Sturminster Newton

The River Stour meanders lazily through this proper market town, its waters once powering the mills that made Sturminster Newton a thriving centre of trade. Today it's a quietly satisfying place that feels genuinely lived-in rather than polished for tourists.

Sturminster Castle stands as the town's most obvious draw - though don't expect towering battlements. This 14th-century manor house ruin tells its story through weathered stone and peaceful gardens. The Sturminster Museum does a cracking job of bringing local history to life, housed in a lovely old building that's worth a visit on its own merit.

Thomas Hardy knew this area well, and you'll understand why as you explore the surrounding countryside. Bulbarrow Hill offers some of the finest views in Dorset - it's a bit of a trek but absolutely worth it on a clear day. The ancient earthworks here hint at settlements going back thousands of years. North Side Wood and West Wood provide gentler walking for those who prefer their exercise under a canopy of oak and ash.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The town sits on the A357 between Blandford Forum and Sherborne, with Templecombe station offering rail connections to London Waterloo in under two and a half hours. Sherborne, just eight miles south, provides more dining and shopping options if you fancy a change of scene.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Dorset. You're within easy reach of both the Dorset coast and the rolling hills of the Blackmore Vale, with Sherborne's abbey and gardens a short drive away. It's proper countryside here - the sort where you might find yourself chatting to farmers at the local pub and meaning it when you say you'll be back.