Attractions

Ancient Technology Centre - Cranborne

This inspiring educational Centre comprises numerous reconstructed buildings from throughout history. They have been built with the help of Dorset school students and volunteers. Using a combination of ancient skills and archaeological evidence, visitors to the Centre take part in a range of projects that reflect ancient life. This is generally an educational establishment and not generally open to the pubic the centre presents a number of open days and schedules many events through out the year. Check out events on our Events Section.
Contact: 01725 517618

Ashley Wood Tarrant Keyneston Nr Blandford

Ancient hazel and ash coppice woodland with oak and ash standards. Run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Directions: From Blandford travel south on the B3082; approx. 500m past a garage on the left is a track, next to a house, into the reserve. Access is by foot through the field gate. (O.S. map reference: ST 928 048).

Open: At all times
Disabled access: Limited
Parking: None on site
Nearest Refreshments: The True Lover's Knot, Tarrant Keyneston

Ashmore Duck Pond - Ashmore

Ashmore lies on the Dorset/Wiltshire border, and at 700 feet above sea level, is one of the highest villages in Dorset making its duck pond the highest in Dorset!

Location: SP5 5AQ

Avon Heath Country Park

Acres of unspoilt heathland and abundant wildlife, miles of walkways and cycling trails. Try out some activities and special events at the Visitor Centre and some refreshments at the adjoining cafe. Comprehensive school holiday activities are available.

Directions - Signposted off the A31 at the roundabout 3 miles west of Ringwood.
Facilities - Low cost parking, cafe, disabled toilet, play equipment and picnic area, visitor centre with displays and shop with wheelchair accessible. Activity trails an and annual events programme. Several tracks suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Contact - Avon Heath Country Park Visitor Centre on 01425 478470

Badbury Rings

Badbury Rings is one of the great Iron Age hill forts of Southern England. During the Roman occupation it became important civil base and the original Iron Age defences were altered. Today the site gives lovely views of the surrounding countryside and is covered with orchids in early summer.

Breamore House Nr Fordingbridge

Breamore House is an Elizabethan manor set above the picturesque village of Breamore, overlooking the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest. The House was completed in 1583 by the Dodington family. It was purchased in the early 18th Century by Sir Edward Hulse. The House has been lived in for the past 250 years by Sir Edward’s descendants and remains very much the family home of the Hulses.

Breamore is largely unspoilt 17th century village with many old thatched cottages, and life in a typical village like Breamore can be relived in the Breamore Countryside Museum which provides a fascinating insight into the days when a village was self-sufficient. The museum boasts one of the finest collections of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools.

Opening Times:
May to September Tuesday Wednesday Thursdays, Saturday Sunday
ALL BANK HOLIDAYS

Countryside Museum: 1.00 to 5.30pm
Breamore House: 2.00 to 4.00pm (Guided tours only, last tour at 4.00pm)
Tea Barn: 12.00 – 5.00pm which serves light lunches, cream teas, and homemade cakes.

Bush Farm Bison Centre - West Knoyle

Visit that rare thing – a Bison and Elk farm. Complete the trail visiting other creatures, a playground, gallery and shop for delicious Bison and Elk meats.

Location: Bush Farm West Knoyle Warminster BA12 6AE
Tel: 01747 830263
Web: www.bisonfarm.co.uk

Chettle House and Garden

The Manor House in the village of Chettle was designed by Thomas Archer, and is a fine example of English Baroque architecture for a small country house. The gardens are beautifully laid out and there are many chalk loving varieties of interest to the enthusiast.The gardens and house are open from Easter to September on Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays, with a small selection of exhibitions and craft fairs running throughout the season.

Location: Off the A354 between Cashmoor and Tarrant Hinton
Prices: check on entry
Contact: 01258 830209

Collyer's Brook Wildlife Reserve - Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury

This small reserve (0.81 ha) is a community wildlife site adjacent to a local picnic site and parking area which are managed by Wessex Water. Fed by 10 streams which emerge from the chalk at Springhead 200m east of the reserve it is edged by wet woodland with a series of linked stew ponds, originally used for breeding fish in the Middle Ages.Little egret, grey heron, water rail, kingfishers, marsh tits and siskins have all been sited whilst Otters are also known to visit.
strong>Open: At all times. No charge
Directions: Leave the A350 at Fontmell Magna, opposite the Crown public house, turning towards Ashmore. The reserve is approximately ¼ mile on the right; there is an adjoining, small, car park.
(O.S. map reference: ST 870 168).

