Summertime Fun in Dorset

Who would have thought that the beautiful countryside, stunning farmland and quiet country lanes of Dorset would be home to so much fun and frivolity! Just because we live away from the city doesn’t mean we don’t know how to put on a damn good show and have a real good time!

And so with the arrival of summer comes a long list of events that include fabulous festivals, glorious garden parties and many musical moments to be enjoyed by the entire family. Just take a look at all the goodies we have in store in Dorset during the summer of 2012.

Christchurch Music Festival
Christchurch is the place to be from June 29 to July 1, 2012.  Arrive early to claim your spot on Christchurch Quay for the annual Christchurch Music Festival. Enjoy a day of family entertainment listening to music from local bands and once you’ve found your pitch, spend the day wandering around the many arts and crafts stalls and perhaps indulge in yummy fine foods from the numerous local eateries you’ll find on site.  The fun begins at 7:30pm on Friday, June 29.  You’ll find more information about the event at http://www.christchurchfestival.co.uk.

Christchurch Festival

Dorset Seafood Festival
Head for Weymouth Harbour on July 7&8, 2012 and you’ll be treated to a huge array of fresh seafood on offer from local fisherman, eateries and producers.  They’ll be a smattering of celebrity chef’s on hand demonstrating their unique techniques and offering a few handy tips too!  Perhaps you feel like taking on the Cross Harbour Challenge with a dip into the chilly harbour waters? The lucky winner will be rewarded with £50 Weird Fish Voucher and a bottle of Champagne!  A £25.00 sponsorship fee goes to the Fishermen’s mission! For more details go to http://www.dorsetseafood.co.uk

Camp Bestival
Located on the grounds of Lulworth Castle this is sure to be a festival to be remembered featuring recording artists such as Happy Mondays, Kool & The Gang, Jimmy Cliff and Nile Rodgers to name but a few.  However, music is not the only draw, there’s fantastic Medieval Jousting by the Knights of Lulworth which is always a huge draw for families. There’s food, drink, dancing and days of fun for absolutely everyone during this 4 day event, so mark your calendar for July 26 through 29, 2012 and head down to Lulworth Castle.  More details available at http://www.campbestival.net

The Great Dorset Steam Fair
The end of summer just wouldn’t be the same without the annual Great Dorset Steam Fair in Tarrant Hinton which runs from August 29 through September 1, 2012.  It’s a truly amazing family event with something for everyone to enjoy.  There’s no festival like it anywhere else in Europe as exhibitors tur turn up to show off their fine steam engines from all four corners of the globe.  Literally thousands of steam enthusiasts and regular punters too descend upon this tiny Dorset village to enjoy the spectacle that is Dorset Steam Fair.  With an abundance of things to eat and drink, and so much to feast your eyes on, you won’t go home hungry or thirsty but you will feel completely, totally and utterly exhausted after enjoying such an eventful day out in the countryside.  Their website is http://www.gdsf.co.uk.

Dorset Stream Fair

After all the fun’s been had and you’re feeling just a little pooped from the day’s events, it’s time to think about where to rest your head for the night.  Obviously accommodation in this neck of the woods is limited due to the sheer number of people attending these busy festivals.  Bournemouth’s about your best bet for variety and price, and with a leisurely drive back you should be home in anything from 20 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.  Choosing one of the huge range of  hotels in Bournemouth as a base during your stay in Dorset makes sense in many respects.  You’ll be in close proximity to a huge selection of  great restaurants and in most cases you’ll find that you are within walking distance of the town centre and pier too which is a must for those who are on holiday and don’t wish to spend the entire trip sitting behind the wheel!

Check out all the exciting events taking place throughout the summer in Dorset and the surrounding areas. Once decided, go ahead and treat the family to a little fun and adventure in the beautiful South of England for this year’s summer holiday.

Author: Olivia Chambers