Dorset is a fantastic destination for food lovers. With a strong farming heritage, fertile countryside and a long coastline providing access to fresh seafood, the county has plenty of local produce to discover.
From Dorset cheeses and seafood to cider, ice cream, chutneys and locally grown ingredients, there is always something new to try. The county is also home to food festivals, farmers' markets, independent delis, farm shops, country pubs and restaurants celebrating Dorset's produce.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or enjoying a longer Dorset holiday, exploring the local food and drink scene is a great way to experience more of the county.
Why is local produce important in Dorset?
Dorset's food and drink scene is closely connected to the county's landscape and farming communities. Local producers make the most of Dorset's farmland, coastline and traditional food-producing industries, creating everything from cheese and cider to seafood, meat, baked goods and preserves.
Farmers' markets and food festivals provide an opportunity to meet local producers and discover products made in Dorset. Dorset Food & Drink maintains a calendar of food and drink events taking place around the county, making it a useful resource for finding markets, festivals and opportunities to sample local produce.
Local produce is also a great way to bring a taste of Dorset back to your Dorset Hideaways self-catering holiday cottage. Pick up some local cheese, bread, cider or chutney and enjoy a relaxed meal using ingredients sourced during your trip.
Dorset food and drink: what not to miss
Dorset has plenty of opportunities to discover local food, whether you're visiting a major festival or simply stopping at a farm shop or farmers' market.
Here are some of the Dorset food and drink experiences worth looking out for.
If seafood is your favourite type of local produce, the Dorset Seafood Festival in Weymouth is one of the county's standout food events.
The festival celebrates Dorset's maritime heritage and the seafood available from the county's coastline, with chef demonstrations, seafood specialists, producers and plenty of opportunities to discover different ways of preparing and enjoying seafood.
The festival's chef demonstrations are a particular highlight, covering everything from preparing scallops and seasonal seafood to sustainable fish and shellfish.
Weymouth is also a great destination for food lovers, with restaurants, cafés and pubs around the harbour and seafront.
The Bridport Food Festival is another excellent opportunity to discover Dorset food and drink.
Nearly 100 traders arrive at Askers Meadows, with local food and drink to enjoy at the event or take home. The line-up included Dorset cheeses, oysters, wild venison burgers and a variety of other local produce.
There is also a Cookery Theatre with chef demonstrations, activities for younger foodies and a Big Tea Tent, making this an event suitable for food lovers of all ages.
The festival is particularly appealing if you're staying in West Dorset, as you can combine your visit with exploring Bridport, West Bay and the wider Jurassic Coast.
Wimborne Food Festival brings food, drink and entertainment into the heart of this attractive Dorset market town.
The festival features cookery demonstrations, tastings, talks, pop-up food experiences and live music, with events taking place across the town. The festival is free to attend and celebrates food and drink from across Dorset.
The event is also a great example of the connection between Dorset's producers and its independent food businesses. The programme has previously included a Dorset Oysters presentation exploring the journey from oyster seed in Poole Harbour to the plate!
Even if you're not visiting during the festival, Wimborne is well worth exploring throughout the year. An array of independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants make it a lovely destination for a relaxed foodie day out.
For a food festival with a particularly beautiful setting, look out for the Abbotsbury Food Fair at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.
The is often organised in association with Dorset Food & Drink. You could explore food, drink and craft stalls while also enjoying the gardens. The programme included local producers, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and activities for families.
It's a particularly appealing combination because you can enjoy the food festival before spending time exploring Abbotsbury and the surrounding Jurassic Coast.
Food festivals aren't just for the summer months.
The Dorset Winter Food & Drink Fair takes place at Athelhampton House, providing an opportunity to discover local food, drink, artisan products and seasonal gifts in a historic setting.
It's a great option for a pre-Christmas day out.
Athelhampton is also well worth visiting, with the historic house and gardens providing an attractive backdrop to the event.
Food and art come together at the Dorset Food and Arts Festival in Poundbury.
The event at The Great Field and brings together local food and drink producers, artisans, artists and craftspeople. Entry is free, with visitors able to browse stalls, enjoy food and drink and meet the people behind the products.
It's a good example of the variety available within Dorset's food scene, with opportunities to discover smaller producers and makers alongside established local businesses.
Dorset food and drink specialities to try
You don't necessarily need to visit during a food festival to experience Dorset's local produce. Keep an eye out for these Dorset favourites during your stay.
Dorset cheese: Dorset has a long association with traditional cheese making, and local cheeses are well worth seeking out at farm shops, delis, markets and restaurants.
Look for locally produced cheeses to enjoy as part of a picnic, cheeseboard or relaxed evening meal at your holiday cottage.
Dorset cider: The county's rural landscape and apple-growing traditions make cider another Dorset favourite.
