DORSETWESSEX TOURIST GUIDE |
|
|
| Welcome to Wessex & Chardnet. Press Control+B to Bookmark this site for later reference. |
Wessex & DorsetPlaces of Interest in & around Dorset and in Wessex. |
|
|
I'm Cerdic. First King of Wessex The picture of Cerdic is the copyrite of Juliet Davey |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We try and include as
many click throughs as possible. We do not charge for our services but
would be obliged if the owners of the attraction sites would
reciprocate by including our banner above and aim it at www.wessex.me.uk SOME OF OUR OTHER ON-LINE PUBLICATIONS
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| BLANDFORD FORUM Tourist Information Centre |
1
Greyhound Yard, Market Place, Blandford Forum, DT11 7BB Tel/Fax:
01258 454770 : Website:www.ruraldorset.com
Map |
| BOURNEMOUTH Tourist Information Centre |
Westover
Rd, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU Tel: 0906
802
0234 Fax: 01202 451743 Website: www.bournemouth.co.uk Map |
| BRIDPORT Tourist Information Centre |
32
South St, Bridport, DT6 3NQ Tel: 01308 424901 Fax: 01308
421060 Website: www.westdorset.com Map |
| CHRISTCHURCH Tourist Information Centre |
23
High St, Christchurch, BH23 1AZ Tel: 01202 471780 Fax:
01202
476816 Email: enquiries@christchurchtourism.info Website: www.resort-guide.co.uk/christchurch Map |
| DORCHESTER Tourist Information Centre |
Unit
11, Antelope Walk, Dorchester, DT1 1BE Tel: 01305 267992
Fax: 01305 266079 Website: www.westdorset.com Map |
| LYME REGIS Tourist Information Centre |
Church
St, Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS Tel: 01297 442138 Fax: 01297 444688 Website: www.lymeregistourism.co.uk Map |
| POOLE Tourist Information Centre |
Poole
High Street, Poole, Tel: 01202 253253, Fax:
01202 262684. E-mail: tourism@poole.gov.uk Website: http://www.pooletourism.com/ Map |
| SHAFTESBURY Tourist Information Centre |
8
Bell St, Shaftesbury, SP7 8AE Tel: 01747 853514 Fax: 01747 850593 Email: shaftesburytic@north-dorset.gov.uk Website: www.ruraldorset.com Map |
| SHERBOURNE Tourist Information Centre |
3
Tilton Court, Digby St, Sherborne, DT9 3NL Tel: 01935 815341 Fax:
01935 817210 Website: www.westdorset.com Map |
| SWANAGE Tourist Information Centre |
The
White House, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1LB Tel: 01929 422885 Website: www.swanage.gov.uk Map |
| WIMBORNE MINSTER Tourist Information Centre |
Wimborne
Minster, . Tel: 01202 886116. Fax:
01202 841025. E-mail: wimborneTIC@eastdorsetdc.gov.uk Website:www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk Map |
| WAREHAM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE |
Trinity
Church, South
Street, Wareham, BH20 4LU Tel: 01929 552740 Fax: 01929 554491 Website:www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk Map |
| WEYMOUTH TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE |
The
King's Statue, The Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 7AN Tel: 01305 785747 Fax: 01305 788092 Website: www.weymouth.gov.uk Map |
| WIMBORNE
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE |
29
High Street, Wimborne, BH21 1HR Tel: 01202 886116 Fax: 01202 841025 Website: www.eastdorset.gov.uk/tourism Map |
ATTRACTION |
Picture |
Address
& Opening Times and Click Through Website Link |
Tel/ Fax |
|
For Full Details about
Dorset Click on to The Dorset List |
www.dorsetlist.co.uk |
|
| ALICE
IN WONDERLAND THEME PARK Seven
acres of uniquely themed parkland, inspired by Lewis Caroll's timeless
and world famous stories Runaway Train Rollercoaster, Hilarious Water
Wars Catapults Exciting Yo-Yo Ride, Flying Elephants, Space Orbiter,
Giant Astroslide and much more Panto-style Storytime Alice Shop, indoor
Aztec Adventure Play Centre New rides for 2005
|
|
Just follow the signs to
Bournemouth Airport - we're opposite! ALICE IN WONDERLAND PARK CLICK |
Tel/Fax 01202 483444. |
| ATHELHAMPTON
HOUSE & GARDENS An outstanding 15th Century
manor house, still a family home, containing fine furniture and
surrounded by extensive architectural gardens with pavilions,
fountains, topiary, plant collections and the River Piddle.
