Dorset Events
What's On In Dorset
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Dive into the Oceanarium this summer for an underwater adventure!
Today to Sun 6 Sep
Oceanarium, Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
This summer, come face to fin with hundreds of different species of animals. SAVE up to 30% online in advance!...
Limitless
Today
Bar Coast
156-164 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, England, , United Kingdom BH1 1NL
We’re excited to welcome you to LIMITLESS, our inclusive SEND club nights in Bournemouth!
We’ve created a welcoming space where individuals with...
Summer of Play Activity Trail
Today to Sun 6 Sep
Brownsea Island
Poole Harbour
Poole BH13 7EE
Join us for a fun filled Summer of Play on Brownsea Island. Discover a world of adventure with activities for kids big and small...
Circus Cortex at Poundbury, Dorset13-17 August 2026
Today to Mon 17 Aug
The Great Field, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester/Dorset. DT1 3RH
Circus Cortex: BizZZar – Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset
Experience the spectacular Circus Cortex: BizZZar under the Big Top at The Great Field,...
Summer of Play: Pokémon Craft Lab
Sat 15 Aug, Sat 22 Aug, Sat 29 Aug
Brownsea Island
Poole BH13 7EE
Join us on Brownsea Island for a burst of colour, creativity, and Pokémon-inspired fun. At the Pokémon Craft Lab, young Trainers can dive into a...
1C Rectory Road - Open Garden for NGS
Sat 15 Aug and Sun 16 Aug
1C Rectory Road, Poole BH15 3BH
An unusual character house and garden. With a passion for maximalist design the house and garden has been designed and built by the owner over the...
The Beehive Summer Fayre
Sat 15 Aug
The Beehive
15 Manor Avenue, Poole, England, , United Kingdom BH12 4LB
Local charity Diverse Abilities is inviting the community to enjoy a fun-filled day at The Beehive, adult activity and therapy day centre, at the...
Summer of Play: Minibeast Mondays
Mon 17 Aug, Mon 24 Aug, Mon 31 Aug
Brownsea Island
Poole BH13 7EE
Looking for a fun and educational way to spend time outdoors with the family? Come along to a Minibeast Monday, where little explorers can get up...
Bluebird Jazz Club
Mon 17 Aug
Bluebird Social Club, (opposite Haskins Garden Centre)
4 Ham Lane
Ferndown BH22 9DP
Bands play here on 2 Mondays a month. Please see the website for full programme. www.bournemouthbluebirdjazz...
Osprey & Heathland Bird guided Walk at RSPB Arne
Tue 18 Aug
RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
Explore the heathland and see stunning reserve views, while spotting Osprey, shore birds and heathland birds with our expert guides...
Sip & Paint
Tue 18 Aug
The Four Horsemen, 77-79 Commercial Road, Bournemouth BH2 5RT
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will have a relaxing fun evening of painting - and sipping!
We’ll be joined by Eleanor Indigo Art who is...
Summer of Play: Hapa Zome Nature Printing
Tue 18 Aug, Tue 25 Aug
Brownsea Island
Poole BH13 7EE
Smash, press, and print with the colours of nature. Join us for a hands-on drop-in workshop where art meets the outdoors!...
Art Exhibition - Imagination Unlocked 7
Wed 19 Aug to Sun 30 Aug
Eype Centre for the Arts
St Peter's Church, Mount Lane, Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR
This exhibition features the work of David Brooke, Caroline Ireland and Elaine Dixon, all painters who work from the imagination, but in very...
Summer of Play: Wild Wednesdays
Wed 19 Aug, Wed 26 Aug
Brownsea Island
Poole BH13 7EE
Get ready to get messy, creative, and hands-on with nature! Join us as we make wildflower seed bombs, little clay balls packed with...
Playtime!
Thu 20 Aug
The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch BH23 6DT
Come along to The Treehouse for an afternoon where our giant soft play is open to everyone!
Most suitable for ages 3 - 9, our soft play has...
Farrs - Open Garden for NGS
Thu 20 Aug
Farrs, Beaminster DT8 3NB
Enjoy several distinctive walled gardens, rolling lawns, sculpture and giant topiary around one of Beaminster's historic town houses...