Additional Info: Good disabled access from the car park to the viewing platform. Keep dogs under close control.
Nearest refreshments: Compton Abbas Airfield

Compton Abbas Airfield

Particularly popular with walkers and cyclists visiting and touring the Cranborne Chase region this popular destination with amazing viewpoints offers a Licenced Bar and Restaurant with varied menus. Additionally there is an aviation museum "Flying Aces" which offers an unrivalled assortment of historic and classic flying machines and film memorabilia, all of which have been used in over 150 popular film and television productions.

www.abbasair.com/
Give us a call - 01747 811767
E-mail us - fly@abbasair.com
Postcode: SP5 5AP

Dream Boats - Wimborne Dorset

Situated in an idyllic location half a mile from Wimborne Town Centre, Dreamboats opened in 2000 and is a small, relaxed and friendly attraction for tourists and local residents. Why not combine an hour's rowing with a picnic and a pleasant walk along the river?

Contact: 07794 507001
Website: www.dream-boats.org.uk
Email: info@dream-boats.org

Farmer Giles Homestead - Chilmark

Have fun and learn down on the farm. A unique 38 acre farmstead where you can learn about farming methods past and present and have fun feeding and grooming the animals. Or just enjoy the calm of a wonderful rural setting .
Contact: 01722 716338
Website: www.farmergiles.co.uk

Fontmell Down - Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve Wildlife, Countryside

A Dorset Wildlife Trust 60 ha reserve high on the North Dorset Downs above Fontmell Magna with stunning displays of chalk downland flowers, butterflies and spectacular views.The best times to visit are in spring and early summer for the flowers and butterflies, but the far-reaching views are there year round.
Opening Times
Open at all times
Costs: No charge
Parking: At the top of Spread Eagle Hill off the C13 Shaftesbury to Blandford Road

Fordingbridge Museum

In the old market town of Fordingbridge on the Hampshire Avon, this small museum is housed on two floors of an old granary. Over a period of about 30 years, John and Richard Shering collected a large quantity of artefacts which they housed in a private museum open to the public on request.
Open: Spring and Summer 11am to 4pm
Contact: 01425 655222
Website: www.fordingbridgemuseum.co.uk

Fovant Badges

When the 1914-1918 war broke out, there was a need to find accommodation for the New Army. In many areas, training and transit camps were established for troops leaving for, and returning from, the battlefields in northern France. One of these areas was the village of Fovant, in Wiltshire and its neighbours Compton Chamberlayne and Sutton Mandeville. Thousands of men from all parts of Britain and overseas lived for a while in the area, passed on to the Western Front and returned from it. In remembrance of the colleagues that did not return, many of the regiments carved into the hillside replicas of their cap badges. Many of these no longer survive, but by the end of WW1 there were some twenty discernible badges.

Location: On the south of the A30 just as you pass Fovant
Website: www.fovantbadges.com
Information sheets are available locally

Gold Hill Museum Shaftesbury

Gold Hill Museum portrays Shaftesbury's unique history, while its charming cottage garden offers spectacular views over the Blackmore Vale. Nestled in a traditional sandstone cottage at the top of the famous Gold Hill, made famous in the 1970's by the Hovis advert, is the fascinating Gold Hill Museum.

Opening Times: 31st March to 31st October - Daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Cost: Adults £2.50, Concessions £2.00, Children £1.00, Family (2+2) £6.00. Visit Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden also, and save £1. Group Booking rates available. Please contact us for more information.

Honeybrook Farm - Nr Wimborne

Open all year, nestled beside the River Allen this working farm produces a range of meat and dairy products which are sold in the Farm Shop and Butchers. Honeybrook aims to make the countryside accessable to all by providing countryside walks, farm animals to meet, picnic areas and nature based activities that will entertain the kids.
Open: 9.30am - 5pm Tuesday to Sunday
Price: £2.50 suggested parking donation
Contact: 01202 881120 www.honeybrook.org
Dogs: Welcome although must be kept on a lead
Location: 1.5 miles outside Wimborne towards Cranborne on the B3078

Kingston Lacy House and Gardens

Beautiful 17th century mansion house designed for Sir Ralph Bankes.
Important art collections, set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland with estate walks. Closed from the 28th October - 3rd Febuary look at website for further details.

Contact: 01202 883402 www.nationatrust.org.uk
Gardens: Restored Edwardian Japanese Garden.
House: The painting 'Night and Day' by Guido Reni, hung on the Library ceiling. Originally from a Bologna palazzo, this fresco was attached to a canvas in 1840 and has just been fully restored

Knowlton Church - Wimborne St Giles

The siting of this ruined medieval church at the centre of a Neolithic ritual henge earthwork symbolises the transition from pagan to Christian worship. A beautiful setting ideal for quiet moments and peaceful picnics.

Larmer Tree Festival - Tollard Royal

The renowned Larmer Tree Festival, held in the Larmer Tree Gardens on the Cranborne Chase. From its humble beginnings as a one day party, the festival has evolved into the region's most prestigious outdoor event, with eclectic live music, workshops, street theatre, a huge carnival procession, free camping, hot showers, delicious food and more.

