Events

The fabulous Lyme Regis Farmers' Market is held on the second Saturday of the month in the Marine Parade Shelters.

They proudly bring together local producers, makers and growers from a 30 mile radius to create a diverse and fantastic shopping experience.
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We think Lyme Regis is the perfect place for this eclectic mix of traders and products and gives shoppers the opportunity to find unique businesses and produce that they you might not see anywhere else, all in one place.

Although called our event a 'Farmers' Market' we are also welcoming local designers and makers to our event to create a rich and vibrant mix to showcase all the wonderful talent there is right on our doorstep. More information can be found here.

Bridport Hat Festival will take place September 2025 with a celebration of hats, a fundraiser for head-related charities and a giant summer-ending party for the town and its visitors – all run by volunteers.

The most creative, quirky, stylish and inventive head wear combines with live music, multiple competitions, demonstrations, talks, displays, shows, a hat auction, games, hatted dogs (yes, hatted dogs) and much, much more, all ‘topped’ off by a HUGE mass hat-wearing photoshoot in Bucky Doo Square on ‘Haturday’. 

And all you need is a hat!

Discover the joy of cooking and explore our diverse range of courses at River Cottage which run throughout the year! From pasta and bread making to curing, smoking, and beekeeping, our award-winning cookery school has something for everyone. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, you'll find a course that sparks your passion.

Click here for more information on courses. 

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week 1st - 9th August 2025. A week of over fifty events for the whole family during the summer holidays aiming to raise as much money as possible for local good causes. Highlights of the week include the Walk of Light Torchlight Procession, the Carnival Procession, fireworks, the duck race, the beach treasure hunt, open air film screenings, beach sports and regatta. 

One of the biggest highlights of Carnival Week has to be the procession which brings colour, music, dance and entertainment to the hundreds of people lining the route.

Watch the annual Carnival Procession as it kicks off at 8pm and makes its way down Pound Street, Broad Street, through Cobb Gate and along the seafront to Cobb Square. Entries will include individuals and groups, local organisations and businesses plus majorettes.

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival look forward to welcoming fossil enthusiasts of all ages to there FREE family friendly festival here, on the Jurassic Coast. The festival is held on the 15th & 16th June 2025.

Visitors can look forward to Expert Talks, Exhibitions & Educational Activities, Guided Walks, Author Talks & Book Signings, Creative Workshops, Street Performances and much, much more!

Plan your stay with us during the festival weekend here.

More information on the Fossil Festival.

The Melplash Agricultural Society Show is one of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions and is held at The West Bay Show grounds, Bridport, Dorset on the last Thursday before the August Bank holiday. The 2025 Show will take place on Thursday 21st August.

The Melplash show really offers something for everyone! The showground is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture.  There are over 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors… and plenty in between!

Newlands is the perfect base for The Melplash Show, just 7 miles between us. We have the Jurassic Coaster bus that stops directly outside Newlands which can take you to Bridport as well as Melplash's direct free bus service.

The Axe Vale Show is on the 21st and 22nd June 2025. At this family friendly show you will find much to keep everyone entertained and inspired. For enthusiastic gardeners, the impressive floral marquee full of colour and scents will feed your creative side and the numerous stalls selling plants will get your green fingers itching to get into those gardening gloves!

There is plenty more to keep you smiling - crafts of great variety, skill and ingenuity, toys and hobbies including many nostalgic exhibits, art, antiques and collectables. A number of craftsmen will be demonstrating their skills, many of them traditional, throughout the day and of course the day would not be complete without a visit to the mouth-watering food marquee!

Newlands is a short 10 minute car journey from Axminster with the Show offering free parking onsite. We also have the jurassic coaster bus which stops directly outside the Park. This bus will take you to the free shuttle bus stop for the festival in Axminster.

Lyme Regis' annual Easter Bonnet Parade returns on Easter Sunday, 20th April 2025.

Lyme Regis will be aglow with colour and creativity as paradegoers gather to show off their fancy hats and beautiful bonnets in the Easter Bonnet Parade.

The event is open to all ages with prizes awarded for the most creative bonnets, Come along and take part or just watch the wonderful and extravagant creations parade through the town.

You have until 2.15pm on Easter Sunday to produce your masterpiece!

Weymouth’s award-winning food and drink festival is back. Dorset Seafood Festival will be held the begining of September on Weymouth Peninsula.

Our fabulous Festival, now in its 17th year, is recognised as one of the country’s top food and drink events. Bursting with fun and full of flavour, the Festival attracts upwards of 10,000 visitors to Weymouth for Festival Weekend, celebrating Dorset’s amazing catch of delicious fresh fish and shellfish, fine English wines and delicious Dorset ales, as well as a feast of other fantastic local artisan producers. 

A fun-filled day for the whole family, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. Don’t miss the School of Fish!

Bridport Food Festival is a much-loved annual event that celebrates the vibrant culinary scene of West Dorset. Held in the charming market town of Bridport, on the 14th June the festival brings together local producers, chefs, and food enthusiasts to showcase the region's finest food and drink.

Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations, and a bustling market filled with artisan goods. The festival places a strong emphasis on locally-sourced, sustainable produce, reflecting the area's rich agricultural heritage. With live music, children's activities, and plenty of delicious treats, the Bridport Food Festival offers a fantastic day out for the whole family.

Whether you're a foodie, a supporter of local businesses, or simply looking for a delightful way to spend a day, this festival is a highlight of Dorset’s summer calendar.

The Jurassic Coast Challenge returns on 17-18 May 2025, offering an unforgettable adventure along Dorset’s spectacular World Heritage coastline. Participants can walk, jog, or run distances of 100km, 75km, 50km, or 25km, with exciting new options like the Weymouth Marathon and Bridport 10K.

The route begins at Corfe Castle, traverses stunning landmarks like Swanage, Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Door, and continues through Weymouth, Portland Bill, Chesil Beach, and West Bay (of Broadchurch fame) before finishing in vibrant Bridport.

With camping, parking, transfers, and solo or group start options, this fully-supported event is perfect for challengers of all levels. Don’t miss the ultimate experience on England’s iconic Jurassic Coast!

Illuminate - Winter Lights at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a magical event running from late November through December. This enchanting experience transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland with stunning light displays and atmospheric music.

Perfect for all ages, the event offers a festive evening stroll through beautifully illuminated pathways and serene subtropical landscapes. Whether you're seeking a unique way to celebrate the season or simply love dazzling lights, Illuminate is a must-visit on Dorset’s festive calendar.