Follow the flow of the Frome as it sweeps around the county town of Dorchester. Starting in the village of Fordington, cross over Grey’s Bridge, where Thomas Hardy placed a number of his melancholy characters. Walk along the banks of the water, passing remains of crossings and controls of the meadows. Wander through the hamlet … Continue reading Fordington
Circle the natural wonder of Upton Heath. From its urban edge, weave between towering silver birch, aromatic heather, and the clumpy, sharp gorse. Pass the site of an old brickworks with views over the heathland to Poole Harbour. Its harsh environment often played the backdrop in Thomas Hardy novels, when it was only inhabited by … Continue reading Upton Heath
Wade along the soggy banks of the River Frome as it skims past the hamlet of Frome St Quintin. Discover the Elizabethan Manor House of Chantmarle, its drive crossing both the railway and river using a stone balustrade bridge. Once on the edge of ruin it became a police academy and is now home to … Continue reading Frome St Quintin
Explore the scenic National Nature Reserves of Tadnoll and Winfrith. Climb up a rare, ancient bell barrow, rising high above the heathland, to views across the south of Dorset. Follow the railway to the road to cross bridges built by generous landowners, allowing access between their estates. Use the old carriage rides of Moreton Park … Continue reading Tadnoll
From the village of Puddletown, named for the river on which it sits, venture out into the layered landscape of Troy Town. Climb the hillside once home to a Miz Maze, a winding turf pattern long believed to have been used for witchcraft and ritual. Follow the old drove roads down to the forgotten Blandford … Continue reading Puddletown
Starting in the valley of the River Frome, where the river pools into large lakes and the banks are decorated with artwork, join the country lane and travel westwards to Tincleton. Pass the little church and old school house, designed by the architect Benjamin Ferry, and climb up the hill to the impressive manor of … Continue reading Pallington
Delve deep into the mystical woodland of Hooke Park. Weave between the gnarly oaks, towering beech and lines of red cedar, the floor under the dark canopy broken by shards of sunshine and architectural creations by the hidden school. Follow the footsteps of Iron Age tribes and medieval hunters through a landscape of deep ravines … Continue reading Hooke Park
Dorset’s ageless and rural beauty, combined with the expanse of open landscape and peaceful atmosphere, has encouraged directors and film crews to immortalise the county in a number of Hollywood blockbusters, award winning television shows and music videos. Below is a list of productions which have used the county’s awe-inspiring landscape as their backdrop. Click … Continue reading Dorset On Film
