Local Information

General infomation about dorset can be found at http://www.dorsetforyou.com or you may prefer to browse through the links below for individual towns.

Axminster is a spectacular, unspoilt market town situated on the River Axe and is famous for its Axminster Carpets, invented by Thomas Whitty in 1775, a design similar to Turkish Carpets. Caster Hill House, where the carpets were originally produced can still be seen. The town has a number of shops which close at lunch time on a Wednesday. A Cattle and open street market is held every Thursday.

For further information on Axminster either visit http://www.essentialdevon.com or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01297 34386.

Beaminster is a conservation treasure surrounded by the beautiful undulating hills of the stunning Dorset countryside. The town was once a prosperous market town noted especially for the production of wool cloth, sailcloth, sackcloth, shoe-thread, rope and twine. The town was devastated three times by fire, first in 1644 during the Royalist occupation, then in 1684 and again in 1781. As a result, few of the finer 17th century houses survive. Nevertheless, there are still fine examples of Georgian buildings and picturesque 17th century cottages, and the whole of the town's historic centre is a Conservation Area featuring over 200 listed buildings. Beaminster stands at the head of Dorset's 'Hidden Valley', the historic Vale of the River Brit, which runs through Bridport. Not much has changed over time in this secluded vale. Its beauty and tranquillity still enthrall those visiting for the first time.

For further information on Beaminster either visit http://www.westcountrylinks.co.uk/map/beaminster.htm or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267 992.

Blandford Forum, situated on the River Stour, is an outstanding example of a Georgian town. The town was rebuilt following a fire in the 1730's and its buildings today remain little changed. The Church and Town Hall are particularly impressive. Blandford is also the home of Hall and Woodhouse Inns and Badger Beer breweries providing local ale that is sold throughout Dorset.

Blandford enjoys the twin benefits of being located within forty minutes drive from Bournemouth and Poole while retaining its traditional market town character. The town is the administrative centre of North Dorset and provides a range of shopping, health, education and sporting facilities.

For further information on Blandford Forum either visit http://www.blandford-tc.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01258 454770.

Bridport is a small busy resort consisting of an old town and a fishing port, famous then as now for being the main producer of ropes and still provides Wimbledon's tennis nets. The town is close to the coast and the picturesque harbour of West Bay. Bridport has its own brewery, a medieval Parish church, a weekly market and around 1,000 listed buildings. The town has several industrial estates, including a new greenfield estate at Gore Cross.

For further information on Bridport either visit http://www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01308 42490132.

Dorchester is a large country town with Roman origins. Remains of the original Roman wall and a Roman house can still be seen today. Overlooking the town is Maiden Castle, the largest of the many Iron Age hill forts scattered across the Dorset landscape. There are lots of shops within the town centre and a street market is held on a Wednesday.

For further information on Dorchester either visit http://www.visit-dorchester.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267 992.

Salisbury is an ancient city which first became important after the old town, Old Sarum was abandoned, and the new cathedral was built here in 1220. The town is full of old buildings from the 14th century onwards.

Salisbury is a regional shopping centre and has a market twice a week. There are lots of old inns to try and enjoy, or do some shopping in the town, there are traditional shops as well as three shopping centres. Salisbury has two theatres as well as the City Hall Entertainment Centre, a swimming pool, Leisure Centre with balloon flights, and a race course.

For further information on Salisbury either visit http://www.visitsalisbury.com or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01722 334956.

Sturminster Newton is situated on the banks of the River Stour and is a small market town with one of the most famous historic bridges in the county. It is also home to a 17th century working mill museum. Nearby, is Fiddleford Manor, a medieval manor house boasting a unique beamed ceiling, owned by English Heritage.

Sturminster's economy is based on agriculture but it does have a thriving industrial estate. To the west of the town a major new area of land has been earmarked for employment use. In addition a significant amount of land is available for housing in the town.

For further information on Sturminster Newton visit http://www.stur.co.uk.

Wimborne is a charming ancient historic market town, nestling between the rivers Allen and Stour. Wimborne Minster owes its Saxon foundation in 705 AD, to Cuthburger, Princess of Wessex. The twin-towered Minster church has several fascinating historical features, including a rare chained library and an astronomical clock. There is a monk's museum, owned by the National Trust, and a model village museum.

In Wimborne is the famous chain library and close by the Priest House, now a museum. The town's commercial importance is based on its industrial estates.

For further information on Wimborne visit http://www.wimborneminster.org.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01202 886116.

Yeovil , a large town on the South Somerset border. Probably best known locally as the home of Westland Helicopters. Yeovil has lots of facilities with local golf, swimming, fishing, a good theatre, cinema and parks.

Yeovil has the biggest shopping centre for many miles with its Quedam precinct and Denners department store. The town holds a twice-weekly street market and weekly cattle market.

For further information on Yeovil visit http://www.yeoviltown.com or http://www.visitsouthsomerset.com or call the Tourist Information Centre on 01935 462 991.