See greater details on our events page here or for more information on this year's festival, or to book tickets for Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th July, visit www.larmertreefestival.co.uk

Larmer Tree Gardens

Created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 as pleasure grounds for "public ‎enlightenment and entertainment" the Larmer Tree Gardens are an extraordinary ‎example of Victorian extravagance and vision. The garden contains a wonderful ‎collection of ornate buildings, majestic trees and intimate arbours, retained in an ‎enchanted timeless atmosphere.‎
Tel: 01725 511228/516971
Web: www.larmertree.co.uk

Tel: 01725 511228/516971
Web: www.larmertree.co.uk

Longleat House and Safari Park

Longleat, the star of BBC’s hugely popular Animal Park series invites you to discover some of the world’s most magnificent animals in the UK’s first Safari Park…and much much more!

Location: Warminster BA12 7NW
Tel: 01985 844400
Web: www.longleat.co.uk

Martin Down - National Nature Reserve

One of the largest areas of chalk grassland in the country, supporting a wide variety of downland flowers, plus butterflies and birds, including the Skylark.Martin Down NNR is jointly owned and managed by Natural England and Hampshire County Council.

Contact: 01725 517700
Website: www.english-nature.org.uk
Location and access:The reserve is 14 km south west of Salisbury, 1 km west of Martin village. The northern part of the site is crossed by the A354. By car, access to the site is via the A354 and minor roads leading from it. There is a car park on the A354 and another at the end of Sillens Lane, a minor road from the village of Martin, 1 km east of the reserve.

Mill Ham Island - Dorset Wildlife Reserve - Child Okeford

This small Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve on the River Stour near Child Okeford is a little visited area which offers a retreat for water birds.The 0.8 ha ‘island’ which has steep banks to the River Stour on one side and a wet reedy area, the river's old course, on the other; it is densely vegetated.

Open: At all times. No charge
Directions: Four miles west of Sturminster Newton, turn east off the A357 at the signpost to Child Okeford; park on the roadside by the railway bridge. Take the public footpath across the fields to the river and the reserve entrance (O.S. reference: ST 824 126) DT11 8DZ
Contact: Dorset Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01305 264620

Moors Valley Country Park, Ashley Heath Ringwood

750 acre park with varied walks, cycle paths, tree top trail, high ropes course (Go Ape) woodland play trail with over 20 structures, narrow gauge railway, golf course, visitor centre, restaurant and shop.

Directions: Situated off A31 at the Ashley Heath roundabout
Contact: There is a wealth of information about the park on its own dedicated site www.moors-valley.co.uk
or telephone 01425 470721

Parking: Hourly parking charge gives access to all facilities

New Forest Water Park

Apr - Nov 1000-2100hrs
Sep - Oct weekends only
Tel: 01425 656868
www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk
Nearest Bus: X3

Old Wardour Castle

A stunning castle in a beautiful setting, although a ruin this is an ideal location for families and those with interests in medieval architecture. Open through out the year although weekends only from 1st November - 31st March. See website for further details.

Location: Off A30 2 miles SW of Tisbury (OS Map 184; ref ST 939263.)
Contact: www.english-heritage.co.uk

Pamphill Bluebell Woods - Wimborne Dorset

Pamphill Blue Bell woods are best seen late April. Have a cream tea to follow at the nearby Pamphill Dairy or discover Kingston Lacy House and Gardens.
Also in the area is Pamphil Diary which includes a local farm shop, cafe, butchery and animal supplies, see more at their website http://www.pamphilldairy.com.
Directions: Pamphill is off the B3082 north of Wimborne. Turn left into Abbott Street (passing Pamphill Dairy on your right) take another left further up the hill into a tree lined avenue (to your right is St Stephen Church), park in the siding/car park here. Return to Abbott Street and walk up the hill, take the track to your left. Along teh track you will come to a style on your right which takes you a short distance across a field. This leads directly to the copse.

Additional Information: You can also visit in the area Badbury Rings (featured on this site) and Kingston Lacy open most of the year round it also holds a number of events. http://www.nationaltrust.or.uk search for Kingston Lacy.

