History and Heritage in Dorset
Located immediately to the north of Wimborne, Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort that dates from about 150BC.
Fine beaches stretch continuously for 3 miles from South Haven Point to the Chalk cliffs of Handfast Point and Old Harry Rocks, and include Shell Bay and a designated naturist area.
Children love it here
Rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, this substantial corn mill was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery (now too fragile to be used). It is situated next to the River Stour.
Thomas Hardy designed and lived in this house from 1885 till his death in 1928. Here he wrote `Tess of the d'Urbervilles', `Jude the Obscure' and `The Mayor of Casterbridge', as well as much of his poetry.
Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, Dorset
Once the home of Sir Walter Raleigh, the imposing castle and stunning gardens sit within a Capability Brown influenced landscape. The perfect place either for picnics, for walking and to visit the interior of this historic Castle.
Set in 40 acres of glorious 'Capability' Brown landscaped gardens around a 50 acre lake, the Castle contains a splendid collection of art, furniture and porcelain. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle has been the home of the Digby family since 1617. Prince William of Orange was entertained here in 1688, and George III visited in 1789.
Children love it here
