Out and About
Compton Abbas has open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views, this area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding’s Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale. It’s a fantastic place to spot butterflies and orchids, which thrive here. Head north towards Compton Down and Melbury Hill and you will find one of the best displays of glow-worms during June and July (if the weather is good).
There is so much to do, and beautiful places to visit all within easy reach.
-
Walking
Walks up onto Fontmell Down and Melbury Beacon straight from the door. This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.
-
Compton Abbas Airfield
Feast your eyes on beautiful historic aircraft and observe the comings and goings of our fabulous light aircraft community while enjoying Authentic Texas barbecue food smoked on-site and served with a Gritchie beer brewed only two miles away.
30 minute walk up the hill!
-
-
Longleat Safari Park
Explore a world of adventure at Longleat. From a Drive Through Safari expedition, to discovering inside our iconic Elizabethan mansion, there’s plenty to entertain you.
35 minute drive
-
Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is a small market town in Dorset with a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The town is the home of Gold Hill (made famous by the “Hovis” advert) and has magnificent views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale.
10 minute drive
-
Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum is one of Britain’s best preserved Georgian towns, having being largely rebuilt after a fire in 1731 by architects the Bastard brothers, apparently their real names.
15 minute drive
-
Sturminster Newton
Explore this pretty market town in the hub of the Blackmore Vale with a picturesque water mill on the River Stour. Once home to Thomas Hardy and Dorset dialect poet William Barnes, the town of Sturminster Newton is a little rural gem.
20 minute drive
-
Salisbury
Salisbury is a medieval cathedral city in the southern English county of Wiltshire. The city’s ornate 13th-century cathedral has a 123m spire, a working 14th-century clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta (the Great Charter), a key document from 1215 A.D. Also good for shopping.
40 minute drive
-
Sherborne
Sherborne is a historic Ham Stone town nestled in green valleys and wooded hills. With its abundance of ancient and beautiful buildings, superb Abbey, world famous Schools, picturesque Almshouse and two Castles, Sherborne makes for a captivating visit.
30 minute drive
-
Stonehenge
Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.
35 minute drive
-
Moors Valley
Moors Valley is a beautiful vast Country Park with Play Trail, narrowgauge steam railway, Go Ape, golf course, and lovely walks.
40 minute drive
-
National Trust
There are lots of places to go and a huge choice for a day out with the family. There’s also dramatic coastline, unspolit countryside and beautiful gardens for a fix of fresh air and chance to let off steam in the great outdoors.
-
Studland Bay
A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
50 minute drive
-
Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge Bay is located within a marine Special Area of Conservation and has the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset! One of the quieter beaches.
55 minute drive
-
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot.
50 minute drive
-
Corfe Castle
One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians. Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner.
40 minute drive
