Discover the best farm shop cafés in Dorset, from countryside breakfast spots to family-friendly cafés serving fresh local produce, homemade cakes and artisan coffee.
Discover five of the best things to do in Dorset this summer, from exploring Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove to spotting red squirrels on Brownsea Island. Travel through Purbeck on the Swanage Railway, enjoy peaceful art and gardens at Sculpture by the Lakes, or watch fireworks illuminate the Dorset coast. Whether we are planning family days out, romantic escapes or unforgettable coastal adventures, these summer experiences showcase some of the very best places to visit in Dorset.
Discover five of the most beautiful villages in Dorset, from the thatched cottages of Milton Abbas and historic streets of Abbotsbury to Corfe Castle, Cerne Abbas and peaceful Worth Matravers. Whether you are planning a Dorset day trip, searching for pretty villages to explore or looking for somewhere different to visit this weekend, these picturesque Dorset villages combine history, countryside, character and some of the county's most memorable scenery.
Discover the best beach walks and coffee spots in and around Bournemouth. From Bournemouth Beach to Hengistbury Head, explore coastal walks paired with cosy cafés for the perfect seaside reset.
Plan a visit to Branksome Chine Beach in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, lifeguards, dog restrictions and places to eat. This popular Blue Flag beach offers golden sand, a promenade, accessible beach facilities and seasonal RNLI lifeguards, with Rockwater Branksome providing beachfront food and drink overlooking the sea. Discover everything you need to know before visiting Branksome Chine, whether you are planning a family beach day, coastal walk or morning beside the water.
Discover Dorset's hidden beaches, from secluded coves to peaceful bays, offering stunning scenery, clear waters, and fewer crowds.
Discover Dorset Cruises in Poole with essential information on boat trips, prices, private charters, food and drink and departures from Poole Quay. Cruises take place aboard the historic Dorset Queen, a restored vintage motor yacht offering themed experiences including fish and chips, afternoon tea, gin and jazz, Wareham trips and special events. With onboard bars and views across Poole Harbour, Dorset Cruises combines sightseeing with food, drink and entertainment for a more experience-led day on the water.
Discover our experience at Ember Haus, Litton Lakes' lakeside sauna retreat, where wood-fired heat, cold water immersion and beautiful Dorset countryside create a truly memorable wellness experience.
Discover all Regent Centre Christchurch events in July 2026, including live music, theatre shows, tribute acts, dance performances and family entertainment.
Discover Greenslade Pleasure Boats in Poole with essential information on cruises, ferry routes, prices, departure points and booking. This family-run Poole Quay company has operated boat trips since 1970, with current sailings including Poole Harbour and Sandbanks cruises, Brownsea Island ferries, Wareham River trips and wildlife cruises with Birds of Poole Harbour. Whether you want a short sightseeing cruise or a longer day on the water, Greenslade offers several ways to explore Poole Harbour and Dorset’s coastline.
Plan a visit to Hamworthy Park in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, the children’s paddling pool, play area, beach and dog-friendly areas. Set beside Poole Harbour, the park offers large open lawns, harbour views, a seasonal paddling pool, fitness equipment, refreshments and access to watersports. With a year-round dog-friendly beach and family facilities, Hamworthy Park is a useful free destination for relaxed outdoor days in Poole.
Plan your visit to Lemur Landings in Poole with essential information on opening times, admission, parking, accessibility, food and drink and play facilities. Located at Tower Park, this large indoor soft-play and children’s entertainment centre features two play frames, climbing activities, a role-play village and dedicated spaces for babies and younger children. Advance online booking is required for every visit, with free parking available at Tower Park and an onsite family café.
Discover Poole Harbour Watersports with essential information on lessons, equipment hire, opening times, shop facilities and the Shore Road watersports school. Based in Lilliput, the independent specialist stocks paddleboards, windsurfing and wing-foiling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, surf gear and watersports accessories. Its seasonal school operates beside Poole Harbour, offering lessons and hire subject to weather and tides. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced watersports enthusiast, Poole Harbour Watersports provides equipment, tuition and local advice.
Discover Poole Old Lifeboat Museum on Poole Quay, a free RNLI museum exploring the town’s lifesaving history from 1865 to the present day. Housed inside Poole’s former lifeboat station, the museum features the historic Thomas Kirk Wright lifeboat, displays about past and present RNLI crews and an onsite RNLI shop. Find current opening times, admission information, contact details, parking and everything you need to know before visiting this historic Poole attraction.
Discover Rockley in Poole with essential information on watersports, activity centres, children’s holiday camps, RYA sailing courses, equipment hire and booking. Rockley operates from Rockley Point and Poole Park, offering activities including dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing and multi-activity sessions. Established in 1976, the family-run company caters for children, adults, schools and families, with everything from one-hour taster sessions and pedalos to structured sailing courses and residential watersports programmes.
Plan your visit to Sandbanks Beach in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, lifeguards, dog restrictions and things to do. This popular Blue Flag beach on the Sandbanks peninsula is ideal for families, swimmers and visitors looking for one of the best beaches in Poole. Discover everything you need to know before visiting Sandbanks Beach, including nearby amenities, seasonal facilities and practical tips for a day by the coast.
Plan a visit to Splashdown Poole with essential information on tickets, opening times, parking, facilities, height restrictions and family admission rules. Located at Tower Park, Splashdown Waterpark features 13 indoor and seasonal outdoor flume rides alongside splash areas for younger children. Tickets must be booked online in advance, and free parking is available at Tower Park, making Splashdown a convenient choice for families looking for fun indoor activities and things to do in Poole.
