In 2023-24, nature journaling artist Alex Boon spent a year documenting the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve section of the South West Coast Path... more >

The Rotunda Gallery, Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA

Today to Fri 13 Sep

Discover Clubs and Organisations in Dorset

Maize Maze

THE MOST AMAZING MAIZE MAZE IN DORSET IS BACK… for the final time! The Giant Maize Maze at Blackmarsh Farm in Sherborne, Dorset, is open throughout..... more >

Blackmarsh Farm Cafe and Shop, Dodds Cross, Sherborne DT9 4JX

Today to Tue 3 Sep

Summer at Monkey World!

Celebrate summer at Monkey World with activities, themed weeks & the Children’s Activity Centre open daily for crafts fun & learning! more >

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Today to Thu 29 Aug

Circus Vegas

For a discount call the box office on 07494774008 or online with Ticketmaster and quote ‘ACROBAT’ Must be booked at least 24 hours before showtime... more >

Branksome Recreation ground Poole BH12 2AL

Today to Sun 4 Aug

Annalal's Gallery - Open Garden for NGS

Enchanting 180 yr old cottage, home of two Royal Academy artists. 32ft x 12½ft garden on 3 patio levels... more >

Annalal’s Gallery, Christchurch BH23 1DN

Sun 28 Jul, Sun 25 Aug, Sun 15 Sep

Black Shed - Open Garden for NGS

Over 200 colourful and productive flower beds growing a sophisticated selection of cut flowers and foliage to supply florists and the public for... more >

Black Shed, Sherborne DT9 4JX

Sun 28 Jul, Sun 25 Aug

22 Avon Avenue - Open Garden for NGS

Japanese themed water garden featuring granite sculptures, ponds, waterfalls, azaleas, rhododendrons, cloud topiary and a collection of goldfish and... more >

22 Avon Avenue, Ringwood BH24 2BH

Sun 28 Jul, Sun 25 Aug

Summer Camp

This summer we are running a 6-night residential from the 29th July - 2nd August for 9-15-year-olds, in partnership with Summer Camps Trust... more >

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre, Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8EE

Mon 29 Jul to Fri 2 Aug

Around the World in Arty Ways

Get creative at Shire Hall Museum this summer! Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer holidays enjoy Around the World in Arty Ways at..... more >

Shire Hall Museum, High West Street DT1 1UY

Tue 30 Jul, Thu 1 Aug, and more dates until Thu 29 Aug

Miracle Theatre: Love Riot

Miracle Theatre Presents: Love Riot - touring outdoor venues from May to August 2024 Step into a world of etiquette, scandal and matchmaking,... more >

Ibberton Village Hall Field Ibberton DT11 0EL

Thu 1 Aug

Dorset Arts and Crafts Showcase 2024

Dorset Arts & Crafts Showcase 2024 Friday 2nd - Tuesday 6th August Purbeck School, Wareham BH20 4PF... more >

Purbeck School, Worgret Road, Wareham BH20 4PF

Fri 2 Aug to Tue 6 Aug

Miracle Theatre: Love Riot

Miracle Theatre Presents: Love Riot - touring outdoor venues from May to August 2024 Step into a world of etiquette, scandal and matchmaking,... more >

Kimmeridge Bay Nr Wareham Dorset BH20 5PF

Fri 2 Aug

Summer Fete at Shire Hall Museum!

Join us for a fantastic Summer Fete at Shire Hall Museum! Perfect for all ages, our fete offers a wide range of fun activities including..... more >

Shire Hall Museum, High West Street DT1 1UY

Fri 2 Aug

Seasonal Family Bushcraft Workshops

New for 2024 season, bring your parents along to these seasonal family bushcraft workshops with local expert Joe Peartree... more >

Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour BH13 7EE

Fri 2 Aug, Sat 3 Aug, Fri 9 Aug, and more dates until Sat 31 Aug

Great Dorset Chilli Festival

Great Dorset Chilli Festival 3rd & 4th August 2024 Hot Sauce Heaven! Back at the stunning Stock Gaylard Deer Park, near..... more >

Stock Gaylard Estate off the A3030 DT10 2BG

Sat 3 Aug and Sun 4 Aug

Church Knowle Fete

A traditional village fete held in the lovely grounds of The Old Rectory, Church Knowle, near Corfe Castle, BH20 5NG... more >

