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Events and what's on in Dorset

There's never a dull moment here! With a huge choice of events in Dorset taking place throughout the year, you'll be entertained no matter when you visit.

You'll find tasty food festivals like the award-winning SEAFEAST - The Dorset Seafood Festival, red arrows and other spectacular flying displays at the Bournemouth Air Festival, fireworks aplenty, the world-famous Great Dorset Steam Fair, music festivals such as the Wessex Folk Festival, some fantastic theatre productions, comedy shows and of course some slightly quirkier events to enjoy (Bridport Hat Festival we're looking at you!)

Dorset County Show and Melplash Show are just two of many events giving you the chance to discover rural life in Dorset.

Whatever your interests, you'll find details of what's on in Dorset on this page. Use the tabs to browse events today, this weekend, this week or next week - or just use the calendar to find out what's on when you're visiting.

Have an eventful visit!

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The next 60 events in Dorset appear below.

30 September 2023

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
A Handful of Pleasant Delights. A concert of ElizaA programme of music, words and song illustrating aspects of life in Elizabethan England – from the Court to the country, the playhouse, the streets and the Church. A variety of lutesongs, broadside ballads, theatre songs, madrigals, consort songs, instrumental divisions, masque music, sacred music and dance tunes. Includes music by Thomas Morley, Richard Edwards, William Byrd, John Dowland, Richard Allison and Daniel Bachiler, and words by George Peele, Ben Jonson, and Chidiock Tichborne.
30 September 2023

Wareham, Dorset
Quiet Morning - The Tank MuseumQuiet Morning returns to The Tank Museum on 30th September to support visitors with sensory needs. All sounds and interactives in the Museum will be turned off between the hours of 9 and 11 and visitors can explore the world’s best collection of armoured vehicles in a calm environment. Visitor Experience General Manager Rosanna Dean said: “The Museum recognises that noise levels can cause sensory overload, and the Quiet Mornings enable visitors to experience the exhibitions in a ...
30 September 2023

Shaftesbury, Dorset
Shaftesbury CarnivalFor over a 145 years, Shaftesbury carnival has brought a variety of colour and light to the high street for one day a year. The carnival has heritage surrounding the hospital and we celebrate the carnival with a week of events. These range from bingo to money miles. Carnival day sees the children's procession in the afternoon where over 250 children dress up and walk the smaller route and once the sun drops, we see the grand illuminated parade. This sees the streets filled with over 50 ...
30 September 2023

Key West, Bournemouth, Dorset
Tom Jones Tribute on Bournemouth PierTom Jones Tribute Comes To Bournemouth Pier! A tribute act dedicated to the legend that is Tom Jones. On Saturday 30th September 2023, Tom Jones comes to Bournemouth Pier! The Simon Howard Tom Jones Tribute Act is like no other. Simon’s exceptionally powerful voice and commanding stage presence leave the other tributes in his shadow. Simon’s looks are all his own and he is regularly mistaken for Sir Tom, in restaurants, airports, supermarkets or just strolling along the ...
29 Sep 2023 to 01 Oct 2023

Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea FestivalBournemouth’s annual celebration of art, culture, people and place, will run from Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October. Arts by the Sea takes over Bournemouth town centre including the iconic Town Square, Lower and Central Gardens and Pier Approach, filling it with a diverse mix of art forms from artists from across the UK and beyond.
01 October 2023

Farmer Palmers, Wareham, Dorset
Grandparents Day We know that you're longing for a quiet night to put your feet up, watch some rubbish TV or have a bath. Take some time to do YOU! Well, what better way to do that, than having your/your partners parents take the children out to Farmer Palmers for 1/2 the price! So, your little VIP’s can explore, play, and completely wear themselves out so you can enjoy the peaceful day you’ve been longing for! Not only are we offering 1/2 price tickets for Grandparents Day but we will be serving our ...
03 Jul 2023 to 01 Oct 2023

