From the golden stone town of Beaminster, follow the little river Brit to the skeletal remains of Parnham House. Walk through the Deer park, once cordoned off as a crime scene, up the hill and into the woods. Discover a deeply carved Holloway, its route cut into the landscape by generations of both hooves and … Continue reading Parnham
Garden design, development and embellishment became the fashion amongst the landowning gentry of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, splashing their cash on elements that had no purpose other to be admired. ‘Sanctuaries’, ‘observatories’, ‘thinking towers’, 'memorials' and 'commemorations' popped up on hilltops and in hidden valleys, usually viewable through the manors windows. A selection … Continue reading Dorset’s Follies and Obelisks
From the Royal village of Tollard, sitting on the boundary of Dorset and Wiltshire, circle the famous Victorian gardens of the Larmer Tree. Start at the village pond, opposite a grumpy cart shed, to climb up to the church. Pass the terracotta coloured old manor of King John’s House, which began life as the Kings … Continue reading Larmer Tree
Discover a landscape lost in history, a small village once home to castle which witnessed both success and tragedy. The village was the marital home of Dick Whittington, the inspiration of the fairy-tale, before the family experienced sadness through both plague and murder. However, the village was possibly saved by the controversial presence of cats, … Continue reading Stourton Caundle
Venture into the Park of Melbury on one of Dorset’s most famous walks. From the ancient stones of The Three Maidens, punished for dancing on the Sabbath, enter the park via old rides that once scattered the estate. Discover Lucerne Lake, named after the famous lake of Switzerland to find the old thatched boat house. … Continue reading Melbury Sampford
Explore the wild and secretive landscape of North West Dorset. From the little village of Drimpton, once surrounded by the bustling activity of industrial mills, use old lanes cutting over the countryside to the River Axe. Cross the meandering flow, which was used as a ducking pond for a number of disobedient wives, to the … Continue reading Drimpton
Venture deep into the medieval hunting ground of the White Hart. Follow the hoof prints of the King’s stag, the legend of which still echos in the landscape today. Pass lost settlements, through fields carved out of the forest, to skim mills turned into million pound manor houses. Explore the old trackways, sliced into ancient … Continue reading King’s Stag
Skim the surface of the moon-like landscape of the Isle of Portland. Find ruins of Victorian military defences, complete with tunnels which disappear into the darkness, before arriving at the cliff tops providing views for miles along the Jurassic coastline. Discover the towering structure of the Nicodemus Knob and the deep carved hole of the … Continue reading Fortuneswell
