Chapman’s Pool

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

Roman Dorset

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

Rodden

Buried in the folds of the fields and slopes is the small hamlet of Rodden, surrounding its old Manor House. Climb up the steep sided valley to the peak of Merry Hill, with views over an old railway line and out to sea. Pass converted barns, which have featured in films, to then join the … Continue reading Rodden

Charmouth

From one of BBC Countryfile’s top five beaches in the country, find the River Char as it manoeuvres its way through the shingle to the sea. Follow it upstream, deeper inland to The Street. With possible Roman origins, the route developed into one of the most important roads from east to west, used by Catherine … Continue reading Charmouth

Dorset On Film

Dorset’s ageless and rural beauty, combined with the expanse of open landscape and peaceful atmosphere, has encouraged directors and film crews to immortalise the county in a number of Hollywood blockbusters, award winning television shows and music videos. Below is a list of productions which have used the county’s awe-inspiring landscape as their backdrop. Click … Continue reading Dorset On Film

Bowleaze Cove

From the shingle beach of Bowleaze Cove, where the River Jordan meets the sea, explore the once bustling Roman landscape. Take the old Preston road, hidden behind holiday parks, past the site of a Roman Villa. Wander through the village, with the ghost of a Portuguese sailor haunting the inn, to the old Mill House … Continue reading Bowleaze Cove

Durdle Door

Dip down to the stone outcrops and curving coves of Durdle Door and Man o War. Hear the roar of the shingle pulled back by waves which claimed the lives of the maidens of Lulworth Castle. Climb up the cliff of Swyre Head to meet the chalk arch embedded into Bat’s Head. Continue to wander … Continue reading Durdle Door

Coombe Keynes

From the forgotten village of Coombe Keynes, complete with a mass burial from the plague and a cottage haunted by witches, climb out to the valley to the high chalk hills. Weave through the ancient forest to descend into Winfrith Newburgh before taking the old smugglers' route to the sea. Delve down into the little … Continue reading Coombe Keynes