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What's on in Dorset
in July 2024
Find great things to do in
Dorset in July
Take a moment to browse upcoming events and activities to discover what’s on in July in Dorset. As the summer sun graces our stunning coastline and lush countryside, Dorset comes alive with a vibrant array of events and activities. Whether you’re staying for a short break or a little longer, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dorset in July. From thrilling outdoor adventures and jam-packed festivals to family-friendly fun and picturesque nature walks, discover the best ways to make the most of your summer in our lovely county and start planning your unforgettable July in Dorset today!
Yoga in the Garden at Knoll Gardens: 6th July 2024
Enjoy outdoor yoga in Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either be on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden.
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Garden Bee Workshop in Knoll Gardens: 7th July 2024
Do you know a bumblebee from a solitary or honey bee? Between 11am – 12am join Knoll Gardens bumblebee surveyor, and chair of the Knoll Gardens Foundation, Rowena Jecock in the beautiful gardens at Knoll to discover more about the fascinating world of bees, learn how to identify some of the species you are most likely to find in your own garden and what you can do to help them thrive.
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Gardening in the Naturalistic Style in Knoll Gardens: 27th July
Extract from Neils new book; ‘I have come to prefer ‘naturalistic’ as an overarching term to describe this distinctive approach to garden-making, and for what I personally feel most closely defines my own approach and ethos. It reflects a desire to garden with an informal aesthetic and to take great pleasure in the garden as an ever-changing, ongoing community that benefits both ourselves and our wider environment’.
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National Garden Scheme Open Day
The NGS is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country having donated over £50m to date. Your visit will help its work. Based at Knoll Gardens, taking its inspiration from the natural world, Knoll’s naturalistic planting style mimics nature, building on the way plants co-exist in naturally occurring communities to create a glorious garden that is both beneficial to wildlife and packed with year-round interest.
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Nightjar and Bat Walk on Lulworth Estate
Nightjars are charismatic birds and you can find them on the Lulworth Estate. Join one of their rangers on a dusky walk out to our heath to hear these birds asserting their territories on an early summer’s evening. On the way to view these birds, you will pass good bat habitat and with their experts and special instruments you should be able to tune into the secretive world of these amazing mammals. Bring a torch and sturdy footwear.
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Wilkswood Reggae Festival: 21st – 23rd July 2024
The 2023 festival saw some of the best reggae acts from the UK and abroad perform across three stages – including headliners Brinsley ‘Aswad’ Forde, Tippa Irie, Mad Professor, Janet Kay, Channel One Soundsystem and Prince Fatty – as well as additional performance stages, soundsystems, street food stalls (including the famous Jerkshak Caribbean cuisine and a wood-fired pizza van) and bars serving ice cold Red Stripe, local cider & rum cocktails!
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Poole Quay Fireworks
Summer breeze on the quay with fireworks from 7pm. Live music, quayside restaurants, vibrant pubs and bars, activities taking place all evening to keep the family entertained and a spectacular fireworks finale. Held on every regular summer Thursday, from 26th July to the end of August 2023.
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British Beach Polo Championships: 7th - 8th July 2024
Two days of beach polo with professional polo players competing in a specially constructed arena on Sandbanks Beach. Evening entertainment will also be available on both days. For sports fans and enthusiasts, this event is a great way to spend a summer’s day in Dorset.
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Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival: 14th July
The Festival includes a diverse mixture of campaigning stalls, a range of stalls selling gifts, clothing, books and other items and plenty of food and drink stalls for all tastes. It’s a great day out for history-lovers, families and individuals who want to learn a little more about Dorset local history.
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Swanage Jazz Festival: 7th - 9th July 2024
The festival is back this summer! As big as it was before! A wide spectrum of jazz, from trad through modern to contemporary and gypsy jazz, based at two main stages and many venues throughout the town. Acts confirmed so far include Pete Long’s ‘Echoes Of Ellington’ 18 piece jazz orchestra, Keith Nichols Blue Devils, The Bateman Brothers, Fletch’s Brew, Alan Barnes Octet, Jazz At The Philharmonic, Clark Tracey Quintet & more.
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Bournemouth’s Bourne Free Festival: 7th - 8th July 2024
An annual celebration of all diversities that live in Bournemouth and the constant strive towards universal equality for all through entertainment and awareness. Come and join the fun and watch all the exciting floats, Busses & Walking Groups, fabulously decked out in our decades theme, parade through Bournemouth Town Centre. This year is promising the largest parade yet, with a total of 43 sections.
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Camp Bestival: 27th - 30th July 2024
Designed by families especially for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you’d expect from an idyllic and action-packed festival adventure. Camp Festival is a music festival held annually at Lulworth Castle and is targeted at families with small children. It has won the Best New Festival award from the UK Festival Awards and Best Family Festival.
Find out moreSherborne Car Classic & Supercar Show: 16th July 2024
Held in the grounds of Sherborne Castle. The event includes a classic car auction, model cars and supercar display. Great for the whole family.
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Swanage Carnival: 29th July - 5th August 2024
Find a spot – join the party! Dance, sing, clap your hands and stamp your feet and enjoy the magic of Carnival Week.
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Summer Holidays At The Tank Museum
This Summer Holiday explore The Tank Museum and experience the biggest day out in history, complete with vehicle rides and tanks in action.
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