Summer of Play: Squirrel Challenge
Thu 20 Aug, Thu 27 Aug
Brownsea Island
Poole BH13 7EE
Get ready for the Brownsea Island hosts its first-ever Squirrel Challenge, a playful summer celebration inspired by the island’s most acrobatic...
Dorchester Mediumship Evening with Nikki Kitt
Fri 21 Aug
Dorchester Corn Exchange
High East Street Dorchester DT1 1HF
Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt
Psychic Medium Nikki Kitt is a Spiritualist Medium who is currently touring the UK with her...
Nature at Night - Family Sunset Walk at RSPB Arne
Fri 21 Aug
RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
An amazing opportunity for families to experience the reserve during the spectacle of a summer sunset and connect with our nocturnal nature...
Osprey & Heathland Bird guided Walk at RSPB Arne
Sat 22 Aug
RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
Explore the heathland and see stunning reserve views, while spotting Osprey, shore birds and heathland birds with our expert guides...
The Duck Race 2026
Sat 22 Aug
Lower Gardens, Bournemouth BH2 5AH
WHO LET THE DUCKS OUT!!
Plants and Minds and MacMillan Caring Locally are going “QUACKERS”
Join us for a waddle and a splash with all the...
Summer of Play: The Bee Circus
Sat 22 Aug, Sat 29 Aug
Brownsea Island
Poole BH13 7EE
You might have heard of a Flea Circus before, but have you ever heard of a Bee Circus? Dr Albina and his Buzztastic show are in town to give you a...
Annalal's Gallery - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 23 Aug, Sun 13 Sep
Annalal's Gallery, Christchurch BH23 1DN
Enchanting 180 yr old cottage, home of two Royal Academy artists. 32ft x 12½ft garden on 3 patio levels...
Staddlestones - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 23 Aug
Staddlestones, Wimborne BH21 5DE
A beautiful setting for a cottage garden with colour themed borders, pleached limes and hidden gems, leading over a chalk stream to a shady area...
Holme Bush Inn Summer Fair
Sun 23 Aug
Holme Bush Inn
35 Waterloo Road
Corfe Mullen
Wimborne
Dorset BH21 3QD
A family-friendly summer fair packed with over 60 stalls, live music, delicious BBQ food, a bouncy castle, climbing wall, and a full dog show run by...
Playtime!
Wed 26 Aug
The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch BH23 6DT
Come along to The Treehouse for an afternoon where our giant soft play is open to everyone!
Most suitable for ages 3 - 9, our soft play has...
Fireworks Cruise
Thu 27 Aug
Coastal Cruises Fortuna
The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ
Join us for an evening on the seas of Poole Harbour, treat yourself to a chip supper, and enjoy the spectacular fireworks...
Handlebards open-air theatre - Macbeth
Thu 27 Aug to Sat 29 Aug
Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole BH13 7EE
Experience Shakespeare's classic, 'Macbeth' with the HandleBards' signature blend of energy, humour, and creativity...
Osprey & Heathland Bird guided Walk at RSPB Arne
Sat 29 Aug
RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
Explore the heathland and see stunning reserve views, while spotting Osprey, shore birds and heathland birds with our expert guides...
Ardhurst - Open Garden for NGS
Sat 29 Aug and Sun 30 Aug
Ardhurst, Sturminster Newton DT10 1JZ
This garden is organic and has been 10 yrs in the making. A plantsmans garden with deep perennial borders, large netted vegetable area, water...
3 Willow Hamlet - Open Garden for NGS
Sun 30 Aug
3 Willow Hamlet, Christchurch BH23 7PA
A vibrant garden with rich seasonal colour, extensive range of plants to cascading hanging baskets. Paths weave through borders to a pergola framed...
Sunrise Guided Walk at RSPB Arne - 30th August
Sun 30 Aug
RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham BH20 5BJ
Immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of beautiful RSPB Arne, while watching the breath-taking spectacle of sunrise over Poole Harbour...
