Dorset Inspiration

Times are tough and purse strings are tied tight so what better way to still enjoy the holidays than embark on an adventure into Dorset’s countryside. The cost of an adventure park for a family is often way out of limits, but may be completely unnecessary! Dorset is rich with treasure, surprises, secrets, mystery and … Continue reading Dorset Inspiration

Child Okeford and Hammoon

Follow the River Stour as it meanders through the valley under the shadow of Hambledon Hill. Visit an island nature reserve, with the river lapping at its banks and otters splashing in the water, before arriving at the old Somerset and Dorset railway line. Cross fields and farms to the secret village of Hammoon, hidden … Continue reading Child Okeford and Hammoon

West and East Orchard

Walk through the wild landscape of West and East Orchard, deep in the Blackmore Vale. Land that was thick with forest, now tamed and harvested. Follow little lanes that connected fields of orchards, all under the control of ancient Dorset landowners. Look out for the hoof prints of Lazy Lawrence, the horse behind the local … Continue reading West and East Orchard

The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

A celebration of cheese! Saturday 10th September - Sunday 11th September 2022 Set in Sturminster Newton in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the Cheese Festival was introduced to reflect the market town and the surrounding landscape’s heritage, showcasing award winning local produce. The Blackmore Vale is split from the south by the Iron Age … Continue reading The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

Kingston Lacy to Badbury Rings

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

Dorset Parish List

All Dorset parishes are listed alphabetically. They then reference any adventures that start or finish within the parish, pass through the parish or skim past the parish.

The Big Map of Dorset

The Big Map of Dorset is a hand drawn, to scale map of the whole county. It is drawn using pen and pencil onto four separate canvases, adding up to a total size of approximately 2 metres by 2 metres. The map records only a simple selection of earthworks, woodland, water, roads, tracks and settlement. … Continue reading The Big Map of Dorset

Stalbridge

Starting in the smallest town in Dorset, buried in the Blackmore Vale, the settlement of Stalbridge has a selection of historical aspects which have influenced the rest of the country. Explore the landscape to discover the ancient Stalbridge Park, now surrounded by a 4 mile crumbling stone wall. The imposing, but lost, manor of Stalbridge … Continue reading Stalbridge