Discover the vast, ancient royal hunting grounds of Cranborne Chase. Climb up the chalk hills to views across a landscape once loved and worshipped by our ancestors. Follow the footsteps of the Neolithic, over their earthworks and into the Iron Age. Cross the mysterious Dorset Cursus and follow the line of the mighty Roman road … Continue reading Sixpenny Handley
Discover the largest ancient monument in the country. An earthwork that covers over seven miles, its path dipping into the valleys and skimming the hilltops. Set in a landscape, rich with spiritual burials, it puts Stonehenge to shame. Begin in the valley of the little Crichel Brook, following old tracks that once cut through the … Continue reading Long Crichel and the Dorset Cursus
After following the little River Winterborne, trace the footsteps of the Roman soldiers as their road cuts through Winterborne Kingston, still scarring the landscape today. Tread the earth that hides many of their remains, some having been unearthed from the ground including a precious coffin and dedications to a shrine. Climb the hill to Bere … Continue reading Winterborne Kingston
Wander through the estate of Augustus Pitt Rivers via his village and famous Victorian museum. Discover the roofed stocks and well house, complete with winding cogs, before reaching the church. Pass the smartly designed building which housed thousands of his prehistoric finds, guarded by gates from the demolished Eastbury House. Follow medieval droveways, used by … Continue reading Farnham to Chettle
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
Skim the southern corner of the Kingston Lacy estate, walking between the historically feuding neighbours of the Bankes and the Erles. Explore the medieval routes that once connected the estates to the surrounding countryside. Walk through the beech tree avenue, one of the most iconic scenes of the county, to reach Badbury Rings. Follow the … Continue reading Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings
Skim the edge of an estate that has evolved through the centuries, its old manors still traceable in the ground and whispered in the woodland. As ancient families rose and fell, the estate continued to develop. Keeping with the fashions of the time, Bryanston led the way, starting from scratch three times over. The family’s … Continue reading Bryanston
