Dorset 


Just two miles from the town is the fancifully named ZigZag Hill, which provides excellent views across Cranborne Chase. Beyond this to the south east of Shaftesbury is the village of Ashmore with views of the Chase, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. Along the A350 there are a series of very pretty villages like Compton Abbas with the famous airfield.


The villages of Fontnell Myner, Iwerne Minster and Iwerne Courtney lie at the base of the downs forming the western edge of the Chase.


Iwerne Minster takes its name from the River Iwerne.


In the village the Church of St. Mary's has been included in "England's thousand best churches". There are many other attractions to enjoy such as Knighton House, and the Larmer Tree Gardens.


The open countryside is an AONB walker's delight, and this is ‘Tess of the D'urbervilles’ in Hardy Country.


Worth visiting is the east of Cranborne and Cranborne Chase. Cranborne Village lies at the centre of the Cranborne Estate; this delightful village is home to the La Fosse Restaurant.


Adjacent to the village set in beautiful gardens is Cranborne Manor open once a week in the holiday season. Nearby Edmondsham is home to Edmondsham House and Gardens.


Going south toward the New Forest Verwood is famous for its fairs and carnivals from ancient times. The panoramic view from Stephen’s Castle reveals the buildings on the cliffs at Bournemouth and much more.


Our penultimate town is Wimborne Minster and its Minster Church Of St Cuthburger with twin towers and a wealth of intriguing artifacts including an astronomical clock, the Quarterjack, a Saxon chest, roman mosaic, a tomb with two left feet and the man who was buried ‘neither within nor without’ and a chained library dating from 1686. 


WimborneMinster


Also places to visit are the Priest's House Museum and Gardens with a garden adjacent to the River Allen. The Model Town and Gardens where there is fun for the kids, plus WALFORD


Shapwick is a very small village on the River Stour, overlooked by the ancient hill fort of Badbury Rings.


Despite its size it is a beautiful village to visit with some strange history.


Our last featured village is Sturminster Marshall in the Stour valley, with two triangular greens in the middle, one with the maypole, the other with the village stocks.


A major attraction in the village is White Mill run by the National Trust. There are several very good food pubs, and the famous Barford Farm ice cream is made here.


MILL CRAFTS CENTRE AND MILLSTREAM BISTRO on the banks of the river, and the Tivoli Theatre and Knoll Gardens.


The town is also famed for its pretty streets and hidden courtyards; Wimborne Market is one of the largest markets in the south of England and open every weekend.


Should you fancy a trip on the river there are boats to hire, keep an eye out for wildlife including swans and kingfishers.


Two Miles north of the town near the village of Stanbridge the Honeybrook Family Farm is a great family day out.


Statue of Sir Francis Uvedale 1606 in Wimborne Minster


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