What's on in Orchard, West

Dorset, England

Orchard sits quietly in Dorset where the air smells of rain and damp earth rather than city smog. There are no big crowds to shout over here, just a handful of local clubs that keep things ticking along nicely. The village hall often hosts something for the family while the community centre manages the rest without needing a single marketing guru. It is a place where you can wander down High Street and find what you need without checking your phone first. Near Here gathers all these quiet bits together so you do not have to hunt through a dozen different sites on a rainy Sunday. Not bad for a spot that punches well above its weight in Dorset.

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Community

Scones & Sparkles on the Maunsells

A Delightful Journey Through the Isle of Purbeck Step aboard our beautifully restored 1930s Maunsell heritage carriages, featuring comfortable upholstered seats and gleaming varnished wood panelling, for a truly indulgent experience — Scones & Sparkles through the picturesque Isle of Purbeck. Relax and admire the rolling countryside views from your historic carriage as your steam train travels from Swanage to Corfe Castle and onwards to Norden. Your freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam, butter, fresh strawberries and Prosecco are beautifully presented in a sharing Swanage Railway hamper basket and served at your table by our attentive and friendly team. As the train passes through the village of Corfe Castle, enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient castle ruins, standing proudly after more than six centuries of history. On your return journey to Swanage, sit back and savour five and a half miles of unspoiled Purbeck countryside — a perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon. This is a Scones & Sparkles experience with a difference — a memory to treasure and savour. £45 per person – this price includes a return ticket Approximate duration: 1 hour.

Sun 12 AprCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

Community

Model Railway Weekend

The Swanage Railway is hosting its first Model Railway Weekend between Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of April. We are thrilled to be able to combine our full size railway with their smaller counterparts and we are sure you will be too! Our Model Railway Weekend will include a range of different scales and gauges to see over the two day event, with different layouts and displays along the railway. Layouts will be on display at Swanage Station, Harmans Cross Station and Village Hall, Corfe Castle Station and Norden Station. We are also happy to confirm that there will be a range of traders to see at Swanage and Corfe Castle Stations as well as Harmans Cross Village Hall. We will also be offering the chance to drive one of our Class 08 Diesel Shunters from Platform One at Swanage Station during a short Driver Experience, where you will get to drive from the Station to our sidings and back again with one of our friendly and experienced drivers! You can also try your hand at driving a miniature Hymek Class Diesel at the Purbeck Mining Museum on the portable miniature railway thanks to the are now open for these experiences and they can be booked using the links which are further down this page. Combined entry and travel tickets will be available on the day from our ticket offices and are also now available from our website.

Sun 12 AprCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

Community

Footplate Ride

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride on the footplate (cab) of a steam locomotive? This is the perfect experience and includes all day standard travel for the ticket holder. Your footplate ride will cover 10 miles from Swanage to Norden and return and will last approximately 60 minutes. You will watch our crew operate the locomotive on one of our scheduled passenger services. Experience the thrill of the sights, sounds, smell and heat of a steam engine footplate with our expert and highly experienced engine crews answering questions whilst pointing out various points of interest during your journey. £125.00 per person. This experience also includes all day travel along the Swanage Railway. THE PARTICIPANT MUST: Be aged over 18 years. Be physically and mentally fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided. Wear overalls or old cotton clothing that fully covers your arms and legs. Wear sturdy shoes / boots that protect your feet - trainers are definitely not permitted. Must not consume alcohol in the 12 hour period leading up to the ride / course or during the Footplate Experience. Locomotives will be used from the current fleet available and cannot be specified in advance.

Sun 12 AprCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

Community

Power of Poles Workshops

Power of Poles Workshops at Walx. We've done the legwork finding it — they've done the legwork organising it. Fair deal.

Mon 13 AprWalx(2.9mi)

via WalxLocal gem

Community

Discovery Sessions

Discovery Sessions at Walx. We've done the legwork finding it — they've done the legwork organising it. Fair deal.

