COVID-19: Enjoy Dorset responsibly. As the tourist industry begins to re-open, please follow government advice on restrictions and social distancing. Prior to travel, please check with individual businesses and event organisers for confirmation of opening times and restrictions.
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 Nyetimber 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!
View Dorset Events by Date:
The next 34 events in Dorset appear below.
24 Oct 2020 to 25 Oct 2020
Autumn Colours Weekend
Sherborne Castle,
Sherborne, Dorset
Explore acres of impressive gardens beside the lake and witness the spectacular autumn colours all around you.
28 October 2020
Monster Minions at Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland,
Christchurch, Dorset
Monster Minions will be the star attraction at Adventure Wonderland during October half-term. These mischievous minions will fit right in with all the fang-tastic Halloween celebrations at the park which includes a scary maze and a live Halloween show. They will be making personal appearances throughout the day, so cameras at the ready! Spooktacular!
Pre-book your tickets via the website.
24 Oct 2020 to 31 Oct 2020
Frightful Fun at the Farm
Longdown Activity Farm,
New Forest, Dorset
There’ll be lots of spooky stuff to see and do at Longdown Activity Farm on the run-up to Hallowe’en. Enter the Haunted Barn at your peril – look out for grimacing ghouls, scary skeletons and wicked witches.
Keep your eyes peeled and join in with the Pumpkin Quest – 10 naughty pumpkins have escaped! Children will enjoy spotting the mischievous orange faces around the farm. No prizes, just spookily good fun.
On Tuesday 27th October and Saturday 31st October (only) there’s some extra ...
24 Oct 2020 to 31 Oct 2020
Halloween Family Fun
Nothe Fort,
Weymouth, Dorset
In the run up to Halloween, Nothe Fort will become the spookiest place in Weymouth!
With ghost tours, craft activities and much, much more, there is something for all the family in this Halloween extravaganza.
Warning: Only for the bravest visitors! Enter if you dare!
26 Oct 2020 to 31 Oct 2020
Halloween Fun at Shire Hall
Dorchester, Dorset
The witch is brewing a magic spell,
It’s Halloween night and monsters dwell,
Her pot is boiling and many spells she will weave,
To cast them on all the children on Halloween eve.
Throughout the half-term holidays, Shire Hall will become home to spooky family-friendly fun. We’ll have slippery slime-making workshops and a count the spiders trail . Come around our spooky underground cells at the most haunting time of the year.
Join us for spooky story-telling through out the week , or ...
31 October 2020
Monkey World - Treats, no tricks!
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre,
Wareham, Dorset
This Halloween, you will only find treats at Monkey World- no tricks!
That’s because on the 31st October we are giving away a FREE PLAYinChoc box to every child in full Halloween fancy dress!
Each ToyChoc boxes has 2 x 10g chocolates, an endangered animal puzzle to build and an educational fun facts card! Visitors will still need to pre-book their visit, and numbers are limited, so book online today!
Monkey World is home to over 260 primates of 24 species, the majority of whom have been ...
24 Oct 2020 to 31 Oct 2020
Pick your own Pumpkin
Dorchester, Dorset
Pick your own pumpkin farm. Come for a lovely autumnal day out, walk in the pumpkin field and choose your own pumpkin to take home and carve.
Manor Farm, Winterbourne Abbas, Nr Dorchester.
24 Oct 2020 to 31 Oct 2020
Survival Zone
Weymouth, Dorset
This immersive, theatrical experience puts our guests in the middle of a crisis – the Living Dead have taken over!
The south coast's premier scare attraction, we scare the hell out of you!
17 Oct 2020 to 01 Nov 2020
Ascarium
Weymouth, Dorset
Take a step into the creepy deep at SEA LIFE Weymouth this Halloween and navigate the Ascarium; an immersive trail which takes you past some of the ocean’s most weird and wonderful sea creatures.
You are invited to help find the sea witches missing potion ingredients and solve a riddle to earn a special Halloween treat (if you dare!) You’ll also be able to spot a host of magical creatures as you search for the missing items- who will you spot lurking in the darkest depths?!
This ...
24 Oct 2020 to 01 Nov 2020
Half Term Family Fun at the Tank Museum
Wareham, Dorset
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.
