Autumn is a great time to explore the best of the UK, and you can be sure of some fantastic scenery in Dorset during the Harvest season. The Harvest spirit is strong in Dorset, meaning youll find a number of exciting things to enjoy during your visit. Explore the best of this glorious county this autumn with some wonderful Dorset harvest events and activities.
Celebrating the Dorset Harvest
There are many ways that you can join in the Dorset harvest fun. Love apple picking or visiting a food festival? There are some wonderful Harvest activities and events to take part in that will make it an ideal time to explore the best that Dorset has to offer. The Harvest has a long history in Dorset, where it usually begins with what some know as theLammas, and many locations will celebrate some very old traditions to mark the occasion. If you get the chance to visit Dorset during this time, make sure you check out some of the following things to do. Holnest Country Fayre 23rd 24th September Based in Holnest, near Sherborne, the Holnest Country Fayre is now in its fifth year and grows with each event with over 1,200 people visiting over the course of the weekend. The fayre was launched in order to raise money for the Future Roots care farm, a wonderful organisation that helps to use country living and farming to help those with health and social problems, particularly young people who have fallen behind with learning for a number of reasons. The fayre is split into two parts, Yesterday, which focuses on the historical past and features various exhibits and demonstrations, while the Today element includes different entertainment and food and drink that offer something for everyone. As a small-scale festival, its the ideal Dorset harvest day out for families while staying in a nearby Dorset Hideaway property. Where to stay:Enjoy a stay atNorth End Farmhouseto get a fantastic view of autumn in Dorset. As one of our larger properties, it sleeps 12-14 people and is perfectly located for the short drive to the Holnest Country Fayre. Pick up some food and drink at the fayre and enjoy cooking up a storm back in the farmhouse's rustic kitchen. Studland Apple Day 1st October Apple Days are a popular Dorset harvest activity, with events taking place all over the UK. In Dorset, you can enjoy the Studland Apple Day and combine beach with the orchard at the South Beach car park. There are a number of activities to enjoy throughout the day, as well as the chance to sample some freshly-pressed apple juice. The event is free and dogs on leads are also welcome to join in the fun. Where to stay:The lovelyOld Mill Housein Swanage is an excellent property for exploring Studland Beach and the nearby Nature Reserve. Ideal for an autumn getaway, the property sleeps up to 8 and has all the home comforts you could wish for during your stay. Town Mill Apple Days, Lyme Regis 14th - 15th October Lyme Regis is another fantastic location to enjoy a Harvest apple day, offering a great excuse to visit this popular Dorset town. Over the weekend youll find different apple games to be enjoyed in the courtyard as well as the chance to sample some tasty apple-based recipes. Have a go at making your own juice with the apple press and enjoy sampling some of the locally-made cider. With a variety of activities on offer, the apple days at Lyme Regis offer a fun day out for all the family. Where to stay:Albury Houseis located in the heart of Lyme Regis, sleeping up to 10 for an unforgettable autumn trip. With a warming fireplace and cosy beds, it's the ideal place to come back to after enjoying apple days in Dorset. The Dorset Food Fortnight 22nd October 6th November If youre visiting Dorset this autumn then youll find a number of treats in store during the Dorset Food Fortnight. Among the highlights are theMinster Food and Drink Festivaltaking place on Saturday 21st October. Wimborne becomes a foodie town for the weekend with a range of exciting food stands to explore, as well as different food events. There are professional chef demonstrations, competitions and wine tasting to enjoy, as well as the chance to discover some tasty dishes from all over the world. Wimborne is a lovely town to visit at any time of year, but it really comes alive during this spectacular food festival. Meanwhile, theWeymouth Feastcelebrates all of the towns local independent restaurants which offer special menus and events to delight visitors and locals. Some restaurants will offer special popups and cocktail bars and the town has an excellent atmosphere as everyone joins in the festival spirit. Some events are ticketed so make sure that you book to avoid disappointment. Film lovers and food fans will love theScreen Bitesevents taking place throughout the Dorset Food Fortnight which combine different food-based films and some local food vendors for a fantastic night to feed both of your passions. The screenings take place in various locations, and this years offering of movies features titles from all over the world. Where to stay:To enjoy the best of the Dorset Food Fortnight,Plum Cottagein Wimborne is a great choice. Sleeping 4, it's a dog-friendly property that offers attractive features and is ideally located for making the most of the Dorset countryside. Foraging courses with Hedgerow Harvest All year What better way to get into the Harvest spirit than by taking part in a foraging course with Hedgerow Harvest? With full day courses and foraging walks available, you will get the chance to explore the Dorset countryside and learn about gathering wild food and cooking it. You will learn various skills across different types of habitats and discover different edible plants and shellfish. A full day course involves walking to gather food, before preparing and cooking a three-course meal based on the foods that you have gathered. If there is a group of you looking to have a go, you can book a private course and enjoy your spoils back at your holiday property. Early autumn involves the Fruit and Nut and Seashore Walks while later autumn focuses on foraging for wild mushrooms in the woods. Where to stay:Pear Tree Cottagein Netherbury, near Bridport, is a good place to stay to enjoy the Hedgerow Harvest foraging courses. With some courses taking place along the Jurassic Coast, you can explore some beautiful Dorset beaches during the day and relax in this fully-equipped self-catering cottage at night. Autumn truly is a special time to visit Dorset. Besides the annual Dorset harvest events, the area becomes much quieter after the busy summer crowds have left, making it the ideal time to explore at your own pace. If youre interested in a getaway this autumn, check out ouravailable propertiesand head to the coast to enjoy the beautiful season at its best.