Our corner of Dorset is a wonderful place to explore at any time of year, but in the summer the Isle of Purbeck and Swanage in particular comes alive with all sorts of festivals and activities. The August bank holiday weekend is no exception. We’ve put together a guide of bank holiday events in Purbeck for you to visit during your stay at Ulwell Holiday Park.
All the events are within a 30 minute drive from our Swanage camping and caravan park. There’s something for everyone with village fetes, eco-crabbing, open-air cinema, outdoor activities, stargazing and much more! Don’t miss our best local attractions too.
Haven’t booked your holiday yet? Take a look at our special offers or contact us for late availability.
Tudor Adventure at Corfe Castle
Every day until Monday 28th August, 10am – 5pm
Prepare to be transported back in time to the Tudor Period with the National Trust at Corfe Castle. Take a journey though voyages of discovery, musical revolution, espionage and intrigue, a plot to install Mary Queen of Scots on the throne, playwrights and war. You can even have a go at Tudor archery.
Free event (admission applies).
Open Air Cinema at Corfe Castle
Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August, 8.45pm – 10.30pm
Experience an open air cinema in a dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle in the picture perfect village of Corfe. The Purbeck Film Festival are hosting this three night extravaganza, enabling you to watch “stars under the stars”. There will be 3 family films showing over the course of the weekend. Pack a picnic, a blanket and enjoy this memorable day out!
Adults: £8 Children: £4
Friday 25th – Beauty and the Beast (PG)
Saturday 26th – Trolls (U)
Sunday 27th – King Arthur Legend of the Sword (12A)
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th August
The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is a small and family friendly music festival set on a secluded farm in the Purbecks. There’s loads to do for both the old and young folkies! Expect three days of fabulous folk music, workshops, poetry and crafts. Day tickets are available from £31 for adults and £6 for children.
Melon Madness at Monkey World
Saturday 26th – Monday 28th August, 10am – 6pm
Monkey World is a highly recommended day out, offering visitors the chance to see monkeys up close. Visitors will learn about their native habitats as well as the conservation efforts that are ongoing to ensure various species are protected in the wild. Bring a melon along to the Melon Madness event this bank holiday weekend and receive a free badge for the children.
Hawaii fish-O at Studland
Friday 25th August, 5.30pm and 6.30pm
Try a taster of stand up paddleboarding with this one hour lesson and be rewarded for your efforts with a fish and chip dinner at Knoll Beach Café.
Holme Flower & Produce Show, East Holme
Saturday 26th August
Holme for Gardens garden centre hosts a flower and produce show as part of the Holme Village Fete. A small but fun day out for the family with donkey rides, bouncy castle and of course, cream teas!
Eco-crabbing at Kimmeridge Bay
Saturday 26th August, 2.30pm – 4pm
Dorset Wildlife Trust will show you how to catch seashore crabs without harming them or any of the other life around them. Learn how to handle and look after your catch, as well as fun facts about the different types of crabs that can be found. All equipment provided.
Low Ropes and Archery Activity Day at Brownsea Island
Sunday 27th August, 11am or 2pm
Have an outdoor activity adventure on Brownsea Island. Join the team for a session archery or low ropes or both.
Harmans Cross Field Day
Monday 28th August, from noon
Traditional village fete with beer tent, dog agility, BBQ, gymkhana and horse show. Free parking and half price entry when holding a valid Swanage Railway ticket.
Crafts on Swanage Sea Front
Monday 28th August, 10am – 4pm
An array of local arts and crafts along Swanage seafront. Weather dependent.
Events at Durlston Country Park
Combine a visit to the spectacular Durlston Country Park and Castle with one the of fantastic bank holiday events. There’s so much heritage and wildlife to explore along the many footpaths and trails. Durlston Country park runs a wide range of events throughout the year, with plenty to offer all members of the family.
Stargazing – Friday 25th August, 8.30pm – 10.30pm
Join the experts from the Wessex Astronomical Society to view the night sky.
Willow Weaving – Saturday 26th August, 11am – 3pm
Willow crafting for beginners, just drop in! Several makes are available, starting from 50p.
Wildlife Photography Walk – Sunday 27th August, 10.30pm
Join wildlife photographer Julian Sawyer to advance your photography skills. Booking is essential. £5
The Game’s Afoot at The Mowlem Theatre
Thursday 24th – Tuesday 29th August, 7.30pm
Plenty of laughter guaranteed in this Sherlock Holmes-style comedy thriller, showing at The Mowlem Theatre on the seafront in Swanage.
The Great Brownsea Storybook Adventure Trail
Every day until Sunday 3rd September
Discover new twists and old tales as you explore the island. With two routes to choose from, the whole family is sure to enjoy completing all the activities along the way.
