Top events, attractions and family fun across the county

May Bank Holiday Weekend – Things to Do in Dorset!

If you're lucky enough to have the Bank Holiday weekend off, and luckier still to be in Dorset – or Dorset bound – then you're in for a treat. Here's our pick of the best events and experiences to make the most of it!

1 – Coastal Vibes Cruises, Weymouth Harbour The brilliant crew at Coastal Vibes have gone all out this weekend with not one, not two, but four themed cruises to choose from. Pick your vibe: a Sunset BBQ Cruise; a 90s Throwback Boat Party; the wonderfully tongue-twisting Sunset Sax Sundays; or round off the long weekend with a Sunset Fish & Chips Cruise on Monday. We've got our eye on that Sax Sunday session – the perfect way to ease into an evening, knowing Monday's a lie-in! 

2 – Castles & Dragons at the Nothe Fort, Weymouth The Nothe Fort never lets a Bank Holiday pass quietly. This weekend it's Castles & Dragons – with axe-throwing, historical combat demonstrations by local re-enactors, a Dragon Egg Hunt hidden across the Fort, and medieval games in the Parade Ground. Best of all, your ticket is valid for 12 months, so you can keep going back at no extra cost!

3 – Kids in Charge! at the Tank Museum, Bovington The Tank Museum is handing over the reins this Bank Holiday with their brilliant Museum Takeover: Kids in Charge! Children can step into the roles of museum staff – helping design exhibitions, caring for the archive and objects collection, creating content, and even fixing mini 'tanks'. Add in games, soft play, an on-site restaurant and café, and you've got a full day out. Book in advance to save 20% and enjoy a free annual pass with every ticket.

4 – Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, Poole Perfect for little ones, Farmer Palmer's is bursting with hands-on fun this weekend: meet and hold a guinea pig, bottle-feed the kid goats, groom a pony, watch cow milking demos, zoom around on go-karts, and even spot some dinosaurs! An absolute gem for families with children aged 0–8.

5 – Live Music at Chesil Beach Café, Bank Holiday Monday After going down a storm at Easter, guitarist Mark Greensit is back! Head down to the iconic Chesil Beach Café on Monday 4th May from 1pm for a laid-back lunch with live music right beside the beach – and best of all, it's completely free! With hot and cold drinks, something a little stronger if you fancy it, and a delicious menu to enjoy, it's the perfect way to soak up the last day of the long weekend. They're open 9.30am–4.30pm. See you there!

6 – Sherborne Abbey Festival Running from 30th April to 7th May, this wonderful week-long festival brings performances to venues in and around the beautiful town of Sherborne. Welcoming audiences of all ages, the programme spans opera, choral and classical music, jazz, swing and much more – a true celebration of live performances in a stunning setting.

7 – Splashdown Waterpark, Poole The South's favourite waterpark is open and ready for thrills! With a fantastic selection of flumes and rides, Splashdown is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike – and the number one Dorset pick for our teenage son!

8 – Abbotsbury Swannery Home to over 600 mute swans, the Swannery is magical at this time of year – keep your eyes peeled for newly hatched cygnets making their fluffy grey debut any day now. Little ones (and nostalgic grown-ups!) will love the Brambly Hedge Children's Trail, and there's also a willow maze, go-karts, and the chance to help feed hundreds of swans. A truly special Dorset experience.

Charlie Wheeler Photography

9 – RIB Rides from West Bay & Lyme Regis Fancy your own adventure? RIB rides are now running between West Bay and Lyme Regis, offering a scenic blast along the Jurassic Coast. Hop off, explore, then make your way back via the Jurassic Coaster bus for a brilliant day out on the water and beyond.

10 – Resort Dorset – Your Local Guide For even more inspiration – from top attractions and events to foodie hot spots and hidden gems – grab a copy of Resort Dorset or read it online

Thu30thApruntilThu7thMay

Sherborne Abbey Festival

Sherborne

Fri1stMay

Sunset BBQ on the Bay Cruise

Weymouth

Sat2ndMay

Allington Hill Country Fair

Bridport

Sat2ndMay

The Freddie & Queen Experience on Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth

Sat2ndMay

Throwback Series: 90s Boat Party

Weymouth

Sat2ndMayuntilMon4thMay

Castles & Dragons Weekend

Weymouth

Sat2ndMayuntilMon4thMay

Kids In Charge: Museum Takeover

Wareham

Sun3rdMay

Corgi Day

Dorchester

Sun3rdMay

Shaftesbury Food Festival

Shaftesbury

Sun3rdMay

Sunset Sax Sundays

Weymouth

Mon4thMay

Bank Holiday Monday Music at Chesil Beach Cafe

Abbotsbury

Mon4thMay

Sunset Fish and Chips Cruise

Weymouth