Free entry
Summer
Dog Fête
Free entry • Dog-friendly • Activities for all ages
Monday 31st August 2026 | 10am – 4pm | Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset
A day of dog shows, competitions, live music, great food and family fun!
A brand-new Bank Holiday celebration for dogs, families and everyone who loves a great day out. This August Bank Holiday, join us for the first ever Symondsbury Summer Dog Fête – a fun-filled celebration of our four-legged friends set against the stunning backdrop of Symondsbury Estate.
Whether you’re bringing your own canine companion, meeting up with friends or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. From dog shows and agility to shopping, live entertainment, children’s activities and delicious food, it’s a day designed for everyone.
Proudly Supported By
What’s on
Get involved with our action-packed dog activity areas:
Agility Challenges
Obstacle Courses
Scurry Ring
Fun games for dogs and families
11am until 4pm
Dog show itinerary hosted by Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Activity ring categories:
- Best Looking Female
- Most Handsome Male
- Golden Oldie
- Rescue Hero
- Loveliest Little Dog
- Loveliest Large Dog
- Dog Most Like Its Owner
- Dog Least Like Its Owner
- Waggiest Tail
- Young Dog Handler Superstar
What’s on
Whether your dog is a natural athlete or just here for the treats, there’ll be something to enjoy.
Agility Challenges
Come along and enjoy a relaxed agility experience with the Big Bark team! Dogs and their owners are invited to have a go at a fun course featuring jumps, tunnels, and other simple obstacles. Whether your dog is trying agility for the first time or simply enjoys being active, everyone is welcome to join in throughout the day.
Puppy Zone
Hosted by RL Dog Training, they’ll be a dedicated area for younger dogs and new owners to relax, play and socialise.
Pooch Smooch Booth
Capture a special memory with your four-legged friend at our doggy photo spot.
Fun for the Whole Family
The Dog Fête isn’t just for dog owners.
The family can enjoy:
- The Summer Explorer Trail
- Independent shops
- The art gallery
- Beautiful walks across the Estate
Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring everything Symondsbury has to offer.
Shop the Pup-Up Market
Discover brilliant dog brands, local makers and independent businesses
No fête would be complete without great stalls, and our Pup-Up Market will bring together a fantastic collection of dog-focused traders, makers and local businesses.
Meet passionate people who love dogs as much as you do and discover something special to take home.
Our Stallholders Include:
Symondsbury Pop-Up Kitchen
Delicious baps with slow-roasted pork or smoked tofu, served with the Estate’s own homemade sauces and seasonal toppings.
Poochie Pals
Handmade beaded dog collars and accessories, crafted with care.
Dicky Bags
Practical, stylish poo bag holders for everyday adventures.
Harbour Hounds
Cosy dog drying robes, toys and thoughtfully chosen accessories.
Guide Dogs UK
Meet the team, find out about their life-changing work and support their fundraising.
Hound & Blossom
Handmade collars, leads, treats and accessories for dogs.
Isaac Cider
Local craft cider.
Purbeck Ice Cream
Locally made ice cream served from their van.
Cherry Tree UK
Award-winning preserves, chutneys and other delicious pantry favourites.
Jo’s Pet & Housesitting
Trusted pet and house-sitting, with advice and support for dog owners.
RL Dog Training
Visit the Puppy Zone to chat with RL Dog Training about puppies, recall, lead walking, behaviour and everyday training, with friendly advice available throughout the day.
More than just a dog fête
Monday 31st August 2026 | 10am – 4pm | Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, Dorset
Free entry • Dog-friendly • Activities for all ages
food and drink
No summer fête is complete without fantastic food
Refuel throughout the day with breakfast, lunch, coffee, cakes and seasonal treats from Symondsbury Kitchen, alongside refreshments across the Estate.
Your four-legged companions won’t miss out either, with puppuccinos, doggy ice cream and plenty of delicious canine treats available.
Find a seat, enjoy the live music and soak up the Bank Holiday atmosphere.
family fun
The Dog Fête is designed for the whole family
Lawn games for all to enjoy, complete the Summer Explorer Trail and amazing entertainment throughout the day, making it a brilliant family outing whether you have a dog or not.
Live Entertainment
Enjoy live music and entertainment all day
The perfect soundtrack to your Bank Holiday at Symondsbury.
Bring a picnic blanket, settle in with great food and spend the afternoon enjoying everything the Estate has to offer.
Make a Weekend of It
Why not turn your Bank Holiday visit into a relaxing Dorset escape?
Stay in one of our beautiful holiday cottages or unique places to stay and enjoy everything Symondsbury Estate, the Jurassic Coast and West Dorset have to offer.Wake up to beautiful countryside, enjoy spectacular walks straight from your doorstep and experience the Estate at a slower pace.
Meet the Team Behind the Event
The Symondsbury Summer Dog Fête is proudly brought to you by the team at Symondsbury Estate, in partnership with The Big Bark.
Together we’re combining our shared love of dogs, the countryside and community to create what we hope will become a much-loved annual Bank Holiday tradition for Dorset.
Proudly Supported By
A huge thank you to the businesses and organisations helping make our first-ever Dog Fête possible. Their support helps us create an unforgettable day for visitors while celebrating local enterprise, responsible dog ownership and our community.
platinum sponsor
Cherry Tree Preserves
Award-winning jams & chutneys, hand made in small batches
platinum sponsor
Jo’s Pet & Housesitting
Helping dogs and their owners build happy, confident relationships.
platinum sponsor
RL Dog Training
Helping dogs and their owners build happy, confident relationships.
Gold Sponsor
The Bridport Bakery
Award-winning artisan bakery crafting fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and sourdough daily.
Gold Sponsor
Taddle Farm Tents
Family-run marquee hire providing elegant event tents, furniture, lighting, and accessories.
Gold Sponsor
Bredy Vets
Independent veterinary practice providing compassionate 24-hour care for pets and livestock alike.
silver sponsor
Palmers
Dorset brewery crafting award-winning ales and beers using heritage methods.
silver sponsor
Blue Pencil Pet Portraits
Custom pet portrait studio creating unique, hand-painted artwork of beloved animals.
Directions
Why not turn your Bank Holiday visit into a relaxing Dorset escape?
Stay in one of our beautiful holiday cottages or unique places to stay and enjoy everything Symondsbury Estate, the Jurassic Coast and West Dorset have to offer.
Wake up to beautiful countryside, enjoy spectacular walks straight from your doorstep and experience the Estate at a slower pace.
Frequently asked questions
No. Entry to the Summer Dog Fête is free. Some activities and Dog Show classes will have a small participation fee.
Yes! Dogs are very welcome. Please keep dogs on leads unless taking part in designated activities.
Absolutely. This is a summer fête for everyone, with food, shopping, entertainment and family activities.
Yes. The Symondsbury Kitchen will be serving food and refreshments throughout the day, with treats available for dogs too.
Yes. Our Pup-Up Market will feature a brilliant selection of dog brands, makers, charities and local businesses.
Yes, event parking will be available on site.
Yes. With crafts, trails, entertainment and plenty of space to explore, it’s a great family day out.
