Attractions and Places To See in East Dorset - Top 20

Lots of fun to cross. Either wheelie your bike across or sit on it and scoot over. Watch your tyres don't fall into the gaps!

St. Giles Church is known for its numerous monuments, particularly those dedicated to the Earls of Shaftesbury. Sir Anthony Ashley's Tomb: A historic highlight is the spectacular gilded tomb of Sir Anthony Ashley, dating to 1628. The tomb features intricate classical columns and symbolism. A curious detail is a sphere at his feet, which has been the subject of various theories, including that it represents a globe, a jewel, or even a cabbage. Ashley-Cooper Family Memorials: The church houses several other memorials to the Ashley-Cooper family, including tombs for the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 9th Earls. The 1st Earl's memorial includes a bust by Rysbrack, and the 3rd Earl's is a grand wall monument by Scheemakers. Crusader Effigy: There is a much-restored 14th-century effigy of a crusading knight, believed to be Sir John de Plecy. Comper's Work: The interior is almost entirely a result of Sir Ninian Comper's restoration. This includes the highly decorated screen separating the nave and chancel, new stained glass windows, and the gilded tester over the altar.

19th-Century Gothic Revival: In the 19th century, the church was remodeled twice. The most significant work was in 1887, a Gothic Revival-style memorial to the 8th Earl of Shaftesbury. The 1908 Fire and Comper's Restoration: A catastrophic fire in 1908 destroyed most of the church's interior, leaving only the walls standing. The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury commissioned the renowned Gothic Revival architect Sir Ninian Comper to restore and rebuild the church. Comper's work, completed between 1908 and 1910, is considered one of his masterpieces. He kept the 18th-century external walls but completely redesigned the interior, adding a new north aisle and a lady chapel. His intricate work, including stained glass, a wooden screen, and numerous sculptures, makes the church a "treasure-house of Comper work," as described by Sir John Betjeman.

St. Giles Church is the parish church for the village of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset. It has a rich and complex history, marked by several rebuilds, a major fire, and the patronage of the Ashley-Cooper family, the Earls of Shaftesbury. The church's origins date back to at least the 13th century, with the first recorded rector in 1207. The current building is a fascinating mix of architectural styles due to its turbulent history. 18th-Century Georgian: The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1732 by the Dorset architects John and William Bastard, who were also responsible for much of the reconstruction of the town of Blandford Forum after a fire. The exterior of the church, with its greensand and flint walls, still largely reflects this Early Georgian design.

Bokerley Dyke is a substantial linear earthwork, approximately 5.75 kilometers (3.6 miles) long, located on Cranborne Chase. It runs along part of the border between Dorset and Hampshire, specifically between Woodyates and Martin. It is part of a larger Scheduled Monument that also includes Grim's Ditch and other earthworks. The dyke has a multi-period history. It is believed to have originated in the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age as an important political and cultural boundary. In the 1st century, it was cut through by a Roman road, Ackling Dyke, which ran between Old Sarum and Badbury Rings. In the 4th century, the dyke was remodeled and brought back into use. During this period, the Roman road was blocked. A coin of Valens found during excavations dates this activity to shortly after 364 AD, with some sources suggesting it was built between 367-368 AD. This remodeling may have been a defensive measure against attacks on Britain by Picts, Scots, and Saxons. The Roman road was eventually reopened, but the dyke may have continued to be used as a boundary after the Roman administration ended. Today, it still forms part of the border between the counties of Dorset and Hampshire.

nice ride

The Castleman Trailway is a 16.5-mile (26.5 km) route in Dorset, ideal for walking, cycling, and horse riding. It follows the old Southampton to Dorchester railway and offers scenic views of East Dorset and links settlements from Ringwood to Poole.

Great pub walk on the stour valley way