October in Purbeck is a magical time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning gold, and the pace of life slows just enough to savour it all. Whether you’re drawn by live music, autumn walks, or family adventures among castle ruins, there’s something here to brighten your autumn days.

Swanage Blues Festival (Autumn)

📅 02 Oct 2025 – 05 Oct 2025 📍 Swanage, Dorset Over 70 gigs across pubs and venues in Swanage. Category: Music

RSPB Arne – Dorset Bird Fest (60 Years of Arne)

📅 04 Oct 2025 – 05 Oct 2025 📍 RSPB Arne, Wareham Talks, guided walks and activities celebrating 60 years of Arne. Category: Natural heritage

RSPB Arne – Wildlife Lagoon Walks

📅 04 Oct 2025 – 05 Oct 2025 📍 RSPB Arne, Wareham Rare access to the saline lagoon with a guide. Category: Natural heritage Brownsea Island – Community Open Day (Free Entry) 📅 04 Oct 2025 📍 Brownsea Island (National Trust), Poole Harbour Free entry community day on the island. Category: Natural heritage

Wessex Wanderer – A Riparian Ramble

📅 04 Oct 2025 📍 Heart of Wessex Line 13 miles, moderate riverside walk. Category: Active For guests: Bring lunch and check train times.

East Dorset Ramblers – Kingston Circular via Kimmeridge

📅 08 Oct 2025 📍 Kingston, Purbeck 10 miles, moderate coastal and downland walk. Category: Active For guests: Superb views over Kimmeridge Bay.

Studland Bay – Discover the Hidden Fungi

📅 10 Oct 2025 – 21 Nov 2025 📍 Studland Bay (National Trust) Guided fungi walks through Studland’s woodland. Category: Natural heritage For guests: Gentle pace, great for autumn colour.

Purbeck Film Festival

📅 17 Oct 2025 – 02 Nov 2025 📍 Venues across Purbeck Independent and international films screened in village halls, The Mowlem and local cinemas. Category: Arts & culture

Maverick Jurassic Coast Marathon & Trails

📅 18 Oct 2025 📍 Starts near Swanage / Jurassic Coast trails Trail marathon and shorter routes along the dramatic coastline. Category: Active For guests: compete or enjoy cheering on family and friends at checkpoints, soaking up the buzz.  

Corfe Castle – Halloween Gory Stories

📅 25 Oct 2025 – 31 Oct 2025 📍 Corfe Castle (National Trust) Halloween storytelling and gory tales.. Category: Heritage

Swanage & Wareham Health Walks

📅 Various October dates 📍 Swanage, Wareham & Purbeck paths Friendly guided health walks, suitable for all. Category: Active A social way to stretch legs, meet locals and explore gently.

Wrap Up

From blues riffs rolling out of Swanage pubs to fungi trails under autumn canopies, Purbeck in October is brimming with colour, culture and community. Whether you’re planning a weekend of music, a day’s ramble across the cliffs, or a cosy film night in a village hall, this month has something special waiting.