Invest in one of our luxury holiday homes for sale in Dorset and you’ll find yourself at the heart of the August Bank Holiday action year after year. The Silverlake Estate sits just a short drive from the Jurassic Coast, surrounded by acres of its own nature reserve and with a whole host of activities for all the family to enjoy. If you’re heading to Dorset this August, you’ll find there is plenty to do in Dorset this summer.
Take a look at our round-up of some of the best things to do in Dorset this August bank holiday, from eclectic family festivals to roaming coastal strolls.
Days and nights out in Dorset this August Bank Holiday
Purbeck Film Festival’s Open Air Cinema
When: 22nd - 23rd August 2025
Where: Corfe Castle
Our holiday homes for sale in Dorset are just a 20 minute drive from Corfe Castle, where the Purbeck Film Festival presents its open air cinema this August Bank Holiday. Pack a picnic at your holiday home (or order one to take away from the Hurricane Terrace), and head to the castle ruins set in gorgeous surrounds for an outdoor movie screening with the family.
Friday 22 August: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets
Saturday 23 August: Paddington in Peru
Enjoy the South West Coast Path
When: Year-round
Where: The South West Coast Path covers all of Dorset’s coastline
One of the real highlights of owning holiday homes for sale in Dorset is the opportunity to have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world right there on your doorstep. The South West Coast Path starts or ends in Poole and the Jurassic Coast stretch of the iconic path is considered some of the most scenic miles of the whole 630-mile route.
Use your long weekend to tick off another section or two; the Weymouth to Lulworth Cove trail is a challenging route that will appeal to those who love an active holiday. A five-hour walk, it takes in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the most stunning section of rugged coastline and white cliffs. With your own holiday accommodation, you could even complete the whole Dorset section of the coast path, ticking off sections little by little over the years.
Free Live Music at Bournemouth Pier
When: 21st - 25th August 2025
Where: Bournemouth Pier
Head to the Pier for a fabulous summer vibe. Every day of the August Bank Holiday in Dorset, you can relax and dance away to some great free music while taking in the stunning views of Bournemouth Pier.
Rainy Bank Holiday days in Dorset
We’re positive that the sun will shine on Dorset this August Bank Holiday, after all, the county is one the sunniest in the UK! That said, don’t worry if the weather doesn't end up on your side; there are endless things to do in Dorset on a rainy day this August bank holiday.
Jane Austen: Down to the Sea
When: 14th June - 14th September 2025
Where: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester
This beautiful exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen and how the sea influenced her novels. It focusses on the Dorset coastal towns that she visited or wrote about and looks at leisure, fashion, entertainment and wellbeing at the seaside.
The World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail
When: Year-round, except 24th December - 12th January
Where: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Organford
If your little ones are just that bit too young to appreciate exhibitions, let them run riot on The World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail and Woodland Walk instead. Step into the realm of dinosaurs and discover prehistoric wonders along the trail, where life-sized dinosaur models hide amongst the undergrowth. The trail was made for muddy wellies and rain jackets! Once you’ve explored the Jurassic jungle, head inside at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park nearby for hot drinks and delicious cakes.
Enjoy Dorset from the comfort of your own holiday home
Spend every August bank holiday in wonderful Dorset with our range of stunning Dorset holiday homes for sale right here at Silverlake. No need to worry about accommodation getting booked up at this popular time – with our own holiday home, summer holiday in Dorset are always within reach.