Explore Christchurch with a history much deeper than its surrounding harbour waters. Find the Priory, its location selected by a divine being and the wood carved by Jesus himself. Wander the ruins of the castle and the Norman Hall, the medieval hotel for royalty, with its toilet hanging over the little mill stream. Discover secret … Continue reading Christchurch
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
During the 19th century the railway flourished throughout the country, arriving in Dorset relatively late. The openings of the lines were celebrated with music, flags and apple cake, the first passengers often lucky school children. However, its life span was short. The terrain proved difficult, the costs unmanageable and the demand fell short in both … Continue reading Dorset Railways
The delicate little white flower signifies the coming of spring! They can easily be found anywhere in the county - on grass verges, climbing up river banks and deep in woodland - but for an extra special sight, see the list below... Please tread carefully! It is also possible to follow the snowdrops as they … Continue reading Dorset Snowdrops
From the unassuming town of Gillingham, where Kings hunted their precious deer and artists painted the countryside, explore the landscape trapped between three rivers. Wander the last few fields before they are encased in development, crossing a brand new road. Skim the edge of the Royal Forest, over medieval trackways, to the hamlet of Madjeston, … Continue reading Madjeston
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
Where the hills meet, splitting the mysterious Blackmore Vale from the ancient Cranborne Chase, the River Stour carves its way through the chalk. Sitting above the valley is Travellers Rest, hidden amongst the interlocking slopes scarred with ancient fields. A stopping place for generations of Romaine gypsies, the tracks and trails that mark the landscape … Continue reading Travellers Rest
Trek around the top of the world amongst the ramparts of Rawlsbury hillfort. Enjoy wide open views over the patchwork fields of the Blackmore Vale to the peaks of the hills in Somerset. Delve down into the valley passing the lakes at the source of the River Lydden. Climb back up to Bulbarrow via a … Continue reading Rawlsbury
