Blandford Forum is best known for its beer brewing history. However, Blandford is a great base for exploring the countryside and heritage of Dorset too.
Join one of the regular guided town walks to learn more about the heritage and architecture of this attractive and unique Georgian town. If you want to explore Blandford's top sights at your own pace, then why not follow the Blandford Heritage Trail which starts at the Information Centre.
Be adventurous in Blandford
If you are keen to get outside and add some adventure to your life, head for Gorcombe Xtreme Sports.
There's lots of outdoor activities to choose from including quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, paintballing, crazy foot golf, rage karting, archery, zorb football, axe throwing, challenge courses and lots more. They've even got an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi for those seeking a spot of relaxation during their visit.
If you're visiting with a group, they've got lots of fun activities for families, friends, hens, stags and corporate team building too.
Spot an Otter in Blandford Forum!
The banks of the River Stour and the surrounding water meadows are a lovely place to walk or have a picnic. Otters can often be seen on the River Stour - ask the team in the Information Centre about the best places for recent sightings.
The river is just a short walk from the Market Place in the town centre. To access the riverside paths and water meadows cross the Mortain footbridge and follow the Rotary Way footpath, which is a short riverside route suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Close by are longer walking and cycling routes including The North Dorset Trailway which follows the old railway lines and the Sustrans route 25.
Blandford's Brewery tours
A visit to the Hall and Woodhouse Brewery is a must for any lover of beer!
Discover the generations of brewing expertise with a brewery tour. The brewery is one of the few remaining family-owned breweries in England and is located at Blandford St Mary within walking distance of the town centre. Why not stay after your tour to eat or have a drink in the characterful Brewery Tap bar and restaurant?
A museum for all interests in Blandford
The Royal Signals Museum is a voyage of discovery - from Morse code to cyber warfare this hands-on museum is an interactive experience for all the family. Discover the fascinating stories of men and women at war and their tales of espionage, deception, interception, codes and code breaking. This museum is located on an army camp so adults must take photo identification with them.
The colourful history of Blandford Forum unfolds at Blandford Town Museum, where pre-historic meets modern history in a refurbished old coach house. See a variety of displays including an exhibit depicting the 1731 fire that destroyed the medieval town of Blandford. Afterwards, spend time relaxing in the Victorian kitchen garden.
Guided walks run throughout the summer to help you discover some of the history of this unique Georgian town. The town guides are local members of the Blandford and district civic society, and you can find out more from the Information Centre.
A friendly welcome and a traditional tearoom serving Dorset cream teas with courtyard can be found at The Blandford Fashion Museum in Lime Tree House. This private collection of historic costumes dating from 1730’s to the 1970’s includes beautiful collections: Ladies of Dorset, Styles that Changed Fashion, After the War, and Retro. The exhibits show a chronological look at dress scenes of everyday life from the 1920’s to the 1970’s.
Blandford's hill forts and ancient monuments
Blandford is surrounded by wonderful countryside, covering a wide range of natural habitats.
The history of the area can be discovered by exploring the ancient monuments and spectacular hill forts in this part of the county. Hod Hill Iron Age fort's ramparts once protected a large village of around 250 houses. Hambledon Hill is now a National Nature Reserve and one of Dorset's most impressive Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts.
Badbury Rings is situated between Blandford Forum and Wimborne Minster and is an Iron Age Hill Fort. The site dates from around 800 BC and is now under the guardianship of the National Trust who have designed a dog friendly, 2 hour walk to help you enjoy the site and the surrounding countryside.
Events and festivals of Blandford
Blandford Forum and the surrounding villages hold lots of events throughout the year, including Teddy Rocks Festival, DorsetFest and the Yuletide Festival at Christmas.
Nearby in the village of Sturminster Newton is the annual Cheese Festival, and at the Larmer Tree Gardens there are several popular festivals throughout the year.
For further suggestions on things to see and do, visit the local Information Centre for some friendly advice.
Blandford Heritage Trail
