Times are tough and purse strings are tied tight so what better way to enjoy the holidays than enter Dorset’s free and wild landscape. The cost of an adventure park is often way out of limits, but could be completely unnecessary! Water World Dinosaur Land Future World Pirate Land The Spiritual Realm The Old Lands … Continue reading Dorset Inspiration
Tag: Thomas Hardy
Wool and Bindon Abbey
From the little village of Wool, the name deriving from springs rather than sheep, clamber over its old village earthworks to the haunting remains of the monastery of Bindon. Follow the little country road and the flood plains of the River Frome to discover the ruins of St Mary’s church, buried in brambles, concealing the … Continue reading Wool and Bindon Abbey
Wootton Fitzpaine
Starting in the little hamlet of Wootton Fitzpaine, pass the village hall and Old Rectory to find the church and Wootton Manor, hidden from the rest of the village. Climb up Conegar Hill for views across the Marshwood Vale and out to sea, a special spot for a couple’s eternal rest. Follow the high ridge … Continue reading Wootton Fitzpaine
Win Green
From the peak of Cranborne Chase in the heart of an ancient landscape, scattered with pockets of woodland and split by winding lanes, soak up the views across the south of England. Wander down into the wooded valley of Ashcombe Bottom where a Georgian Manor House sits. The estate’s tranquil beauty has won the hearts … Continue reading Win Green
Batcombe
Explore the hidden lanes of Batcombe, sitting on the lee of Batcombe Hill, fading into dead end roads. Walk through the scattered village, once wild and forested then granted to monks, passing the old pub and across to fields to the railway. Use the old droveways to make your way to the top of West … Continue reading Batcombe
Waytown
Follow the little stream of the River Brit. Discover the ancient manors of Slape and Melplash both sitting on the river banks, their well-designed parks still dominating the surrounding landscape. Explore the remains of old industries which used the power of the water but today have been washed away, the ruins now the river path. … Continue reading Waytown
Winfrith Newburgh
Hidden behind the hills of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are the villages of Winfrith Newburgh and Chaldon Herring. Wander between the thatched roofs and cob walls to the manor houses, churches and ruins. Explore the landscape that was once a playground for 19th century artists, poets, authors and sculptors to climb the hill to … Continue reading Winfrith Newburgh
West and East Orchard
Walk through the wild landscape of West and East Orchard, deep in the Blackmore Vale. Land that was thick with forest, now tamed and harvested. Follow little lanes that connected fields of orchards, all under the control of ancient Dorset landowners. Look out for the hoof prints of Lazy Lawrence, the horse behind the local … Continue reading West and East Orchard
