Sherborne is one of those Dorset towns where history hasn’t been tidied away behind a ticket desk. Honey-coloured streets, medieval gateways, independent shops and one extraordinary Abbey all sit together in a town that still feels very much alive.
We wandered over because Sherborne Abbey looked beautiful from the street. Then we discovered it was free, stepped inside and looked up. Beneath that extraordinary golden fan-vaulted ceiling is more than 1,300 years of history — including monks, kings, riots, fire and the people of Sherborne eventually buying their church back.
A 1,300-year-old church, an astronomical clock and books literally chained to the shelves — Wimborne Minster packs a surprising amount into one free Dorset stop.
Blandford Forum is more than its handsome Georgian centre. Wander through its historic streets, then follow the town towards the River Stour for bridges, weirs and a surprisingly peaceful riverside escape.
Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is one of England’s most recognisable streets — but is it worth the stop? Come for the famous Hovis view, stay for the cottages, countryside and a surprisingly spectacular sunset.
Milton Abbas looks like the kind of Dorset village that shouldn’t quite be real. But those neat rows of thatched cottages have a surprising story — and make this one very easy detour to recommend.
What was supposed to be a quick stop in Whitchurch, Hampshire turned into a riverside walk, ducks and the discovery of a remarkable working silk mill.
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, exploring Shakespeare’s hometown, its historic streets, famous landmarks and riverside — plus a few surprises I wasn’t expecting.
