What’s On in Lulworth & Purbeck

Planning a visit to Lulworth around a particular event?

From major festivals at Lulworth Castle to live tank displays at Bovington, steam trains, film festivals and seasonal events, there are plenty of reasons to visit the area throughout the year.

We’ve picked out some of the key events and annual dates in and around Lulworth, Bovington and Purbeck.

Event dates can change, so we’ve included links to the organisers where you can check the latest information before travelling.

**If you have an event you would like us to share, send us the details at contact@inlulworth.co.uk**

Events Coming Up

Upcoming events in and around Lulworth

Events and dates checked August 2026.

TANKFEST – The Tank Museum, Bovington

25–27 June 2027

One of the biggest events in the local calendar, TANKFEST brings three days of live armoured vehicle displays to The Tank Museum at Bovington.

Expect historic tanks in action, living history, military displays and access to the museum’s huge collection.

TANKFEST is particularly popular and tickets are usually in high demand, so book well ahead if you’re planning to come.

Visit The Tank Museum

Staying for TANKFEST?

Accommodation around Bovington, Lulworth and Wareham can be busy during TANKFEST weekend.

Where to stay near The Tank Museum, Bovington

Disclaimer: This page features affiliate links. If you book an accommodation through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

🎪 Camp Bestival – Lulworth Castle

29 July–1 August 2027

Camp Bestival returns to Lulworth Castle for another four-day family festival in summer 2027.

With music, entertainment, activities, food and plenty for children, it’s one of the biggest events of the year in Lulworth. The 2027 dates have already been announced.

The festival takes place within the Lulworth Castle estate, so West Lulworth is an especially convenient base if you’re attending without staying on the festival site.

Coming to Camp Bestival?

It’s possible to come and go from the festival site with your wristband, so if you’re looking for accommodation outside the festival site, book early. Camp Bestival attracts tens of thousands of visitors and accommodation nearby can become very limited.

Find accommodation in Lulworth

Visit the Camp Bestival website

🚂 Swanage Railway Special Events

The Swanage Railway runs special events throughout the year, making it worth checking the calendar if you’re visiting Purbeck.

Events include steam galas, dining trains, family events, Halloween trains and Christmas services.

Some 2026 dates include:

5 September – Fish & Chips Special
11–13 September – Autumn Steam Gala
19 September – Dorset Gin Train
30–31 October – Halloween Ghost Trains
Christmas season – Christmas trains and festive services

Dates and events are added and changed throughout the year, so check the current programme before travelling.

See what’s on at Swanage Railway

Where to stay near Swanage Railway

Disclaimer: This page features affiliate links. If you book an accommodation through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Purbeck Film Festival

16 October–1 November 2026

The Purbeck Film Festival brings two weeks of films and special screenings to venues across Purbeck including Corfe Castle and The Blue Pool.

It’s a lovely reason to visit outside the main summer season and gives you the opportunity to combine a film night with a few days exploring the coast.

Visit the Purbeck Film Festival website

Events at Lulworth Castle

Lulworth Castle has its own programme of events throughout the year, from family activities and seasonal trails to guided walks, outdoor cinema and Christmas events.

The programme changes throughout the year, so rather than trying to list every individual event here, check the current calendar before planning your visit.

Upcoming events currently include autumn activities, outdoor cinema, Halloween half-term events and Christmas celebrations, with further events added throughout the year.

See more of what’s on at Lulworth Castle

More Events at The Tank Museum

TANKFEST isn’t the only event worth knowing about at The Tank Museum.

The museum runs a programme of special events throughout the year, including Tiger Days, live vehicle displays, family events and quieter sessions.

Upcoming dates include:

Tiger Day Autumn – 26 September 2026
See Tiger 131, the world’s only running Tiger I tank, in action alongside other historic vehicles and living history displays.

A Dorset Christmas – 14–15 November 2026
A festive family event with local makers, entertainment, a Christmas trail and the arrival of Santa in a tank.

Tiger Day Spring – 24 April 2027
Another chance to see Tiger 131 running alongside other WWII vehicles and living history displays.

TANKFEST – 25–27 June 2027

See all upcoming events at The Tank Museum

Seasonal Events

You don’t have to visit for a major festival to find something happening around Lulworth.

Spring

Spring is a lovely time to visit the area, with the Lulworth Estate often running family activities, trails and seasonal events during the school holidays.

Summer

Summer is the busiest time of year, with Camp Bestival, outdoor events, walks and activities taking place around Lulworth and across Purbeck.

It’s also the time when accommodation is most in demand, so book well ahead if you’re visiting for a particular event.

Autumn

Autumn brings a quieter atmosphere to Lulworth, with events including Purbeck Film Festival, autumn walks, Halloween activities and special events at The Tank Museum and Swanage Railway.

It’s a great time to visit if you prefer the coast without the summer crowds.