The latest news from the city.
The New Forest's pannage season runs from 14 September to 29 November 2026, when around 600 pigs are turned out to eat fallen acorns. A guide to where to spot them, which breeds to look for and how to behave around them.
El Murrino Beach Bar & Restaurant is a pop-up beach club on East Cliff Beach in Boscombe, open from 1 May to the end of September with wood-fired pizzas, burgers and a family-friendly, dog-friendly terrace. A guide to its food, prices and the piers at either end of the bay.
Seafood & Sounds returns to Poole on 12 and 13 September for its fourth year, a free weekend of local seafood, live music across nine locations, a colourful opening parade, food demos, an artisan market and family activities.
The second Romance Writing Festival takes over the Marsham Court Hotel on 3 October 2026, from 9am to 10pm, with ten talks and panels, three masterclasses and agent one-to-ones. A full day ticket is £125, with a festival room rate of £99 a night.
The South West Model Show returns to the Tank Museum in Bovington on 12-13 September, run in partnership with Warlord Games. It features wargaming demonstrations, a Bolt Action tournament, model-building sessions, a series of talks and the museum's permanent collection.
The Old Mill in Hordle, an 18th-century water mill on the edge of the New Forest, is one of the UK's 50 best pub gardens. It has a terrace for over 200 people, a midweek lunch set menu, 12 boutique bedrooms and is dog-friendly throughout.
A practical look at The Watch Lab Bournemouth, based inside Bobby’s in The Square. It covers repairs, smartwatch and jewellery services, postal options, reviews, location and current opening hours.
The Purbeck Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary from 16 October to 1 November 2026. Rowan Atkinson will appear at The Mowlem in Swanage for a screening of *Mr Hulot’s Holiday* and a discussion of Jacques Tati’s influence on Mr Bean.
Circo Lounge is an informal, all-day café and bar in Westbourne, Bournemouth, known for its relaxed atmosphere, dog-friendly garden and broad British and global menu. It is open daily from 9am, with a cheap Tuesday evening deal and a strong brunch offering.
The Dorset County Show returns to the Dorchester Showground on 5-6 September with The Wurzels, monster trucks and OG Display Horses, alongside livestock competitions, a food hall and family activities. Advance tickets are discounted until Friday 4 September.
