MUST SEE!

Much of Dorset has been designated a World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful areas of the English Countryside and is packed with things to see and do. Your problem will not be what to do but choosing which ones you want to do and which you have to leave out.
We offer a few suggestions but this should not be taken as a comprehensive list, that would mean we had to write a book!

CHURCHES.

Virtually every church in the south of England is old and almost all of them contain carvings statues and other such items which are a pure delight to many from newer countries. It is impossible to list which would be interesting, however Winborne Minster is probably the oldest in the area. A mainly Norman church built on the site of an 8th century abbey it is a most impressive structure. Winborne also offers a very charming miniature town: a complete model of the town of Winborne in miniature which you can walk through.

STATELY HOMES AND GARDENS.

Take a map close your eyes and stick a pin in it. Chances are you will either hit a stately home/garden or be within five miles of one. There are dozens to choose from in the area (and most of England for that matter). Some of the more impressive ones are:

Ford Abbey
The building began in 1141 and pieces were then added over several centuries until it reached the size it is today. Thus many styles of architecture and period styling are visible in this impressive structure. The house is fully furnished and surrounded by about 40 acres of gardens making it a delightful day out. Well worth a visit.

Athelhampton house.
Beautiful 15th century house with formal gardens and fishponds with an attractive 16th century dove house.

OTHER GREAT THINGS TO DO.

Bovington Tank Museum.

The only one in the world. It contains over 150 real tanks from the first ones ever constructed right up to modern day. The museum is indoors and covers a vast area and should not be missed. It is located on the Bovington army base which is the main tank training area in Europe. Check when you go if there are maneuvers going on. You can stop at viewing spots and watch the tanks being put through their paces and firing at targets (you might want to take earplugs!)

Maiden Castle.
One of the largest iron-age hill forts in the country. It consists of huge steep sided earth walls with a central plateau. There is a car park just at the base of the fort and you can walk up and around the inner walls and plateau. It gives you a great impression of how big these hill forts were, although it is difficult to see the full size and shape of the structure from the ground.

New Barn Centre.
Reconstructed iron age homestead located just outside Dorchester.

Terracotta Warriors
Located in the charming village of Abbotsbury in an old Tithe Barn this exhibit reconstructs the tomb discovered at Xian in China and includes hundreds of miniature warriors together with a reconstruction of part of the excavation site. The site also includes a children’s farm and several other exhibits.

Abbotsbury Swannery
The sanctuary has been the home of hundreds of swans for over six hundred years. Today the area still protects hundreds of nesting birds. You can walk the trails amongst the swans and cygnets and learn about swans and how they are protected by the Queen.