Compton Acres, Poole, Dorset
Into the Wild Sculpture ExhibitionCompton Acres is proud to announce a sculpture exhibition “Into The Wild” in our stunning gardens. The exhibition will showcase approximately 30 sculptures from seven different artists and will be available for viewing on a trail around the Wooded Valley and Rock and Water garden. Visitors can expect to see a range of exotic animals and native wildlife sculptures, all available for purchase. Many charities will benefit from the artists’ support through the sale of their sculptures. ...
01 October 2023

Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset
Rewilding ToursOn this guided walk with our Ranger Ben Padwick, you will gain an understanding of the rewilding project at Mapperton, including the day-to-day running of Mapperton Wildlands and the changes underway on the estate. You will learn about the recent arrival of a pair of beavers, and hopefully get chance to see our Tamworth pigs and Exmoor ponies. You will also learn about their positive impact of the behaviour of these animals on the ecosystem. Ben will also show you other wildlife activity in ...
01 October 2023

Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth Family Science FestivalThe Weymouth Family Science Festival at the Nothe Fort is back! 🌟 Explore the Wonders of Science! 🌟 Join us for an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of science at our Weymouth Family Science Day. Get ready to ignite your curiosity and embark on an adventure like no other! 🚀🔬 🌌 Planetarium 🌌 Enter inside Dorset Astronomer Kate Earl’s inflatable Skyhigh Planetarium to hear stories and facts about the night sky, stars, and planets. Learn how to recognise the bright ...
07 October 2023

Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset
Fury ExperienceHow accurate was “Fury”? A premium experience day celebrating the Sherman tank in general – and one Hollywood star in particular. Designed for fans of the film “Fury”, this experience focuses on what some believe to be the best Allied tank of the Second World War, including talks, tours, and the chance to look inside the Sherman Fury tank – and see the graffiti left by Brad Pitt and the rest of the cast. 7 October 9am to 5pm Delicious refreshments included Discover all you’ve ...
07 October 2023

Gillingham, Dorset
Gillingham CarnivalStarting with a morning duck race, followed by a children's procession, funfair and evening illuminated procession, there's something happening all day here in Gillingham
06 Oct 2023 to 07 Oct 2023

Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth Octoberfest - Real Ale & Cider FestivalWeymouth’s ever popular Octoberfest is set to make its annual return on Friday October 6th and Saturday the 7th in the Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion with its fine seaside views. This extremely popular event now is now in its 12th year at the Pavilion. It is organised by West Dorset Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) and will this year feature over 70 real ales, ciders and perries from Wales. We think this will be the largest selection of Welsh beers ever seen in Dorset. Tickets go on sale from ...
07 Oct 2023 to 08 Oct 2023

Weymouth, Dorset
Halloween Spooktacular Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farm Don your wellies and come for a lovely autumnal day out: – Pumpkin Picking – Haunted House – Trick or Treat – and lots lots more… Free to enter Dogs on leads welcome 7th & 8th October, 14th & 15th October & 21st-28th October 2023
07 Oct 2023 to 08 Oct 2023

Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset
Pirate WeekendJoin us for another unforgettable weekend with heaps of Pirate fun (and treasure to find). Pirate dress code advised!
05 Oct 2023 to 08 Oct 2023

Swanage, Dorset
Swanage Blues FestivalThe Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances that will have you coming back time after time.
10 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Talk Wildlife friendly gardening by Mitch PerkinsWould you like to make your garden more wildlife friendly? Join Mitch Perkins from the Dorset Wildlife Trust to find out how. Mitch works in the Dorset Wildlife Trust Wilder Communities team and has been gardening for wildlife for over 20 years. So, whether you have a tiny garden, balcony or shared green space, come along to this afternoon talk and get some tips on how to become one of our growing community of wildlife-friendly gardeners! This is a bookable event on the museum web site
11 October 2023

Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset
Rewilding ToursOn this guided walk with our Ranger Ben Padwick, you will gain an understanding of the rewilding project at Mapperton, including the day-to-day running of Mapperton Wildlands and the changes underway on the estate. You will learn about the recent arrival of a pair of beavers, and hopefully get chance to see our Tamworth pigs and Exmoor ponies. You will also learn about their positive impact of the behaviour of these animals on the ecosystem. Ben will also show you other wildlife activity in ...
11 Oct 2023 to 14 Oct 2023

Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset
Wimborne Model Railway Society ExhibitionA temporary exhibition at the Museum of East Dorset. On the 1st June 1847 the Southampton and Dorchester Railway opened its line through Wimborne. For a number of years Wimborne was the busiest station in Dorset. Subsequently the Southampton and Dorchester became part of the LSWR and later the Southern Railway. After nationalisation in 1948 the railway became part of Southern region of British Railways. The line through Wimborne finally closed in 1974 and now only a few traces of the ...
14 Oct 2023 to 15 Oct 2023

Weymouth, Dorset
Halloween SpooktacularPick Your Own Pumpkin Farm Don your wellies and come for a lovely autumnal day out: – Pumpkin Picking – Haunted House – Trick or Treat – and lots lots more… Free to enter Dogs on leads welcome 7th & 8th October, 14th & 15th October & 21st-28th October 2023
16 October 2023

Sherborne, Dorset
Pack Monday FairPack Monday is a street fair full of stalls selling a bewildering variety of commodities including clothes, jewellery, food and household goods, all erected in The Green, Cheap Street, Abbey Road, Half Moon Street, Digby Road, and into Pageant Gardens.
19 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Lecture Real Dorset with Jon WoolcottIn this lecture, let Jon Woolcott take you on an amusing whistle-stop tour through some of the discoveries and oddities that make Dorset unique. Jon’s recently published book Real Dorset (Seren Books, 2023) is a personal, detailed, discursive, humorous, and idiosyncratic look at Dorset. The county is famous for its spectacular coastline, 19its historic towns, its eco-foodie reputation, and for Hardy and Fowles. But there’s much more behind the tourist-friendly façade – subversion, rebellion ...
19 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Real DorsetIn this lecture, let Jon Woolcott take you on an amusing whistle-stop tour through some of the discoveries and oddities that make Dorset unique. Jon’s recently published book Real Dorset (Seren Books, 2023) is a personal, detailed, discursive, humorous, and idiosyncratic look at Dorset. The county is famous for its spectacular coastline, 19its historic towns, its eco-foodie reputation, and for Hardy and Fowles. But there’s much more behind the tourist-friendly façade – subversion, rebellion ...
20 October 2023

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Drinks in the Clink! Spells in the Cells is a magical night of cocktail making in the historic cells at Shire Hall Museum. Enjoy Cauldron cocktails, transfiguration tonic and other wickedly good concoctions. Spells in the Cells is the perfect night for any fan of witchcraft and wizardry! No witches or wizards under the age of 18. Dressing up strongly encouraged!
14 Oct 2023 to 21 Oct 2023

Dorchester, Dorset
Dorchester Literary FestivalThe Dorchester Literary Festival will return from 14th - 21st October 2023. The Dorchester Literary Festival is an exciting cultural event for a town rich in literary associations. Picturesque Dorchester and the unspoiled countryside and dramatic coastal scenery surrounding it has inspired many of Britain’s best loved writers, including Thomas Hardy, T E Lawrence, William Barnes, Ian McEwan and Tracy Chevalier. With a programme of events highlighting the latest books by today’s most ...
22 October 2023

Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth, Dorset
Art, Craft & Gift FayreArt, Craft & Gift Fayre at Weymouth Pavilion. FREE entry, more than 50 stalls of arts, crafts, gifts and artisan cakes. Cafe open for refreshments, dogs are welcome. 11am-4pm Sunday 22nd October Sunday 10th December
21 Oct 2023 to 22 Oct 2023

Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Autumn Colours WeekendAutumn Colours Special Weekend - Reduced price entry to the gardens. Brush away the cobwebs and enjoy a bracing walk around acres of magnificent garden surrounding the lake. Relax and marvel at the glorious colours of autumn reflected in the lake. Dogs are welcome on short leads. Children's Autumn Pumpkin Trail Join our family fun trail in the garden this autumn. Follow the trail around the garden discovering pumpkins and solving the clues along the way. Prizes will be available ...
24 October 2023

