Being located in the north of Dorset, The Anvil Inn is a great base to explore all that this county has to offer. From coast to country we have it all so whether you want to simply enjoy some of the local walks and fresh country air or venture further out to the famous world heritage site of the Jurassic Coast, there is always plenty to do. You could easily base yourself at the anvil for a few nights and be spoilt for choice with a vast array of local attractions. Here are some our highlights.
The Georgian town of Blandford is a few minutes’ drive away and features a range of shops and two small museums. The River Stour is situated to the south of the town and forms part of the Stour Valley Way, a walking route from Hengistbury Head on the coast to Stourton in Wiltshire.
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Situated between Blandford and Wimborne, Kingston Lacy is a country mansion set in expansive grounds, managed by the National Trust. A favourite for families, there are plenty of walks around the grounds with an ever-changing array of sights and sounds throughout the seasons. On the way you can drive through the famous tree lined avenue and stop at Badbury Rings, one of Dorset’s 18 Iron Age hill forts and take in the sweeping views across the lush Dorset countryside.
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The popular attraction, Monkey World, is located to the east of Dorset in Wareham. The world-famous centre has been rescuing and rehabilitating monkeys for over 30 years. With something for all ages, this makes a fun family day out.
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Another family favourite is The Tank Museum which features one of the world’s best collection of tanks. For children, there are plenty of interactive activities to explore, whilst adults will enjoy discovering the rich history behind these vehicles and the part they have played throughout the years.
VisitSalisbury is situated to the north of Pimperne. Renowned for its world-famous cathedral, the city is a frequent favourite with both locals and tourists alike.
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The historic Jurassic coast features a variety of must-visit destinations, including Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Chesil beach and West Bay, made famous by the television series Broadchurch. Bridport is another must see town. From its quirky shops and cafe’s to the vibrant market, it’s certainly worth a wonder around.
A short drive away are the towns of Wimborne and Shaftesbury, home to Gold Hill. Of course, made famous by the Hovis advert. The views from here are simply stunning and well worth a visit. A little further away will take you to the golden sands of the award winning Sandbanks and Bournemouth and many beaches in between.
If you are looking to explore the local area on foot, there are plenty of walking routes to explore.
The North Dorset Trailway stretches 14 miles from Spetisbury to Sturminster Newton, providing a safe route for walkers, runners and cyclists. The route incorporates sections of the old Somerset and Dorset railway which connected Bristol and Bournemouth until the 1960’s.
Escape to the peace of the country, with a walk to Hod Hill or Hambledon Hill, two more of Dorset’s Iron Age hill forts. The climb up is well worth it for the spectacular views across the countryside and the fresh air will certainly give you an appetite for some hearty pub food on your return.
So as you can see, with so much on offer it really is easy to see why Dorset is climbing up the ranks as one of the UK’s hotspots for those staycations!