Sporting events in Dorset
Dorset’s expansive coast and countryside make for one big outdoor playground.
The county has cliff faces to be climbed, wild heaths and forests to navigate, cycle trails to conquer and fantastic waves for watersports.
Plus, Dorset was host to one of the biggest sporting events in history, London 2012, where Olympians sailed for gold, silver and bronze medals off the coast of Weymouth & Portland.
So whether you are a spectator or participant, make sure you get a taste of adrenaline in Dorset.
A weekend of sport
Bournemouth 7s, the world’s largest sport and music festival, attracts players, spectators and festival goers alike to Bournemouth for an action packed weekend of superb sport, live music and awe-inspiring entertainment.
Over 5,000 players compete in a wide variety of social and competitive tournaments in Rugby, Netball, Dodgeball and Hockey. The elite competitions welcome some of the best national touring sides including a few International stars and are truly worth a watch!
That said, Bournemouth 7s is much more than a sports festival. Famed for its unique atmosphere, the festival offers something for everyone whether you’re 5 or 85!
Sprint for the finish
Running has seen the biggest rise in participation of any sport in England in recent years and marathons, half-marathons, Park Runs and Colour Runs are springing up everywhere.
Dorset is no exception and the county offers some fantastic opportunities for those who want to set themselves their next challenge.
A place to rest
After so much excitement, you’ll need somewhere to rest your limbs.
Book a cosy bed for the night by browsing our list of accommodation.
Sporting eventscoming soon!
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...
Half Term Kids Day Camps
Half Term Day Camps will be running on the following dates: Monday 26th to Thursday 29th October 2026 ALL DAY - from 9am to 4.30pm. These fun-filled camps are designed for children aged 5 to 12 years,...
Half Term SEND Soft Play Session
SEND Half Term Soft Play Session: Our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) soft play session offer a supportive environment welcoming children with diverse needs. This session prioritises...
Halloween Cheerleading Session
Spook-tacular Halloween Cheerleading Fun! This October, join us for a high-energy Halloween cheerleading session packed with fun, laughter, and a little spooky spirit! Children aged 6 to 11 years will...
Autumn Sunset Guided Walk at RSPB Arne
An amazing opportunity to experience the reserve during the magical spectacle of an autumn sunset and connect with our nocturnal nature. Our guides will lead you on a gentle stroll, taking in woodland...
Plan Your Visit
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 charming 16th-century bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck. We have 26 individually characterful bedrooms located around two picturesque...
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...
Strongate Cottage Rural Retreat nr Bridport & Jurassic Coast
Strongate Cottage is a welcoming 17th-century thatched self-catering Cottage, full of character, charm, and original features. Set in the peaceful village of Salway Ash, the Cottage lies at the end of...
Strongate Orchard Farm Stay nr Bridport & Jurassic Coast
Strongate Orchard is your ideal farm stay, a secluded static home set within the Orchard on our small working farm where we have beef cattle, sheep, ducks, and chickens and lambs. Surrounded by...
Strongate View Apartment nr Bridport & Jurassic Coast
Rated 4★ by Visit England, Strongate View Apartment is located in the peaceful village of Salway Ash near Bridport, offering fabulous rural views of the beautiful Marshwood Vale. It’s the...
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 Trouville Hotel
Perfectly located just moments from Bournemouth's award winning beaches, vibrant town centre, and Bournemouth International Centre, the Trouville Hotel offers exceptional value with contemporary...
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...
