Things to do in Dorset, events & lifestyle

What could be better than cosying up by the fire with a pint in hand and your pooch at your feet this winter? Photo credit: diane39/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk
Left to right: Amelle Berrabah as the Fairy, Peter Duncam as Dame Trott, Alex Lodge as Jack, Bethan-Wyn Davies as Jill, Jay Worthy as Fleshcreep and Connor Byrne as Squire Longshanks.

There are so many Christmas markets taking place in Dorset this month. Photo credit: RomanBabakin/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Places

Arts by the Sea Festival reveals the 10th anniversary theme

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Bournemouth's Arts by the Sea Festival is a vibrant celebration of the local artistic scene. Photo credit: Scott M Salt

The much-loved festival, which will take place in Bournemouth in September 2020, will follow the theme of 'Journeys' in celebration of a decade of bringing artists and audiences together

Read full story »

Dog friendly pubs in Dorset: 15 of the best places to go

Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Freddie Ellams

You can't beat a pub lunch after a scenic country walk with your four-legged friend. In no particular order, we pick some of the best dog friendly pubs in Dorset

Read full story »

Ad Feature Discover Festive Family Fun at the Quedam Shopping Centre

Monday, November 25, 2019

The Quedam Shopping Centre is your one-stop-shop for festive fun. Photo credit: imtmphoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Yeovil's Quedam Shopping Centre is offering the ultimate Christmas experience, complete with polar bears, elves, snowmen, and of course Santa Claus himself

Read full story »

Christmas markets and events in Dorset

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 Hayley Cooper

There's no better way to get into the festive spirit than by heading to one of Dorset's many Christmas markets, which are complete with everything from mulled wine to carol singing to visits from the man in red himself. Ho, ho, ho….

Read full story »

Dorset dream homes: Woolbridge Manor

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

This Grade II* listed manor house in Wool provided the inspiration for Wellbridge House in Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Read full story »

Education

Ad Feature Back To S-cool Style with Quedam Shopping Centre

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The 'Roar-some Uniform range' available at Marks and Spencer

The words 'Back To School' may bring your thoughts straight to basic essentials such as stationery, uniforms, shoes, bags and lunchboxes but not at the Quedam Shopping Centre...

Read full story »

Food & Drink

Dog friendly pubs in Dorset: 15 of the best places to go

Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Freddie Ellams

You can't beat a pub lunch after a scenic country walk with your four-legged friend. In no particular order, we pick some of the best dog friendly pubs in Dorset

Read full story »

Recipe: Clementine and fig chutney

Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Words: Lizzie Crow, Photos: Lara Jane Thorpe

Fig and clementine chutney, photo credit: Lara Jane Thorpe

Dorset's award-winning Baking Bird, Lizzie Crow, shares locally inspired bakes to make as gifts - this week, she shows us how to make a fantastically festive chutney

Read full story »

Recipe: festive sausage rolls

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Russell Brown and Jonathan Haley show us how to give this classic Christmas treat a delicious new twist as part of their culinary journey around Dorset

Read full story »

7 of the best Christmas day lunches in Dorset

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 Ellie Fells

We've rounded up some of the best places to go for a festive lunch on the 25th. Photo credit - Sam Edwards/Getty Images

Give yourself a break from the cooking and washing up this Christmas, and head to one of Dorset's many pubs and restaurants on the 25th - we've rounded up some of the best places to find excellent food and the atmosphere to match

Read full story »

12 real ale pubs in Dorset you need to visit

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to serving a pub that serves the best real ale. Photo credit: nazdravie/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Where is the best real ale pub in Dorset? From traditional pubs to CAMRA-recommended freehouses, when it comes to real ale and craft beer, we're spoiled for choice in Dorset - and as the nights get colder, what better excuse to pull up a chair and cosy up for the evening?

Read full story »

Food & Drink Awards

Click here to find out about the 2018 Dorset Magazine Food and Drink Awards

People

Peter Duncan: the planet-saving panto in Poole

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 Words: Jeremy Miles, Photos: Hattie Miles

Stepping into the role of Dame Trott, Peter Duncan has put a mega-green spin on his latest pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Lighthouse Poole, says Jeremy Miles

Read full story »

Pantos and festive performances happening in Dorset this year

Monday, November 25, 2019

The cast of Aladdin outside Bournemouth Pavilion

It's that time of the year again (oh no it isn't…) so we've rounded up some of the best family-friendly performances that are taking to stages across the county this month

Read full story »

A very Dorset Christmas: The Ridgeway Singers and Band

Monday, November 25, 2019

Christmas Concert by the Ridgeway Choir and Band in 2014 showing Phil playing his serpent on the left and Tim on accordian on the right

The Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Phil Humphries and Tim Laycock, offer a joyous musical celebration of a Dorset Christmas both past and present - and they're putting on a whole host of concerts this December

Read full story »

A visit from HRH The Prince of Wales

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Monart Spa team with HRH Prince of Wales at the opening of the new luxury day spa, Photo credit: Finbar Webster

Monart Spa in Poundbury recently opened its doors to the public, and it was a right royal affair

Read full story »

Bridport Literary Festival: Rebel Writers

Monday, October 28, 2019 Words: Margery Hookings

Salford-born playwright Shelagh Delaney at work on her typewriter ahead of the premiere of her play A Taste of Honey in 1959, Photo Credit: Trinity Mirror/Mirrorpix /Alamy Stock Photo

As Bridport Literary Festival (Brid Lit) springs into action, bringing light to the darker days of November, one speaker will be particularly busy.

Read full story »

Homes & Gardens

Ad Feature Dutton Gregory Solicitors: how to minimise the stress of moving home

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

David Blackmore, partner in Residential Conveyancing at the Bournemouth based solicitors, shares his top tips

Read full story »

Dorset dream homes: Woolbridge Manor

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

This Grade II* listed manor house in Wool provided the inspiration for Wellbridge House in Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Read full story »

Ad Feature Bryant Interior Furnishings: the go-to for creating your ideal home interior

Friday, October 25, 2019 Ellie Fells

Create your dream home with the help of the team at Bryant Interior Furnishings. Photo credit: Phil Jackson

Bryant Interior Furnishings has been based in Bournemouth since the 1970s, during which time they've built up a reputation for being one of the very best interiors firms in the industry

Read full story »

Open gardens you can visit in Dorset this month

Monday, September 30, 2019

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens will be lit up this autumn, photo credit: Stephen Banks

Take in the glorious colours of autumn as you wander around one of these gardens this month

Read full story »

Ad Feature Dutton Gregory Solicitors: expert advice on buying and selling your home

Friday, September 6, 2019

Make sure you know your stuff when it comes to buying and selling your home

The rules around buying or selling a home often change, and protecting your family and property is increasingly important. Paul Reynolds, Partner in Residential Conveyancing at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, deciphers some of the most common questions asked.

Read full story »