The Old Rectory, Church Knowle, Corfe Castle BH20 5NG

Sat 3 Aug

Free Gardening Workshops: Galton

Dobbies, the UKs leading garden centre retailer, is celebrating National Allotment Week (12-18 August) by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the... more >

24 Wareham Road, Owermoigne DT2 8BY

Sat 3 Aug, Wed 7 Aug, Wed 14 Aug, Wed 21 Aug, Wed 28 Aug

Dobbies Teddy Bears' Picnic Galton

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is inviting families to roll out the picnic blanket and gather around this summer as it unveils its... more >

24 Wareham Road, Owermoigne DT2 8BY

Sat 3 Aug and Sun 4 Aug

Miracle Theatre: Love Riot

Miracle Theatre Presents: Love Riot - touring outdoor venues from May to August 2024 Step into a world of etiquette, scandal and matchmaking,... more >

Halstock Community Field Halstock BA22 9SG

Sat 3 Aug

Gin & Rum Festival Bournemouth

Join the fun and discover a unique experience that celebrates the best of Gin and Rum and promises the party of the year!... more >

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre BH1 2BU

Sat 3 Aug

Country Dog Show

Margaret Green Animal Rescue is very excited to welcome you all back to our Country Dog Show this year, with plenty of classes to enter, including... more >

Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Church Knowle, Wareham BH20 5NQ

Sun 4 Aug

The Old Rectory, Pulham - Open Garden for NGS

4 acres of formal and informal gardens surrounding C18 rectory with splendid views. Yew pyramid alles and hedges, circular herbaceous borders with..... more >

The Old Rectory, Pulham, Dorchester DT2 7EA

Sun 4 Aug, Thu 8 Aug

Manor Farm, Hampreston - Open Garden for NGS

Traditional farmhouse garden designed and cared for by 3 generations of the Trehane family through over 100 yrs of farming and gardening at... more >

Manor Farm, Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7LX

Sun 4 Aug, Sun 1 Sep

Highcliffe Community Association Jigsaw Fayre

6th - 10th August Hundreds of assembled jigsaw puzzles will be on display and available to buy. As each one is sold, another takes its’ place, so..... more >

Greystones House, Waterford Road, Highcliffe BH23 5JL

Tue 6 Aug, Sat 10 Aug

Osprey and Birds of Arne walks

Join us at Arne for our guided osprey and heathland wildlife walk. With stunning views, it's the perfect location to spot migrating Osprey..... more >

Arne RSPB Reserve, Arne Rd BH20 5BJ

Tue 6 Aug

Summer Guided Tours of Shire Hall Museum

We’re offering guided tours of Shire Hall Museum on Wednesdays in August and September. Discover more about the history of Shire Hall and the..... more >

Shire Hall Museum, High West Street DT1 1UY

Wed 7 Aug, Wed 14 Aug, and more dates until Wed 25 Sep

Broomhill - Open Garden for NGS

A former farmyard transformed into a delightful, tranquil garden set in 2 acres. Clipped box, island beds and borders planted with shrubs, roses,..... more >

Broomhill, Dorchester DT2 0PT

Thu 8 Aug

Glenholme Herbs - Open Garden for NGS

Paths meander through large, colourful beds inspired by Piet Oudolf. Featuring a wide selection of herbs and salvias along with grasses, verbena and..... more >

Glenholme Herbs, Sherborne DT9 4SE

Sat 10 Aug and Sun 11 Aug

50 Years of Fender

50 Years of Fender - The Stratocaster Story Sunday 11th August - Weymouth Pavilion ?? TICKETS/MORE..... more >

Weymouth Pavilion Esplanade Weymouth DT4 8ED

Sun 11 Aug

Osprey and Birds of Arne walks

Join us at Arne for our guided osprey and heathland wildlife walk. With stunning views, it's the perfect location to spot migrating Osprey..... more >

Arne RSPB Reserve, Arne Rd BH20 5BJ

Tue 13 Aug

Dorset Queen cruise, wood fired pizza & Bossa Nova on Brownsea Island

New for 2024 *** Hop on board the beautiful Dorset Queen vintage yacht and head to Brownsea Island to enjoy a delicious wood fired pizza served up... more >

Brownsea Island Poole Harbour Poole BH13 7EE

Wed 14 Aug, Wed 28 Aug

Full Moon Walk | September Harvest Moon

Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, now open to all!... more >

Arne RSPB Reserve, Arne Rd BH20 5BJ

Fri 16 Aug

Full Moon Walk | August Sturgeon Moon

Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, now open to all!... more >