* Activities running 24 October – 1 November 2020
* Open daily 10am-5pm
* Mini Landrover Driving from
Mini Landies
* Free trails
* Brand new WW2 Exhibition
* Allow 4-5hrs for your visit
24 Oct 2020 to 01 Nov 2020
Half Term Halloween Fun
Adventure Wonderland,
Christchurch, Dorset
Tricks, Treats, Meet & Greets: Adventure Wonderland is busy planning another spooktacular Halloween half-term event.
Join us between 24 October and 1st November for a spooky selection of entertainment throughout the park! Book your tickets now at www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
24 Oct 2020 to 01 Nov 2020
Miniature Mayhem at Beaulieu
Beaulieu,
New Forest, Dorset
Get set for miniature mayhem this October half-term, as fun family activities celebrate our new exhibition Motoring in Miniature – the Toys of Your Childhood, and Little Beaulieu, our new play area modelled on Lord Montagu’s ancestral home of Palace House.
Rumour has it that this October half term, some of the toy cars from Motoring in Miniature have mischievously escaped from the National Motor Museum and have motored their way around the Beaulieu attraction after closing time. We now ...
26 Oct 2020 to 01 Nov 2020
Supersized at Marwell Zoo
New Forest, Dorset
Bring your mini monsters to Marwell Zoo this October half term for the last chance to see our larger than life brick adventure, SUPERSIZED!
The world exclusive event featuring more than two million toy bricks is on display alongside the zoo’s hundreds of exotic and endangered animals until 1 November 2020.
Featuring up to 30 models of curious real-life creatures, from sneaky predators such as the venomous blue-ringed octopus to the aptly named assassin bug, these fearsome species have ...
26 Oct 2020 to 30 Nov 2020
Spooky Halloween Fun at Farmer Palmer's
Farmer Palmers,
Wareham, Dorset
Low-key fangtastic Halloween fun for little ones with cauldrons full of family fun!
The whole farm park has a spooky makeover and the team are transformed into our entertaining 'Boo Crew'. Dressing up and getting into the 'spirit' of things is highly encouraged. We are currently working on a "Palmer's Pumpkin Pick" activity . . . keep watch on the website!
05 Dec 2020 to 06 Dec 2020
Steam and Lights - Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway,
Swanage, Dorset
Make wonderful and magical memories in the run-up to Christmas, thanks to a new festive first for the Swanage Railway – an evocative, dramatic and colourful Steam and Lights train journey through the Isle of Purbeck countryside.
A new not to be missed pre-booked steam train experience, the steam locomotive and carriages will be covered with brightly coloured lights while the cosy steam-heated carriage interiors will be festively decorated for the one-hour evening round trip passing the ...
11 Dec 2020 to 13 Dec 2020
Ignite: Fire & Fantasy at Kingston Lacy
Wimborne, Dorset
This year for the first time we have partnered with industry specialists, Sony Music, to create Ignite at Kingston Lacy – an illuminated trail that will showcase the garden and parkland, in a magical, new and immersive way never seen before.
As twilight falls the magic begins. Expect the unexpected with as you glimpse fairies in the Fernery, fiery fish and woodland wildlife sculpted in willow all within an enchanting landscape filled with wonder.
Lit by lanterns, wander between ...
12 Dec 2020 to 13 Dec 2020
Shire Hall Christmas Market
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,
Dorchester, Dorset
We will be hosting out first ever Christmas market on December 12th-13th following all current government Covid guidelines
More information to follow on the website!
12 Dec 2020 to 13 Dec 2020
Steam and Lights - Swanage Railway
Swanage Railway,
Swanage, Dorset
Make wonderful and magical memories in the run-up to Christmas, thanks to a new festive first for the Swanage Railway – an evocative, dramatic and colourful Steam and Lights train journey through the Isle of Purbeck countryside.
A new not to be missed pre-booked steam train experience, the steam locomotive and carriages will be covered with brightly coloured lights while the cosy steam-heated carriage interiors will be festively decorated for the one-hour evening round trip passing the ...
12 Dec 2020 to 13 Dec 2020
The Santa Show
Adventure Wonderland,
Christchurch, Dorset
Jingle all the way to Adventure Wonderland for your chance to see Santa!
