Tourism Guide for Visitors to Dorset

Find Tourist Information for visitors to Dorset including Places to Stay & Accommodation in Dorset, Places To Stay, travel information, Days Out, Places to Visit, Tourist Attractions in Dorset & more

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B Sharp Busking Festival | June 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events » Food & Music Festivals

B Sharp Busking Festival | June 2027

The B Sharp Busking Festival 2027 is expected to return to Lyme Regis in late June, bringing a day of free live music, street performances and family-friendly entertainment to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. While the 2027 date and programme are yet to be confirmed, visitors can look forward to talented young musicians, interactive workshops and a vibrant festival atmosphere. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.

Sherborne Abbey Festival | 29th Apr - 6th May 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Concerts, Theatre & Cinema

Sherborne Abbey Festival | 29th Apr - 6th May 2027

Sherborne Abbey Festival 2027 is expected to return to Sherborne from Thu 29th Apr to Thu 6th May 2027, celebrating world-class music in the beautiful surroundings of Sherborne Abbey and venues across the town. While the 2027 programme is yet to be announced, visitors can look forward to a week of classical, choral, opera and jazz performances. This page will be updated as soon as official festival details are released.

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Jurassic Fields Festival | 14 August - 16 August 2026

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events

Jurassic Fields Festival | 14 August - 16 August 2026

Experience Jurassic Fields Festival 2026 from 14–16 August at West Bay Fields near Bridport. One of Dorset's favourite family-friendly music festivals, Jurassic Fields features headline live music, DJs, tribute acts, camping, children's entertainment, street food and a fantastic atmosphere close to the Jurassic Coast. Find event dates, ticket information, camping options and everything you need to plan your visit.

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Mudeford Arts Festival | July 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Cultural, Arts & Exhibitions

Mudeford Arts Festival | July 2027

Visit the Mudeford Arts Festival in July 2027 at Mudeford Quay, Christchurch. This free Dorset arts festival celebrates local creativity with artists, handmade crafts, live music, demonstrations, food and family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful harbourside setting. It's one of Christchurch's most popular summer events and a wonderful weekend for visitors of all ages.

Exploring Farmer Palmer's - I Now Understand Why Kids Love This Dorset Farm Park

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Best Places to Visit

Exploring Farmer Palmer's - I Now Understand Why Kids Love This Dorset Farm Park

Discover why Farmer Palmer's is one of Dorset's favourite family attractions for young children. Designed especially for ages 0–8, this award-winning farm park near Poole and Wareham offers friendly farm animals, tractor rides, pig racing, indoor soft play, outdoor adventures and more than 23 attractions to enjoy in all weathers. Perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories, Farmer Palmer's is a fun-filled day out that little ones will want to experience again and again.

Dorset 'Coastal Vibes' Cruises from Weymouth - Boat Trips & Jurassic Coast Experiences

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Tourist & Visitor Attractions

Dorset 'Coastal Vibes' Cruises from Weymouth - Boat Trips & Jurassic Coast Experiences

Experience Dorset Coastal Cruises from Weymouth and discover the breathtaking Jurassic Coast from the sea. Departing from Weymouth Harbour, enjoy scenic boat trips, sunset cruises, live music events and family-friendly adventures aboard one of Dorset's newest coastal attractions.

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival | 11-13 June 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events » Food & Music Festivals

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival | 11-13 June 2027

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival 2027 returns to Dorset from 11-13 June 2027, bringing a weekend of live folk music, Morris dancing, concerts and family entertainment to the heart of historic Wimborne. While the full programme is still to be announced, visitors can look forward to one of Dorset's most popular annual music festivals. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.

Compare Hotels, Guest Houses, B&B’s in Southbourne

Accommodation - Places to Stay

Compare Hotels, Guest Houses, B&B’s in Southbourne

Dorset offers a charming coastal retreat for visitors seeking tranquility and scenic beauty. Find out more about the best hotels, guest houses & B&B’s to stay at for an unforgettable visit in the picturesque coastal areas of Dorset. Find places across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Westbourne, Southbourne, Ferndown, Parkstone.

Shaftesbury Food Festival | 2 May 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events » Food & Music Festivals

Shaftesbury Food Festival | 2 May 2027

The Shaftesbury Food Festival 2027 returns on Sunday 2 May 2027, celebrating the very best of Dorset food and drink in the heart of historic Shaftesbury. Expect artisan food stalls, local producers, live chef demonstrations, family entertainment and the famous Gold Hill Cheese Race. The full programme is still to be announced, and this page will be updated as soon as organisers release further information.