Things to do around Dorset
Here's an extended summary of delightful activities for a day out in Dorset:
1. Eat Around Shaftesbury:
- Shaftesbury, a historic working town with roots dating back to Saxon times, offers a charming day out. Don't miss the iconic Gold Hill, made famous by an advertisement for 'Hovis' bread. Enjoy spectacular views over Blackmore Vale. Explore the town's markets – Thursdays for the charter market, regular farmer's markets, flea markets, and book fairs. Take a leisurely stroll along Park Walk for panoramic vistas. For wine enthusiasts, visit Melbury Vine Vineyard, where you can learn about English wines and their growing prominence.
2. Visit Castles & Coast on the Isle of Purbeck:
- Hop on the steam train to Corfe Castle, an iconic defensive fortress with a rich history. Explore the castle ruins and the historic village below. Guided walks and story trails are perfect for families. Venture further into the Isle of Purbeck, where cycling allows you to appreciate the stunning landscape sustainably. Don't forget to take the scenic Breezer Bus.
3. Learn the History of Dorchester:
- Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, is steeped in history. Visit the Dorset County Museum to delve into local heritage, including the famous Dorset Giant, Thomas Hardy, and Roman artifacts. Explore the charming streets, perhaps stopping for a traditional cream tea or browsing independent shops.
4. Hive Beach to Lyme Regis Coastal Walk:
- Embark on a coastal adventure from Hive Beach to Lyme Regis. The scenic walk offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, fossil-rich cliffs, and the dramatic coastline. Explore the charming town of Lyme Regis, known for its beaches, fossils, and literary connections (think Jane Austen and Mary Anning).
5. Sherborne Castles & Abbey:
- Discover the historic town of Sherborne. Visit the magnificent Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh, and explore its beautiful gardens. Don't miss Sherborne Abbey, a stunning medieval church with intricate architecture. Wander through the town's quaint streets and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery.
6. Relax at a Day Spa in Dorset:
- Treat yourself to relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Dorset's day spas. Unwind with massages, facials, and soothing treatments amidst tranquil surroundings. Whether it's a coastal spa or a countryside retreat, pamper yourself and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Remember, Dorset offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and coastal charm – perfect for a memorable day out! 🌿🏰🌊¹³.
:
1. Eat Around Shaftesbury:
- Shaftesbury, a historic working town with roots dating back to Saxon times, offers a charming day out. Don't miss the iconic Gold Hill, made famous by an advertisement for 'Hovis' bread. Enjoy spectacular views over Blackmore Vale. Explore the town's markets – Thursdays for the charter market, regular farmer's markets, flea markets, and book fairs. Take a leisurely stroll along Park Walk for panoramic vistas. For wine enthusiasts, visit Melbury Vine Vineyard, where you can learn about English wines and their growing prominence.
2. Visit Castles & Coast on the Isle of Purbeck:
- Hop on the steam train to Corfe Castle, an iconic defensive fortress with a rich history. Explore the castle ruins and the historic village below. Guided walks and story trails are perfect for families. Venture further into the Isle of Purbeck, where cycling allows you to appreciate the stunning landscape sustainably. Don't forget to take the scenic Breezer Bus.
3. Learn the History of Dorchester:
- Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, is steeped in history. Visit the Dorset County Museum to delve into local heritage, including the famous Dorset Giant, Thomas Hardy, and Roman artifacts. Explore the charming streets, perhaps stopping for a traditional cream tea or browsing independent shops.
4. Hive Beach to Lyme Regis Coastal Walk:
- Embark on a coastal adventure from Hive Beach to Lyme Regis. The scenic walk offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, fossil-rich cliffs, and the dramatic coastline. Explore the charming town of Lyme Regis, known for its beaches, fossils, and literary connections (think Jane Austen and Mary Anning).
5. Sherborne Castles & Abbey:
- Discover the historic town of Sherborne. Visit the magnificent Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh, and explore its beautiful gardens. Don't miss Sherborne Abbey, a stunning medieval church with intricate architecture. Wander through the town's quaint streets and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery.
6. Relax at a Day Spa in Dorset:
- Treat yourself to relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Dorset's day spas. Unwind with massages, facials, and soothing treatments amidst tranquil surroundings. Whether it's a coastal spa or a countryside retreat, pamper yourself and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Remember, Dorset offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and coastal charm – perfect for a memorable day out! 🌿🏰🌊¹³.