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! https://videopress.com/v/BC0cs5By?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true It is also possible to follow the snowdrops as … Continue reading Dorset Snowdrops
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
Explore the high tributaries of the River Stour as they meander through the Blackmore Vale. Pass through medieval wasteland, along narrow wooded tracks and between 16th century farmsteads to the mysterious forest of Duncliffe. Clamber up to the top, hidden amongst the towering trees and under the thick canopy of the woodland. The ground underfoot … Continue reading East Stour and Duncliffe
Delve into the deep, lush valley of Melbury Abbas. Discover the hidden church, filled with decorative tiles and topped with a wizard’s hat. It sits on the edge of an ancient road that was used by King Alfred to visit his daughter in Shaftesbury. The route has since carved itself into the soft greensand, creating … Continue reading Melbury Abbas
A celebration of cheese! Saturday 14th September - Sunday 15th September 2024 Image: The Book and Bucket Cheese Company Set on the banks of the River Stour in Sturminster Newton, in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the Cheese Festival was introduced to reflect the market town, the surrounding landscape’s heritage and award winning local … Continue reading The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Starting at Okeford Fitzpaine, a village full of timber framed buildings, thatched roofs and medieval doorways, make your way to the Iron Age Hillfort of Banbury; one of many hillforts that follow the River Stour. While enjoying the views across the Blackmore Vale and beyond, wander across the open landscape to Belchalwell, a small settlement … Continue reading Banbury Hillfort, Okeford Fitzpaine and Belchalwell
The beaches in Dorset can fill up quickly but there are plenty of other places, away from the crowds, to escape the high temperatures. It may even be possible to find your own little spot! However, not all are easy to get to, some require a little more of an adventure than others. Landowners may … Continue reading Wild Swimming
