England - Days out in Dorset in 2019

1. Milton Abbas

Milton Abbas sits in the middle of Dorset between Dorchester and Blandford and is a super place to visit. Located in wooded valley it's a purpose built new town or perhaps model village. Apparently the local Baron did not like to live next to the peasants so he had their village demolished and a new village built. Capability Brown did the landscaping back in the 1770's. The frontage of the Almshouses was rebuilt from the original building that was flattened. There is a pub, the Hambro Arms, so we had a good lunch before setting off on our walk.

Milton Abbas Almhouses

Milton Abbas - home to two families

Parting the sheaves in Milton Abbas

On our circular walk from Milton Abbas

Meeting the locals - a friendly Robin

Milton Abbey is at the bottom of the hill, well away from the Village and next to the Mansion built by the nasty Baron. There is a school on the site now. The Abbey is well worth a visit. An unexpectedly lovely building in a beautiful setting with an interesting history.

Milton Abbey

A quick round before Sunday Service? Golfing next to Milton Abbey

2. Out on the Purbeck Hills

Whether biking or walking this area never disappoints

A favourite spot on Ballard Down looking back to Studland and Poole

Up on the hill overlooking Kimmeridge

Worth Matravers

Heading for the Priests Way from Worth Matravers to Swanage

Heading South along the Priests Way to Swanage with the Isle of Wight in the background

Who ewe looking at!

A short legged pony - my four legged friend near Corfe

3. Kingston Lacy and surrounds

The Kingston Lacy Estate is a National Trust property near Wimborne. You have to be an NT member or pay to visit the house and garden but its surrounded by beautiful countryside and some lovely walks. It was the home of the powerful Bankes Family after their former pad, Corfe Castle, was ruined. They left us quite a legacy as this area and the Purbecks are wonderful havens of peace and tranquility in quite a busy region,

In the Maize Maze at Kingston Lacy

The Bluebell Girl at Pamphill in the Spring

Summer Colours

New planting at Kingston Lacy

Gliding by - River Stour Walks from Kingston Lacy

Paddle Boarding the Stour River

Sunday Lunch at The Anchor in Shapwick - sooo good!

The house at Kingston Lacy

Must bring a book next time

An estate worker?

Can done

Bell shaped cloche - lined up and ready

Fire!

Another gate opens

Rhododendrons and Azaleas

what goes on in the potting shed

I can see Yew

Why so glum?

A local resident

4. Down at the Beach in Poole

A proposal from the clifftop.....

.... made up of balloons on the beach

Surf lifesaving on Branksome

One of our coffee stops at the Argyll Bowling Club

Ready to strike at Canford Cliffs

Nice lunch for the Birthday Girl by Poole Harbour

Rounding Old Harry Rocks on the way into Poole

Flower of the Ocean

A walk by the sea - Blowing the cobwebs away

A black headed gull just saying hello or with eyes on my cake

5. Brownsea Island

The National Trust look after the island sitting in the middle of Poole Harbour. A great place for a wander and a picnic. A short hop on the ferry from Sandbanks but a giant leap back in time. Red squirrels, Peacocks, Oyster Catchers and more. The lagoon is often full of Birds and there is often an expert on hand in the Dorset Wildlife Hide to help you identify them.

Going Abroad -Landing at Brownsea Island

Walking on Brownsea

6. Thomas Hardy Country

Hardy's Cottage in Higher Bockhampton is worth a visit. On a sunny day it's quite idyllic and Far From the Madding Crowd. The old fashioned garden and the thatched cottage are probably little changed since Hardy was born here. It's a short walk through the Greenwod Trees from the Car Park and Visitor Centre/Cafe. We had a longer walk in mind as we set off across country to the Wise Man at West Stafford for lunch. West Stafford also has literary connections as it's the home of Julian Fellows, the writer of Downton Abbey. We did a circular walk that involved some walking along quiet roads on the way back via Lower Bockhampton. There are a number of great walking options around here. The walk to Stinsford Church, where Hardy's Heart was buried, to Lower Bockhampton along the River Frome is particularly lovely.