From the red brick cottages and thatched roofs of Shapwick, complete with tales of strange creatures and floating coffins, follow the meandering River Stour to one of the oldest bridges in the county. Trace the route of pilgrims out of the valley to skim the remains of one of the richest nunneries in England. Climb … Continue reading Shapwick
Wander through the wide and wild landscape of Cranborne Chase. Starting in the hidden village of Pentridge, set deep within the medieval Royal hunting grounds, climb up the hill to Penbury Knoll. Discover Bronze Age burial mounds alongside Romano British Settlement, cut by Roman Roads and haunted turnpikes. Drop down to the little Bowldish Pond, … Continue reading Pentridge
Garden design, development, and embellishment became the fashion amongst the landowning gentry of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, splashing their cash on elements that had no purpose other than to be admired. ‘Sanctuaries’, ‘observatories’, ‘thinking towers’, 'memorials’, and 'commemorations' popped up on hilltops and in hidden valleys, usually viewable through the manor’s windows. A … Continue reading Dorset’s Follies and Obelisks
From the Royal village of Tollard, sitting on the boundary of Dorset and Wiltshire, circle the famous Victorian gardens of the Larmer Tree. Start at the village pond, opposite a grumpy cart shed, to climb up to the church. Pass the terracotta coloured old manor of King John’s House, which began life as the Kings … Continue reading Larmer Tree
The delicate little white flower signifies the coming of spring! They can easily be found anywhere in the county - on grass verges, climbing up river banks and deep in woodland - but for an extra special sight, see the list below... Please tread carefully! https://videopress.com/v/BC0cs5By?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true It is also possible to follow the snowdrops as … Continue reading Dorset Snowdrops
Where the hills meet, splitting the mysterious Blackmore Vale from the ancient Cranborne Chase, the River Stour carves its way through the chalk. Sitting above the valley is Travellers Rest, hidden amongst the interlocking slopes scarred with ancient fields. A stopping place for generations of Romaine gypsies, the tracks and trails that mark the landscape … Continue reading Travellers Rest
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
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