Phillips House and Dinton Park

Designed for William Wyndham, a leading late Georgian politician
Impressive collection of Regency furniture and furnishings. Variety of tranquil walks in recently restored parkland.
Contact: 01722 716663 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Note: No Toilets
Open: Park is open all year; House open Mondays and Saturdays March - Oct check website for details
Location: 9ml W of Salisbury, on N side of B3089; in Dinton take St Mary's Road at crossroads. OS 184:SU004319

Rockborne Roman Villa - Nr Fordingbridge

Discovered over 50 years ago this ancient Roman Villa was a large summer house that still continues to tell a story. With a small museum you can also discover more about Roman life and their literarcy, architecture, bathing, dress, farming, trade and industry.
Open: Apr-Sept
Tel: 01725 518541
Nearest Bus - 301
Website: www.hants.gov.uk/museum/rockbourne

Rockbourne Trout Fishery

On the edge of the unspoilt New Forest, Rockbourne Trout Fishery has been home to superb trout fishing for over 35 years. With six lakes spread across 52 acres of woodland and pasture provides some of the most private, secluded and beautiful fishing in the country. Our valley setting has been protected against the pressures affecting much of England's countryside for years so wildlife is plentiful too.

Royal Signals Museum - Blandford

Visit this fasinating exhibition and museum with lots of interactive displays and fun trails. Discover the fasinating history of the Royal Signals and new for 2008 there is a Women at War exhibition. Lots to see and do.

Location: Follow the brown tourist signs from the A350 at Blandford
Tel: 01258 482 248
Web: www.royalsignalsmuseum.com

Rushmore Golf Club - Tollard Royal

A superb 18 Hole Championship golf course set in stunning landscapes. Open to members and visitors seven days a week.

Tel: 01725 516391
Web: www.rushmoregolfclub.co.uk

Salisbury Racecourse

A day at the races is a leisure activity which is great fun for all the family, and at Salisbury Racecourse you can be guaranteed a fabulous day out to remember.

Website: www.salisburyracecourse.co.uk/Contact: 01722 326461
Location: Netherhampton Salisbury

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden Heritage, History

Stand in the footsteps of King Alfred the Great who founded the Abbey in 888AD. The museum vividly brings to life the story of the Abbey and it's inhabitants. The remains of the Abbey are set in a beautiful walled garden. After your visit here, wander along to the famous Gold Hill and visit Gold Hill Museum, which complements Shaftesbury Abbey Museum perfectly, and tells the story of life in Shaftesbury after the Abbey dissolution.

Opening Times: End of March to 31st October, open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Cost: Adults £2.50, Concessions £2.00, Children £1.00, Family (2+2) £6.00.

Shearwater Stourhead

Surrounded by 38 acres of magnificent woodland, Shearwater Lake is one of the finest waterways in West Wiltshire.

The lake, which is part of the Longleat Estate was designed in 1791 by Francis Drake of Bridgwater. It is known for its fishing and sailing.

Access: Longbridge Deverill turning off A350

Sovell Down Wildlife Reserve - Gussage All Saints

This Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve is a small area of chalk downland on Ackling Dyke with interesting flora and butterfly populations.

Springhead Centre for Arts, Environment and Personal Development

Picturesque residential/day centre popular for school/youth trips, adult workshops/retreats; weddings; garden open days and public events.A magical fusion of dramatic landscape, 18th century mill buildings, spring filled lake and magnificent gardens make Springhead, a Centre for the arts, environment and personal development; truly inspirational.

Fontmell Magna Shaftesbury SP7 ONU
Tel: 01747 811853
Web: www.springheadtrust.org.uk

Stapehill Abbey

For nearly 200 years the Abbey was a place of quiet retreat and meditation locked away from the outside world, home to the Silent Order of Nuns. Today you can still experience the peace and serenity of the Abbey. The Abbey also features glorious gardens, occastional craft workshops and events plus a countryside museum.

Address: Wimborne Rd West, Stapehill, Ferndown
Contact: 01202 861686

Stourhead Gardens

Discover the unforgettable magic of this world-famous 18th century landscape garden, Palladian mansion, parkland, woods and chalk downs.Stourhead Gardens were created by Henry Hoare II in the 1740s who dammed The River Stour to form a great lake. Around the lake Hoare laid out a landscape garden for serene walking and as the garden developed, he added classical features such as Neo-classical temples, including the Pantheon & Temple of Apollo, grottos and bridges which adorn the one mile walk along the central lake.

Location: Stourton Warminster BA12 6QD
Tel: 01747 841152
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Tarrant Crawford Church and surrounding countryside - Tarrant Crawford

Tarrant Crawford Church which tucked away and remains virtually undiscovered although offering remarkable murals painted on its interior. Despite its small size. St Mary’s Church is the jewel of Tarrant Crawford, and remains one of the most interesting churches in Dorset.

Win Green Near Tollard Royal

An important site locally for nature conservation which also gives fantastic views over the surrounding countryside, Win Green Hill, is actually the highest point of Cranborne Chase.
Location: Off the B3081 off the Roman Road OS ST 925 205
Free public carpark

The extensive areas of unimproved chalk downland in Wiltshire are home to many rare plants, among them clustered bell flower, early gentian and many orchids. Insects include butterflies such as the adonis blue and marsh fritillary.