Compton Acres, Poole, Dorset
Faery House WorkshopCome along & create your very own Faery House with Angie. Under 16's will require an adult with them. We recommend 10 years old as a minimum age to attend and create a Fae house with an adult. The plan for your fae creating day… You will start by chooses your wooden log & base, which will have little windows & a door carved out ready for you to begin. We will then add the door & window frames using twigs & moss, also painting these in colours of your choosing. Then we will add the bark ...
24 October 2023

Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset
Little Explorers Spooky Spells and Ghastly GhoulsCreate spooky spells and creepy crafts, follow our ghoulish garden trail, and enjoy spine-chilling stories in this jam-packed morning of Halloween fun. Dressing up is encouraged! No need to book! Pay on the day. Museum admission is not included. (Annual pass holders go free).
25 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Dinosaur Sleepover - Dorset MuseumThe Jurassic Coast Trust’s Dinosaur Sleepover returns to Dorset Museum in Dorchester for 2023! These ever-popular family events feature an evening of fun and varied activities led by our Jurassic Coast experts, plus a film and breakfast, and the chance to spend the night in this beautiful and historic museum in the heart of Dorchester. Tickets: £25.00 per person for both adults and children. Suitable for children aged 6-12 years. Your ticket includes hot chocolate and biscuits in the ...
25 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Museum Tours Collections Discovery Centre TourVisitors will have the opportunity to join our Collections Team to explore behind the scenes in our state-of-the-art Collections Discovery Centre, where they will be able to find out more about the work going on to move collections back to the Museum site following our recent redevelopment project. Tours are included with Museum entry, but must be booked. There is a limit of 12 people on each tour.
25 October 2023

Lemur Landings, Poole, Dorset
Phaser Night - October Half Term🔫 Radio Alert... It's another Lunar Landings meteoric event... The Asteriod Trunkesar will pass closer to the earth than any of our satellites... We believe this is a desperate plan to mask an alien invasion... can you help Captain Lewey Hoops stop them? 🚀 Join the crew aboard SS Clash Landings for an exciting evening of phaser tag! Whether you come alone or bring your friends it's sure to leave you feeling like a lunar lemur! ❗ The battle will commence once the teams have been formed, ...
25 October 2023

Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset
Rewilding ToursOn this guided walk with our Ranger Ben Padwick, you will gain an understanding of the rewilding project at Mapperton, including the day-to-day running of Mapperton Wildlands and the changes underway on the estate. You will learn about the recent arrival of a pair of beavers, and hopefully get chance to see our Tamworth pigs and Exmoor ponies. You will also learn about their positive impact of the behaviour of these animals on the ecosystem. Ben will also show you other wildlife activity in ...
22 Oct 2023 to 26 Oct 2023

Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch, Dorset
Half Term Bat Trail at Highcliffe CastleJoin us this October half term between 10am - 3pm for our indoor Bat Trail. Bat crafts also included in admission on Tuesday and Thursday.
22 Oct 2023 to 26 Oct 2023

Lulworth Castle & Park, Lulworth, Dorset
This autumn half term holiday, enjoy a host of fun and a charming day out at Lulworth Castle & Park – Dorset’s finest castle. Seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the Park. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize. Spend the day exploring the Castle, climb the tower, visit our Peacock Park woodland playground and enjoy ice ...
27 October 2023

Lyme Regis, Dorset
A Spooktacular Night at the Lyme Regis MuseumTime | Friday 27th October, 5.30pm-8pm Something spooky this way comes… join us at the Museum after dark and prepare to get a fright as you take a journey through 200 million years of history… * Torchlight Tours * Creepy Crafts * Spooky Stories * Freaky Face Painting * Hot Chocolate Refreshments A family event, suitable for all ages. Adults £3/Children £2
27 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Museum After DarkDiscover three incredible museums on one unforgettable night. From 5pm – 9pm on Friday 27th October, you can visit Dorset Museum, the Keep Military Museum and Shire Hall Museum with just one ticket! Discover Dorchester’s fascinating history whilst exploring three of the best museums in the South West. Adult tickets are £10 and children go free! Tour the galleries of the Keep Military Museum after dark, when the Museum’s mannequins come to life! See if you can track down the runaway ...
27 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Museums after Dark 2023Discover three incredible museums on one unforgettable night. From 5pm – 9pm on Friday 27th October, you can visit Dorset Museum, the Keep Military Museum and Shire Hall Museum with just one ticket! Discover Dorchester’s fascinating history whilst exploring three of the best museums in the South West. Adult tickets are £10 and children (under 16s) go free! Each museum will be hosting is own unique activity, especially for Museums After Dark! • Dorset Museum Ghostbusters 👻 Enjoy an ...
28 October 2023

Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset
Brewery Square Halloween Spooktacular Spooktacular Halloween Bash! 🎃 📅 Date: Saturday 28th October 📍 Venue: Brewery Square 🕰️ Time: 4pm (TBC) Join us for spine-tingling fun! 🌙👻 Fancy Dress: Show off your scariest or most creative costumes!🧙‍♀️ Pumpkin Carving Competition: Carve your way to victory!🎃 Trick or Treat: Satisfy your sweet tooth 🍬 Stilt Walkers: Prepare to be amazed by our eerie entertainers! 🎪 Music: Dance the time away to hauntingly good tunes! 🎸 Balloon Modelling: Get twisted with spooky ...
21 Oct 2023 to 28 Oct 2023

Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins, Weymouth, Dorset
Halloween Spooktacular Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farm Don your wellies and come for a lovely autumnal day out: – Pumpkin Picking – Haunted House – Trick or Treat – and lots lots more… Free to enter Dogs on leads welcome 7th & 8th October, 14th & 15th October & 21st-28th October 2023 10am – 4pm
28 October 2023

Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne, Dorset
Museum by Torchlight - Museum of East DorsetDress up and bring your torch for a spooky time in the galleries. Join us for this special event where the Museum will be open out of hours and in the dark. Find out about the witch’s marks on the wall and why we have a mummified cat. Make some creepy crafts, handle some real skulls and bones and join our cook in the museum kitchen to hear some spooky stories. Be sure to dress up with friends and family in a ghoulish costume or scary animal and bring along a torch! Adults make sure you ...
27 Oct 2023 to 28 Oct 2023

Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset
Nothe of the Living DeadNothe of the Living Dead, described as a cross between The Walking Dead and Crystal Maze, combines jump scares and challenges in an hour long experience that sees participants take on a chilling quest to save the world from an undead takeover. The event, which takes place at the Nothe Fort – voted one of the UK’s spookiest locations, is now in its fifth year and has become a firm favourite with horror enthusiasts across the South West, “Second visit to this wonderful event last night, ...
23 Oct 2023 to 28 Oct 2023

