Safely tucked away behind the Esplanade, spectators can admire the daredevil tricks of England's best motocross riders during the Weymouth Beach Motocross. Featuring more than 250 riders, a specially designed track tests their endurance to the limit.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
Every August, Weymouth goes mad for Carnival Wednesday. The crowning of the carnival queen, limbo dancing, displays by the Red Arrows and numerous competitions for kids and adults are followed by the carnival procession and a spectacular fireworks display.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
Weymouth Beach hosts the hugely entertaining Volleyball Classic. The fast, exciting matches are played on nine tournament courts and a special show court surrounded by a beach grandstand, which is free to the public.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Fireworks light up Weymouth Bay during the annual Guy Fawkes celebrations, which include a beach bonfire, a funfair and a Guy-building competition in the pavilion.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Weymouth Old Harbour is transformed into a seafood village during the Dorset Seafood Festival. Freshly caught fish and shellfish are prepared and cooked in the open to feed festival visitors. Entertainment includes live music, filleting demonstrations, chef competitions and diving displays.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Kite fanatics come together each year for the Weymouth Beach Kite Festival. Thousands watch from the esplanade as kite fliers from around the world put on a magnificent aerial display.
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May 2013 (annual)
Get up close and personal with the Cerne Abbas Giant during this ancient May Day celebration. Traditionally the Wessex Morris Men dance on the mighty chalk figure at the crack of dawn before celebrations in the village of Cerne Abbas.
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May 2013 (annual)
The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival commemorates the bravery of a group of locals who fought against poverty and stood up to authority to form the first farm workers' union in England. The event features music, speakers and family entertainment.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Athelhampton is often cited as one of the finest examples of 15th-century domestic architecture in the country. Essentially a medieval house, it is surrounded by walls and courts, with a great hall, an oriel window and a unique timbered roof.
Available :
Nov 2012 - Mar 2013; Sun only (various dates)
Camp Bestival is the little sister festival of Bestival and takes place at Lulworth Castle near to the Dorset coast. With an emphasis on family fun and fantastic camping, the event presents an eclectic musical line-up.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
The Bottle Inn at Marshwood presents the annual World Nettle-Eating Championships. Each year contestants munch their way through stinging nettle after stinging nettle, without a dock leaf in sight...
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Jun 2013 (annual)
Not just a quaint 17th-century thatched-roof cottage, Middle Piccadilly prides itself on de-stressing urbanites. With a wealth of treatments to choose from, getting rid of toxins can hardly be done in a nicer way.
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Daily
The Great Dorset Steam Fair takes place on 650 acres in Tarrant Hinton and attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year. Attractions include steam engine exhibits, a music festival, heavy Shire horses and even a few white-knuckle rides.
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Aug - Sep 2013 (annual)
Swanage springs to life during the eight-day summer regatta and carnival, as thousands descend on the town to have fun in and around the sea. Several charities benefit from the event and the highlight is the Grand Carnival Procession.
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Jul - Aug 2013 (annual)
The Swanage Jazz Festival is a well-established event that presents performances at festival marquees in Sandpit Fields and other venues around town. The event features New Orleans, Dixieland, swing, bebop, post bop, contemporary and fusion jazz.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Poole's Waterfront Museum traces 2000 years of the town's history. Permanent displays include a typical street scene, details of the Roman occupation, trade with Newfoundland, Poole Pottery, ship models and the Studland Bay Wreck.
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Daily
The seaside town of Poole celebrates Guy Fawkes night with an impressive pyrotechnic display over the waters of the Quay. Live bands and street entertainers keep the crowd amused before the grand firework finale.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival attracts thousands, who come for the live music, craft stalls and tours of Sturminster Farm Creamery, as well as to witness the cheese-making process. When you've had your fill of dairy there's also meat, beers, ciders and more.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle has been the home of the Digby family since 1617. Impressive collections of art, furniture and porcelain are on view and the Capability Brown lake and gardens are open for exploration.
Available :
Apr - Nov 2013; not Mon or Fri (annual)
Monkton Wyld Court bills itself as an "holistic education centre" (and is, in fact a registered charity as a result of its work). It was set up in the early 1980s by a resident community and exists now with a variable number of volunteers. Set in a beautiful stone-built Victorian rectory and out-buildings, with 11 acres of grounds in a secluded valley, it offers a great retreat.
Available :
Daily
The ten acres of gardens at Compton Acres sit in splendour, with an impressive view of Poole Harbour. They are the brainchild of Thomas William Simpson, who had a vision of creating a garden made up of separate areas, each illustrating a particular style from around the world.
Available :
Daily
The British Beach Polo Championships returns to the beaches of Sandbanks, Poole along with the world's greatest polo players. Two days of exciting arena polo are dovetailed by glamorous, star-studded evening parties and fashion shows.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
In the same vein as its sister event, Summer Breeze on the Quay, Summer Breeze on the Beach presents a host of free entertainment at Sandbanks Beach every Thursday during the month of August. Each evening ends with a fireworks display.
Available :
Aug - Sep 2013; Thu only (annual)
The south's largest free water-sports festival returns once again to Sandbanks beach in Poole. Expect the biggest names and the biggest games in action sports to combine for a fun-filled family day which promotes water- and beach-based activities.
Available :
Sep 2013 (annual)
08457 76 76 76