New Year’s Day Viennese Gala: January 1st 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Live Music & Entertainment

New Year’s Day Viennese Gala: January 1st 2027

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.

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  • 1st January 2027
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027

Experience the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027 at King's Park. One of Dorset's biggest summer music festivals, the event features live reggae, ska and dancehall performances, Caribbean food, family entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Bournemouth festival.

PLACES TO VISIT: Exploring the New Forest

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Best Places to Visit

PLACES TO VISIT: Exploring the New Forest

Just a short drive from Bournemouth lies one of England's most cherished landscapes, where ancient woodland meets heathland and wild ponies roam freely through villages that seem unchanged by time. The New Forest offers the perfect escape from coastal bustle, providing a countryside adventure that feels worlds away whilst remaining wonderfully accessible for a spontaneous day out.

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and the Famous Colour-Changing Lake

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Best Places to Visit

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and the Famous Colour-Changing Lake

Plan your visit to The Blue Pool Nature Reserve, one of Dorset's most enchanting attractions near Wareham. Famous for its extraordinary colour-changing lake, peaceful woodland walks and beautiful Art Deco Tearooms, The Blue Pool is a perfect day out for families, couples, dog walkers and nature lovers. Find opening times, ticket prices, accessibility, facilities and everything you need to enjoy this unique Isle of Purbeck beauty spot.

Upton Country Park Poole | Visitor Guide

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Parks & Gardens

Upton Country Park Poole | Visitor Guide

Plan your visit to Upton Country Park in Poole, one of Dorset's most popular free attractions. Explore 160 acres of award-winning gardens, woodland trails, Poole Harbour views and the historic Upton House. With family-friendly play areas, dog-friendly walks, seasonal events, accessible facilities and a welcoming café, it's the perfect destination for a relaxing day out near Poole and Bournemouth.

5 Hotels in Bournemouth Perfect For A Romantic Weekend Getaway

Accommodation - Places to Stay

5 Hotels in Bournemouth Perfect For A Romantic Weekend Getaway

Planning a romantic getaway in Bournemouth? Discover five of the best romantic hotels in Bournemouth, perfect for couples seeking seaside escapes, boutique luxury, spa breaks and cosy weekend retreats by the coast.

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  • Hotels in Bournemouth
Swanage Folk Festival | 11-13 September 2026

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events » Food & Music Festivals

Swanage Folk Festival | 11-13 September 2026

Experience the Swanage Folk Festival 2026 from 11–13 September, when the Dorset seaside town comes alive with folk music, Morris dancing, workshops and family entertainment. With free street performances, ticketed concerts, a lively ceilidh and a bustling craft fair, it's one of Dorset's most popular annual music festivals and a fantastic weekend for visitors of all ages.

We Out Here Festival | 20 August - 23 August 2026

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events

We Out Here Festival | 20 August - 23 August 2026

Experience We Out Here Festival 2026 from 20-23 August at the stunning St Giles House Estate near Wimborne St Giles. One of the UK's leading music festivals, We Out Here combines world-class jazz, soul, hip-hop, house and electronic music with arts, wellness, family activities and camping in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Find event dates, ticket information, camping options and everything you need to plan your visit.

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Dorset Spring Show | May 2027

Events Guide | What’s On

Dorset Spring Show | May 2027

The Dorset Spring Show 2027 is expected to return to Puddletown near Dorchester in early May, celebrating the very best of Dorset's farming, food and countryside. While official dates and ticket details are yet to be announced, visitors can look forward to livestock displays, family entertainment, local food, rural demonstrations and much more. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further information.

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Corfe Castle: The Thousand-Year-Old Royal Castle Shaped by Warfare

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Best Places to Visit

Corfe Castle: The Thousand-Year-Old Royal Castle Shaped by Warfare

Plan your visit to Corfe Castle, one of Dorset's most iconic National Trust attractions. Discover the dramatic thousand-year-old castle ruins, breathtaking views across the Purbeck Hills, fascinating royal history and family-friendly activities. From ticket prices and opening times to facilities, accessibility and nearby attractions, this guide includes everything you need to enjoy one of the best historic days out in Dorset.

