Day 1

The picturesque market town of Wimborne is set in the lush water meadows of the rivers Stour and Allen and is most famous for Wimborne Minster which houses the fascinating Chained Library.

Church of St Cuthburga - Wimborne's Minster Church

During your day here, make sure to visit The Treasures of Wimborne, which are unique attractions offering indoor and outdoor activities that all the generations can enjoy. Learn more of the quirky artefacts inside the gracious Minster Church, browse the shop and exhibitions at Walford Mill Crafts or be a giant in your own kingdom at the wonderful Wimborne Model Town.

Day 2

Spend some time meandering around Kingston Lacy which is just a short drive away from bustling Wimborne town centre. The National Trust's elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion is set in attractive formal gardens with extensive parkland and makes for a pleasant morning of discovery.

Wander around the house and enjoy the Spanish Room with its gilded ceiling brought from the Contarini Palace in Venice. Witness paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel and explore the largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK.

Exterior of Kingston Lacy

Take in the sights and sounds of the Japanese Garden, complete with authentic tea house or take a sheltered walk through the breathtaking woodland.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Signals Museum and learn more of signalling through history from semaphore to high tech cyber space. Discover how to break codes, guide laser beams and set up a satellite network while tracing the history of the British Army’s battlefield communications experts.

Day 3

Today, explore the archaeological honeypot of Cranborne Chase which inspired the father of modern archaeology, William Fox Pitt.

The stunning landscape of the Chase is scattered with barrows, hillforts and ancient roads. As you walk parts of Ackling Dyke you can easily imagine the sound of a Roman legions marching towards Old Sarum. Then you can investigate Knowlton Church and Rings, an atmospheric English Heritage site with Bronze Age rings and ruined church. Dig out your walking boots and discover the greatest views over rural Dorset at the Iron Age Fort at Hod Hill.

Display of horses at the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre

Animal lovers should certainly consider a visit to the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park and Rescue Centre. Set in the stunning rural Dorset landscape between Wimborne and Verwood you can learn more of the history and heritage of heavy horse breeds and their close working relationship with man throughout the ages. 

For the afternoon’s itinerary, learn more about the rich traditions of the Blackmore Vale and explore the pretty market town of Sturminster Newton with its picturesque water mill. Or, take a trip to Shaftesbury to ramble along the famous Gold Hill and visit the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum.

Optional Extras

Visit ‘the largest undercover market in the south of England’ where you can find farmers market, flea market and car boot. Wimborne Market is well-known for its great market which is held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

While you're there visit the Wimborne Tourist Information Centre for more information and suggestions of how to make the most of your exploration.

Don't forget to tag us on Social Media when posting about your short break with the hashtag #visitdorset