Historic castles, vineyards and hidden gardens will become outdoor cinemas this summer as the Purbeck Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The award-winning festival, one of the UK’s longest-running rural film festivals, has built its reputation on pairing films with unusual locations across Purbeck, creating evenings where the setting is as memorable as the screening itself.
Among this year’s highlights, Corfe Castle will host screenings within its medieval ruins over the August Bank Holiday weekend, including Paddington 2 and Wicked, with the castle illuminated to complement each film. At Studland’s Knoll House Hotel, audiences will watch Jaws beside the swimming pool, while Labyrinth will be shown among the woodland surrounding The Blue Pool.
Families can enjoy The Magic Faraway Tree at Careys Secret Garden, where the woodland setting echoes the story on screen, while the festival opens at Langham Wine Estate with The Blues Brothers, combining live entertainment, local wine and one of the festival’s most popular films.
Festival director Claire Burns said the event has always focused on matching films with locations that create a memorable experience for audiences.
Run as a charity with strong local support, the festival continues to attract visitors from across the region while showcasing some of Purbeck’s best-known landscapes and attractions.
The 2026 festival opens on 15th August, with tickets available from purbeckfilm.com.
