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Things to do in Stalbridge and places nearby
Stalbridge is Dorset’s smallest town. It lies in the beautiful Blackmore Vale area of North Dorset, close to the Market town of Sturminster Newton and the historic town of Sherborne. It is an hour’s drive to the stunning beaches and coves of the Jurassic coast. Historic houses like The Newt, Sherborne Castle, Kingston Lacy, Stourhead and Longleat are within easy reach, as is the ancient hilltop town of Shaftesbury.
Stalbridge
There is plenty to do in Stalbridge, depending on how much time you are spending here. Stalbridge has its own website with events, activities, clubs and news, so do visit the site when you arrive to find out more.
Historic Places to visit
There are plenty of interesting places to visit during your stay in Stalbridge.
The Newt
The Newt in Somerset is a Country Estate, Reimagined. Their working estate in Somerset has acres of splendid gardens, woodland, farmland and cyder orchards to explore. “At The Newt in Somerset, they grow, make, butcher and bake some of the finest produce in the South West- all produced in harmony with the land and the unique conditions here in Somerset”.
Kingston Lacy
Discover Kingston Lacy, an opulent family home built to resemble a Venetian Palace.
There’s plenty to see, from spectacular artworks to beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a summer picnic on the south lawn, or let little visitors run wild in nearby play areas. Wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, which is being restored to Victorian splendour. Or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world’s oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle.
Stourhead
“When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery.
Uncover the fascinating history of Stourhead house with an Italian ‘Grand Tour’ adventure and enjoy the unique Regency library, Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings. The Palladian house is set amid ‘picnic perfect’ lawns and extensive parkland.
Explore the 1,072 hectare (2,650 acre) Stourhead estate where chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland are managed for wildlife”.
Longleat
“Drive through Britain’s No.1 Safari Park, right past some of our most astonishing residents. As you take in the spectacular scenery of the East African Reserve, don’t miss a visit to our specially designed viewing platform, where giraffe feeding is available daily at 10.30am from May until September^. This incredible opportunity gets you up-close to Longleat’s gentle giants, as they wander over to enjoy a branch or two straight from your hand”.
Shaftesbury
“Shaftesbury is a small market town in Dorset with a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The town is the home of Gold Hill (made famous by the “Hovis” advert) and has magnificent views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale.
The ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey and the Gold Hill Museum (Open April – October) are very popular together with the town’s many independent shops and Swan’s Yard, the creative heart of Shaftesbury”.
The beaches and Coves of The Jurassic Coast
Our world famous beaches and coves are just an hour away from The Old Drill Hall in Stalbridge.
Studland Bay
“A glorious slice of natural coastline in Purbeck featuring a four-mile stretch of golden, sandy beach, with gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Studland Bay is ideal for water sports and includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain. The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.
Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers”.
Lulworth Cove
“Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
Open every day, Lulworth welcomes thousands of people each year who come to enjoy the panoramic views and crystal clear waters on this stretch of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From rock-pooling and watersports, to walking, coasteering or just relaxing with an ice cream, this is a must-visit destination on the Dorset Coast”.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is an extremely popular beauty spot.
It is located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset and is part of the Jurassic Coast. The coastline is of such international geological importance that it was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is now part of a family of natural wonders including America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
The magnificent natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle. The name Durdle is derived from an old English word ‘thirl’, which means to pierce, bore or drill.
Man 'O War Beach
Man O’ War is a very popular beach of sand and fine pebbles on the east side of Durdle Door beach.
This section of coastline, including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which starts at Studland in Dorset and ends at Exmouth in Devon.
Man O’ War Beach is a picturesque cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
The beach is accessible via a steep footpath, there are no amenities available on the beach itself. Man O’ War Beach is a stunning destination that is sure to delight visitors.
No.3 The Old Drill Hall, Station Road, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RQ
Enquiries to: theolddrillhallstalbridge@gmail.com