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What's on in Dorset

Next 7 days (9 to 15 Nov) · All of Dorset

Photo: Roger Jones

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This week

  • Monday 9 November

    Chesil Autumn Bird Walk

    Nature and wildlife

    Portland

    A guided bird walk along Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon looks for wildfowl, waders and sea birds. Species such as dunlin, ringed plover and oystercatchers may be seen, with the walk starting from the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre on Portland and lasting around ninety minutes.

  • Monday 9 November

    Chesil Autumn Bird Walk

    Nature and wildlife

    Portland
    • Family-friendly

    A guided bird walk along Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, spotting wildfowl, waders and sea birds such as dunlin, ringed plover and oystercatchers. Suitable for beginners and families, with time for questions about the nature reserve along the way.

  • Wednesday 11 November

    Nigel Kennedy

    Arts and culture

    Bournemouth

    Violinist Nigel Kennedy performs an evening of classical, jazz and contemporary music at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. The programme includes Bach, his own compositions, and a tribute to Yehudi Menuhin and Stephane Grappelli, accompanied by double bass and cello.

  • Wednesday 11 November

    Nigel Kennedy: Virtuoso Concert Performance

    Arts and culture

    Bournemouth

    Violinist Nigel Kennedy performs at the Bournemouth Pavilion as part of his first large-scale UK tour in over fifteen years. The concert follows sold-out shows in London and at Ronnie Scott's in Soho.

This weekend

  • 6 to 14 November

    Bridport Literary Festival

    Arts and culture

    Bridport · West Dorset
    • Family-friendly

    An annual week-long festival bringing authors to venues in and around Bridport, including novelists, historians, biographers, nature writers and poets. The programme also features musical, children's and culinary events, suiting book lovers of all kinds.

  • 12 November to 3 January

    Festive Trail Bournemouth

    Festivals and shows

    Bournemouth
    • Free
    • Family-friendly
    • +1 more

    A free festive trail through Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, lit with thousands of twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Visitors can explore a Christmas tree maze, Santa's Workshop, a festive train and a big wheel, alongside a Christmas market and ice rink nearby. Suited to families looking for a winter evening out.

  • Friday 13 November

    Blandford Literary Festival

    Arts and culture

    Blandford Forum · North Dorset
    • Family-friendly

    A festival of books, poetry and writing in Blandford Forum, featuring author talks, workshops and dedicated children's events. The programme also includes a music and poetry evening and a book and craft fair.

  • Friday 13 November

    Blandford Literary Festival

    Arts and culture

    Blandford Forum · North Dorset
    • Family-friendly

    A weekend literary festival held at venues around Blandford Forum, featuring author talks, workshops and a book and craft fair. There are events for children alongside the main programme.

  • Saturday 14 November

    Spatula Carving with Adam Hawker

    Arts and culture

    Dorchester · West Dorset

    A greenwood carving workshop at Kingcombe Visitor Centre, led by greenwood worker Adam Hawker. Participants learn to use an axe and knife safely, select suitable wood, and carve and finish their own wooden spatula. For adults only.

  • Saturday 14 November

    The Coastal Comedy Show

    Arts and culture

    Poole

    A live stand-up comedy night at the Lighthouse's intimate studio space in Poole, run by the Coastal Comedy Club. The bill features headline act Nick Page alongside Rich Wilson and Samantha Day, with Dave Chawner hosting.

Ongoing

Exhibitions and events that run for weeks or months.

  • 25 January to 6 December

    Holistic Water Retreat

    Arts and culture

    Poole

    A three-hour guided retreat cruise around Poole Harbour, combining meditation and movement sessions with a ceremonial cacao ceremony. Light refreshments and water are included, offering a chance to relax while sailing through the harbour.

  • 10 Jul to 3 Jan

    Life in Full Colour: the Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills

    Poole · Arts and culture · 10 Jul to 3 Jan
    • Free
    • Family-friendly
    • Rainy day
    • +2 more

    A free exhibition at Poole Museum showcasing the vivid, fantastical artworks of Jason Wilsher-Mills, including sculptures, inflatables and digital pieces. It features mermaids, larger-than-life characters and unusual creatures, with newly commissioned works inspired by Poole's maritime heritage. Designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

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