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Dorset Walks and Tours

with fully qualified Blue Badge Guides
who are registered members of the
Institute of Tourist Guiding.

WALKS TOURS

CONTACTS

TOLPUDDLE MARTYRS

LINKS

THOMAS HARDY

Dorset Places

Dorchester

Was built on orders from Rome and has been the county's administrative centre since about 80 A.D.. In Roman times was known as Durnovaria but more recently known as Thomas Hardy's Casterbridge. A walk round the town reveals the different periods of occupation over 2000 years with many different styles of architecture. Known also for Judge Jeffrey's "Bloody Assizes" and the Tolpuddle Martyrs the Town has a very interesting history.

Cerne Abbas

A busy market town until bypassed by the railway in the 19th century. Now one of the prettiest villages in Dorset, with many interesting buildings including the15th century Pitchmarket, the Shambles, 17th and 18th century houses, and thatched cottages. There are ruins of the Abbey and a spring of St. Augustine, who is reputed to have visited the village in 598 A.D.. On the outskirts of the village is the CERNE GIANT, a huge carving in the chalk hillside, a fertility symbol of much discussion and controversy.

Sherborne

The town has developed about the Abbey which was originally built about 700 A.D.
The monks founded the school which was dissolved, with the monastery, at the Reformation. The Sherborne school was refounded by Edward VIth in 1550, and has long been one of the foremost boarding schools in the country. The town is a
wonderful collection of old buildings and interesting places.

Bridport

Laid out for the making of rope, Bridport has wide streets and long narrow alleys. Ropes and sails for the ships of the Royal Navy, including Nelson's Victory, have been made here for many centuries. The town saw the first skirmishes of the Monmouth rebellion which brought much suffering to the area. See the grand market house and town hall, and visit the recently refurbished museum.

Shaftesbury

An excellent example of a Saxon fortified town, 700 feet above the Blackmore Vale with wonderful views all around. The castle, now a ruin, is thought to have been built by King Alfred. There are also remnants of the great nunnery , also built by Alfred for his daughter, which became the largest in the land during the medieval period. Much to see and enjoy including the cobbled Gold Hill.

Portland

Rising dramatically to over 500 feet above sea level the Isle of Portland has a fascinating history. Stories of shipwrecks and smuggling abound. With wonderful views, a lighthouse and quarries famous for the Portland Stone, there is much to see and enjoy on the Island especially for ornithological enthusiasts.

Wareham

A town with a turbulent history. Hear of the Viking invasions, the great fire and the towns part in the Monmouth rebellion. Walk part of the old Saxon walls.

GENEALOGY

We are aware of a large amount of work that has already been researched relating to certain local families. If you are tracing your family history we may be able to make your quest much easier. Our experienced members could prepare the ground work before you visit the area, help you while you are here or carry out a complete research.
A member of the Society of Genealogists is available for your guidance.

CONTACTS:
For further information, a quotation or to book a guide please telephone ;

Christine or Brian on (44) 01258-817751

or e-mail :

info@dorsettourguides.co.uk

LINKS

West Dorset District Council Tourism Department.

The Tank Museum, Bovington, Wareham.
The story of the Army tank.

SUMMER LODGE HOTEL

Summer Lodge Hotel Dorset – Luxury Country House Hotels –Restaurant and Spa

LONDON HOTELS The booking center for London hotels with contacts around the world.

SALISBURY CITY GUIDES Information & booking center for Salisbury City walks.

ASSOCIATION of WESSEX TOURIST GUIDES
Information on tour guides for the Wessex area.

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