Santa really is coming to town! We’ve designed a Covid-secure space where visitors will be able to enjoy the show from their very own reindeer stable pod. Each pod seats up to six people.
‘The Santa Show’ is a 30-minute magical, musical performance for all the family! A cast of talented elves will sing and dance their way through this enchanted blend of grotto and Panto. The finale is a special appearance from ...
12 Dec 2020 to 13 Dec 2020
Victorian Christmas Fair
Nothe Fort,
Weymouth, Dorset
On this Christmas weekend, the Nothe Fort will be alive with festive spirit!
Dorset Food & Drink will be returning to the fort with a Christmas market, bringing you all your favourite local produce with a festive twist.
To enhance this Victorian-themed event, the fort casemates will be housing traditional craft demonstrations, complete with re-enactors. And there will be fun for the children too, including a new take on the famous Nothe Fort Mouse Hunt and other festive activities.
17 Dec 2020 to 18 Dec 2020
The New Hardy Players: Christmas in the Courtroom
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,
Dorchester, Dorset
Join the New Hardy Players for a feast of traditional seasonal entertainment in the evocative surroundings of Dorchester’s iconic Shire Hall.
Directed by Tim Laycock.
Supporting Dorchester Poverty Action.
To ensure that government guidelines are adhered to the audience will watch the show from socially distanced seats, allowing family groups to sit together whilst maintaining a safe distance from other audience members, plus we ask our guests to wear masks during the ...
18 Dec 2020 to 23 Dec 2020
Steam and Lights - Swanage Railway
Swanage, Dorset
Make wonderful and magical memories in the run-up to Christmas, thanks to a new festive first for the Swanage Railway – an evocative, dramatic and colourful Steam and Lights train journey through the Isle of Purbeck countryside.
A new not to be missed pre-booked steam train experience, the steam locomotive and carriages will be covered with brightly coloured lights while the cosy steam-heated carriage interiors will be festively decorated for the one-hour evening round trip passing the ...
19 Dec 2020 to 23 Dec 2020
The Santa Show
Adventure Wonderland,
Christchurch, Dorset
Jingle all the way to Adventure Wonderland for your chance to see Santa!
Santa really is coming to town! We’ve designed a Covid-secure space where visitors will be able to enjoy the show from their very own reindeer stable pod. Each pod seats up to six people.
‘The Santa Show’ is a 30-minute magical, musical performance for all the family! A cast of talented elves will sing and dance their way through this enchanted blend of grotto and Panto. The finale is a special appearance from ...
18 Dec 2020 to 30 Dec 2020
Ignite: Fire & Fantasy at Kingston Lacy
Wimborne, Dorset
This year for the first time we have partnered with industry specialists, Sony Music, to create Ignite at Kingston Lacy – an illuminated trail that will showcase the garden and parkland, in a magical, new and immersive way never seen before.
As twilight falls the magic begins. Expect the unexpected with as you glimpse fairies in the Fernery, fiery fish and woodland wildlife sculpted in willow all within an enchanting landscape filled with wonder.
Lit by lanterns, wander between ...
21 Nov 2020 to 01 Jan 2021
Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience
Dorchester, Dorset
Enjoy the festive season under the stars with the brand new Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience at Nutley Farm, near Dorchester.
Wander along the magical illuminated 600m walkway, pass through a glittering archway and gaze at the twinkling trees and light installations along the way.
It's suitable for all ages and is the perfect way to get in the festive spirit with your family.
Please book online.
04 Dec 2020 to 03 Jan 2021
Pantomime: Rapunzel
Weymouth, Dorset
As Rapunzel nears her 18th Birthday the evil witch, Gothel, and her scheming wizardly brother, Alphonso are plotting to kidnap her.
They plan to lock Rapunzel away in a secret tower in a bid to gain eternal youth from her magical hair.
In a trance and with no memory of her real family Rapunzel is doomed to spend the rest of her life in the tower…..
Can her determination and a little help from her friends in the palace save the Princess and give her a ‘Happy Ever After’?
To ensure ...
25 Jun 2021 to 27 Jun 2021
TANKFEST 2021
Wareham, Dorset
Don’t miss the world’s biggest display of historic moving armour – TANKFEST 2021, sponsored by World of Tanks.