Tue 14 AprWalx(2.9mi)

via WalxLocal gem

Community

Pliosaurus - The Discovery of a Monster

Spotted Pliosaurus - The Discovery of a Monster on Museum of Jurassic Marine Life's listings. We do the finding, they do the hosting. Team effort, really.

Thu 16 AprMuseum of Jurassic Marine Life(1.7mi)

via Museum of Jurassic Marine LifeCurated

Cinema

Film Club

Join the Film Club for a screening of a movie.

Fri 17 AprWorth Matravers Village Hall(2.9mi)

via Worth Matravers Village HallLocal gem

Cinema

Film Club

Join the Film Club for a screening of a movie.

Fri 24 AprWorth Matravers Village Hall(2.9mi)

via Worth Matravers Village HallLocal gem

Community

The Fish & Chips Special

Join us and Fox & Edwards Events for a steam train journey with a difference - a fish and chips meal to enjoy! Take in the picturesque scenery on a round trip from Norden station (where there is car parking - postcode BH20 5DW) in a heritage carriage from the 1950s or early 1960s, hauled by a steam locomotive. The trip takes approximately 70 minutes - perfect for getting a good "fill" of nostalgia or celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special occasions. The fish and chips meal, bottle of water and baked sweet treat (flapjack or biscuits) are served at the half-way point in the journey for the return trip. Alternative meal options are offered for those who prefer not to have fish and these are selected when purchasing tickets. Reviews for other Fox & Edwards Events journeys include: "It was nice to have a bit of nostalgia from childhood memories" "Staff was pleasant and helpful polite, questions through emails was quickly answered fantastic service" "Lovely relaxing day out" "Thank you to all who helped make our day feel really special. We all felt like VIP's. Well done!" We are currently unable to welcome dogs on this trip. Service provided by Fox and Edwards not the Swanage Railway. Tickets must be prebooked in advance through Fox & Edwards. Swanage Railway does not take nor administer bookings, Swanage Railway gift card cannot be redeemed against this product.

Sat 25 AprCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

Community

Devon Belle – The Prosecco Afternoon Tea Express

Indulge in bottomless Prosecco and an array of hand-crafted savoury and sweet delights, served aboard the rare Devon Belle Pullman Observation Car. Sit back, relax, and savour the elegance of a bygone era as you journey through the Purbeck countryside in vintage style. A Journey Like No Other Step aboard the Devon Belle and settle into your luxurious Pullman seat as the steam locomotive glides through the rolling Purbeck hills. Your personal steward will welcome you with a glass of Prosecco or sparkling elderflower, followed by a hand-crafted afternoon tea, freshly prepared for your journey. Savoury and sweet items are presented individually in elegant platter boxes, all served at your seat so you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the Dorset countryside and the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle through the carriage’s wide observation windows. On the return journey to Swanage, enjoy five and a half miles of unrivalled scenery as tea and freshly brewed coffee are served at your seat, accompanied by delicate petit fours—rounding off your experience with a comforting warm drink and a final indulgent treat. Afternoon Tea Menu (served at your seat) A selection of delicate savoury sandwiches A range of miniature sweet treats and patisserie Freshly brewed tea or coffee on the return journey Prosecco or elderflower remains bottomless throughout the experience, perfectly complementing the savoury and sweet offerings. Sip, savour, and celebrate in style as the bubbles keep...

Sun 26 AprCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

Community

Sir David Attenborough at 100 - A Purbeck Celebration

Found this on Museum of Jurassic Marine Life's radar. Sir David Attenborough at 100 - A Purbeck Celebration — sounds promising. Click through for the director's cut.

Fri 8 MayMuseum of Jurassic Marine Life(1.7mi)

via Museum of Jurassic Marine LifeCurated

Community

Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2026

Corfe Castle Steam Railway is hosting and we're advertising. Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2026 — no spoilers, but their site has the full programme.

