Around Beaminster
Pronounce it ‘Beminster’ and you’ll not be pounced upon by the locals; Beaminster is a beautiful small town in a sublime setting. Tourists rarely visit this part of Dorset, which is wonderful for those of us who do not consider ourselves to be such. The countryside here on the border with Somerset tumbles down from the heights of the Dorchester to Crewkerne road in a jumbled welter of valleys and hillsides; it really is glorious countryside, with some excellent walking to be had.
Beaminster is built on these same undulating hills; before the war a local road sign on one of the approaches to the town used to say ‘Drive slowly or break your neck’. Much of the original history of the town dates from the 13th century but there are references going back to the 7th century. By the end of medieval times, the original agricultural settlement had grown into a small town, with a stepped cross in the centre of its market place. Three devastating fires in the 17th and 18th century changed the appearance of the town and the centre today shows largely late 18th and early 19th century architecture.
The first week of July each year brings the Beaminster Festival when the town is alive with exhibitions, street entertainment, shows and concerts by musicians of both local and national renown.
As part of a wonderful day out in the area, The Craft and Design Centre at Broadwindsor, three miles west of Beaminster, is again set in beautiful rolling countryside. Redundant farm buildings on the edge of the village were the starting point in 1986 for this unique venture. Today, the Craft Centre is renowned for its excellence, variety and quality.
There are a number of interesting workshops and studios occupied by local Artists and Craftspeople, offering their work for sale. The fabulous
gift store has a select range of merchandise, including jewellery, fine foods, gifts for the home, toys, clothing and more.
The restaurant serves meals in the relaxed atmosphere of both restaurant and conservatory. For lunch, homemade soups, hot dishes and salads are created daily using fresh local produce. Fine coffees and teas, with a choice of pastries and cakes, are available every morning and afternoon, with Dorset Cream Teas a speciality. The attractive setting is well complemented by the warm and friendly service.
The Centre offers free admission and parking and is open 7 days a week all year round.
Just a few minutes drive north-east of Beaminster is The Fox Inn at Corscombe, a charming 17th century thatched pub amongst a web of narrow lanes in the unspoilt countryside of west Dorset. The bars exude old world character with beamed ceilings, inglenook fireplaces, stone flagged floors and slate bar tops.
The food is country pub cooking at its very best with well judged traditional dishes prepared from quality produce sourced from local suppliers, farms and estates. Choose from the menu dishes such as rack of Dorset lamb, fresh fish from West Bay and seasonal game.
Tucked under the thatch are four en suite bedrooms should you wish to extend your stay in this beautiful area which is ideal for relaxation and country walks.
Melbury Osmond
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