See tanks roar round the arena, explore Living History encampments, meet your favourite YouTube stars and historians, and discover the best collection of military vehicles.
10 Jul 2021 to 11 Jul 2021
Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival
Weymouth, Dorset
A fabulous weekend of seafood, delicious English Sparkling Wines from Nyetimber, celebrity chefs and a great atmosphere around Weymouth harbour.
The Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival brings together sparkling wine and seafood, family entertainment and a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the superb seafood available to us just off our wonderful shores.
Taste fresh seafood dishes from nearly 100 stalls around the beautiful harbour, or simply relax with a bottle of ...
29 Jul 2021 to 01 Aug 2021
Camp Bestival
Lulworth, Dorset
We're excited to announce the dates for Camp Bestival 2021 - we'll be returning to Lulworth Castle, on Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast for more award-winning family fun from Thursday July 29th to Sunday August 1st next summer and look forward to seeing you all there!
Camp Bestival 2021 tickets will go on sale later this year with a payment plan available to help spread the total cost over multiple payments.
31 Jul 2021 to 07 Aug 2021
Swanage Carnival
Swanage, Dorset
For one week at the end of July and the beginning of August, Swanage will be radiating to the sound, fun and excitement of the annual carnival, the South Coast’s Premier event.
This ‘must do’ attraction has so much to offer everyone, from the magnificent two-mile carnival procession, vibrant with dance, sound and colour, to the beat of live bands playing on the Main Stage and in the carnival marquee.
18 August 2021
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
Shaftesbury, Dorset
One of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the south, and held on the Turnpike Showground in North Dorset, this traditional show is always held on the third Wednesday in August and regularly has an attendance of over 24,000 people.
26 Aug 2021 to 30 Aug 2021
Great Dorset Steam Fair
Blandford, Dorset
If you’re looking for an excellent fun and action-packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
This English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else to the show.
From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favoured places for those interested in ...
27 Aug 2021 to 30 Aug 2021
Lyme Folk Weekend
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Folk Weekend 2020 has been cancelled but is scheduled to go ahead in 2021.
We are, though, thrilled to say that all the headline acts that we had booked have agreed to return next summer, so the festival will look exactly the same as it would have done this August.
The new dates are Friday August 27 to Monday August 30 2021, when we will be delighted to bring you an amazing line-up for our first four-day festival - kicking off with the brilliant Gigspanner Big Band, followed by ...
02 Sep 2021 to 05 Sep 2021
Bournemouth Air Festival
Bournemouth, Dorset
Huge free air festival with international aircraft, beach assault and air display teams.
The Festival site is open daily from 10am with displays starting late morning/ early afternoon .
See website for latest information.
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Vouchers & OffersLatest Dorset Features
The latest Dorset articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
21 Oct 2020
So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained in these restricted times!
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 ... Read more...
28 Sep 2020
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!
Dorset Halloween events and activities include everything from Monster Minions to Ghost Tours and more besides.
It's scary how much there is to choose from...
Halloween Events
Read more...
8 Jul 2020
We’ve all had better years. If you’re looking for a much-needed break, look no further - here are 10 good reasons you can’t go wrong with a Dorset staycation in 2020.
Dorset has lots of outside space. Whether on the coast or out in the country, there’s room to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Accommodation – there’s plenty of choice, and accommodation providers, from campsites and B&Bs to luxury cottages and hideaways, ... Read more...
3 Jul 2020
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Firstly, thank you for staying away during lockdown; but now, here at Resort Dorset, we can’t wait to welcome you back.
If you are looking for inspiration for this year’s staycation then look no further, Dorset has it all – beautiful beaches, rolling hills, rugged coastline, stunning coastal walks, and countryside rambles – breathe in the fresh air and leave your troubles behind. Dorset is a county of beauty and tranquillity, and although you will ... Read more...
3 Mar 2020
Resort Dorset’s second ‘photos of the month’ feature is here! We’ve selected some of our favourite photos from Instagram that either mention @resortdorset or use the tag #resortdorset. Additionally, we select a featured photo of the month (above). Let’s get stuck in!
Shots We Love
River Stour
View this post on Instagram
... Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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