Summer in Dorset is a special time. The coast is beautiful, the towns are lively, and there’s plenty to see and do. It’s the perfect spot for your holiday.
Explore the stunning Jurassic Coast or wander through colourful market towns. Dorset is full of life in the warmer months, with events happening all season. Whether you’re here for a weekend or staying longer, you’ll find something for every family member to enjoy.
Why Should You Spend Your Summer Holiday in Dorset?
Dorset’s natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for various summer events. You’ll find award-winning beaches, green countryside, and lovely towns and villages. There’s also a busy calendar of festivals, shows, and celebrations. It’s everything you need for a fun and relaxing getaway.
Our luxury self-catering holiday cottages in Dorset are the perfect base. Many can sleep up to 25 people, so you can bring the whole family. It’s a great way to enjoy all that Dorset has to offer.
What Food Festivals Can You Enjoy in Dorset This Summer?
Dorset is a dream for food lovers in the summer, with festivals celebrating everything from fresh seafood to fiery chillies. Here are some of the top foodie events to add to your calendar this year:
Swanage Fish Festival (Mid-June)
Set against the stunning backdrop of Swanage Bay, this free-to-attend event is a seafood lover’s paradise. The festival features live cooking demonstrations from top local chefs and stalls offering a variety of fresh fish. This includes local cockles, mussels, scallops, and oysters – perfectly paired with champagne, of course! Taking place in Prince Albert Gardens, it’s an excellent day out for food enthusiasts.
Weymouth Food and Family Festival (Late July)
Held at Weymouth’s Lodmoor Country Park, this family-friendly event combines culinary delights with entertainment for all ages. Brave visitors can test their taste buds in the chilli challenge competition, while families can enjoy the mini fun fair, crazy golf, and circus skills workshops. With live music throughout and countless local food and drink producers offering samples, it’s a feast for all the senses.
Great Dorset Chilli Festival (Early August)
Heat lovers, rejoice! This spicy celebration near Sherborne showcases everything from pepper plants to cayenne condiments. The festival features chilli eating competitions, spicy street food, and cooling local ice cream and beers. Chat with experts about cooking with chillies and discover which varieties will or won’t “blow your head off”. The choice is yours!
SEAFEAST Dorset Seafood Festival (Early September)
This award-winning festival on Weymouth Peninsula offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the superb seafood available just off Dorset’s shores. Featuring demonstrations from talented local chefs, live music, and activities for children, it’s a celebration of the region’s maritime bounty that shouldn’t be missed as summer winds down.
Which Music and Entertainment Events Are Happening in Dorset?
Looking for music, fun, and unforgettable entertainment? Dorset has you covered. These lively summer events are packed with great acts, family fun, and many wow moments.
Camp Bestival (Late July)
Camp Bestival is a family festival extravaganza in the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle near Wareham. The 2025 lineup promises to be as exciting as previous years.
For little ones, entertainment includes beloved characters and performers. The fireworks finale provides a magical conclusion to this four-day celebration.
Swanage Carnival (Late July to Early August)
One of the highlights of Swanage’s year, this eight-day carnival transforms the town’s streets, parks, and beaches with live music, colourful parades, and plenty of entertainment. Don’t miss the breathtaking Red Arrows air show, impressive fireworks displays, and the grand procession. The 2025 theme is sure to be exciting!
What Country Shows Can You Attend This Summer?
Love the countryside? Dorset’s country shows are full of charm, tradition, and family fun. Here are two classic summer events that bring rural life to centre stage.
Melplash Agricultural Show (Late August)
This one-day agricultural show at The West Bay Showground near Bridport showcases the best of rural Dorset life. With over 400 trade stands selling everything from local produce to tractors, plus livestock exhibits, horse shows, homecrafts, and horticulture displays, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the county’s agricultural heritage.
Dorset County Show (Early September)
One of the county’s largest annual outdoor events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the Dorset County Show celebrates agriculture with traditional livestock judging, equine competitions, horticulture classes, and rural crafts. Visitors can witness farming practices firsthand and enjoy thrilling displays from monster trucks to Shetland pony racing.
Where Can You See Spectacular Displays in Dorset?
The Bournemouth Air Show, the UK’s biggest air festival, returns in late August with four thrilling days of aerial displays and family fun. Watch the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and powerful aircraft like the Typhoon and Tutor soar over the coast. On the ground, enjoy live music, fireworks, street performers, and military displays.
Planning Your Perfect Dorset Summer Holiday
Time your trip with one of Dorset’s fantastic summer events for an extra special break. From Swanage and Weymouth’s coastal charm to Wareham’s history and Bournemouth’s buzz, there’s something to enjoy in every part of the county.
Our luxury holiday cottages in Christchurch are a great base for your adventures. Quay House sleeps 15, and Quay Corner sleeps 10. Book them together as The Quays to sleep up to 25 people. The property is ideal for big family get-togethers or holidays with friends. You’ll be close to Christchurch’s lively market town, beautiful harbour, and the stunning Jurassic Coast.
Book Your Accommodation Today
Dorset has it all – natural beauty, history, and fun events all summer long. Whether you love food, music, local culture, or family activities, you’ll find something that makes you smile. Book your summer stay with Short Stay Homes and prepare for sunshine, seaside, and unforgettable memories!
