From the source of the River Frome, climb up to the peak of the ridge that splits it from the River Yeo. Cross the Roman Road of Long Ash Lane, once described by Thomas Hardy as a deserted highway. Skim the railway tunnel of Holywell to drop down into the village of Melbury Bubb. Pass … Continue reading Bubb Hill
Discover one of Dorset’s most beautiful, yet remote, coves on the Jurassic Coastline. From the little village of Kingston, high on the Purbeck ridge, wander through the woods of Encombe Estate. Clip the steep slopes as they roll down to the manor, Golden Bowl, and Purbeck Stone obelisk to reach Houns Tout, accompanied by views … Continue reading Chapman’s Pool
Dorset's second largest river travels through Thomas Hardy country. From the high valleys in the heart of Dorset to the Vale of the Great Dairies, it merges with the sea in Poole Harbour. Discover a number of places to explore on its path, with tales of punished maidens to fierce Viking raids. Dorset Rivers Click … Continue reading River Frome
The River Piddle travels for 18 miles through two different landscapes. To the north are towering chalk hills of the Dorset Downs, which feed its smalls spring at Alton Pancreas. The flow travels south to then divert to the east through flat water meadows, merging with the Frome into the salty water at Poole Harbour. … Continue reading River Piddle
The life of William Barnes in the Dorset landscape (22 February 1801 – 7 October 1886) https://videopress.com/v/Y58zWF4K?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true William Barnes The farmer’s boy, who grew up in the countryside, is undeservedly overshadowed by the more famous Thomas Hardy, but there would be no Hardy without Barnes. The poet, writer, inventor, artist, mathematician and priest was born … Continue reading William Barnes
As small tribes farmed the Dorset landscape of the Iron Age, the political environment in the Roman Emipire was changing. Determined to expand they set their sights on Albion, forcing their way through with armed legions on newly developed roads, and renamed the country Britannia. New technologies, building practices, tools, skills, materials and beliefs were … Continue reading Roman Dorset
Dip and drop through the landscape of the Marshwood Vale. Starting in the hamlet of Allington, now merged into Bridport, climb inland up the valley of the river Simene. Wander past lost farms and crumbling ruins with views to a number of hilltop hillforts. Follow ancient routes to the ridge and descend through deep Holloways, … Continue reading Allington
Dorset’s rich heritage is illustrated through archaeological discoveries and artefacts from prehistoric to modern times. Significant findings include Neolithic axes, Roman mosaics, and Viking burials. Museums such as the Dorset Museum and the British Museum preserve these treasures, showcasing the region’s diverse historical narratives spanning thousands of years. Below is a growing collection — all … Continue reading Dorset Treasure