You'll find locally produced ciders at farm shops, pubs, food festivals and specialist producers, with plenty of variety in flavour and style.
Dorset seafood: With such a long coastline, it's no surprise that seafood plays an important role in Dorset's food culture.
Look out for oysters, crab, lobster, scallops and locally caught fish on restaurant menus, particularly around Weymouth, Portland, Poole and other coastal towns.
The Dorset Seafood Festival is a particularly good opportunity to learn more about local seafood and the people who produce it.
Dorset ice cream: A Dorset holiday wouldn't be complete without an ice cream, particularly after a day on the beach.
You'll find local ice cream producers throughout the county, with farm-made and locally produced ice cream available at cafés, farm shops, attractions and seaside destinations.
Local produce from Dorset markets and farm shops: One of the easiest ways to discover Dorset food is to visit a farmers' market or farm shop.
Markets are an excellent place to find seasonal produce, baked goods, preserves, meat, cheese and drinks while supporting local producers.
Food and drink experiences in Dorset
Dorset's food scene isn't just about festivals.
During your stay, you can make a holiday out of discovering local produce. Visit a farm shop for supplies for your cottage, stop at a traditional pub for a Dorset lunch, enjoy seafood beside the coast or explore an independent café in one of the county's market towns.
For a special occasion, Dorset also has a growing selection of restaurants making the most of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
One of the joys of staying in self-catering accommodation is that you can combine eating out with cooking for yourself. Pick up some local ingredients during the day and enjoy them back at your holiday cottage.
Plan a Dorset food and drink holiday
From seafood on the coast and cheese from local producers to cider, farm shops and food festivals, there are plenty of ways to discover Dorset through its food.
The county's food and drink events take place throughout the year, so whenever you visit, there is likely to be a market, festival or local producer worth discovering.
Why not combine your foodie adventures with a stay in one of our Dorset holiday cottages? With a self-catering cottage as your base, you can explore local markets, pick up Dorset produce and enjoy a relaxed meal with family and friends.
FAQs
What food is Dorset famous for?
Dorset is known for a wide range of local produce, including Dorset cheese, seafood, cider, ice cream and seasonal produce from local farms and producers.
What are the best Dorset food festivals?
Dorset hosts food festivals and events throughout the year. Popular events include the Dorset Seafood Festival, Bridport Food Festival, Wimborne Food Festival, Abbotsbury Food Fair and Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair.
Are there food festivals in Dorset throughout the year?
Yes. Dorset's food and drink calendar includes events in spring, summer, autumn and winter, as well as regular farmers' markets and local food events. Dates change each year, so check the latest event information before travelling.
Where can I buy local food in Dorset?
Local produce can be found at farmers' markets, farm shops, delis, food festivals and independent food shops throughout Dorset. Dorset Food & Drink maintains a calendar of local markets and events.
What Dorset seafood should I try?
Dorset's coastline provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy local seafood, including oysters, crab, lobster, scallops and locally caught fish.
Is Dorset good for a foodie holiday?
Yes. Dorset combines local producers, farm shops, food festivals, independent restaurants, traditional pubs and a long coastline known for seafood, making it a great destination for food lovers.
When are Dorset food festivals held?
Food festivals take place throughout the year, although many of the larger events take place between spring and early autumn. There are also winter food fairs and Christmas markets.
What local Dorset drinks should I try?
Dorset is particularly associated with cider, while local producers also make a variety of other drinks. Food festivals and farmers' markets are good places to discover locally produced drinks.
Are there farmers' markets in Dorset?
Yes. Farmers' markets and local food markets take place across Dorset throughout the year, giving visitors opportunities to buy seasonal produce directly from local producers.
Where can I find Dorset food and drink events?
Visit Dorset and Dorset Food & Drink both provide information about current food and drink events, festivals and markets taking place around the county.
Can I buy Dorset produce to take home?
Yes. Food festivals, farm shops, markets and independent food shops are great places to pick up Dorset produce to enjoy during your holiday or take home with you.
What are the best places for seafood in Dorset?
The Dorset coast has many restaurants and cafés serving seafood, particularly around Weymouth, Portland and Poole. Food festivals such as the Dorset Seafood Festival also provide opportunities to sample local seafood.
Is Dorset food suitable for families?
Many Dorset food festivals are family friendly and include entertainment, demonstrations and activities for children. Farmers' markets and food fairs can also be enjoyable family days out.
Can I visit Dorset food festivals during a self-catering holiday?
Absolutely. Staying in a self-catering cottage makes it easy to buy local produce at a festival or market and enjoy it back at your accommodation.
What food should I take home from Dorset?
Popular choices include local cheese, cider, preserves, chutneys, baked goods, chocolate and other artisan products. Food festivals and farm shops are particularly good places to discover Dorset-made products.