What’s on in Dorset: June

Welcome to the first of June’s posts on the Chesil Beach blog. We’ve been enjoying some really beautifully sunny days here in Dorset recently, and we hope you have too.

Are you looking forward to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations? Later in this post we’ll be telling you about some of our wonderful local celebrations for this coming weekend, as well as some of the many other events and activities in Dorset in June. It’s a busy month this month so we’ll be posting our selections for the first half of June today, including activities suitable for keeping children busy and happy over half term, and then posting our suggestions for the second half of June next week. Later in the month we’ll be posting some suggestions for a green Father’s Day, plus some suggestions for exploring Dorset on horseback.

But first, here’s the first instalment of our suggestions for things to do in Dorset in June.

1st to 5th June - Dorchester Festival: “five amazing days of international music, street theatre, film, comedy and outdoor performances.” Activities and events include West African music, Griot storytelling workshop,Insect Circus Museum, African Dance workshop and a Create a Gigantasaurus Parade.

And on Tuesday the 5th June, Dorchester Festival joins forces with Dorchester Town Council to host a day of iconic music from the six decades of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, from the fifties to the noughties, with sounds and images of key international, national and local events that have taken place during the Queen's reign.

2nd to 5th June - Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Lyme Regis. Lyme Regis is celebrating in style with four days of celebrations which will include a civic parade, theatre shows, street parties, sporting events and a Jubilee Sunday lunch. See their Jubilee website for more details.

4th June - Queen’s Jubilee Special Country Fair at Sherborne Castle. Lots of activities for all the family, including a Local Food Hall, Dragon Boat racing, Big Top, Fair, rare breeds, sheep shearing, working horses, terrier racing and agility dog show. 10am to 6pm.

6th June – join the Dorset Wildlife Trust for a rockpool ramble at the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Short walk involved. Weather dependent. Meet at the WW2 Pillbox, Kimmeridge Bay (Map ref. SY 907792). Fee £1.50 children/ £3.00 adults. For more information contact 01929 481044.

7th and 8th June – children 8 years and over can learn and improve their climbing skills on the indoor climbing wall at Purbeck Sports Centre, Wareham. The 25ft wall comprises of 6 different climbs suitable for all ages and abilities.  1.30pm to 3.30pm, £7.90 (includes all equipment). Contact 01929 50 00 00 for more information.

8th June– a family event celebrating World Oceans Day with Dorset Wildlife Trust. Celebrate World Oceans Day and learn about responsible fishing and seafood preparation with a local fisherman. This is a free event on Poole Quay (11am to 3pm) with lots of activities for children, and seafood available to buy.

9th to 10th June - West Dorset Vintage Rally, Britt Valley Camping Ground, West Bay, from 9am to 5pm. Displays include vintage vehicle parades, ring displays, steam engines, market stalls and more. Bar and refreshments available.

9th to 16th June Dorset Wildflower Week – lots of guided walks and activities to help you identify and enjoy Dorset’s beautiful wild flowers in beautiful scenery.

10th to 17th June Bridport Food Festival – lots to choose from in this week-long event, including a seafood festival, a tour of Palmers Brewery, an Indian cookery master class, and Bridport Beer Festival.

A warm welcome and a sustainable holiday in the beautiful county of Dorset awaits you this summer, so please contact us and find out more about our self-catering accommodation in Dorset.