What's On: Activity
Event types
Activity
34 upcoming events
Jul 2026
Treasure! Lost and Found Exhibition
The Treasure! Lost and Found exhibition reveals the stories of objects once treasured, buried for centuries, then rediscovered – celebrating our fascination with uncovering the past.
Fri 24th Jul - All day
and 51 future schedules
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Smugglers’ Summer Escapade
Join our Summer Smugglers' Escapade and discover the world of Victorian smugglers through a family-friendly trail and hands-on crafts.
Fri 24th Jul - All day
and 33 future schedules
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St George’s Summer Dragon Quest
Free Children's Activity
Fri 24th Jul - All day
and 37 future schedules
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Thomas Hardy Week
The 27th International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival
Sat 25th Jul - All day
and 7 future schedules
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Roman Town House Tour
Join our trained guides on a tour of Roman Town House site and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Sat 25th Jul - 10:00am
and 4 future schedules
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Free ‘Drop in and Draw’ on the Great Field
Art in the Park is back… with a twist!
Sat 25th Jul - 11:00am
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We are the Time Travellers – Treasures from the Dark Dorset Earth
Karen Brown explores over 1000 years of Dorset history through the stories of everyday people – all brought to life through local archaeological finds.
Sat 25th Jul - 1:30pm
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Free Writers’ Workshop with the Bards of Dorchester and Dorset
Inspired by Hardy: Writing Place, Memory and Voice
Sat 25th Jul - 4:00pm
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Hardy’s Dorset Gallery Tour
Showcasing the life and works of Thomas Hardy
Tue 28th Jul - 1:30pm
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The Mayor of Casterbridge Walk
A walking tour of Hardy's novel set in Victorian Dorchester
Tue 28th Jul - 3:00pm
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A Hardy Quiz & Buffet
How much do you know about Thomas Hardy and Wessex?
Tue 28th Jul - 7:00pm
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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 29th Jul - 12:30pm
and 4 future schedules
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Aug 2026
Roman Dorchester Tour
Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria.
Sat 1st Aug - 10:30am
and 4 future schedules
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Dorset Sunflower Trail 2026
Two trails, endless memories.
Sat 1st Aug - 11:00am
and 30 future schedules
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Art in the Sunflowers
Spend a glorious day painting amongst thousands of spectacular sunflowers at Maiden Castle Farm. Open to artists of every age and ability, this much-loved event combines creativity, community and a little friendly competition, with fantastic prizes
Sun 2nd Aug - 11:00am
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Family Time Travelling Tour
Join us for a family tour where our friendly guides will turn Dorset's greatest discoveries into adventures you'll remember.
Tue 4th Aug - 10:30am
and 3 future schedules
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Young Jurors: A Victorian Courtroom Experience
An exciting, immersive courtroom experience for families with young people aged 10+
Wed 12th Aug - 1:30pm
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Store Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery's Collections Discovery Centre.
Wed 19th Aug - 2:00pm
and 4 future schedules
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Make Your Own Gold Lunula!
A free craft session where families can make their own shimmering gold lunula – a crescent-shaped piece of ancient jewellery.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Metal Detecting – Have a Go!
Join local metal detectorists Karen Brown and Brian Reid for an exciting family digging experience where you will search for hidden coins and uncover the secrets of the past.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
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Festival of Palestinian Culture
Join us for a full day of Palestinian culture in Dorchester's beautiful Borough Gardens.
Sat 22nd Aug - 11:00am
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Bark in the Park
A Family Fun Dog Show on the Great Field in Poundbury supporting The Lexi May Trust
Sun 23rd Aug - 10:00am
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Maiden Castle Guided Tour
Discover the story of one of Britain's most extraordinary prehistoric landmarks with our Maiden Castle Guided Tour.
Sun 30th Aug - 10:30am
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Sep 2026
Dorset County Show
Celebrating Dorset Agriculture, Countryside and rural life. Acting as Dorset’s end of harvest celebration.
Sat 5th Sep - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Aspects of Metal Detecting
Ever wondered what it takes to become a metal detectorist? Join Karen Brown, Keith Brown, and Brian Read to explore every aspect of the hobby.
Sat 5th Sep - 1:30pm
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Dorchester Repair Cafe
The amazing repairers will be waiting for you, ready to tackle your broken clocks, clothes, small appliances and more!
Sat 26th Sep - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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Oct 2026
Dorchester Half Marathon & 10km
A relaxed, welcoming and inclusive local running event in Dorchester.
Sun 4th Oct - 9:00am
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Jun 2028
Thomas Hardy Victorian Street Fair
Dorchester's Victorian Street Fair to celebrate the birthday of one of Dorchester's most famous residents, Thomas Hardy. This will be a fun filled day for all the family with an incredible array of Victorian and Thomas Hardy themed activities and demonstrations.
Sun 4th Jun - 11:00am
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