From the little village of Wool, the name deriving from springs rather than sheep, clamber over its old earthworks to reach the remains of the once impressive monastery of Bindon. Follow the little country lane parallel to the flood plains of the River Frome to discover the ruins of St Mary’s church, buried in brambles, … Continue reading Wool and Bindon Abbey
Starting at the village pub, St Peter's Finger, wander between country estates and World War crash sites, not all with a sorry ending. Discover the old roads of the landscape, one topped with concrete the other with grass breaking through. Explore the county lanes and medieval woodland tracks to Foxhill, with views across an ancient … Continue reading St Peter’s Finger
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
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
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 to 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 local smugglers and passing pirates … 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
