The best walks and hikes around Stoke Abbott

Gemini said If you find yourself in the rolling hills of West Dorset, the Church of St John the Baptist in Broadwindsor is a classic, "slow-paced" country church that packs a surprising amount of history into its quiet stone walls. It’s perched on a high spot right in the heart of the village, looking out over the square like it’s been keeping watch forever (which, to be fair, it mostly has). Here’s why it’s worth a wander: A Royal Fugitive’s Hiding Spot The village’s biggest claim to fame involves a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. After losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651, King Charles II fled for his life and spent a night right here in Broadwindsor. While the King was hiding in a nearby inn (now private cottages), Parliamentarian soldiers actually arrived in the village to search it. Legend says he only escaped because a local woman went into labor in the same building, causing such a chaotic distraction that the soldiers moved on without finding him. He eventually escaped to France, but the church stands as a silent witness to that tense night. The "Witty" Rector In the 1630s, the church was led by Thomas Fuller, a man described as one of the first English writers to actually make a living from his pen. He was famous for his "pregnant wit" and once said, "Charity begins at home, but should not end there." * Even today, the village is very proud of him—you’ll often find his quotes inscribed in the local community pub, The White Lion, just down the road. What to Look For Inside The "Wonky" Architecture: The church has a mix of styles because it’s been rebuilt and patched up over nearly 900 years. You’ll see heavy, rounded Norman arches on one side of the nave and more pointed "Early English" ones on the other. It gives the interior a slightly mismatched, organic feel. The Ancient Font: There is a square font made of Purbeck Marble that dates back to the early 1200s. It’s been used to baptize village children for eight centuries. The Bells: The tower holds a ring of six bells. Some of them are "pre-Reformation," meaning they’ve been swinging in that tower since before Henry VIII broke away from Rome. The "Compromise" Clock: If you’re there during the day, you’ll hear the clock chime. There was a recent local debate about whether it should chime at night; in a very "British village" move, they compromised—it now stays quiet from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM so the neighbors can sleep!

The summit of this hill represents the second highest point in Dorset, and from here, you'll have breathtaking panoramic views. At the top, there was an Iron Age hillfort, which was excavated in the mid-20th century.

At the heart of the village, you'll find this lovely church, with its churchyard, of which the oldest parts are known to date back to the 12th century, in a Norman Romanesque style. During the Victorian era, it underwent significant restoration, so you can see signs of this period in its exterior appearance.

If you walk up the road you will miss this delight!

There are plenty of historic buildings and manors in Dorset, but Pilsdon Manor is special. This 17th century house is now home to the Pilsdon Community, a Christian organisation that provides shelter for those experiencing hardships. Those who need some time out from the difficulties of everyday life can stay at the house and enjoy a serene space to recover and enjoy the room to think and relax. You can find out more about the wonderful Pilsdon Community at https://www.pilsdon.org.uk/

Standing at 915 feet (279 m) Lewesdon Hill is the highest point in Dorset. The trees open in places reveal breathtaking views which stretch over Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and out to sea. In spring, the woodland erupts into colour with bluebells and in autumn the golden leaves and fungi make it an enchanting place to explore. There are also remains of an Iron Age hill fort here. The site is in the care of the National Trust. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lewesdon-hill.

Broadwindsor is a sleepy village nestling in the serene Dorset countryside. It has a pub, a little shop, as well as a listed 12th-century church, making it a perfect place stop for a while.

Pilsdon Pen affords fine views over the rolling Dorset countryside. In clear conditions, you can see Golden Cap, Marshwood Vale, and the ocean to the south, Exmoor and the Quantocks to the west, the Hardy Monument to the east, and the Polesden and Mendip hills to the north. Atop the hill is an Iron Age fort and archaeologists have found flint tools here that date back 10,000 years. The hill is in the care of the National Trust. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/pilsdon-pen.