|
|
Athelhampton,
Dorchester, DT2 7LG Off the main A35 (signposted) at Puddletown, near
Dorchester . March to October, Sunday to Thursday, 10.30am to
5pm. November to February, Sundays only, 10.30am to dusk
ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE CLICK |
Tel: 01305 848363 |
| BLUE
POOL & TEA HOUSE One
of Dorsets best loved attractions since 1935.Set north of the
Purbeck Hills between Wareham and Corfe Castle off the A351.The Blue Pool at
Furzebrook constantly varies in colour. Very fine
clay in suspension in the water diffacting light in different ways
producing a spectrum of colour sometimes green sometimes turquoise.Set in a deep
clay bowl steps lead down to the waters edge or up to
views of the Purbeck Hills, The Pool is surrounded by 25 acres of heath
woodland and gorse interlaced with sandy paths that seem to take
you
to another world.
|
|
Furzebrook,
Wareham, BH20 5AT. BLUE POOL & TEA HOUSE CLICK |
Tel: 01929 551408. |
| GO
APE HIGH WIRE ADVENTURE Go Ape! is
an extreme high wire forest adventure. Participants traverse through
the canopy, negotiating scramble nets, Tarzan swings and zip slides
some 35ft off the forest floor. Min age 10yrs, min height 1.4m. One
participating adult can supervise 5 under 18yr olds, including a
maximum of 3 under 16yr olds.
|
|
Moors Valley,
Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, nr Ringwood. BH24 2ET. GO APE CLICK |
Tel: 0870 444 5562 |
| BOURNEMOUTH
AVIATION MUSEUM Our collection of
ex-military and civilian aircraft are unique because many of them still
fly. Effectively an operational base, public can view aircraft such as
Hunters, MIG17, Vampire, Jet Provost, BAC-111, Buccaneer and the
world’s last flying sea Vixen. Also on display is a romantic 1934
Dragon Rapide. Recent additions to the Museum include a stunning Sea
Fury and Lightning cockpit.
|
|
Bournmouth International Airport,
Main Terminal Entrance ( follow road around) BH23 6SE Apr-Sep 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm) Oct – Mar 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) BOURNEMOUTH AVIATION MUSEUM CLICK |
Tel: 01202 580858 Fax: 01202 580858 |
|
BREWERY
VISITOR CENTRE
The Visitor
Centre tells the story of Hall & Woodhouse through the ages and
offers a unique family day out. Devise your own beer recipes and view
the collection of brewery artefacts and old advertising materials.
Soak up the atmosphere of a working
brewery on our guided tours. View our collection of brewing artifacts.
Sample our ales and enjoy traditional pub fare in our unique restaurant.
|
|
The Brewery,
Blandford St Mary, DT11 9LS The Brewery Visitor Centre is open from Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 5.30pm. Brewery tours run at 11am & 2.30pm BREWERY VISITOR CENTRE CLICK |
Tel: 01258 452141 |
| BRILLIANT WEEKENDS IN
BOURNEMOUTH Stag Weekends, Hen Weekends, Activity Breaks, Corporate Weekends, Birthday Celebrations, Golf Weekends.
The south coast, sun, sea and sauce... What more could you want?! Well, perhaps a vibrant nightlife, great clubs and award-winning beaches would go down well, and fortunately Bournemouth can offer the lot! Fast becoming the fun capital of the UK, and with so many clubs and bars they're losing count, Bournemouth is a favourite destination for thousands of travellers every year. Whilst especially popular with Hen weekends, a range of activities is available to please any group's tastes and budget. |
|
Brilliant Weekends Limited, Mardyke House, 18 Hotwell Road, BRISTOL, BS8 4UD Monday 8.30am - 6.30pm Tuesday 8.30am - 6.30pm Wednesday 8.30am - 6.30pm Thursday 8.30am - 6.30pm Friday 8.30am - 6.30pm Saturday 10am - 3.00pm Sunday closed BOURNEMOUTH BRILLIANT WEEKENDS CLICK |
tel: 0870 75 85100 |
|
BROADWINDSOR CRAFT
& DESIGN CENTRE Tastefully converted
farm complex, now home to eight
independent craft businesses, also large craft/gift shop, and a
delightful
restaurant.
