Dorset prides itself on showcasing its homegrown food & drink produce and culinary expertise – and in Swanage you can sample a wide variety of local ingredients, dishes and eateries at these events.
From annual festivals, such as the Swanage Fish Festival, to special menu evenings at favourite local restaurants, you can find the very best in seasonal dining here.
🗓️ From 13th December 2025 Swanage Railway’s Pullman Observation Car is having a special makeover for the festive season. Enjoy a touch of luxury as you travel in the decorated carriage with its large picture windows, as you are served Christmas canapĂ©s and champagne by a uniformed Pullman attendant. You’ll also receive a personalised Christmas […]
🗓️ Saturday 20th September 2025 It’s harvest time at Dorset Cider Farm – head down to find out all about the farm’s apples – and sample a few direct from the orchards. See the apple trees in full fruit and the cider press up and running. More information coming soon
🗓️ Friday 22nd – Monday 25th August 2025 The annual Old Harry Bar Beer Festival returns this August with four days of entertainment including live music and of course a fantastic selection of real ales and ciders, along with various wines and gins. You can sample beers from a range of local, Dorset-based brewers, plus […]
🗓️ Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th July 2025 Enjoy a brew with a view at Swanage’s National Coastwatch Lookout this weekend – also a great spot for watching the Carnival Red Arrows. Take a coastal stroll around Peveril Point and The Downs before stopping for a hot drink and selection of homemade cakes at the […]
🗓️ Saturday 19th July 2025 Enjoy a beer and curry night with a different aboard a Swanage Railway steam train. The Purbeck Piddler will take you on two return journeys from Swanage Station, with your choice of curry bookable in advance and a great selection of Piddle Brewery ales to sample from the on-board bar. […]
🗓️ Saturday 19th June 2025 Everyone is welcome to come along to Corfe Castle Club’s annual mini beer festival, where there’ll be a range of guest beers and ciders to sample. There’ll also be live music, Pimm’s and a BBQ in the garden.
🗓️ Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th July 2025 Following the success of last year’s inaugural Food & Drink Festival, the National Trust and Love It Local are once again hosting the summer event in the grounds of Corfe Castle. Set in the castle’s Outer Bailey, the food and drinks fair is an opportunity to sample […]
🗓️ Wednesday 2nd July 2025 Bring your friends and family to Corfe Castle this evening for a community picnic and garden games after hours. The outdoor event is hosted by Planet Purbeck and is free to attend, with discounted bus travel. The castle will be open to explore, with garden games for all the family. […]
🗓️ Monday 23rd June 2025 Kingston Country Courtyard is hosting a special Tudor evening tonight, with a themed menu and Tudor-era music. Early music consort Courtlye Musick will be performing in Tudor costume, playing instruments from the medieval period to the 1600s. On the menu will be game pie, chunky homemade bread and side salad, […]
🗓️ Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd June 2025 Swanage Fish & Food Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year at its new venue of Sandpit Field. The fish and food festival is a firm favourite in the town’s summer calendar. Enjoy browsing the food stalls and sampling the very best of Dorset fish, seafood and […]
🗓️ Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd June 2025 The Square & Compass’s Chilled Cider Festival is back for 2025. There’ll be live bands and DJs across the weekend, along with much cider, perry, mead and merriment. Line-Up DJs Bands The event has been going strong since its inception in 2003, when The Square invited DJ […]
🗓️ Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd June 2025 Get into the summer spirit this June with The Red Lion’s Cider & Ale Festival. There’ll be live music across the weekend, alongside a great range of craft beers and ciders to sample. And there’ll be a taste of Jamaica in the beer garden at the Jerk […]
🗓️ Friday 13th June 2025 Love Cake is opening for an evening special tonight for simple suppers, grazing boards, puddings and cocktails, where you can sample their new summery Elderflower Martini creation.
🗓️ Sunday 8th June 2025 The Blue Pool in Furzebrook is celebrating its 90th birthday this afternoon. The Nature Reserve & Tearooms is offering visitors a complimentary welcome drink from 1.30pm, when there will be live music from local jazz musician Sarah Bolter and band.
