Wimborne Minster Folk Festival

For those driving to Wimborne, road access is straightforward. The town is just south of the busy A31 trunk road in east Dorset. Visitors from the east (including London and Southampton) often take the M3 and then the A31 westbound, exiting near the Canford Bottom interchange. Those coming from the west (such as Poole or Salisbury) can also join the A31 via the B3078 from Poole or the A354 from Salisbury, then local roads north. In summer weekends, roads can get busy, so plan to arrive early. Wimborne has several council-run car parks in the town centre (for example High Street and Manor Outney Road): public parking at these locations is paid and spaces can fill up. Free motorcycle parking bays are available in most car parks. If possible, consider car-sharing or dropping off passengers near the Minster before parking to minimize walking.

The nearest mainline train station is Poole (about 6 miles from Wimborne) on the Weymouth-London Waterloo line. Poole has regular services to London, Weymouth and beyond. Bournemouth station is a slightly larger alternative (around 7 miles away) and also serves as a connection point. From either Poole or Bournemouth station, visitors can take a taxi (journeys around 15-20 minutes) or catch a local bus into Wimborne. Morebus operates routes (such as the 13 and X3) from Poole, Bournemouth and Ferndown into Wimborne, and there are also services from Christchurch. The central bus stop is near the Minster, a short walk from many venues. Bus schedules vary by time and day, so check the Morebus website. Taxis are available at the stations, and local cab companies can be booked for direct transfers.

Bournemouth Airport (BOH) is the closest airport, about 9 miles south of Wimborne, with domestic and European flights. From the airport, visitors can hire a car or taxi, or take a shuttle to Bournemouth and then a bus or taxi onward to Wimborne. Southampton Airport is around 50 miles away and connects via Southampton Central station (with train to Poole) or via coach/bus connections. For international travellers, Heathrow and Gatwick (about 100 miles north) are options; from there, one would take a train or coach to Bournemouth/Poole and then local transport to Wimborne.

When planning your stay, book accommodation early. Wimborne and nearby areas offer a variety of lodging options. In Wimborne itself, you’ll find charming guesthouses, country inns and self-catering cottages within walking distance of the town centre. Nearby towns like Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch have larger hotels and B&Bs (about a 20-30 minute drive away). Campsites and holiday parks are available in the surrounding countryside and along the Dorset coast, providing family-friendly options. During the summer, especially around festival weekends, accommodations can fill up fast, so consider widening your search area. Staying slightly farther afield (for example in Wareham, Swanage or Salisbury) can be a quiet alternative, with a short drive bringing you back to Wimborne.