Cattistock

About

Known by many as the “knob-throwing village”, Cattistock’s recent rise to fame is thanks to a peculiar tournament of the same name held annually in the village. This quirky game, where one hurls a Dorset Knob Biscuit as far as they can, has rapidly grown in popularity. Coinciding with the Frome Valley Food Festival, the event attracts scores of visitors each year to test their arm power and sample some culinary delights from the 50 local food producers who attend.

The village itself is a cheery mixture of brick and stone cottages, especially in the centre triangle in front of the church where thatch and nice window mouldings identify the old ones from the more recent. The church is one of the finest 19th century churches in Dorset and is known locally as the Cathedral of the Frome Valley, with its stunning tower visible for miles around. The village also boasts the ‘Best Local Pub’ in the whole of Dorset, as voted for by customers and judges for the Taste of Dorset Awards 2009. The Fox and Hounds has fantastic recommendations, one of which by celebrity chef Matt Follas who describes it as one of the best pubs in Dorset serving “good, honest food with real ale on tap and the owners just run the business really, really well”. A village not to be missed then!