Attractions and Places To See around Pulham - Top 20

The Pulham area in Dorset is rich in history. You can explore the ancient and mysterious Cerne Abbas Giant, a 55-meter-high chalk figure carved into a hillside. Another significant historical site is Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum, a beautifully restored 1863 station offering insights into railway history. Don't miss Sherborne Abbey, a Grade I listed building with a history spanning from a Saxon cathedral to a Benedictine abbey, showcasing diverse architectural styles. Additionally, Sturminster Newton Mill, a working flour mill with origins dating back to at least 1016, provides a glimpse into industrial heritage.

Yes, several attractions around Pulham are great for families. Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum is a fantastic spot where children can see restored trains and learn about railway history. The North Dorset Trailway offers a safe, traffic-free path perfect for family bike rides or walks. Sherborne Abbey and Sturminster Newton Mill also welcome families, offering engaging historical experiences.

The Pulham area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. The North Dorset Trailway is a popular off-road gravel path, largely flat and traffic-free, ideal for cycling and walking. For those interested in more extensive routes, you can find various options for gravel biking, mountain biking, and easy hikes around Pulham, with routes like the Hodway Lane Trail and paths near the Cerne Abbas Giant.

For an easy walk or cycle ride, the North Dorset Trailway is highly recommended. This nine-mile, largely traffic-free gravel path runs between Sturminster Newton and Blandford Forum, offering flat terrain and scenic views, including the iron age hill fort at Hod Hill. It's perfect for a relaxed outing.

The most iconic natural feature and viewpoint is the Cerne Abbas Giant. While a man-made monument, its location on Trendle Hill offers marvellous views of the surrounding Dorset countryside. The North Dorset Trailway also provides great views of the Hod Hill iron age hill fort and the rewilded farmland.

The best viewpoint for the Cerne Abbas Giant is often from Acreman Street, where you can get a marvellous perspective of the 55-meter-high chalk figure. You can also hike up to the carving via various footpaths, though it lies quite high on the rounded hill, making the valley view often preferred for its full scale.

At Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum, you'll find a restored 1863 railway station that now functions as a museum. It features rolling stock and engines, offering a fascinating look into railway history. The station also has a cafe and shop, typically open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Yes, Sturminster Newton Mill is a beautiful working flour mill that dates back to at least 1016, with the current building from 1650. It operates as a museum and still mills flour today. Visitors can enjoy the sound of the water and might even spot a local otter. It's open seasonally, so it's advisable to check opening hours before visiting.

Sherborne Abbey is renowned for its diverse architectural styles, reflecting its exceptionally long history. Founded in AD 705, the building has Saxon and Norman heritage, but much of its current appearance is due to an extensive rebuild during the 15th century. It's a Grade I listed building that has served as a Saxon cathedral, a Benedictine abbey, and now a parish church.

Absolutely! The North Dorset Trailway is an excellent choice for cyclists, being a traffic-free gravel path. For more adventurous riders, there are several gravel biking routes and MTB trails available, such as loops from Sturminster Newton that incorporate sections of the North Dorset Trailway.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The mystery and scale of the Cerne Abbas Giant are often highlighted, along with the peaceful, traffic-free experience of the North Dorset Trailway. The detailed restoration work at Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum and the architectural grandeur of Sherborne Abbey also receive high praise for their unique historical insights.