Malta Close Memorial

Standing on this quiet stretch of Dorset countryside, you'd hardly know you're at the site of one of the most devastating air raids of the Second World War. Malta Close Memorial marks the spot where German bombers targeted what they believed was a military installation on 15th August 1942, but instead hit a row of terraced houses, killing 11 civilians including several children.

The simple stone memorial bears the names of those who died, a sobering reminder that the war reached far beyond London's blitz. It's a brief but moving stop - you won't need more than twenty minutes here. The memorial sits in a residential area just outside Dorchester, easily missed unless you're specifically looking for it.

History enthusiasts will appreciate this lesser-known piece of wartime heritage, though families with young children might find it a bit sombre for a day out. There's limited parking nearby, so it works best as a quick detour rather than a main destination.

From the holiday parks around Weymouth Bay and Warmwell, it's an easy drive inland and makes sense combined with a visit to Dorchester itself. The county town has proper shops, cafes and the excellent Dorset Museum if you want to make more of the journey.