Dorset Food & Drink Winter Food Fair!

The Dorset Food & Drink Winter Food Fair is back at Athelhampton House for 2025!
We’re making our lists and checking them twice to make sure we’ve got all the ingredients for a cracking line up of Dorset food, drink, artists, and makers, to bring you a weekend of festive shopping and gift inspirations and live music.

Come rain or shine, we’ll be pleased to welcome you. Plenty of parking and most of the stalls are under cover in the event marquee.

Join us on:
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th November from 10am – 3pm at Athelhampton House as we bring you a superbly curated blend of local producers and makers.

Follow the AA road signs, and you’ll be sure to find us at this beautiful Dorset Tudor Manor House.

It’s a photographer’s dream, so don’t forget your camera!

Book via the Athelhampton website and take advantage of early bird tickets! Sat 9th Nov or Sun 10 Nov.
This way it gives us a better idea of how many people are coming, so our lovely stallholders have enough goodies for you.

Some tickets will be available on the gate over the weekend, but this is not guaranteed.

What to expect
Shopping small is BIG for local businesses, where you can discover unique gifts. So whether it’s local cheese, funky craft ales, seasonal treats, seasonings, chocolate, wine, or something made by talented artisans -there are plenty of stocking fillers, so you can shop small or large depending on your budget.

Plus, it’s a great way to support your local producers and makers – many with multi award winning products!

Keep it local, and get to know the people who make, bake, brew, cook, farm, fish, sew, grow, craft, and create lovely things.

Festive tipples include wine, cider, beer, spirits, cocktails, ginger-based cordials, and liqueurs. Hot food, cheese, game, locally reared fresh meat, coffee, tableware, honey, handmade soaps, candles, preserves and chutney.

We’re not done yet! Spicy sauces, pies, biscuits, mince pies, artisan jewellery, glass art, local photography, art cards, paintings, charcuterie, cakes, Christmas puds, chef knife sets, seaweed, artisan bread, traditional Dorset bakes, tea, oils and spices, and our festive coffee bars.

The main part of the Christmas Fair is held inside a festive marquee, and whilst we’re brimming with seasonal cheer and excitement, we understand that mobility can be a concern. The marquee layout may pose some challenges for mobility scooters and wheelchairs – its a carpeted surface covering the grass. But we’re here to lend a helping hand where we can.
Rest assured, we are committed to making this event as inclusive as possible, with accessible routes and assistance, to ensure everyone can enjoy attending.

Wi-Fi

Most stall holders accept card payments, but Wi-Fi can sometimes be a bit slow. We don’t want you to miss a purchase, so cash is always welcomed!

Athelhampton House Café will be selling snacks and hot drinks. The House will be closed for full viewing during this event, but you will still be able to go inside to enjoy the Great Hall. However, some of the Garden will be open, so you’ll be able to explore and enjoy the late autumn and early winter colours.

Dog-Friendly Guidelines for the Winter Fair

We welcome well-behaved dogs on leads in the grounds. The main attractions of the Winter Fair are located inside a marquee on the west lawn, which can become quite crowded during peak times. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, we recommend that dog owners consider the following:

Space and Comfort: Make sure your dog has enough space to move comfortably and is accustomed to slow-moving crowds.

Alternative Arrangements: If you feel your dog might struggle with the busy environment, it might be best to have someone look after your pet while you explore the marquee.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Last admissions 2.30pm.

It’ll be great to see you!

Meet the SENSATIONAL stallholders who will be joining us for a magical weekend filled with gourmet delights, unique crafts, and festive inspirations.

Live Music from

Blue Bridge

Dr Jazz

Aaron & Barbara