Heritage in Dorset

The Kingcombe Centre
An environmental study centre in the heart of West Dorset. Situated in a Nature Reserve, 'the farm that time forgot' uses traditional farming methods to work the land and offers courses and lectures on the local flora and fauna as well as art and music.
www.kingcombecentre.org.uk

Athelhampton House and Gardens
The beautifully preserved 15th Century manor house has stunning interiors resplendent with antique furnishings. The famous formal gardens incorporate a series of tranquil, sophisticated spaces, including the great court with its giant pyramids, simple plantings of roses, clematis and tulips, fountains and pools laden with water lillies, a canal and the River Piddle. The 15th Century dovecote still houses white doves. Stop off for some home-cooked refreshment at the Topiary Restaurant. Open March to October.
www.athelhampton.co.uk

Corfe Castle Ruins
High on a windswept hill, this atmospheric castle is a dark and brooding place indeed.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Hardy Monument
Not to be confused with perhaps Dorset's most famous son, Thomas Hardy, this monument was erected in memory of Vice Admiral Hardy of the HMS Victory (of "Kiss me Hardy" fame). Situated on Black Down near Portesham, it offers glorious views across the Dorset countryside to the sea, and is within a mile of the inland route of the South West coastal path (which avoids Chesil beach). National Trust owned.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hardymonument

Hardy's Cottage
A classic cottage with real romance; close your eyes and imagine the characters of Far from the Madding Crowd coming to life here.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Hardy's Dorchester Home, Max Gate
Take a step back into literary history at Thomas Hardy's Dorchester home, where classics such as Tess of the d'Ubervilles, Jude the Obscure and The Mayor of Casterbridge were written. Now a National Trust property, the house was originally designed by Hardy, who lived there for 43 years until his death in 1928. For a literary day out, combine it with a visit to Hardy's Cottage in nearby Higher Brockham.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-maxgate

Lulworth Castle and Park
Built as a 17th Century hunting lodge, the castle sits in the heart of a large country estate. Meet the peacocks, goats, pigs and alpacas at the animal farm.
www.lulworth.com

Maiden Castle
Covering an area of more than 50 football pitches, this is Britain's largest and most complex Iron Age hillfort. The castle was built in 600 BC, over the remains of a Neolithic settlement. Over the centuries that followed, the hillfort was extended and additional defences thrown up around it. Today you can wander the old ramparts and enjoy beautiful views of the Dorset countryside.
www.maidencastle.com

Portland Castle
Another of Henry VIII’s constructions designed to repel invading French and Spanish armies, Portland Castle overlooks the harbour. The castle is an intriguing shape and outside is a stone amphitheatre, perfect for a quick sit down while you admire the view.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

The Town Mill
An old but still working watermill. Regular demonstrations of milling are held.
www.townmill.org.uk

Tudor House
One of Weymouth’s few remaining Tudor houses, this has been restored and now gives an insight into life in Weymouth for a middle class family in the early 17th Century.