From food and drink to art, music, theatre, history and outdoors activities, Dorset packs a punch when it comes to events all through the year. The following are just some of our favourites over the coming 12 months.
Ecofest, 22 March 2020, Highcliffe Castle (60 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
New this year in the stunning surrounds of the 1830s mansion with its lovely grounds and direct access to a sandy beach, this green festival will feature stalls, talks and interactive workshops for all the family.
Sherborne Abbey Music Festival, 1–6 May 2020 (30 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
This atmospheric and eclectic event includes salon baroque, madrigals, classical ukelele, sea shanties, improvisation workshops and poetry in a serene venue known for its superb acoustics.
Bournemouth 7s, 22–24 May 2020 (40 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
The world’s largest sports and music festival brings together activities including rugby, netball, dodgeball and hockey 7s with live performance and other entertainment for all the family.
Dorset Art Weeks, 23 May–7 June 2020, Various locations
One of Britain’s biggest open-studios invites you into the workshops of artists and makers to watch them at work and talk to them about their methods, skills and traditions.
Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival, 11-12 July 2020, Weymouth (20 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
Among the country’s largest food festivals, this award-winning event takes over the town’s historic harbour with more than 100 stalls and the opportunity to enjoy fresh oysters and an array of seafood dishes as well as watching live cooking demonstrations by local chefs.
Camp Bestival, 30 July–2 August 2020, Lulworth Castle (30 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
Seen by many as the most family-friendly festival of all, this four-day extravaganza brings together huge musical names with comedy, literature, a kids’ area and masses of creative workshops.
Great Dorset Steam Fair, 27–31 August 2020, Blandford Forum (25 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
Spanning five days, this heritage event includes demonstrations by vintage steam engines and working heavy horses, cavalcades of vintage and classic cars, lorries, military vehicles, tractors, motorbikes and bikes, an old-time funfair with rides driven by steam, and 1920s-style stage shows. You can also watch rural artisans in actions, from thatchers to cider-makers, and buy memorabilia and local crafts from hundreds of stalls.
Bridport Hat Festival, 5th Sept 2020 (30 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
This celebration of headgear is also a fundraiser for head-related charities and a giant late-summer party, with live music, demonstrations, shows, competitions, a hat auction, games and even dogs sporting hats!
The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend, 18–20 Sept 2020 (35 minutes from Greenwood Grange)
Perfect for fresh air fiends, this event includes the Purbeck Running Festival, with races from three miles to marathon, the Bikemonger Bimbles cycle races, the Nordic Walking UK Festival, and the Swanage & Purbeck Walking Festival. You can raise money for your favourite charity by taking part in any of the events.
