Dorset’s rich heritage is illustrated through archaeological discoveries and artefacts from prehistoric to modern times. Significant findings include Neolithic axes, Roman mosaics, and Viking burials. Museums such as the Dorset Museum and the British Museum preserve these treasures, showcasing the region’s diverse historical narratives spanning thousands of years. Below is a growing collection — all … Continue reading Dorset Treasure
Tag: Hillfort
Stourhead
From the steep slopes and waterways that split Somerset and Wiltshire explore the forests of Stourhead. Find Jack’s Castle, used as a beacon site to call troops, and discover King Alfred’s Tower, its peak visible for miles around. Venture deep into the ancient Selwood Forest, haunted by forces that could steer you off your path. … Continue reading Stourhead
Woolgarston
Follow the valley of the River Corfe away from the famous castle ruins onto Corfe Common. Cross the old steam railway to arrive at the Saxon settlement of Woolgarston. Pass the thatched cottages, stone walls and wooden gates to reach the base of Brenscombe Hill. Climb up to the top of the Purbeck ridgeway, with … Continue reading Woolgarston
Fontmell Parva
From Manston, deep in the Blackmore Vale, discover its little church and mausoleum, used to house perished loved ones until cremation was made legal. Wander across the floodplains of the River Stour to Fontmell Parva and its large 17th century country house. Climb up Porter's Hill, using the little trackways that connected isolated farms, to … Continue reading Fontmell Parva
Wardour Castle
Circle the crumbling castle of Wardour. Climb up the hill, though the neighbouring woodland, hiding ruins of an 18th century landscape garden. Dive under the haunted tunnel and follow the medieval park pale through the trees, passing a mini Silbury Hill on the way. Drop down to the River Nadder, after crossing the railway, to … Continue reading Wardour Castle
Lambert’s Castle
From the high peak of the Iron Age Hillfort of Lambert’s Castle cut down through its ramparts into the Marshwood Vale. With views across the valley to Lewesdon and Pilsdon, join Nash Lane marking the edge of a medieval deer park. Drop down the steep Holloway to Baber’s Farm, bought with the mission to conserve … Continue reading Lambert’s Castle
Hermitage
Explore the tracks and trails deep within the hunting heartland, but marshy waste ground, of what was once Blackmoor Regis. From the hamlet of Hermitage, having grown from an isolated priory, follow the old droveway used by both livestock and lords. Skim the source of the River Cam to Three Gates where an ancient road … Continue reading Hermitage
Avebury
After the famous site of Stonehenge, the secondary stone circle of Avebury falls. Just like its counterpart it is set in a much larger landscape of ancient monuments. Covering a period of over 1000 years, these gigantic tributes, to entities we are yet to understand, rose up from the ground in feats of engineering unimaginable … Continue reading Avebury