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Tudor Week - Living HistoryVisit Athelhampton, one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses surrounded by stunning architectural gardens with the bonus of being able to join in this special Half Term Event. Step back in time to 1580, and meet the Martyn family of Athelhampton at this living history event. All levels of society from gentlefolk to servants will be around the house and gardens to talk with and learn from. Dedicated living historians take on the characters of the 16th-century owners of Athelhampton. ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Children's Autumn Pumpkin TrailJoin our family fun trail in the garden this autumn. Follow the trail around the garden discovering pumpkins and solving the clues along the way. Prizes will be available from the ticket box at the end of the trail. FANCY DRESS IS VERY MUCH WELCOMED Fab Half term fun! "Pumkin Trail So lovely to see, genuinely happy children, who left absolutely exhausted with great prizes. Thoroughly recommend the pumpkin trail for all ages". S.Smith Bournemouth TIME Open 10am • Last ...
26 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Bridport, Dorset
Fright Night and Kids Disco at Vurlands FarmPumpkin and lights trail, actors and fun Halloween disco!
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest, Dorset
Frightful fun at Longdown Activity FarmIt’s Frightfully Fun at the Farm Saturday 21st October to Sunday 29th October 2023 Enter the Haunted Barn at your peril from Saturday 21st October through to Sunday 29th October for a howlingly good time. Encounter real-life barn owls and creepy creatures with the Creature Teachers on Sunday 29th October. The Pumpkin Quest promises to be fun for all the family too – everyone will enjoy spotting the mischievous orange faces around the farm as they discover each naughty pumpkin in ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Corfe Castle, Corfe Castle, Dorset
Half Term at Corfe CastleThere's so much fun to be had this October half term... Come along to enjoy seasonal scenes at Corfe Castle with pumpkins a plenty! 🎃 Make your guesses as to how many pumpkins are displayed in the Outer Bailey. 🍂The ever popular teddy bear zip line makes its return for another year. Bring your own teddy or borrow a furry Corfe Castle veteran and send them down the zip line over the great ditch. Discover the gruesome story of King John and his wicked ways as the teddy bear Knights escape ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset
Halloween Fun at the Nothe FortExplore a Hauntingly Good Time at Nothe Fort this Halloween! 🎃 Step into the enchanting world of spells and spooks at Nothe Fort this October Half Term. We've conjured up a bewitching array of activities that are perfect for all ages. Join us for a ghoulishly good time as we celebrate the spookiest time of year, at the spookiest venue in Dorset. 🐭Warren & Winnie Ghost Hunt: Our famous mice have hidden their ghostly selves around the Fort, and we need you to help us find them! 👻 Ghost ...
23 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Farmer Palmers, Wareham, Dorset
Halloween Half Term at Farmer Palmer's Farm ParkWe hope you have a SPOOKTACULAR time with your little ones this Halloween Half Term at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park! Our team transform into our entertaining ‘Boo Crew’, dressing up and getting into the ‘spirit’ of things is highly encouraged! There are CAULDRONS full of family fun! Most of the farm park has a spooky makeover (We know Halloween isn’t for everyone so, some areas of the farm park won’t be decorated and will be spook-free). The Hen House will be serving up some GHOULISH ...
24 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Halloween Half Term Fun at Shire HallShire Hall Museum will be full of scarily fun activities this Halloween Half-term! Throughout the half-term holidays, Shire Hall Museum will become home to spooky family-friendly fun. . Slippery slime-making workshops* . creepy crafts . spooky trail! Come down to our underground cells at the most haunting time of the year! After your visit, pop up to our café for some seasonal autumnal recipes and Halloween treats. Kids who are dressed up go free**. There is no need to ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Dorchester, Dorset
Halloween Trail at Minterne GardensHALLOWE'EN TRAIL at Minterne Gardens. Hunt through 27 acres of wild woodland garden for BATS, WITCHES, SKELETONS & COBWEBS!
21 Jul 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Nature Heals | Photography by Trevor ParsonsDorset Museum and Dorchester Arts co-present Nature Heals, an exhibition of nature photography by Trevor Parsons. Trevor is a local photographer with an amazing story to tell about the healing power of photography. This is his story, told in his own words: My name is Trevor Parsons I live in Verwood Dorset. I’ve had two mental breakdowns and nature and photography had a fundamental part of my recovery. I was off work for ten months and was admitted into St Ann’s Hospital in Poole twice in ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Beaulieu, New Forest, Dorset
October Half Term at BeaulieuThe smell of hot chocolate and pumpkins is in the air…October half-term is well on its way! Not made plans yet? There’s so much to see and do at Beaulieu this half-term. From listening to spooky ghost stories and seeing Lord Montagu’s cook bake seasonal recipes in Palace House, to watching falconry in the atmospheric ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and hunting for ghostly ghouls around the National Motor Museum, there’s so much to enjoy!
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

RockReef, Bournemouth, Dorset
October Half Term Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip! Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids entertained over the half term holidays whatever the weather? Are you staying in the area and are looking for fun things to do at the Bournemouth seafront? Book your adventure online today and save money off your ticket price! Open everyday between Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October.
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

