Want to know what’s on in Dorset in June 2016? Read on for our pick of some of the county’s best activities and events, from food festivals to vintage rallies.
Baby swans hatching, Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury
Wednesday 1 – Thursday 30 June 2016
This is definitely one of the best times of year to take a trip to Abbotsbury Swannery, the only place in the world where visitors can walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. The first of this year’s eggs hatched on 8 May, so there are already plenty of fluffy cygnets to see already, and there will be more hatching all the way through until the end of June.
Low Tide Day, Studland Bay
Sunday 5 June 2016
Discover what lives beneath the waves on this family-friendly, dog-friendly day at the beach. As the tide goes out in the afternoon, join the National Trust for all sorts of tidal adventures, including free children’s beach school activities (bookable in advance).
Stur’s Big Weekend, Sturminster
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 June 2016
Head to Sturminster for a trio of fantastic foodie events. The Exchange Real Ale & Cider Festival is on all weekend, with tastings accompanied by great live music. Then there’s the Producer’s Market on Saturday, showcasing around 50 local food and drink companies plus craft stalls. And finally, the weekend finishes with the Big Stur Lunch, a family-friendly gathering with games, face painting, a fire engine, treasure hunt, teas and ice creams.
Wessex Folk Festival, Weymouth
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 June 2016
With over 30 stage performances, not to mention all sorts of musicians and dancers around the town, this is one of the biggest free folk music festivals in England. This year’s line up features music from the likes of The Rumblestrutters, Paul Openshaw, Kadia and Louise Jordan, plus numerous Morris dancing troops including Beetlecrusher Clog and No Mean Feet.
Bournemouth Wheels Festival, Bournemouth
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 June 2016
Back for a third year, the Bournemouth Wheels Festival is a celebration of all things vehicular, and a great day out for all the family. Attractions range from monster truck rides to championship quad bike racing, BMX, skateboard and motorcycle stunts to a display of pre-war ad vintage cars. And there’s even more family entertainment at the city’s Victorian gardens, with circus and hula hooping workshops, face painting and much more.
Upton House Music Festival, Poole
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 June 2016
Katherine Jenkins, Jools Holland and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are the three incredible headline acts at this year’s Upton House Music Festival. Enjoy the music as you picnic on the lawns, or why not purchase a Gold Circle reserved seat? VIP and pre-concert dining packages are available too.
West Dorset Vintage Rally, West Bay, Bridport
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 June 2016
There’s so much more than vintage tractors and steam engines at this two day festival at West Bay. Visitors can also enjoy dog agility displays, birds of prey and ferret racing, plus a marquee of exhibits, crafts and trade stalls, plenty of refreshments and a licensed bar. And don’t forget entertainment from The Decadettes and Morris dancers.
Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival, Bournemouth
Friday 17 – Sunday 26 June 2016
There are all sorts of mouthwatering events taking place across Bournemouth during this 10 day food festival. Visit the Demonstration Kitchen or test your skills at a cookery workshop, marvel at the mixology skills in the Our Bar competition, and treat your tastebuds at both the Street Food Festival and Farmers and Producers Market. There will be plenty of live music too, creating a fitting soundtrack to the festivities.
Midsummer Paddle, Studland Bay
Saturday 18 June 2016
As the longest day of the year approaches, enjoy a sunny evening kayak across Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks as part of this traditional annual event. Afterwards, everyone gathers on the beach for a barbecue courtesy of Knoll Beach Café chefs, so bring your appetite!
Tankfest 2016, Bovington
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 June 2016
See the story of tanks, tank crews and soldiers come to life in the world’s biggest live display of historic armour. The 2016 programme includes battle tank races, a tank pull challenge, a display from the British Army and a recreation of a Second World War battle set in Tunisia in 1943, staring the historic Tiger 131. There will also be talks, stalls and exhibitions, refreshments and live entertainment.
We’re always interested in hearing what’s on in Dorset, so let us know if there are any events we should know about.
If you’d like to go to any of these events and need a place to stay, check out our great range of holidays in Dorset.