Map Of Blandford Forum And Surrounding Area
Introduction
Blandford Forum is a historic market town in Dorset, England. It is situated on the banks of the River Stour and surrounded by picturesque countryside. The town is known for its Georgian architecture, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an adventurer, or a nature lover, Blandford Forum has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Blandford Forum Museum
The Blandford Forum Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. It is situated in a beautiful Georgian building and showcases the town’s rich heritage. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including local history, archaeology, and geology.
Kingston Lacy House
Kingston Lacy House is a stunning country house located just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The house was built in the 17th century and features beautiful gardens, artwork, and furniture. Visitors can take guided tours of the house and enjoy a stroll in the gardens.
Hidden Gems
The Crown Hotel
The Crown Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of Blandford Forum. This historic hotel features a traditional pub, a restaurant, and cozy rooms. The pub serves a wide range of local beers and ciders, and the restaurant offers delicious seasonal dishes.
The Forum Cinema
The Forum Cinema is a charming independent cinema located in Blandford Forum. The cinema shows a wide range of films, from blockbusters to indie films, and has a cozy atmosphere.
Food Scene
The Greyhound Inn
The Greyhound Inn is a traditional pub located in the village of Winterborne Kingston, just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The pub serves delicious pub grub and local beers and ciders.
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is a cozy pub located in the heart of Blandford Forum. The pub serves a wide range of dishes, from classic pub grub to modern cuisine, and has a great selection of local beers and ciders.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Blandford Forum Market
The Blandford Forum Market is a great place to find local produce, crafts, and gifts. The market is held every Thursday and Saturday and offers a wide range of products at affordable prices.
Walking Tours
Blandford Forum is a great town to explore on foot. There are several walking tours available, including a historic town walk and a brewery tour. These tours are affordable and offer a great way to see the town.
Outdoor Adventures
The North Dorset Trailway
The North Dorset Trailway is a 14-mile trail that runs from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury. The trail follows an old railway line and offers stunning views of the countryside.
The Trailway Cycle Hire
The Trailway Cycle Hire is located in Sturminster Newton and offers bike rentals for the North Dorset Trailway. The bike rentals are affordable and offer a great way to explore the trail.
Historical Landmarks
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church
St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church is a historic church located in the heart of Blandford Forum. The church dates back to the 13th century and features beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning tower.
The White Mill
The White Mill is a historic mill located just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The mill dates back to the 18th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Great Dorset Steam Fair
The Great Dorset Steam Fair is a family-friendly event held every August in Tarrant Hinton, just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The event features steam engines, vintage vehicles, and live entertainment.
Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley Country Park is a great place to take the family for a day out. The park features a wide range of activities, including a treetop trail, a miniature railway, and a play trail.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Blandford Fashion Museum
The Blandford Fashion Museum is a unique museum located in the town’s historic fire station. The museum features a wide range of fashion artifacts, including clothing, accessories, and textiles.
The Blandford Flyer Brewery
The Blandford Flyer Brewery is a small craft brewery located in Blandford Forum. The brewery produces a range of beers, including the famous Blandford Flyer, which is brewed with ginger. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and sample the beers.
Natural Wonders
Hambledon Hill
Hambledon Hill is a stunning natural landmark located just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The hill is an Iron Age hillfort and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site located just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The coast features stunning cliffs, beaches, and rock formations, and is home to a wide range of wildlife.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Crown Hotel
The Crown Hotel is a great place to enjoy a night out in Blandford Forum. The hotel features a traditional pub, a restaurant, and a cozy bar. The bar serves a wide range of cocktails, wines, and beers.
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is another great place to enjoy a night out in Blandford Forum. The pub features live music, comedy nights, and quiz nights, and has a great selection of local beers and ciders.
Local Markets
Blandford Forum Market
The Blandford Forum Market is a great place to find local produce, crafts, and gifts. The market is held every Thursday and Saturday and offers a wide range of products at affordable prices.
Dorchester Market
The Dorchester Market is a historic market located just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The market features a wide range of products, including food, clothing, and crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is a stunning beach located on the Jurassic Coast, just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The beach features a natural arch and crystal-clear waters.
The Purbeck Hills
The Purbeck Hills are a range of hills located just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The hills offer stunning views of the countryside and are a popular destination for hiking and biking.
Cultural Immersion
The Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange is a historic building located in the heart of Blandford Forum. The building hosts a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
The Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
The Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum is a unique museum located in Dorchester, just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s legal history and features interactive exhibits and displays.
Art and Music Scene
The Blandford School of Dance
The Blandford School of Dance is a great place to enjoy live performances in Blandford Forum. The school hosts a wide range of dance performances, including ballet, modern dance, and jazz.
The Tivoli Theatre
The Tivoli Theatre is a historic theater located in Wimborne, just a few miles from Blandford Forum. The theater hosts a wide range of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
Walking Tours
Historic Town Walk
The Historic Town Walk is a great way to explore Blandford Forum’s rich history. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the town’s Georgian architecture and offers