|
|
Broadwindsor, Dorset, DT8 3PX |
Tel :01308 868362 Fax : 01308 867328 |
|
BROWNSEA
ISLAND
The island is
dramatically located at the entrance to Poole harbour, offering
spectacular views across to Studland and the Purbeck Hills. Its varied
and colourful history includes use as a coastguard station, Victorian
pottery, Edwardian country estate, daffodil farm and as a decoy to
protect Poole in the Second World War. Ideal for families to
explore.
|
|
Poole, BH13
7EE Ferry: Half-hourly boat service (not NT) from Poole Quay and Sandbanks. Also service from Bournemouth and Swanage. Visitors can land from their own boats at W end of the island. Open 10-5 (October 10-4) See National Trust Map BROWNSEA ISLAND CLICK |
Tel: 01202 707744 |
|
CERNE GIANT &
DORSET HILL FORTS
Badbury
Rings, Pilsdon Pen and Lambert's Castle are just three of the iron age
hill forts owned and managed by the National Trust in Dorset |
|
Nr Crewkerne, West Dorset |
Tel :01985 843601 |
|
|
Sea
Front, Charmouth, |
Tel :01297 560772 | |
| CHETTLE
HOUSE A Queen Anne House
in
English Baroque Style, part of which is open to the public. Set in
beautiful
gardens with fine herbaceous borders and many interesting plants.
|
|
Chettle, near
Blandford, DT11 8DB In the village of Chettle, off the A354 between Sixpenny Handley and Blandford Forum. First Sunday of each month from Easter to September, 11am to 5pm. Please telephone for Bank Holiday openings and special events. |
Tel: 01258 830858 |
|
CLOUDS HILL
T. E. Lawrence
(‘Lawrence of Arabia’) bought this tiny isolated brick and tile cottage
in 1925. The austere rooms are much as he left them and reflect his
complex personality and close links with the Middle East. An exhibition
details Lawrence’s extraordinary life.
|
|
Wareham, BH20
7NQ. 9ml
E of Dorchester, 1½ml E of Waddock crossroads (B3390), 4ml S of
A35
Poole-Dorchester road, 1ml N of Bovington Camp. Open 18 Mar–30 Oct 12–5
See National Trust CLOUDS HILL CLICK |
Tel: 01929 405616 |
|
CORFE CASTLE
One of Britain’s most majestic
ruins, the castle controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills and
has been
an important stronghold since the time of William the Conqueror.
Defended
during the Civil War by the ardent and virtuous Lady Bankes, the castle
fell
to treachery from within, and was substantially destroyed afterwards by
the
Parliamentarians. Many fine Norman and Early English features remain. |
|
The Square,Corfe
Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ On A351 Wareham-Swanage road.Open Daily
10-4 See National Trust Map
CORFE CASTLE CLICK |
Tel: 01929 481294 |
| CORFE CASTLE MODEL VILLAGE & GARDENS The Castle
destroyed by Cromwell's men in 1646, together with the church and
surrounding village, has been reconstructed in Purbeck stone to 1/20th
scale. It is set in a stunning old English garden, with an Enchanted
Woodland Walk. Working stocks and pillory are a feature.
|
|
Open in high season
6 days
a week. Closed Fridays. School holidays seven days a week. Open low
season weekends only CORFE CASTLE MODEL VILLAGE CLICK |
Tel: 01929 481234. Fax: 01929 481234 |
|
CAVALCADE OF
COSTUME MUSEUM
The Museum
presents displays selected from over 250 years of historical costume
and accessories, in a lovingly restored Georgian townhouse. Visitors
can enjoy new exhibitions each year and a friendly welcome in both the
museum and our popular tea room. Access to a resource room, by
appointment, is newly available for students of costume and fashion.
|
|
Lime
Tree House, The Plocks ' Blandford Forum DT11 7AA
When
in Blandford Forum town centre, from the market place follow the one
way system up Salisbury Street. Take the right fork as the street
divides and turn immediately right into The Plocks. The museum is
apporximately 50 metres on the right. Open: Thursday to
Monday, Easter to September 11-5pm and October to Easter 11-4pm.Closed
mid December until mid February.
CAVALCADE OF COSTUMES CLICK |
Tel: 01258 453006 |
| CRANBORNE MANOR GARDENS Historic gardens
surrounding at 12th Century Manor House, divided by walls and hedges,
including a white garden, mount garden, a water and wild garden. There
is a magnificent display of spring bulbs and fine avenues of beech,
lime and yew.
|
|
Cranborne,
Wimborne Minster, BH21 5PP In Cranborne off the B3078. Garden
Centre: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sundays 10am to 5pm
Gardens: Wednesdays only, March to the end
of September, 9am to 5pm. CRANBOURNE MANOR GARDENS CLICK |
Tel: 01725 517248 |
| DEANS
COURT GARDEN 13 peaceful acres of partly wild
gardens, with specimen trees, lawns, borders, a delightful herb garden,
kitchen garden with long serpentine wall, rose garden, peacocks and
beautiful monastery
fish pond.
|
|
Wimborne Minster,
BH21 1EE In the centre of Wimborne Minster, off of East Street.
