12 things to do in Dorset in 2012: Part 2 July to December

Whatever the time of year, there’s always something interesting and fun to do in Dorset: Last week we looked at suggestions for January to June in our 12 things to do in Dorset mini-series: here’s Part 2 - July to December

July – see the Dorset countryside from a steam train

The Swanage Railway runs regular steam and diesel train services that will take you through spectacular Dorset scenery. It’s a great way take a trip to Corfe Castle, or to Swanage beach for a day at the seaside. Don’t forget to pack a picnic hamper with plenty of sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer :-)

August – be thrilled by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events

The Olympic sailing competitions will be at Weymouth and Portland from the 27th July to 12th August 2012, and the Paralympic competitions will take place between the 29th August and the 9th September.

This promises to be a fantastically exciting and inspirational time in Dorset, and even if you don’t have a ticket you can still view the Olympic events from Weymouth Beach. The Dorset 2012 website has up-to-date news about Dorset’s 2012 Olympic events.

If you would like to discuss or book accommodation in Dorset for the 2012 Olympics, please contact us.

September – enjoy a great day out at the Dorset County Show

The Dorset County Show is a significant event in the Dorset calendar with over 450 trade stands & 6000 animals, plus events such as the Dog and Duck Sheepdog Demo, dog agility demonstrations, sheep shearing, carriage driving, falconry, and a fun fair.

October – have a fangtastic Halloween half-term

There are always plenty of Halloween activities to enjoy in Dorset – many of them especially organized for the school half-term break. Here’s a short list of some of the locations offering suitably spooky Halloween fun and games…

• Abbotsbury Children’s Farm.
  


• Portland Castle 25th and 27th October –
  


• Candle-lit Halloween Ghost Walks at haunted locations in Bridport.
  


• Lyme Regis Ghost Tour
  


• Haunted Harbour Tour and Smuggling Tour in Weymouth.
  

November – visit some of Dorset’s wonderful nature reserves

Dorset is a wonderful country for scenic country walks, woodland walks, nature walks, and bird watching, and we have some wonderful nature reserves for you to visit:

Radipole Lake nature reserve

Alder Hills reserve

The Isle of Portland, and the Portland Bird Observatory

Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve

Kilwood Coppice and Meadows

Powerstock Common Reserves

Durlston Country Park and nature reserve

December – get festive at Dorset’s Christmas markets and fairs

Lots to choose from – here are just a few…

• Bournemouth Christmas Market.
  


• Bridport Christmas Festival and Late Night Shopping
  


• Lyme Regis Christmas Market at The Town Mill
  


• Putlake Farm Christmas Market , near Swanage
  


• Sherborne Antique and Fleamarket
  


• Wyke Christmas Fayre, Wyke Regis
  


• Shaftesbury Christmas Market Street Fair
  

We hope this mini-series has given you a small taste of Dorset life. Each month in 2012 we’ll continue to post lots more information about interesting and exciting things to do in Dorset, so please check back regularly for up-to-date suggestions and information.

And please contact us to book accommodation in Dorset and find out more about our eco-friendly self-catering accommodation in Dorset. We look forward to welcoming you here in 2012.