What’s on in Dorset: October

Hello, and welcome to October on the Chesil Beach Lodge blog!

As in many areas of the UK, autumn arrived in Dorset on the wings of a storm, with very heavy rain some areas. We hope you weren’t too badly affected. Now that the weather has settled down again, we’re looking forward to the colourful and bright autumnal days in Dorset that we love and enjoy so much.
Later this month we’ll be posting some suggestions for activities for half term and some tips for greener car driving, but, as always, we’ll start with our selection of things to do in Dorset in October.

Starting 2nd October (until next spring) the Bridport Film Festival at Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport. See the Bridport Film Society website for a packed programme of contemporary world cinema.
6th October Ancient Harvest & Apple Day, The Ancient Technology Centre, Damerham Road, Cranborne. See the Roman Cider Press in action. Bring bottles and apples and press your own juice to take away. A lovely, fun family day. 10am to 4pm.

6th October Big Green Apple Day Family Green Fair and Apple Day at Thorners School, School Lane, Litton Cheney. Celebrating sustainability, creativity, the outdoors, conservation, wildlife and community - a fun day out with music, local hot foods and cider, crafts stalls and eco & information stalls. Have a go at stone carving, archery, woodland crafts, and bushcraft for children.

11th October Francesca Martinez- What the **** is Normal? Tour at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne. “Francesca Martinez is an English stand-up comedienne and actress. She has toured internationally, including sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. She has completed a 33-date UK tour and two off-West End London runs at the Tricycle Theatre and the Hackney Empire. She has cerebral palsy but prefers to describe herself as "wobbly".”

13th October Truffle Hunting Experience Day at a secret location in West Dorset! Would you like to experience truffle hunting with dogs? The English Truffle Company offers truffle hunting experience days in Dorset. These comprise an introductory talk on truffles, lunch, two hours of truffle hunting, and afternoon tea including sampling of a truffle dish. Contact the English Truffle Company to find out more and enquire about availability.

19th October Seven Ages at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester. “Fresh from a sell-out world tour this delightful show by Kepow Theatre takes a comic look at the seven ages of life. After 5 star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival it received a standing ovation on its opening and closing nights in London. Combining improvisation, masks and storytelling it explores going to school, falling in love, finding a job, becoming a parent and growing old disgracefully!”

24th October Family evening The Enchanting World of the Pumpkin at Uplyme Village Hall, near Lyme Regis, at 7.30pm. Bring your carved or decorated pumpkin to be judged in the pumpkin lantern competition, and join in the quiz and games.

25th October to 28th October the Sherborne International Film Festival, at the Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne. A full programme of films includes Rio (PG), a colourful, energetic and entertaining animated film for children; In a Better World (15), Oscar winner for best foreign language film in 2011; Habemus Papam (PG), a beautifully crafted Italian irreligious comedy; and The Big Picture (15), the story of a character who assumes a dead man’s identity and goes on a journey of personal exploration.

27th October ‘Sunrise from Golden Cap’ – a Ranger led walk along the Jurassic Coast. “The great rocky shoulder of Golden Cap offers magnificent views at every compass point. On a clear day you can see across Lyme Bay to Dartmoor - well worth the effort of the walk uphill.” From Langdon Wood car park SY413931 at 8.30am. Allow 2hrs for the walk. The walk is free, but there is a charge for food. Booking is essential – telephone 01297 48948.

27th to 28th October Autumn Colours Weekend at the historic Sherborne Castle, from11am to 4:30pm. “Explore 42 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, and enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquillity of this perfect natural setting.” Reduced price entry to garden and grounds.

28th October Local Producers Market, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis. Quality, handcrafted food and craft from local smallholders who follow the highest standards of environmental practice. Stall-holders on Sunday will be selling a range of local food products including fresh vegetables, organic eggs, handmade ice cream, elderflower products, preserves, cheese, locally grown cut flowers, pottery, sheepskins, and other crafts.11am – 4pm.

We hope this gives you an idea of the variety of interesting and entertaining events coming up in October. To book accommodation in Dorset, please contact us. The Dorset countryside is stunning in autumn, and perfect for an October break.