A guide of what to do in dorset this august

Dorset in August offers the perfect summer holiday destination, with warm weather, stunning coastlines, and endless family-friendly activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or historical exploration, Dorset’s summer attractions provide unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Attractions to visit in Dorset this summer

A must-do day out for the summer holidays is the Abbotsbury Swannery, where families can enjoy an abundance of activities. Based on the beloved children’s book, the Brambly Hedge Summer Story Trail offers an activity-led trail around the attraction, perfect for young adventurers. Children will love navigating the willow swan maze, racing around on pedal go-karts, and witnessing the spectacular daily mass swan feeds at midday and 4pm. This unique Dorset attraction combines education with entertainment, making it ideal for summer family outings.

Join Farmer Palmer’s this summer for exciting events that will delight the whole family. Highlights include foam parties, Disney singers, and the thrilling Wet the Western Tractor Trailer Ride! Plus, families can cheer on the charity tractor pull supporting Julia’s House. With activities running throughout August, this working farm offers authentic countryside experiences. Prebook & save on your tickets for the best value summer day out.

Visit The Tank Museum this summer holidays for an action-packed day out that brings history to life. From 19 July – 2 September, watch live tanks in action and take an unforgettable ride in a tracked vehicle, available Monday through Thursday. The museum features hands-on games, interactive displays, and engaging trails that make learning about military history exciting for all ages.

The Royal Signals Museum remains open throughout the summer, offering captivating hands-on displays perfect for curious minds. Visitors can tackle code-breaking challenges and try morse code activities while delving into the fascinating world of espionage agents and their secret missions. The museum also features incredible stories of wartime animals alongside an impressive collection of classic military vehicles. There’s something to inspire adventurers of all ages – history has never been this much fun!

Bring your little monkeys to meet their primate cousins at Monkey World-Ape Rescue Centre this summer! This renowned sanctuary provides homes for over 240 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes. Daily activity trails run throughout the summer, complemented by arts and crafts sessions in the Activity Centre and three large play areas to keep children entertained. Book online to save money off gate prices and support this important conservation work.

Bournemouth Pier bursts with summer activities perfect for thrill-seekers. Soar through the sky on PierZip or test your climbing skills at RockReef, which opens daily from July 24th to September 2nd. Make the most of complimentary Live Summer Concerts on August 1st, 8th & 22nd, plus discover much more fun awaiting visitors to this iconic Dorset landmark.

This August, choose your adventure at Go Ape Moors Valley – soar through the forest canopy on zip lines and rope courses, or explore the woodland floor on segways. Take advantage of their special summer offer: enjoy £15 off when you add Forest Segways to your Treetop Challenge booking, creating the perfect combination of aerial and ground-based forest adventures.

Experience A Celebration of Sweet Peas at the historic Forde Abbey – an opportunity to truly delight the senses. This summer highlight showcases carefully selected sweet pea varieties, each chosen for their exquisite colour, delicate form, and enchanting fragrance. The stunning display runs throughout the summer season, offering visitors a peaceful escape into natural beauty.

Two of the town’s most popular attractions, RockReef and the Oceanarium, have teamed up this August with a joint discount offer designed to give families more adventure for their money. From adrenaline-fuelled climbing challenges to close encounters with sea turtles and sharks, it’s all part of a summer-long collaboration that encourages residents and visitors to make the most of our vibrant coast, and save money while they do.

Dorset’s Natural Wonders – Perfect for August Exploration

The Jurassic Coast provides the perfect backdrop for summer hiking, fossil hunting, and scenic coastal walks. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers 95 miles of stunning coastline, with August’s warm weather creating ideal conditions for exploration.

Bournemouth Beach stands out as the ideal destination for August beach days, featuring award-winning sandy beaches that consistently rank among Britain’s best. The warm summer weather makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games.

Don’t miss Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, two must-see natural landmarks along Dorset’s spectacular coast. These iconic formations provide perfect photography opportunities and scenic walking routes.

Look out for local food festivals and farmers markets throughout the county, which become particularly abundant during summer months. These events showcase Dorset’s excellent local produce, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses and seasonal vegetables.

Plan your perfect Dorset summer holiday today – with so many incredible attractions and activities, August 2025 promises to be an unforgettable month for visitors to this stunning English county.