At the very heart of Hardy country, in an area rich in history, our cottage is an ideal base from which to explore Dorset’s stunning coastline, its historic towns and villages, and its many spectacular country houses and gardens.

include the pretty village of Cerne Abbas with the famous Cerne Giant carved into the hillside, Sherborne Castle, Thomas Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate, the Swannery and Sub Tropical Gardens at Abbotsbury, Dorchester’s Roman Villa, and the ancient hill fort at Maiden Castle which has its origins in the Neolithic Age.

England’s first natural World Heritage Site. This unique coastline, stretching for 95 miles from Orcombe Rock, Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in East Dorset, is one of the wonders of the natural world, on a par with other world famous sites (see www.jurassiccoast.com for more information). Enjoy spectacular coastal walks with stunning views.

Studland Bay (26 miles), picturesque Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door (14 miles), Ringstead Bay (11 miles), the seaside town of Weymouth (8 miles), or Lyme Regis (24 miles), the setting for the book and subsequent film ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’.

Why not visit some of our historic country homes and gardens, such as Montacute House, Forde Abbey, Athelhampton House, Kingston Lacy and Kingston Maurward.

include the Devon & Dorset Regimental Museum and the Dorset County Museum, both in Dorchester, the Tank Museum at Bovington, and Monkey World nearby, St Nicholas' Church at Moreton with its beautiful engraved glass windows by Laurence Whistler, and T E Lawrence’s grave nearby.

During the season, fishing is available on the River Frome, which is within walking distance of the cottage. See www.grhe.co.uk for further information, or call Ray on 01305 266500, to book tickets for next season.