Things to Do in Dorset on a Weekend Stay

Dorset and Bridport in particular are bursting with culture, so much so that you could very easily make a whole weekend out of what this County has to offer. Not only are there beautiful scenic walks and days out on the doorstep of your luxury rental cottage, but there are festivities and exciting events around every corner too.

Spending a weekend in Dorset in a luxury holiday cottage provides the perfect place to rest your head after a big day of exploring Bridport. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting events going on in and around the Bridport and how you can get involved.

River Cottage

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage is famous for high-quality food and training for professional chefs, but it also hosts the annual River Cottage Festival. Boasting a line-up of local talent that also includes a funky performance for kids with exciting music-based games, this festival has so much more than just toe-tapping music. The River Cottage Festival will guide you from engaging day-time activities such as learning simple bushcraft (think crafting and then shooting with your own bow and arrow!) and a talk from Anita Rani and Hugh himself, right through to the evening. As the sky darkens, you can enjoy an evening meal before taking part in star gazing that proved so popular last year. When you’re feeling fulfilled and sleepy, you can retire to your Bridport rental cottage after a long and fruitful day, bow in-hand.

Bridport Carnival

If you fancy something colourful and fun, then maybe you’d like to pay a visit to the Bridport Carnival. Carnival organisers invite local businesses to create a float for free and take part in their procession, splashing colour, light, and music along the parade route. Great for kids or just a fun day out in the sun, local caterers and businesses will also be setting up food stands so you can sample some of the local culinary talent as you cheer and dance in the street. As day turns to evening, there is also a torchlight procession that creates beautiful ambiance and atmosphere. Once again, you will return to your holiday cottage in Bridport satisfied and ready to see what the next day holds.

Bridport Hat Festival

Okay, something for the young and young-at-heart here… Bridport Hat Festival sees countless people flock to the town in garish hats and colourful costumes. This festival is completely run by volunteers and is a fundraiser for head-related charities all whilst being dynamic and inclusive, capturing the community spirit perfectly. If an excuse to wear a cool hat isn’t enough, there’s also live music, competitions, displays, games, and dogs in hats (oh, we knew that’d get you). There is no better way to spend a day, whether you’re bringing your children or your partner, before retiring to your holiday cottage for rent and hanging your funky hat up for another day.

The Melplash Show

The Melplash Agricultural Society Show is packed full of livestock, horses, homecrafts, and horticulture. A fun and outdoorsy day out, you will learn more about farm produce and farming as well as watching hawk displays and ferret racing. This makes a great family day out for young children or simply for the curious traveller seeking to find out more about farming, animal care, and where your British food might come from. In the fresh country air you can try your hand at milking a beautiful Guernsey cow, watch a sheepdog display or cookery theatre, and grab a drink at the on-site bar, the Melplash Inn!

The Bridport Literary Festival

Lovers of good books and talented authors will not want to miss the Bridport Literary Festival this year. Usually held in November, this annual event puts a spotlight on a selection of authors who will be attending and appearing for talks on some of their latest works. ‘BridLit’ is now reaching the grand old age of 15 and covers all manners of different literature – fiction, politics, philosophy, travel, and more. As engaging as it is ever-changing, this is a brilliant day out for the artists and the avid readers amongst us. Curling up with a good book in your luxury rental cottage in Bridport will feel that touch more romantic after this festival.

Bridport is bustling with culture, the arts, and just good old fashioned fun, so it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend away. We think we’ve given you a good week’s worth of events and arts to discover, and we’ll be impressed if you manage to sample a little of everything, but you could always come back for a second, third, fourth visit… Discover the beauty of Bridport with our luxury holiday cottages, Contact Us today to discuss their availability.