Fire has swept through Dorset’s towns and villages, transformed heathland, destroyed historic houses and sometimes been deliberately used as a weapon or a tool. Its effects remain written across the county, in Georgian streets, roofless rooms, scorched stone and the stories passed between generations. What happened in the aftermath reveals just as much about Dorset. … Continue reading Dorset on Fire
Climb to the peak of one of the Isle of Purbeck’s hidden gems. Wander through woodland before emerging onto sandy heath and gorse, climbing over the earthworks that scar the hillside on the way. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views across the blue waters of Poole Harbour and the forests of northern Dorset, stretching as … Continue reading Creech Barrow
In March, Women's History Month invites us to rediscover the hidden stories of women in Dorset, from Iron Age matrilineal societies to modern-day leaders. Their legacies shape our world, urging us to lead the change. Women’s History Month For much of living memory, women’s lives in England were shaped by laws and customs that rendered … Continue reading Women in Dorset
From the far eastern tip of the Isle of Purbeck head down to Old Harry’s Rocks where the official boundary of the Jurassic Coast begins. Stick to the coastal roads as they narrow and split to keep the sea in view for the majority of the ride. Divert down little dead end lanes to discover … Continue reading The Ultimate Jurassic Coast Drive
From the coastal cliffs of Kimmeridge, wander inland down into the valley of the River Corfe. Pass the mysterious Harp Stone, once marking an ancient route now sunk into the ground, and carved by centuries of rain, wind and sea spray. Clamber the remaining earthworks of Whiteway and zig zag up the Purbeck Hills to … Continue reading Blackmanston
Discover one of Dorset’s most beautiful, yet remote, coves on the Jurassic Coastline. From the little village of Kingston, high on the Purbeck ridge, wander through the woods of Encombe Estate. Clip the steep slopes as they roll down to the manor, Golden Bowl, and Purbeck Stone obelisk to reach Houns Tout, accompanied by views … Continue reading Chapman’s Pool
As small tribes farmed the Dorset landscape of the Iron Age, the political environment in the Roman Emipire was changing. Determined to expand they set their sights on Albion, forcing their way through with armed legions on newly developed roads, and renamed the country Britannia. New technologies, building practices, tools, skills, materials and beliefs were … Continue reading Roman Dorset
Starting at the blue coastal waters of Swanage Bay, pass colourful beach huts and wooden groynes to climb through the residential estates to Ballard Down. Pass a 17th century farm, built from stone stolen from Corfe Castle, and weave through the trees to the base of the steep slopes. In the company of views over … Continue reading Swanage
