What’s on in Dorset 2025
Dorset’s gem is the iconic UNESCO Jurassic Coast – miles of stunning beaches and cliffs with historic importance.
There are, of course, plenty of pretty villages and rural spots that attract millions of tourists every year. When you’re staying with us at our Littlesea, Rockley Park, Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday parks, you'll be in the perfect spot to enjoy the best Dorset events in 2025.
Year-round
Guided Walks at Durlston Country Park
Where: Durlston Castle, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2JL
When: Every other Saturday throughout the year starting at 11am
Like a slice of paradise on the Dorset coast, Durlston Castle Gardens hosts a range of guided walks throughout the year so you can explore the stunning natural beauty. You can learn about the history and geology of the park, go wildlife spotting, and check out the ever-changing exhibitions.
March
Purbeck Wellfest - Wellbeing Fair
Where: Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Swanage, Dorset BH19 3EB
When: 22 March 2025, 2-5pm
For a relaxing afternoon of self-care, visit this intimate event at the village hall in Purbeck. Local practitioners are offering personal treatments and workshops, plus there will be a variety of stalls to buy gifts and supplies. Entry’s free and refreshments are available. And breathe!
April
Abbotsbury Food Fair
When: 18-19 April
Where: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury DT3 4LA
Explore a range of locally made food and drink from over 40 proud Dorset businesses, from honey to cheese, coffee to relish. Tickets must be pre-booked and include access to the beautiful Subtropical Gardens, too.
May
The Cheese and Chilli Festival
When: 17-18 May 2025
Where: Parley Lane, Christchurch BH23 6AD
With taste tents, cooking demonstrations, and chilli-eating competitions, whether you’re a chilli connoisseur or an edam expert, you’ll want to brie here for this one. A real family-friendly festival that’s grown year after year, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained, including crazy golf, a bubble party and on-site storytellers.
June
Dorset Street Food Festival
Where: Baiter Park, Poole, BH15 1TQ
When: 27-30 June 2025
Give your tastebuds a world tour without leaving Dorset! This three-day festival offers the best street food from around the UK in every cuisine you can think of. All washed down with delicious drinks from their full-stocked bars. It’s a family-friendly event that’s free to enter–the only thing you need to bring is an empty
July
Poole Harbour Festival
When: 25-27 July
Where: Baiter Park, Catalina Drive, Poole BH15 1TQ
Taking place in the heart of historic Poole, Poole Harbour Festival is a top music event with some top names to match. Grab your tickets and you could be watching UB40, Feeder, We Are Scientists, Happy Mondays, The Hoosiers and Vengaboys.
August
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
When: 14-17 August 2025
Where: Purbeck Valley Farm, Valley Road, Corfe Castle BH20 5HU
From up-and-coming young folk acts to internationally acclaimed artists, this small festival delivers great variety. You’ll also find poetry slams, craft areas and a children’s area with circus skills and storytelling.
September
The Dorset County Show 2025
Where: The Dorchester Showground, Dorchester, DT2 7SD
When: 6-7 September 2025
The community comes together each year at the Showground to celebrate all things rural in Dorset. Last year saw stunt horse displays, tomahawk throwing, and timer cutting, as well as the traditional livestock competitions and showjumping. Expect lots of activities for adults and kids to take part in, plus vintage cars and dozens of stalls to wander round.
Swanage Folk Festival
Where: Throughout Swanage
When: 5-7 September 2025
Get your dancing shoes on for this traditional festival held each year in Swanage. You’ll see the biggest Morris dancing performance in the UK, folk bands, dances you can take part in, and loads of activities for children. Treat yourself at the craft market to something special–there are wares from all over the world!
Classic and Steam Vehicle Show
Where: Norden, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DW
When: 5-7 September 2025
In the grounds of Corfe Castle is set to be the biggest classic and steam vehicle show in Dorset yet! Come and explore the vehicles on display, from steam engines to retro bikes, trucks, caravans and cars. Fill hungry bellies at the food trucks and wash it down with a fresh coffee or even a cold one from the beer tent. Free parking and only a two-minute walk if coming by train!
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
9 of the best beaches in Dorset
Dog-friendly things to do in Dorset
Things to do in Dorset with kids
Important information
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.