What’s on in Dorset 2024
With the iconic Durdle Door, fossil-fuelled cliffs and plenty of beautiful biscuit-tin-looking villages, Dorset is a gem in the UK’s crown of national landscapes.
With plenty to see, and explore during the whole year, we’ve gathered up the highlights of 2024, filled with events and shows you should check out on your next stay at Littlesea, Rockley Park, Seaview and Weymouth Bay.
June
Swanage Fairy Festival
Where: Sandpit Field, BH19 1AW
When: June 1
Swimming mermaids, bubble fairies, magic shows and so much more, the fairy festival is filled with fun, face painting and plenty of opportunities for you to make some magical memories.
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
Where: Lyme Regis Museum, DT17 3QA
When: June 8
Calling all fossil enthusiasts, and non-enthusiasts alike, the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is back with more talks, exhibitions, educational activities, and creative workshops. Get stuck in and find your gems of knowledge in this stunning location.
July
Dorset VW Festival
Where: The Showground, BH20 6AB
When: July 12
Set in 35 acres of the finest Dorset countryside, you’ll find a collection of classic, vintage, and new VW cars and vans waiting for you to explore! Filled with stunt shows, a trade village and plenty of activities for the kids, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
Where: Lyme Regis
When: July 20
Every year, the town of Lyme Regis hosts a week-long event to support the RNLI and raise money in their name. Filled with activities from crab fishing to sand sports, there’s a whole lot for you to get stuck into.
August
Dorchester’s Bouncy Castle Kingdom
Where: Poundbury Park, DT1 3RH
When: August TBC
Designed for kids between 1-11 (Sorry adults, you’ll have to sit and watch all the fun!), Dorchester’s Bouncy Castle Kingdom is a paradise for all kids. You'll have a blast all day with a designated under 5s zone, plenty of treats to eat, and an iconic slushie to devour.
September
Film & Comic Con
Where: Bournemouth International Centre, BH2 5BH
When: September TBC
Grab your best cosplay, and don’t forget your signature book, Film & Comic Con is hitting Bournemouth. Browse the trading stalls, find those top-of-the-list collectables, and don’t forget to let your geek flag fly high with pride.
Shaftesbury Carnival
Where: Shaftesbury High Street
When: September 28
For over 148 years, Shaftesbury Carnival has been bringing buckets of lights, colour, and music to the streets of Shaftesbury. With a kids parade in the afternoon, and a grand illuminated parade after the sun drops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
October
Weymouth Pirate Fest
Where: Weymouth
When: October 6
Calling pirates, scallywags and seadogs! The notorious Pirate Parade will be making its annual comeback, where pirate buskers will be popping up and about with their roaring tunes, and rascally performances for you to enjoy.
The Gin to My Tonic Festival
Where: Bournemouth International Centre, BH2 5BH
When: October TBC
Get ready to embark on the ultimate craft gin and spirit adventure, as The Gin to My Tonic Festival is touring the UK once more. Come along and celebrate craft gins, vodka, cocktails and so much more!
Start planning your Great British break
Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
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 until 2031’ 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 until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior 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. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, 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 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 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.
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.