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History
History surrounds you in Rural Dorset, where many traces remain from ancient times: mystical barrows, impressive Iron Age hillforts, ancient routes such as the Dorset Cursus, and more, all explored over 100 years ago by General Pitt Rivers, the father of modern archaeology, who lived locally at the Larmer Tree Estate.
You may still walk along Ackling Dyke, one of the most spectacular Roman roads in Britain, following its route from Iron Age Badbury Rings hillfort across the downs to Old Sarum at Salisbury. Or crest Hambledon Hill via the Wessex Ridgeway: explore this vast Iron Age settlement by means of a medieval trade route!
Perhaps the most haunting landmark is the deserted, ruined Norman church at Knowlton Rings: encircled by an Iron Age rampart it was built to symbolise the power of Christianity over paganism.
Many traditions, born of the region’s landscape and heritage, are still in evidence today, from fine local crafts, to colourful local events such as the Wimborne Folk Festival and, on a smaller scale, Ashmore Filly Loo.
As you travel the quiet country lanes traces of the past will surround you, from intriguing place names such as Sixpenny Handley, King's Stag, Hazelbury Bryan, the 'Gussages' and 'Tarrants' (villages of the Gussage and Tarrant Valleys) and God’s Blessing Green, to ancient monuments, country estates and buildings steeped in history, all waiting to be explored…