Explore the history of Brownsea Island. From a defence to a sanctuary, it has seen the rise and fall of both settlement and industry. Managed by landowners who ranged from mad to depressed as well as hosting lavish parties for European royalty to hiding from the world, it has risen from the ashes twice and … Continue reading Brownsea Island
Beginning in an ancient environment of barrows and barren heath, climb Blacknoll Hill to reveal the landscape of the future. Skim the remains of a nuclear power station to the railway and around the innovation park, researching and developing the technology of tomorrow. Pass the Police Headquarters, itself soon to be updated, to arrive at … Continue reading Winfrith
A hand drawn, to scale map of the county of Dorset. Recording a simple selection to only include earthworks, woodland, water, roads, tracks and settlement. ***Now property of Dorset County Museum*** It creates a different perspective of the landscape as it highlights historical activity and merges it with what exists today. It is correct at … Continue reading The Big Map of Dorset
A selection of tales and mysteries about tragedy and despair. The lives of people that have left their everlasting mark on the landscape, now hidden amongst brambles, whispered in the wind or sparkling in the shadows. From country houses to isolated beaches, lonely roads to hidden earthworks, the county of Dorset is full of ruins … Continue reading Dorset’s top 12 spooky places
From the Mason's pub of the Square and Compass, in the limestone village of Worth Matravers, visit Winspit Caves. Looking out out sea, the ghost like movie set was once a bustle of activity providing stone for the most prestigious of buildings, all over the world. Follow the paths of smugglers and pirates to Dancing … Continue reading Worth Matravers and Dancing Ledge
From the small coastal village of Studland make your way along the cliffs to Old Harry’s Rocks. Now a stump, a stack and a bit of no man’s land, it once housed a castle. Both the caves below and the name linked to a famous local pirate. Continue along the cliff top past the Pinnacles … Continue reading Old Harry’s Rocks
From an isolated location, hidden amongst woodland and decorated with ancient barrows, take advantage of the Lulworth Estate’s permissive paths to its own private lake, fort, wall and lodges, all in different states of repair. Cruise past the impressive castle and its hidden chapel to the northern boundary to discover the ruins of Clare’s Tower … Continue reading Coombe Heath and Lulworth Estate
Start in the small village of Furzebrook which was once the epicentre of the clay industry, the area producing the raw materials required for the famous Wedgewood brand amongst others. Pass the village’s manor, so thoroughly used and abused during the Second World War, that the family didn’t want it back. Make your way past … Continue reading Furzebrook and the Blue Pool