Dorset WALX Festival | 17-20 September 2026

Events Guide | What’s On » Fitness & Sporting Events

Dorset WALX Festival | 17-20 September 2026

Join the Dorset WALX Festival 2026 from 17-20 September for four days of guided walks, workshops and outdoor adventures across the Jurassic Coast and Purbeck. Discover iconic Dorset locations including Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and Dancing Ledge, with walks for all abilities, wellbeing sessions and a friendly festival atmosphere. Advance booking is required with festival passes available online.

Exploring Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court: Maritime Museum, Gallery and Cultural Centre

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Museums

Exploring Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court: Maritime Museum, Gallery and Cultural Centre

Plan your visit to Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court, one of Dorset's most fascinating heritage attractions. Explore interactive exhibitions, beautifully restored medieval buildings, peaceful historic gardens and the rich maritime story of Poole, all just moments from Poole Quay. Whether you're interested in local history, architecture or looking for a free family-friendly attraction, this visitor guide includes everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.

Proms in the Park | Friday 7 August & Saturday 8 August 2026

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events » Food & Music Festivals

Proms in the Park | Friday 7 August & Saturday 8 August 2026

Experience Proms in the Park 2026 at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth, on 7-8 August. Hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this popular Dorset summer event features two spectacular evenings of live orchestral music, from timeless classical favourites and film scores to the biggest hits of the 1990s, all ending with a breathtaking fireworks display. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit.

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest: Visitor Guide

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Nature & Countryside

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest: Visitor Guide

Discover why Moors Valley Country Park & Forest is one of the best family attractions in Dorset. Explore over 1,000 acres of beautiful woodland, enjoy scenic walking and cycling trails, tackle the famous Play Trail, ride the miniature steam railway, take on Go Ape adventures and experience seasonal events throughout the year. Whether you're planning an active family day out or a relaxing escape into nature, Moors Valley offers unforgettable outdoor adventures for visitors of all ages.

We Went for a Walk... and Ended Up Spending the Whole Day at Moors Valley

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Nature & Countryside

We Went for a Walk... and Ended Up Spending the Whole Day at Moors Valley

Discover why Moors Valley Country Park & Forest is one of Dorset's best family days out. From beautiful woodland walks and the famous Play Trail to steam train rides, Go Ape adventures, cycling and huge outdoor play areas, it's a place where every visit feels different. Whether you're looking for adventure, fresh air or a relaxing escape into nature, Moors Valley is a destination you'll want to return to again and again.

Bourne Free Pride Parade | July 2027

Events Guide | What’s On » Festivals & Events

Bourne Free Pride Parade | July 2027

Celebrate Bourne Free Pride Festival 2027 in Bournemouth, with three days of live entertainment, community celebrations and family-friendly activities at Meyrick Park. Featuring the annual Pride Parade, live music, market stalls and a free Family Fun Day, it's one of Dorset's biggest and most colourful summer festivals.

Kingston Lacy Dorset: National Trust House, Gardens, History & Visitor Guide

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Parks & Gardens

Kingston Lacy Dorset: National Trust House, Gardens, History & Visitor Guide

Discover Kingston Lacy in Dorset, a stunning National Trust estate near Wimborne featuring a grand Venetian-style mansion, Egyptian artefacts, formal gardens and 8,500 acres of parkland. Explore woodland walks, Japanese gardens, family trails and historic interiors on one of Dorset’s top days out near Bournemouth and Poole.

Bridport Literary Festival | 7-14 November 2026

Events Guide | What’s On » Cultural, Arts & Exhibitions

Bridport Literary Festival | 7-14 November 2026

The Bridport Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 7-14 November, bringing a week of inspiring author talks, workshops and literary events to venues across Bridport. Featuring fiction, history, poetry, politics, nature writing and more, BridLit is one of Dorset's leading cultural festivals, welcoming readers of all ages to celebrate books, ideas and creativity.

Sculpture by the Lakes

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Parks & Gardens

Sculpture by the Lakes

Discover Sculpture by the Lakes, one of Dorset's most unique attractions, where contemporary sculpture, stunning botanical gardens and tranquil lakes create an unforgettable day out. Wander through beautifully landscaped grounds, admire over 120 sculptures, explore The Makers Yard and enjoy delicious seasonal food in peaceful surroundings. Perfect for art lovers, garden enthusiasts, photographers and anyone seeking a relaxing escape in the heart of the Dorset countryside.