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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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  1. Blandford Forum's shops
    The market town of Blandford Forum
  2. The pretty river Stour at Blandford Forum
    The pretty river Stour at Blandford Forum

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Highlights

White Horse Farm

White Horse Farm

We offer a peaceful and relaxed self-catering holiday in beautiful rural Dorset. Four attractive…

Badger Watch Dorset

Badger Watch Dorset

Badger Watch Dorset has now re-opened - booking essential. From our hides, thrill at the sight of…

Keyneston Mill

Keyneston Mill

Keyneston Mill is open from 10am - 5pm (everyday except Tuesday). The Scented Botanist bistro has a…

Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages

Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages

Located in the heart of Hardy’s Dorset, Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages offers a relaxing break…

The Great Dorset Steam Fair

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you'll love…

Bookham Court

Bookham Court Holiday Cottages are 4/5 star cottages sleeping 2-9 guests.They enjoy panoramic views…

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*LATEST UPDATE* Henley Hillbillies will be closed for 2020. Quad Biking (8yrs +) and shooting…

English Oak Vineyard

Join the vineyard owners for a fascinating tour followed by a delicious wine tasting, sampling the…

Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in attractive formal…

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Ellwood Cottages offer three high-quality accessible conversions of traditionally built barns in a…

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  • 1White Horse Farm
  • 2Badger Watch Dorset
  • 3Keyneston Mill
  • 4Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages
  • 5The Great Dorset Steam Fair
  • 6Bookham Court
  • 7Henley Hillbillies
  • 8English Oak Vineyard
  • 9Kingston Lacy
  • 10Ellwood Cottages
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Located on the banks of the River Stour, Blandford Forum is the most complete, small Georgian town in England.

This north Dorset town has stunning architecture, a charming parish church and wonderful market place. It is also home to one of Dorset’s breweries – Hall & Woodhouse.

Fascinating town history

In the early 18th century, fires decimated much of the town, but it was largely rebuilt and is a wonderful example of Georgian architecture.

Most town centre buildings date from this early period and were designed by the Bastard brothers, noted architects of the time.

The Fire Monument in the Market Place acknowledges its fiery past and a visit to the Blandford Museum tells the intriguing story of the rebirth of the town.

Markets and Shopping

Surrounding the attractive market place is a variety of independent shops and boutiques, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

You will also find a mix of brand names and independent retailers along West Street, East Street and Salisbury Street. Don't forget to check out the shops found in the side streets and alleys including Barnack Walk, Hardys Yard, Georgian Passage and Tabernacle Walk.

For a local 'tipple' pay a visit to the Hall and Woodhouse Brewery and shop where you can buy bottles of famous Badger Beer.

There are also a number of indoor and outdoor markets in the town throughout the week.

Food and Drink

The historic town of Blandford has a wide variety of places to eat and drink ranging from independent coffee shops and cafes to the local brewery – brewing award winning Badger beers since 1777.

There are pubs, bars and bistros too, so there is plenty on offer for all occasions and budgets.

Many are now offering takeaway options for delivery to your door or to grab and go for a picnic in Dorset.

Blandford's biggest event!

The Great Dorset Steam Fair takes place annually on the late Bank Holiday weekend and is an amazing, fun and action packed day out for all the family. 

It’s the World’s largest heritage and cultural event and is a must for anyone interested in how people lived, worked and played in bygone years. 

With over 2,000 exhibits including an old time steam funfair,  it’s a huge, colourful festival that celebrates our national heritage.

Where shall we explore today?

Blandford Fashion Museum, located in Lime Tree House, a beautiful Georgian building, contains a  wonderful collection of fashions dating from the early 18th century to the 1970's and includes day wear, evening wear, wedding dresses and accessories.

Nearby Kingston Lacy is a lavish family home in rural Dorset countryside, built to resemble an Italian Palace. There’s plenty to see, from grand, beautifully detailed carvings, to intimate family souvenirs and even strange curiosities such as an ‘I owe you’ note from a king.  See paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel and the largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK. Enjoy a summer picnic on the lawn or let the children run wild in the nearby play areas. There’s plenty of space to explore on this 8,500 acre estate.

If you want to get out and about there are plenty of lovely walks in and around Blandford. 

The North Dorset Trailway is a splendid walking and cycling path that runs along a dismantled railway line from Stalbridge to Spetisbury via Blandford with regular views of the River Stour. 

If you'd like to walk a little further, the White Hart Link walking route links the 5 North Dorset towns in a 50 mile circular, passing through many pretty villages and idylic countryside.

Plan your break to Blandford

Feeling inspired to explore more of this beautiful part of north Dorset?  Start planning your break today.

In This Section

  1. Places to Eat and Drink in Blandford
    Eating Out and Takeaways
    Visit the brewery of Hall & Woodhouse and their famous range of Badger Beers. Discover the selection of independent coffee shops and places to eat in Blandford Forum and the surrounding villages.
  2. Hall and Woodhouse Brewery brewing equipment
    Things to see and do
    Discover the history and heritage of Blandford, family-friendly attractions and explore the countryside.
  3. Safari style tent with views of the countryside at Loose Reins in Dorset
    Places to stay
    Choose from town or country accommodation when you stay in Blandford Forum in Dorset. Hotels, camping and luxury farm glamping.
  4. Perfume produced in Dorset
    Shopping and markets
  5. Discover Wimborne & Rural Dorset with our 3 day itinerary
    Discover Wimborne & Rural Dorset with our 3 day itinerary

    Take time to discover more of Dorset's rural charm with our three day itinerary.

    21 Aug 2019
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