Fri 8 MayCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

Community

Aba Shanti-I

He has been VOTED NO.1 DJ in the world by DJ Magazine.He has had a permanent residency at the NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL since 1993.His Name is ABA SHANTI-I and he’s coming to the SCOTT ARMS on 9th May! We are thrilled to announce sound system and dub legend Aba Shanti-I playing live and direct at the Scott Arms on Saturday 9th May. ABA SHANTI-I is a sound system operator and dub producer from the UK. Aba and his sound system have been playing through UK and Europe for over 30 years. He has been a resident sound system at Notting Hill Carnival since 1993 and was voted the No. 1 DJ in the World by DJ Magazine in the same year.Aba Shanti-I sound system plays music in the roots reggae and dub style. He cites, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Junior Delgado, Yabby You and Prince Lincoln as inspiration. The original tracks are usually supplemented by reverb, delays and effects to generate his distinctive sound. While deejaying for the Jah Tubby’s sound system, Aba Shanti-I was known as Jasmine Joe. In 1990, Aba took over the running of the Jah Tubby’s sound system, debuting at the Leicester carnival.

Sat 9 MayScott Arms(1.2mi)

via Scott ArmsCurated

Community

Aba Shanti-I

Sat 9 May19:00Scott Arms(1.2mi)

via Scott ArmsCurated

Community

Curry and Games Night

Wednesday 13 May from 7pmJoin us in May for our monthly Curry and Games Night at the Scott Arms. Chef will again be serving up some great curries and sides, perfect for a chilly evening. While you’re here why not have a few games of pool (winner stays on) or perhaps you’re a budding Phil Taylor and a game of darts is your thing? We also have Shuffleboard, Puff Billiards, packs of cards and backgammon sets so grab yourself a curry and a pint and let the games commence! The Curry and Games night menu will consist of a variety of curries served with Chargrilled Flatbreads, Onion Bhajis, Vegetable Pakora, Poppadoms & Chutney, Pilaf Rice and Sag Aloo. This will be the final Curry & Games Night until after the summer but it will be back in October running, as usual, every second Wednesday of the month. The cost is £15 per person and includes all food and use of the pub’s games. SHARE THIS

Wed 13 MayScott Arms(1.2mi)

via Scott ArmsCurated

Community

Curry and Games Night

Wed 13 May19:00Scott Arms(1.2mi)

via Scott ArmsCurated

Community

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

The full scoop on Lyme Regis Fossil Festival lives over on Museum of Jurassic Marine Life's site. We're just the friendly messenger.

Sat 13 JunMuseum of Jurassic Marine Life(1.7mi)

via Museum of Jurassic Marine LifeCurated

Community

The Sunset Shuttle

Discover Dorset’s most scenic evening out! Hop aboard the Swanage Railway Sunset Shuttle and enjoy breathtaking views of the Isle of Purbeck as the sun sets over rolling hills and the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo ride, a romantic outing, or a family adventure, the Sunset Shuttle offers a relaxed and nostalgic way to experience the beauty of Dorset at the golden hour. Convenient evening services make it easy to enjoy nights out in Swanage or Corfe Castle, skipping the stress of driving and parking. Explore charming pubs, dine at local restaurants, or experience summer events - then let the train carry you home. Take advantage of our affordable tickets, allowing travel all evening: Adults: £10 Children (5–15): £5 Family (2 adults + 3 children): £25 Dogs: free Already have a valid return or day freedom ticket? You’re covered - ordinary daytime tickets are also valid on the Sunset Shuttle, giving you even more flexibility for your evening plans. We’re also proud partners of the Swanage Carnival Fireworks, Swanage Folk Festival, and Purbeck Film Festival, making the Sunset Shuttle your scenic, stress-free connection to unforgettable summer experiences. Create golden memories with the Sunset Shuttle. 2026 Sunset Shuttle running dates June 26th and 27th June July 25th, 29th, 31st July and 1st August Services to align with the Swanage Carnival fireworks. August 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th...

Fri 26 JunCorfe Castle Steam Railway(2.6mi)

via Corfe Castle Steam RailwayLocal gem

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Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.