Arne RSPB Reserve, Arne Rd BH20 5BJ

Sat 17 Aug

Brook View Care Home - Open Garden for NGS

Our colourful and vibrant garden is spread over two main areas, one warm and sunny, the other cooler and shadier... more >

Brook View Care Home, Ferndown BH22 0LQ

Sat 17 Aug and Sun 18 Aug

105 Woolsbridge Road - Open Garden for NGS

Plantsman's garden with paths meandering through different areas inc architectural jungle exotics, bamboos and bananas, a woodland walkway with... more >

105 Woolsbridge Road, Ringwood BH24 2LZ

Sat 17 Aug and Sun 18 Aug

1C Rectory Road - Open Garden for NGS

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..... more >

1C Rectory Road, Poole BH15 3BH

Sun 18 Aug, Sun 8 Sep

Chantry Farm - Open Garden for NGS

Chantry Farm is a new opening and offers a series of gardens surrounding the 16C Farm House and three renovated barns... more >

Chantry Farm, Sturminster Newton DT10 1NU

Sun 18 Aug

Full Moon Walk August| Women Only

Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, in an event uniquely created by women for women... more >

Arne RSPB Reserve, Arne Rd BH20 5BJ

Sun 18 Aug

International Orang-utan Day

Celebrate our orange cousins at Monkey World and learn about their tragic plight in the wild, with talks, stalls and trails! No additional fee. more >

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Mon 19 Aug

Mediumship Evening with Bernie Scott in LYME REGIS

. Join us for a wonderful Evening of Mediumship with renowned Psychic Medium Bernie Scott. The night will be filled with joy and upliftment as..... more >

Woodmead Halls Hill Road Lyme Regis DT7 3PG

Wed 21 Aug

Fireworks Cruise

Join us as we take to the seas and enjoy the sights of Poole Harbour An incredible opportunity to experience panoramic views from our deck and soak... more >

Greenslade Pleasure Boats, The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ

Thu 22 Aug

Community Fete @ Livability Millie College

Join us for a day of fun for all the family at Millie College, Holton Lee. Immerse yourself in the beautiful 350 acre nature reserve and gardens, pop..... more >

Livability Millie College, Holton Lee, East Holton, Holton Heath BH16 6JN

Fri 23 Aug

Gin and Jazz Fridays with Jax Hall @ The Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel

Introducing our brand-new summer music event! On select Friday’s over the next few months, Jax Hall will be joining us for 3 evenings of live..... more >

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel, 7 Durley Chine Rd, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH2 5JS

Fri 23 Aug

20 Wicket Road - Open Garden for NGS

Built around a modern terrace, this small suburban garden (just 18 x 13 metres) sits on an awkward shaped plot, over a bed of clay... more >

20 Wicket Road, Bournemouth BH10 5LT

Sat 24 Aug to Mon 26 Aug

Go NUTS at Monkey World!

Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend. more >

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Longthorns, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Sat 24 Aug to Mon 26 Aug

Folly Farm Cottage - Open Garden for NGS

An established garden of approx 1 acre with a contemporary twist. The garden has 4 connecting rooms, a main lawn with borders, ornamental trees and..... more >

Folly Farm Cottage, Bridport DT6 4PH

Sat 24 Aug and Sun 25 Aug

Ardhurst - Open Garden for NGS

The garden has been 7 yrs in the making. A plantsmans garden with deep perennial borders, large netted vegetable area, water harvesting, and all work..... more >

Ardhurst, Sturminster Newton DT10 1JZ

Sat 24 Aug and Sun 25 Aug

Castle Rings - Open Garden for NGS

Small, long garden in two parts laid out beside an Iron Age hill fort with spectacular views. A formal area with colourful planting and pots is..... more >

Castle Rings, Shaftesbury SP7 9BZ

Sun 25 Aug

Careys Secret Garden - Open Garden for NGS

Behind a 150 yr old wall, situated just outside of Wareham, sits 3 ½ acres in the midst of transformation... more >

Careys Secret Garden, Wareham BH20 7PG

Sun 25 Aug

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience @ Christchurch

Direct from London’s Theatreland via the legendary Sydney Opera House, Interactive Theatre International are proud to bring Faulty Towers The Dining... more >

The Kings Arms, 18 Castle Street, Christchurch BH23 1DT

Fri 30 Aug

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.