Open April 11th & 12th, May 2nd, 3rd, 23rd & 24th, August 29th
& 30th and September 12th. Sundays 2pm to 6pm and Mondays 10am to
6pm |
Tel: 01202 886116 |
|
DINOSAURLAND FOSSIL
MUSEUM
The Jurassic rocks of Lyme Regis have been famous
for fossils since Mary Anning discovered the first Ichthyosaur in 1811.
This
museum features Jurassic fossils and dinosaurs, housed in the
magnificent
grade1 listed building.
|
|
Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3PY |
Tel : 01297 443541 |
| DORSET
COUNTY MUSEUM Roman
mosaics, dinosaur footprints, Dorset wildlife and Thomas Hardy's study.
Free audioguide and lots of activities for children. See the story of
Maiden
Castle and walk on Roman mosaics in the atmospheric Victorian Hall.
Enjoy
"The story of Dorchester from 6000 years ago to today in the new
Dorchester
Gallery. 15 activities created for children.
|
|
High West Street, Dorchester DT1
1XA Open 10am-5pm. 7 days a week July to September and Monday to Saturday during October to June. Up to 2 accompanied children free DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM CLICK |
Tel: 01305 262735 |
| EDMONDSHAM HOUSE A fine Tudor
Manor
House with Georgian additions and an unusual octagonal Victorian dairy.
The
delightful walled garden has a herbaceous border and gives keen
gardeners
the opportunity to see organic gardening in practice.
|
|
Edmondsham, Nr
Verwood, BH21 5RE In Edmondsham village, off the B3078, Wimborne
Minster to Cranborne road. Wednesdays, April and October, 2pm to
5pm and Easter Sunday & Monday, 2pm to 5pm |
Tel: 01725 517207 |
| FARMER PALMER'S FARM PARK Lamb & Goat
Feeding, Cow Event, Guinea Pig Handling, Straw Mountain, Wild Trailer
Ride, Woodland Walk, Pedal Tractors, Bouncy Castles, 2000 square metres
under cover, new indoor soft play zones and much more!
|
|
4 miles from Poole in Organford
near Holton Heath. Clearly signposted from the A35 and A351. FARMER PALMER'S FARM PARK CLICK |
Tel: 01202 622022 |
| FARRS
LODGE Two gravel gardens, two bulb
lawns,
formal themed borders, natural pond and stream, Buddleia walk and
grasses
border, wild flower meadow, artist's studio and an old rifle range!
|
|
Cowgrove,Wimborne Minster, BH21
4EL. Situated on Cowgrove Lane to the side of the Victoria Hospital in
Wimborne Minster.. Easter Monday (12th April) and Sundays, 2pm to
5pm. Please contact Wimborne Tourist Information Centre for further
details on (01202) 886116. |
Tel: 01202 885130 |
| WORLD
RENOWNED TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION Experience the
excitement of the world's greatest discovery of ancient treasure.
Tutankhamun's tomb, treasures, and mummified body are superbly
recreated in this spectacular
exhibitionthrough sight, sound and smell
|
|
High West Street,
Dorchester. Open daily all year round TUTANKHAMUN EXHIBITION CLICK |
Tel: 01305 269571 |
| DINOSAUR
MUSEUM Fossils, skeletons, and life-size
reconstructions combine with hands on and multi-media displays to
reveal the thrilling world of dinosaurs. It's fun for all at Britain's
award winning museum.
|
|
Icen Way, Dorchester. Open daily, all year round. DINOSAUR MUSEUM CLICK |
Tel: 01305 269880 |
| THE
DORSET TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM From the earliest teddies to
today's TV favourites, they're all waiting to meet you at this
unmissable family
museum. Don't miss Edward Bear & his human-size family of teddy
bears
in Teddy Bear House.
|
|
Antelope Walk, Dorchester Open daily all year round. DORSET TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM CLICK |
Tel: 01305 263200 |
| TERRACOTTA
WARRIOR EXHIBITION The
only museum outside China dedicated to the amazing Terracotta Warriors.