RockReef, Bournemouth, Dorset
October Half Term at RockReef & PierZipOctober Half Term Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip! Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids entertained over the half term holidays whatever the weather? Are you staying in the area and are looking for fun things to do at the Bournemouth seafront? Book your adventure online today and save money off your ticket price! Open everyday between Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th October.
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Tank Museum, Wareham, Dorset
OCTOBER HALF TERM: ART-A-TANKHalf Term fun for the whole family to enjoy! Kids’ activities, new exhibition, soft play, and more. The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with 100 years of history, 300 tanks, kids activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. Follow the new Art-A-Tank Museum trail, plus colouring and drawing workshops. Mini-tank fans can let off steam in the free soft play & outdoor play area. Open daily ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset
Pumpkins, Potions & Pirates at Abbotsbury SwanneryThroughout the October school half term, visit the Swannery and join our fun Halloween event. Hidden within the Swannery grounds will be a secret word carved in the Pumpkins. Follow the trail to collect the letters and uncover the secret word! Cast a spooky spell in our potions house and discover the pirate skeletons around the Swannery. Also within the Swannery Classroom, there will be an autumnal creative craft to take home. Kids for £1 or FREE if in fancy dress, with a full paying adult ...
29 October 2023

Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset
Rewilding ToursOn this guided walk with our Ranger Ben Padwick, you will gain an understanding of the rewilding project at Mapperton, including the day-to-day running of Mapperton Wildlands and the changes underway on the estate. You will learn about the recent arrival of a pair of beavers, and hopefully get chance to see our Tamworth pigs and Exmoor ponies. You will also learn about their positive impact of the behaviour of these animals on the ecosystem. Ben will also show you other wildlife activity in ...
21 Oct 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Swanage, Dorset
Spooky Halloween Trail on Swanage PierJoin us at Swanage Pier this half term for our new spook-tacular Trail!! Find the Halloween characters which are hidden on the Pier and learn their spooky names. Once you have discovered them all, hand in your sheet at the Pier gift shop for a reward and be entered into our prize draw to win Halloween goodies. £1.50 per trail. Normal adult admission to the Pier applies.
21 Jul 2023 to 29 Oct 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
Wildlife Photographer of the YearWildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is coming to Dorset Museum this summer. Over 100 powerful photographs capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking beauty of our planet. The images shine a light on stories and species from around the world and show the impact of human activity on the planet, in ways that words cannot. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography ...
30 October 2023

Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset
A talk about John Brown in DorchesterDiscover the story of John Brown in this special talk for Black History Month. with Jordan Cole, a student at Bath Spa University, and Eve Mordue, Collection Manager at Dorset Museum They will talk about the research that has taken place to find out more about his life and time spent living in Dorset. This has contributed to a special display outside the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre, which runs from 6 October 2023 until the end of the year. John Brown was born into slavery in ...
Dorset events and what's on

What's on by Town

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Things to do in Dorset

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Latest Dorset Features

The latest Dorset articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.

1 Oct 2023
Half-term Fun in Dorset
Half-term Fun in Dorset So, it’s the half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained! Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the seasons. Our Resort family has children of different ages and here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too! Fossil Hunting – you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware of the tide times, stay away from ... Read more...
26 Sep 2023
Halloween Events in Dorset
Halloween Events in Dorset The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and the themed fun that takes place. If you’re out and about in Dorset, you’ll find many a Halloween event happening, so grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time! It's scary how much there is to choose from... Halloween Events Read more...
2 Aug 2023
Things to do on a rainy day in Dorset
Things to do on a rainy day in Dorset Dorset is blessed with countless scenic locations to explore in the summer months, from Durdle Door to Portland Bill there are plenty of beauty spots and outdoor activities to enjoy. But what about those rainy days in Dorset when the number one priority is keeping dry? We’ve compiled a list of fantastic Dorset attractions and activities to keep you and your family entertained when the rain takes hold. Rainy Day Attractions & Activities in Dorset What else ... Read more...
17 Jul 2023
Top things to do in Dorset!
Top things to do in Dorset! Top things to do in Dorset this Summer! Here is a snapshot of some of the great things to do taken from Resort Dorset. 1. Hop on the Swanage Railway, sit back and let your senses take you back in time! 2. Take a break from the beach and visit one of Dorset’s delightful gardens, Sherborne Castle, Compton Acres, Mapperton Estate, Athelhampton and Abbotsbury Gardens have some of the most beautiful grounds. Take a leisurely stroll and build up the appetite for tea and ... Read more...
2 Apr 2023
Dog-Friendly Dorset
Dog-Friendly Dorset A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset. Accommodation When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the perfect holiday for you and your ... Read more...

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