Dorset

Dorset Donut

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Overview

Take a round trip of Dorset, from Dorchester up through Cerne Abbas to Sherbourne before heading east passing through Blandford and Kingston Lacy to the market town of Wimborne Minster. Then drop down through Bere Regis to Bovington before arriving back in Dorchester.

Dorchester

Dorchester, or Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge, has a vibrant new quarter at Brewery Square, formerly home to brewers Eldridge Pope. Elsewhere you will find military, Tutankhamun and Teddy Bear museums. Follow the Durnovaria town walk to take in the sights and discover the history of Dorchester.

Abbey St

Minterne House is a lovely Georgian country house set in a stunning parkland setting and has starred on the TV screen. Explore the Himalayan gardens and wild woodland to relax and unwind.

Sherborne

Surrounded by green hills and valleys Sherborne is a lovely village where you can wander the town trail and to take in castles, the abbey and almshouses. Relax in a tearoom or café before browsing the antique shops or search for a bargain at the flea market.

Blandford Road

The Georgian town of Blandford has stunning Victorian architecture and a fascinating market place where you will find the Fire Monument, marking the great 18thc fires. Explore the history of Blandford Museum, time your visit right and take in the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Don’t miss the chance to drive to Wimborne via the stunning beech avenue.

Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy is stunning National Trust property built in the style of an Italian Palace surrounded by 8500 acres. The house rooms are abundant with art and be sure to stop at the Egyptian room. Outside you can visit the woodland, water meadows, Japanese gardens and lawns.

Wimborne Minster

Set between the River Stour and River Allen, Wimborne Minster is a bustling market town with a range of independent shops and boutiques. A regular winner of “In Bloom” the sights and smells of flowers will delight your senses as you explore the streets and courtyards of this pretty town.

Bovington

The River Frome runs through the village of Bovington where you can explore The Lawrence Trail and uncover the life and story of T.E. Lawrence. Visit Bovington Tank Museum to see the collection of armoured fighting with over 300 vehicles on display.

Child FriendlyCultureFree to Do+5 more

Overview

1

Dorchester

2
7.8 miles

Abbey St

3
12.0 miles

Sherborne

4
21.3 miles

Blandford Road

5
7.0 miles

Kingston Lacy

6
2.9 miles

Wimborne Minster

7
17.6 miles

Bovington

What to see and do…

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The Bide | Dorset

Milton Meadow, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0LH

Strive Glamping | Dorset

Southover Woods, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7HF

Fancys Family Farm | Devon

Glacis, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1FR

Sweet Hill Farm – Camping | Dorset

Sweet Hill Road, Southwell, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2DS

Bridgewood Camping | Dorset

2 Manor Farm Cottages, Middlemarsh, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5QN

Air-Time Beach Shop | Weymouth

10 Bowleaze Coveway, Preston Beach, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6RY

Hyde Camping | Dorset

Hyde Camping, Hyde, Wareham, Dorset, BH207NX

Dorset Nectar Cider | Cidery

Pineapple Lane, Waytown, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5HZ

About the Dorset Donut Trail

Distance:69 miles
Cities / Towns:7
Number Of Businesses:26

Vibrant Dorchester is real Thomas Hardy country and an exciting hub packed with a Roman amphitheatre, museums, shopping and places to eat and drink.
Motor past Britain’s largest chalk hill figure at Cerne Abbas before arriving in Sherborne to view two castles; one built by Sir Walter Raleigh, the almshouses and the magnificent 15thc Sherborne Abbey.
Pass through the historic market town of Blandford towards the elegant country mansion and grounds at Kingston Lacy. Visit Wimborne Minster before dropping down to the Bovington tank museum on the way back to Dorchester.

Child Friendly
Culture
Free to Do
History
Pet Friendly
Rainy Days
Shopping
Wheel Chair Access

Castles & Houses

Dorset has a number of atmospheric castles and impressive country houses to enjoy. Visit the stunning Corfe Castle ruins or the splendour of Minterne Abbey or maybe the elegant Kingston Lacy modelled on an Italian palace, complete with spectacular grounds.

Giant Mystery

Roman God? Ancient symbol of spirituality? With no historical record before 1694 no-one is really sure of the giant’s identity, but the 180ft high figure certainly cuts a sight on the chalk hill at Cerne Abbas.

Keeping it Local

The pretty towns, villages and thatched cottages of Dorset make for a great touring holiday. From bustling market towns and riverside villages to the spired Wimborne there is plenty to explore. Local produce and delicious food tastes wonderful in the vast array of restaurants and cafes.

Also Nearby

The Bide | Dorset

Milton Meadow, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0LH

Strive Glamping | Dorset

Southover Woods, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7HF

Fancys Family Farm | Devon

Glacis, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1FR

Sweet Hill Farm – Camping | Dorset

Sweet Hill Road, Southwell, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2DS

Bridgewood Camping | Dorset

2 Manor Farm Cottages, Middlemarsh, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5QN

Air-Time Beach Shop | Weymouth

10 Bowleaze Coveway, Preston Beach, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6RY

Hyde Camping | Dorset

Hyde Camping, Hyde, Wareham, Dorset, BH207NX

Dorset Nectar Cider | Cidery

Pineapple Lane, Waytown, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5HZ

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