During the 19th century the railway flourished throughout the country, arriving in Dorset relatively late. The openings of the lines were celebrated with music, flags and apple cake, the first passengers often lucky school children. However, its life span was short. The terrain proved difficult, the costs unmanageable and the demand fell short in both … Continue reading Dorset Railways
Venture into one of the most mysterious landscapes of the world, retracing the footsteps of our ancestors as they paid homage to both the sun and the moon. Beginning at Amesbury, discover the Iron Age hillfort which stood guard over the River Avon and the end of Stonehenge’s ancient Avenue. Pass the remains of a … Continue reading Stonehenge
Native British Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) can carpet a woodland. Their delicate appearance and vivid colour are unmistakeable, however, must not be confused with the invasive Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica). Our dainty flowers are native to western Europe and the UK is a species stronghold. They're associated with ancient woodland and are often used, in combination with … Continue reading Bluebells in Dorset
Begin in the narrow valley of the little River Winterborne, where Winterborne Stickland reveals its treasures—an ancient cross, its companion tree, a timeless church, pub, and war memorial. Climb the hillside into thick woodland and wander the winding tracks of Charity Wood and Milton Wood, skimming the earthworks of a medieval deer park. Continue to … Continue reading Winterborne Stickland
A celebration of cheese! Saturday 14th September - Sunday 15th September 2024 Image: The Book and Bucket Cheese Company Set on the banks of the River Stour in Sturminster Newton, in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the Cheese Festival was introduced to reflect the market town, the surrounding landscape’s heritage and award winning local … Continue reading The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
‘The World’s Leading and Largest Heritage event, showcasing Great Britain’s Rich Industrial, Agricultural and Leisure History’ Steam Fair Site Layout. For the larger map of the main area see below. The great Dorset Steam fair Heavy Haulage Arena You can hear it and you can smell it before you see it. The Great Dorset Steam … Continue reading The Great Dorset Steam Fair
From the little village of Symondsbury, walk along the permissive paths of the estate to Dorset’s most impressive Holloways. Hidden deep within the sandstone and amongst the roots of trees, it creates a secret and mystical atmosphere. Climb to the top of Colmer’s Hill, to stand at the peak, in the centre of the pine … Continue reading Colmer’s Hill
Tess of the Vale has grown into a library of more than 350 adventures. Miles of footpaths, bridleways, byways and permissive tracks across the countryside have been recorded, with only five parishes left to explore - aside from the inevitable gaps created by military training grounds and private estates. Yet the 'project' is still far … Continue reading Dorset Parish List
