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!

Wakey, Wakey, Paddle and Brekkie Jun 13

Wakey, Wakey, Paddle and Brekkie

Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, share a wonderful kayaking experience in this unique location. After you've built up your appetite, let us treat you to a traditional full English...

Cancer Research UK Big Hike Jurassic Coast Jun 20

Cancer Research UK Big Hike Jurassic Coast

This summer, escape to nature and take on a 10k, half marathon or full marathon along the Jurassic Coast on 20 June 2026.  Enjoy England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous...

The Old Harry Swim Challenge Jun 20

The Old Harry Swim Challenge

Discover stunning vistas both above and below the water's surface, all while championing conservation in this iconic race. Enter the 5km for a swim out to Old Harry Rocks, before turning back to...

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 Holiday Cottages are furnished to a high standard, making this...

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    Lyme seafront cottage for four with private parking, Cliff Cottage is one of the quaint pink cottages seconds away...

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 Forest Garden Glamping

Making time for just the two of you, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily living, reconnecting with nature. If this resonates with you we have the perfect destination for you, set at the head of a...

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

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...

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...

Symondsbury Estate Holidays

Set in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just ten minutes from the Jurassic Coast, Symondsbury Estate offers 14 unique and luxurious holiday cottages in one of West Dorset’s...

The Cedar House

The Cedar House is a luxury, contemporary and highly comfortable 4 bedroom / 4 bathroom split level house.  When you arrive you walk over the contemporary glass, steel and wood bridge to the...

The Fleur de Lys

Thomas Hardy stayed here regularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and referenced the pub, ‘Flower-de-Luce’ in Tess of the D’Urbervilles These days our nine ensuite guest...

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 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;...

Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park and Spa

For a coastal holiday park in Dorset with luxurious accommodation and 5 star leisure facilities, you need look no further than Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa, set right alongside Weymouth's...

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,...

Character Farm Cottages

Welcome to Character Farm Cottages, a family-run business offering five delightful self-catering cottages situated on our working farm in the picturesque village of Langton Herring, near Weymouth and...

Chesil Beach Holiday Park

Chesil Beach is a 5 star holiday park celebrating a breath-taking coastal location overlooking Portland and the Fleet with panoramic sea views. The fantastic on-park facilities include an...

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, there's...

Clifftops

Situated on the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site coast. Clifftops luxury lodges are within the grounds of Portland’s Pennsylvania Castle and have uninterrupted sea views. Unique and...

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

Discover your dream holiday in Dorset with Dream Cottages. With over 400 charming, independently owned cottages to choose from, there's something for everyone - from cosy countryside retreats to...

Durdle Door Holiday Park

Close to Lulworth Cove and the iconic rock arch of Durdle Door, the Holiday Park is ideally situated between Weymouth and Swanage in one of the most spectacular parts of the Jurassic Coast. This...

Grandeur Property

Grandeur Property has a collection of modern homes and apartments, all chosen for their great location in or near popular locations on the south coast of Dorset. Whether you're looking for a...

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

Thatched cottage retreats with hidden sun terraces, traditional farm buildings with swimming pools, period properties in rolling park-land... Book a stay in a holiday cottage here on the privately...

Lyme Bay Holidays

Everything about a Lyme Bay Holiday is special. As a family-run business we know what's really important when you take a break, and with over 40 years experience you can count on us...

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

Osmington Mills Lodge Park is a relaxed luxury lodge park set in the beautiful wooded valley of Osmington Mills. The quiet rural setting is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway on the Dorset...

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...

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...

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.