Unique life size museum replicas from China, costumes, armour and multi
media
displays
|
|
High Street East, Dorchester Open daily TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBITION CLICK |
Tel: 01305 266040 |
| THOMAS HARDY CONNECTIONS These are Some of the useful
Connections to Thomas Hardy.Thomas Hardy died at Max Gate
in 1928.
He is buried in Westminster Abbey in London, though his heart was
removed and lies at Stinsford Church near Max Gate.
|
|
||
|
HARDY'S
COTTAGE
Thomas Hardy was born in
1840 in this small cob and thatch cottage and from here he would walk
to school every day in Dorchester, three miles away. It was built by
his great-grandfather and is little altered since the family left. The
interior has been furnished by the NT (see also Max Gate). His early
novels Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding
Crowd were written
here. It has a charming cottage garden.
|
|
Higher
Bockhampton, nr Dorchester, DT2 8QJ 3ml NE of Dorchester, ½ml S
of A35. From Kingston Maurward roundabout follow signs to Stinsford and
Higher Bockhampton. Open 18 Mar–31 Oct 11–5 (except Tuesday &
Wednesday) See National Trust Map HARDY'S COTTAGE CLICK |
Tel: 01305 262366 |
|
HARDY MONUMENT
The
monument was erected in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas
Masterman Hardy, Flag-Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of
Trafalgar. It stands
on the crest of Black Down, from where there are glorious views across
the
Dorset countryside to the sea.
|
|
Black Down,
Portesham From
the B3157 Weymouth-Bridport road, turn off at Portesham; the road
climbs steeply
to a car park signposted 'Hardy Monument'. Open Saturday &
Sunday
2 Apr–25 Sep 11–5. See National Trust Map HARDY'S MONUMENT CLICK |
Tel: 01297 561900 |
| HARE
LANE POTTERY Highly unusual mix of
woodfired garden planters in terracotta and glazed tableware. Old Dairy
courtyard with hundreds of intriguing pots in exclusive designs for a
wide variety of planting applications. Local clay refined at the
pottery - frostproof to -20 degrees Celsius.
|
|
Hare Lane, Cranborne,
Wimborne Minster, BH215QT On the B3078 between Cranborne and Alderholt Daily 10am to 5pm, HARE LANE POTTERY CLICK |
01725 517700 |
| HONEYBROOK
COUNTRY PARK & HISTORIC WORRKING FARM MUSEUM Heavy horses, pure breeds, rare
buildings and nourishing gardens. Great fun for all ages indoors and
out. Restaurant, tearoom and picnic snacks, peaceful chalk stream,
river meadows and sixteen bridges.
|
|
Wimborne, BH21
4JD. Tel: 01202 881120. Honeybrook is 2 miles from Wimborne on the B3078 Cranborne Road. Open from Mid March 10am to 4pm ( 6pm in the summer). HONEYBROOK COUNTRY PARK CLICK |
Tel: 01202 881120. |
| THE KEEP MILITARY MUSEUM OF DEVON & DORSET The Museum tells the remarkable
story of those who served in the Regiments of Devon and Dorset for over
300 years. Their courage, humour, traditions and sacrifice are brought
together in an exciting and colourful exhibition for visitors of all
ages. Computers, inter-active and creative displays enhance their
stories.
|
|
Bridport Road, Dorchester
at 'Top
o' the Town Open Monday to Saturday, April to September 9.30am to 5.00pm. Sunday, July & August 10.00am to 4.00pm. Tuesday - Saturday, October to March 9.30am to 5.00pm. Last admission 1 hour before closing. KEEP MILITARY MUSEUM CLICK |
Tel: 01305 264066 Fax:
01305 250373 |
|
KINGSTON LACY
Kingston Lacy was
the home
of the Bankes family for over 300 years. All four floors are open to
visitors
and contain lavish interiors. The Edwardian laundry gives a fascinating
insight
into life below stairs 100 years ago.The gardens and
parkland open with flowering bulbs in the spring, then camellias,
azaleas and bluebells. Enjoy summer visits to the formal gardens with
floribunda roses, parterre, sunken garden, fernery and lovely hanging
baskets.
|
|
Kingston Lacy,
Wimborne, BH214EA On the B3082 Wimborne to Blandford road, approximately one and a half miles from Wimborne.20th March to 31st October, Wednesday - Sunday (and Bank Holidays), 11am to 5pm. See National Trust Map KINGSTON LACY CLICK |