🗓️ Friday 6th June 2025 Worth Matravers’ annual bring & share supper and quiz is back tonight. Bring your team of six, or come as a couple to join another team on the night, to take on the music quiz presented by Tim Arnold (Purbeck Youth Music), who’ll test your knowledge of musical genres, styles […]
🗓️ Sunday 25th May – Friday 8th August 2025 (Selected Dates) Experience a fish & chip supper with a difference with Swanage Pier and City Cruises. The circular cruise from Swanage to Poole Harbour and back is guaranteed to be a memorable evening, offering some fantastic views of this part of the Jurassic Coast, including […]
🗓️ Saturday 24th May 2025 Ulwell’s popular Caribbean Cookout is back this Bank Holiday Weekend. Head to the beer garden of The Village Inn from 3pm for some delicious food and rum punch. For more events at The Village Inn, follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ulwellvillageinn
🗓️ Sunday 11th May 2025 The Purbeck WI is hosting a special Jazz & Pimm’s evening in Harman’s Cross tonight. There’ll be music from 18-piece swing band the Changing Colours Jazz Orchestra, who’ll be playing everything from Broadway musicals and Hollywood films to classic favourites by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and more.
🗓️ Saturday 10th May 2025 Bring a picnic or book a special picnic box at The Globe Inn this afternoon to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The picnic in the beer garden is running from 12pm – 6pm. Music will be from the era and vintage dress is encouraged – prizes to be […]
🗓️ Sunday 4th May – Sunday 19th October 2025 Enjoy an afternoon tea with a difference on the Swanage Railway, where the memorable experience replaces a cup of tea with a glass of Prosecco (or soft alternative) to accompany your scones. You’ll journey from Swanage to Corfe Castle, Norden and back again, where you’ll be […]
🗓️ Sunday 20th April 2025 Swanage Linking Lives and the Place of Welcome are hosting a special free Easter lunch at the Methodist Church hall for members of the community today. Come alone or with family and friends and receive a friendly welcome and tasty Sunday lunch. On the Menu Drinks will be available, but […]
🗓️ Thursday 17th April 2025 There’s a chance to try a selection of Love Cake’s delicious puddings this evening at its special Pudding Club night. There’ll be an array of puddings and cocktails on offer, including taster portions so you can try various ones and discover your favourite.
🗓️ Sunday 13th April – Sunday 11th May 2025 (Selected Dates) Join a guided tour of Dorset Cider Farm’s orchards and pressing facilities this spring to celebrate British Cider Week. Learn how the Purbeck Cider Company manages its trees and what goes into creating each of their ciders. The two-hour experience includes a tour of […]
🗓️ Saturday 25th January 2025 The White Swan is celebrating Burns Night tonight with poems, pipes and a special three-course traditional Scottish menu. Your meal includes cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps & tatties, and a cranachan dessert.
🗓️ Friday 24th January 2025 Love Cake is holding another special evening event in celebration of Burns Night. The set menu will feature all things Scottish in tribute to Robert Burns. Call or pop in to book your table: 01929 475664
🗓️ Friday 24th January 2025 Enjoy a dram of whisky and some poetry at The King’s Arms’ Burns Night celebration. And there’ll be a Scottish buffet of haggis, neeps and tatties after the traditional addressing of the haggis.
🗓️ Saturday 18th January 2025 Join in the ancient tradition of wassailing at the Dorset Cider Farm in Bushey (nr Corfe Castle) this winter. The evening begins with carols and morris dancing, along with a traditional Mummer play, before a torch-lit procession to the apple orchards, where the trees are blessed for a healthy harvest […]
🗓️ Friday 20th December 2024 Studio South’s holding a festive quiz night with drinks and nibbles this evening. As well as the Christmas quiz, tickets include a glass of wine, charcuterie board, hot drink and mince pies.
🗓️ Saturday 14th December 2024 Come and meet the cast of Swanage Drama Company’s upcoming Jack & The Beanstalk at this special breakfast at The Village Inn. You’ll get a sneak peak of the pantomime characters and the chance to have your photo taken with them – and they might even sing you a song […]
🗓️ Friday 29th November 2024 Come along to a festive edition of Love Cake’s popular tapas evenings. On the menu will be a selection of Christmas tapas, cocktails and puddings.