right place as we've got 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 .

Country life is showcased at the many county shows and country fairs throughout Dorset, where prize animals parade, and the thrill of the fairground beckons. 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.

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

Amazing music and food festivals with a celebrity twist!

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?

Perfect for families, thrill seekers and explorers alike!

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 Dorset Knob Throwing?

Cracking comedy and vibrant cultural scene to titillate and delight!

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 a while 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.

Find yourperfect event

Eventscoming soon!

A Gift Less Ordinary Dec 11

A Gift Less Ordinary

A gallery-style exhibition providing discerning customers with the opportunity to buy an inspired present that's a bit different; something beautiful and memorable that the recipient will treasure...

Artisans on the Beach Dec 11

Artisans on the Beach

Set on Swanage seafront over the Christmas season, approx 30 beach-huts are taken over by local crafters and tradespeople all looking to sell the ideal creative gifts for you and your loved ones....

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland Dec 11

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world. See them shimmer against the...

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth, 16 November 2023 – 3 January 2024. Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With a Christmas...

Christmas and New Year in Lyme Regis Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a wonderful place to visit during the festive season. In the run up to Christmas, the shops will be brimming with gift ideas or you can take time to breathe in the bracing sea air...

Christmas and New Year in Poole Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Poole

Make the most of Christmas and New Year in Poole with winter walks, magical meetings with Santa, cosy stays, festive parties and even bath tub races! Whether meeting family and friends for a special...

Christmas and New Year in Wimborne Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Wimborne

Enjoy Christmas in Wimborne with so much going on to get you into the Christmas spirit.  From the switching on of Wimborne Minster’s Christmas lights there’s lots to see and do over...

Christmas at Corfe Castle Dec 11

Christmas at Corfe Castle

For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Corfe Castle where you can discover winter traditions old and new. Wayward children are invited to join our rather...

Christmas at Stourhead Dec 11

Christmas at Stourhead

The National Trust's Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of its glittering Christmas light trail between 1 December and 31 December. This...

Christmas in Blandford Dec 11

Christmas in Blandford

The countdown to Christmas is well celebrated in Blandford with a festive calendar of events enjoyed by both visitors and locals alike. The Woodhouse Gardens will be illuminated from early December...

Christmas in Bridport Dec 11

Christmas in Bridport

Bridport is brimming with Christmas cheer during the festive season and should certainly be on your list of locations to visit. With the town a buzz with all things Christmas you won’t be short...

Christmas in Christchurch Dec 11

Christmas in Christchurch

At The Regent Centre, Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special will be taking place on 5th November 2023. Let the magic of Christmas begin with all your favourite festive songs being performed live by...

Christmas In Dorchester Dec 11

Christmas In Dorchester

‘Tis the season to be jolly and Dorset’s county town will certainly be spreading the Christmas cheer to one and all this year. From ice skating in the open air, Christmas markets and...

Christmas in Shaftesbury Dec 11

Christmas in Shaftesbury

2023 promises to be another fun-filled festive season in Shaftesbury with something to suit all tastes and ages. The final Shaftesbury Market of the year will take place on Sunday 26th November, 10am...

Christmas in Sherborne Dec 11

Christmas in Sherborne

Visit the beautiful Abbey town of Sherborne and make the run up to Christmas magical!  On cold and frosty December days, the twinkling lights and seasonal window displays lining the shops of...

Christmas in Sturminster Newton Dec 11

Christmas in Sturminster Newton

At Christmas time the community and chamber of commerce of Sturminster Newton run a programme of events during the festive season called Let's make Stur Sparkle!  There is a full...

Christmas in Swanage Dec 11

Christmas in Swanage

The beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage is the perfect destination to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas Shopping Whether it is strolling through the town's main thoroughfare...

Why notstay a while?

Beach Staycation Dorset

The property is situated in the Bournemouth area, perfect for weekend getaway, business trip, staycation, work-from-home alternative, or cosy home base while exploring everything Bournemouth has to...

Berehayes Holiday Cottages

Berehayes has 8 holiday cottages set in a tranquil rural village just 2 miles from the beaches of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast in West Dorset and 5 miles from the Devon...

Bookham Court

Bookham Court Holiday Cottages enjoy panoramic views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale in Dorset.  Lying in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Bookham Court Holiday Cottages are...

Brace of Pheasants

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

Bradle Farmhouse

Bradle Farm lies in a valley 3 miles west of Corfe Castle surrounded by the Purbeck Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst the original farmhouse and farm are mentioned in the Doomsday...

Cliff Cottage

  4 Star VisitEngland Grading: 84%   Gold Award  Lyme seafront cottage for four with private parking, Cliff Cottage is one of the quaint pink cottages seconds away from...

Cogden Cottages

The Cogden Cottages are absolute sea view beach front family sized cottages. They are modelled from a former Victorian coastguard station which means they have the most fabulous views of all of Lyme...

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...

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 Forest Garden Glamping

Four individually styled shepherd’s huts to choose from at Dorset Forest Garden.  Winners of the Gold Award for Glamping in 2021/22 Dorset Tourism Awards. At the head of a long valley,...

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...

Gloucester House

Gloucester House is a beautiful, Boutique, AA 4 * Gold, Townhouse, dating back to 1790 and forms part of Weymouth’s Georgian terraced seafront. Commanding a prime position with unbroken views...

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

Graston Farm Cottages are set in the beautiful Bride Valley and are in an ideal position for walking and cycling with just a 30 minute walk to the coast. There are numerous footpaths crossing the...

Hedgehog Corner with Hot Tubs

Hedgehog Corner with Hot Tubs. Two award-winning quality self catering accommodations for couples, each with own private hot tub. Close to Lyme Regis on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, South West...

Kingston Country Courtyard

Kingston Country Courtyard is a 16th century B&B accommodation. We have 25 rooms located around two courtyards with car parking facilities onsite. We have a wide variety of rooms available these...

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...

Millbrook Guest House

Millbrook is a family run B&B that has been providing accommodation to holiday makers and visitors to the area for over one hundred years. We offer modern rooms, with free wi-fi and our own...

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...

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.