April 2025 in Dorset: Festivals, Markets, and Cultural Highlights
April Highlights Across Dorset – Fresh Air, Fresh Finds
Your Monthly Look at What's Blooming in Dorset
Brought to you by Better Seen Online – helping Dorset businesses get the visibility they deserve.
🎭 Culture. Community. Connection.
As the days stretch longer and spring awakens Dorset’s coast and countryside, we’re excited to bring you this guide to what’s happening this April—from Roman gladiators in Dorchester to Bowie tributes in Bournemouth and pop-up artisan markets across the county.
Whether you're looking for family fun, live music, business networking, or just a breath of fresh air - there’s something waiting for you just around the corner.
🌟 Top Picks This Month
📍 Dorchester Roman Festival
12–13 April | Maumbury Rings
Step back in time for gladiator battles, mosaics, Roman artefacts, and family-friendly fun.
🎨 Weymouth Town of Culture Launch Party
25 April | St Nics Gallery
Dance, art, and DJs celebrate the beginning of a full year of creative events across Weymouth.
🥂 Weymouth Business Awards
24 April | National Sailing Academy
Shining a light on the outstanding local businesses that keep our high streets alive.
🎪 Athelhampton Spring Market
26 April | Athelhampton House & Gardens
Free-entry local market with crafts, produce, and a gorgeous garden backdrop.
🎭 Theatre Highlights
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy – 2 April, Weymouth
Sister Act – 24–26 April, Christchurch
Chicago – 2–5 April, Bournemouth
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – 9–12 April, Weymouth
🛍️ Artisan & Food Markets
Allendale Spring Craft Fair – 5 April, Wimborne
Westbourne Farmers Market – 12 April
Abbotsbury Food Fair – 18–19 April
Support local makers and taste the best of Dorset.
🌳 Outdoor Easter Trails
Family adventures galore across the county:
Brownsea Island, Upton Country Park, Nothe Fort, Durlston Country Park, and more!
Dates vary – full list here
🧠 Business & Networking Events
Grow Your Business with Dorset Chamber
2 April | Poole (Mercedes Benz Showroom)
Free networking and growth ideas.
Campfire AI Workshop
24 April | Dorset Chamber
Explore how AI can boost your business visibility (something we at BSO know a thing or two about 😉).
Connecting in Nature Walk
25 April | Carey's Secret Garden, Wareham
A fresh-air networking stroll—bring your wellies and your business cards.
🖼️ Don’t Miss the Arts
The Great Tail Trail – 5 April–1 June: 45 mermaid sculptures across Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch
Carol Peace: New Work – 26 April onwards, Gallery by the Lakes
Arthur Neal at Athelhampton Gallery – Ongoing through June
📣 Seen in Dorset Business Spotlight
This month’s shoutout goes to Coffee Jazz, a Weymouth family-run café that coverted 60% of their Google reviews requests in just 3 weeks with the help of BSO’s review request system.
🍰 Great coffee & cake.
⭐ Even better ratings.
👉 Want to be featured in May? Just reply to this email or DM us on Instagram!
💡 Dorset Business Tip of the Month
April Focus: Online Visibility Starts with One Link
Make sure your Google Business Profile is updated. One great local event photo + a review this month can move your listing up in local search.
Need help? We’ll do it free in your trial.
📱 Start your free trial | No card needed.
👋 Final Word from BSO
From hidden gardens to historic walks, and high-energy awards nights - April is packed with reasons to get out, support your community, and be seen.
Wishing you a blooming brilliant month,
– The Team at Better Seen Online
betterseen.online