Dorset
The county of Dorset, on the southern coast of England, is an area of rolling countryside, sleepy villages and tranquil seaside resorts. In fact, over half the county has been officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Those with a penchant for ancient history can explore a number of sites here, such as the iron-age Maiden Castle or the naughty Cerne Abbas Giant, a huge ancient chalk carving of a cave-man 'standing to attention'.
If you prefer to go back even further in history you can investigate the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site that includes some remarkable geological features such as Chesil Beach, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Many a dinosaur bone and fossil from this coastline have found their way into museum collections. If your intention is to encounter the friendly natives, then try their natural habitat: the pub!__________________________________________________________________
Athelhampton House
North-east of the town of Dorchester in the county of Dorset sits a medieval mansion, originally built in 1485, and restored in the 19th century. The privately owned Athelhampton House lies close to the endearingly-named village of Puddletown and is bordered by the even more endearingly-named River Piddle! (Read more...)
Corfe Castle
High on the cliff tops above the Dorset shores, guarding the isle of Purbeck, famous for its valuable stone quarries, sits the romantic ruin of Corfe Castle. Nearby is the dramatic geological feature known as Lulworth Cove. Both featured as backdrops in the classic Disney movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks. (Read more...)
Forde Abbey
Situated close to the tri-county borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset, at a tranquil location alongside the River Axe, is the privately-owned Forde Abbey. A mansion that was once a monastery, surely few buildings in England can reflect the often turbulent history of the nation so visibly. (Read more...)
Hardy’s Cottage
Hardy’s Cottage is a rural idyll near the village of Higher Brockhampton in the County of Dorset. It is the family home of one of the greatest writers in the English language, Thomas Hardy. In fact, perhaps his most famous novel Far from the Madding Crowd was penned here. (Read more...)
Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle is perched on the cliff-edge of the south Dorset coast near the town of Christchurch. Owned by the local council, this architecturally stunning mansion overlooks the English Channel across to the Isle of Wight. For walkaholics, the estate also offers access to the Christchurch coastal path. (Read more...)
Kingston Lacy
Near Wimborne Minister, in the southern England county of Dorset, lies the Italianate mansion Kingston Lacy. Surrounded by a huge 8,500 acre estate, this recently restored masterpiece was once owned by the 19th century political rake-in-exile William Bankes, and in many ways is a relic of his ‘Grand Tour’. (Read more...)
Mapperton
Mapperton is an Elizabethan country house nestling near the village of Beaminster on the county borders of Devon and Dorset. Owned by the Earl of Sandwich, the estate has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and features formal Italianate gardens and fine views over the surrounding countryside. (Read more...)
Max Gate
As well as being an eminent novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy was also an architect of some renown. He built Max Gate in Dorset as a home for himself and his wife Emma after fame had bought him a little fortune. The name Max Gate comes from the fact the site was once occupied by a man called Mack! (Read more...)
Sherborne
One of the most beautiful small towns in England, Sherborne takes its names from the ancient Saxon ‘scir burne’ meaning ‘clear stream’. It is famous for its historic buildings, including its abbey, manor house and castle ruins. Much of the old town is built from a distinctive ochre-coloured ham stone. (Read more...)