National Lottery Open Week runs from Saturday 7th - Sunday 15th March 2026 and as a thank you to players, they are giving free entry, discounts and offers at some of our greatest historical houses, castles and museums.

Anyone who visits a participating National Lottery supported project and shows a National Lottery Ticket, Instant Win Game, or Scratchcard (physical or digital) during National Lottery Open Week is able to take up the special offer.

To see which venues in Dorset are participating, please see below.

BROWNSEA ISLAND

Offer: FREE ENTRY! (Ferry costs still apply)
Date: Saturday 14th March 2026
Address: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset

KINGSTON LACY

Offer: FREE ENTRY!
Dates: Saturday 7th – Saturday 14th March 2026
Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4EA

CORFE CASTLE

Offer: FREE ENTRY!
Dates: Saturday 7th – Saturday 14th March 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset

RUSSELL-COTES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Offer: FREE ENTRY!
Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
Address: Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery, West Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AA

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE

Offer: 40% off Admission
Date: Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th March 2026
Address: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE

If you would like to venture out of Dorset then you’ll be pleased to know that the offer also includes NT Montpesson House, NT Mottisfont, NT Stourhead and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

For more information and to view all UK participating properties, please visit the National Lottery.

Dorset hosts lots of brilliant festivals where families can enjoy live music, local food and drink, workshops, performances, creative arts, fun fairs and children’s entertainment.

To see what’s coming up near you in 2026, please see our list below.

SWANAGE FOLK FESTIVAL

Info: A weekend of music, dance, stalls, and children’s activities around the beautiful town of Swanage.

Good to know: The majority of events are FREE however some concerts are ticketed.

Dates: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026
Location: Across Swanage
Website: Swanage Folk Festival

SEAFOOD & SOUNDS

Info: Poole will once again come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the coast. Taking place over 2 days, the event celebrates Poole’s rich maritime heritage, combining live music, outstanding local seafood and family friendly entertainment.

Good to know: FREE EVENT!

Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
Location: Poole Old Town & Quay
Website: Seafood and Sounds

STURMINSTER NEWTON CHEESE FESTIVAL

Info: If you love cheese then this one is for you! Meet local producers, browse food and craft stalls, children’s activities and live music.

Good to know: Kids 15 and under go FREE!

Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
Address: Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BY
Website: Cheese Festival

If you know of any more family friendly festivals in Dorset then please do Contact Us.

Need more ideas for things to do with the family?

Dorset Attractions 

Soft Plays & Play Cafes

Events & Info

Car Boot Sales

Groups & Classes

Pubs with Play Parks

Sport & Leisure Centres

Family Friendly Campsites

Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time.