Discover the best music festivals in Dorset, from family favourites and boutique indie weekends to waterfront concerts and lively reggae celebrations. Whether you're planning a summer staycation or looking for unforgettable live music events, our guide highlights the Dorset festivals worth adding to your calendar, including Camp Bestival, End of the Road, Poole Harbour Festival, Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Christchurch Music Festival and more. Find your next festival adventure right here.
Plan your visit to Tower Park in Poole with our guide to its attractions, cinema, restaurants, parking and visitor facilities. The entertainment complex is home to Splashdown Waterpark, Lemur Landings, Hollywood Bowl, Vue cinema, Buzz Bingo, PureGym and a wide choice of places to eat and drink. With free onsite parking and entertainment for children and adults, Tower Park is one of the most convenient places in Poole for an all-weather family day out or evening with friends.
Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.
Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival 2026 in Bournemouth. Taking place on 25-26 September, this award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences. With its 2026 ELEMENTAL theme celebrating creativity, sustainability and community, Arts by the Sea is one of the highlights of the Dorset events calendar.
Bike Nights on Poole Quay 2026 takes place every Tuesday from 7 April to 29 September, bringing hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of visitors to Poole's historic waterfront. From classic and custom bikes to modern superbikes, this free weekly event is one of Dorset's best-loved motoring attractions, offering a fantastic atmosphere alongside the many pubs, restaurants and cafés that line Poole Quay.
Take on one of the South Coast’s most scenic running events when the Bournemouth Bay Run returns in 2027. Starting near Pier Approach, the annual event is expected to offer a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run along Bournemouth’s famous seafront. The official 2027 date, entry fees and race schedule have not yet been announced. Find the latest event information and what runners can expect from the next Bournemouth Bay Run.
Join the Romance Writing Festival 2026 in Bournemouth for a day of inspiring talks, writing workshops, expert masterclasses and networking with bestselling romance authors, literary agents and publishing professionals. Taking place at the Marsham Court Hotel on 3 October 2026, this unique Dorset literary event is ideal for aspiring and established romance writers looking to improve their craft, connect with the writing community and take the next step towards publication.
Car Nights on Poole Quay returns for summer 2026, bringing a different collection of cars to Poole’s waterfront every Friday evening throughout July and August. From British classics and supercars to American hot rods, Minis, Japanese cars and air-cooled Volkswagens, each week has its own theme. Visitors can wander along the Quay, admire the vehicles and enjoy the atmosphere alongside Poole Harbour, with plenty of nearby pubs, restaurants and cafés for an evening out.
Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer 2026, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.
Dorset Mela Festival returned to Poole Park in June 2027 for one of Dorset’s largest multicultural celebrations. The free festival brought communities together for a full day of South Asian music, dance, food, arts and entertainment, with live performances, cultural showcases, international food stalls, handicrafts, henna and family activities. Designed as an inclusive celebration for all backgrounds and ages, Dorset Mela offered visitors the chance to experience different traditions, flavours and performances in the heart of Poole.
Fireworks at Poole Quay 2026 takes place on Thursday 5 November, bringing one of Dorset's favourite Bonfire Night celebrations back to the waterfront. Enjoy free live entertainment, family activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Poole Harbour, with the festivities starting at 5pm before the much-anticipated 8pm firework finale lights up the historic quayside.
Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.
Park Yoga Poole 2026 takes place every Sunday from 3 May to 13 September, offering free outdoor yoga sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Park. Open to all ages and abilities, the friendly one-hour classes are ideal for beginners and experienced participants alike. No booking is required, so simply bring a mat or towel, some water and enjoy a relaxed morning of movement, mindfulness and community wellbeing.
The Poole Bay 100 returns in June 2027 for a high-speed day of offshore powerboat racing across Poole Bay and Bournemouth’s coastline. Forming Round 2 of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Championship, the event brought powerful racing boats, professional crews and multiple racing classes to the south coast. Spectators could watch the fleet leave Poole Quay before racing began offshore, with Bournemouth seafront offering some of the best views of the action throughout the afternoon.
Start 2027 with one of Poole’s quirkiest annual traditions as the New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race returns to Poole Quay. Teams take to the harbour in homemade bathtub-inspired vessels, racing along the waterfront while crowds cheer them on from the quayside. Expect creative crafts, splashes, plenty of competitive spirit and a lively atmosphere, all while raising money for charity. The event is free to watch and has become a memorable way to welcome the New Year in Poole.
Whether you're a local looking for something special on your doorstep or planning a summer pilgrimage to Dorset, SandFest offers an experience that's as unique as the stunning location it calls home. This Poole-based beach festival transforms the already glamorous Sandbanks into a playground for music lovers and sun-seekers alike.
SandPolo returns to Sandbanks Beach on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July 2027 for its 20th-anniversary event, bringing world-class beach polo, hospitality and evening entertainment to one of Poole’s most famous coastal locations. The British Beach Polo Championships combine fast-paced matches on the sand with pitch-side bars, food, socialising and live entertainment. Full ticket details and the 2027 programme are still to be announced, with visitors currently able to pre-register for early access to releases.
Whether you're drawn by the promise of exceptional seafood, the lure of local music, or simply the prospect of a gorgeously relaxed time by the harbour, Poole's Seafood and Sounds Festival delivers in the most satisfying way possible. This free community event brings together Poole's heritage of seafood and music for an amazing weekend.
Explore Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve in Christchurch, Dorset with this walking guide covering routes, wildlife, accessibility and seasonal tips for one of Dorset’s most peaceful coastal nature walks.
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