Exploring

There’s plenty to see in the area!

Whether exploring by car, foot or bicycle, there’s plenty to see and do.

The BBC website has details of a walk along the River Stour by the house which Thomas Hardy once rented.
Our local market towns are featured in Hardy’s books: Sturminster Newton (Stourcastle), Sherborne (Sherton Abbas) and Shaftesbury (Shaston).

For a secluded perfect base from which to explore the region, check out our camping and caravan site and Starlight Glamping.

For couples wanting an alternative to the camping experience in Stourton Caundle, there is a lovely local village hideaway on Airbnb. Still within easy reach of The Trooper Inn!

A little further afield, in the tiny village of Hermitage (just ten miles away), we can recommend The Barn – eco-friendly 3-bedroom self-catering accommodation on a working farm.

Exploring on holidayThe Dorset coastline has something for everyone - swimmers, shoppers, hikers, fossil-hunters, bird-watchers and it's also a great place to relax and unwind.

Historic Market TownsWe're five miles from our local market town, Sturminster Newton, and the lovingly restored watermill on the River Stour. Just over six miles to the west, with its renowned abbey and castles, is the bigger market town of Sherborne.

ShaftesburyThe Saxon town of Shaftesbury overlooks the Blackmore Vale, with views over three counties and its picturesque cobbled 'Gold Street'. The foundations of Shaftesbury Abbey can be visited in the peaceful walled garden with medieval orchard. Founded by Alfred the Great, it is said to have been the first religious house for women.

Over The HillsAn hour's drive north over the Mendip Hills is the beautiful Chew Valley Lake, with a host of bird life and a lovely cafe, the Salt & Malt, by the lake - with some friendly ducks!

Cheese, Caves & GoatsAlso in the Mendip Hills is Cheddar Gorge, with the renowned caves and cheese and, now, feral goats too.

Exploring LocallyThe Blackmore Vale is Hardy's 'Vale of Little Dairies'. Thomas Hardy lived in Sturminster Newton for nearly two years and described his time there, by the banks of the River Stour, as 'idyllic' and amongst the happiest days of his life.