Sturminster Newton Area Guide
Part of the Local Community in Sturminster Newton & North Dorset
Before merging with Symonds & Sampson in 1990, the then Senior & Godwin’s roots in Sturminster Newton date back some 150 years. They were auctioneers at the livestock market, which was Britain’s largest calf market until it closed in 1997.
As a firm, we are proud to be part of the local community. We host fundraising events in Sturminster Newton for our nominated charities, and sponsor many local events, including the popular Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, Three Okefords Steam Rally, Stour Valley Discussion Club events, Marnhull Marathon, Dorset Show and Spring Show, and many local school and village fetes, open gardens, school events, art exhibitions and many more social and community events throughout the region. We are keen followers and supporters of local sporting events and sponsor Sturminster & Hinton Cricket Club. Take a look at what events we are involved in on our Events Page.
Out & About - Sport, Leisure and Culture in Sturminster Newton and North Dorset
There’s plenty to keep you active in and around Sturminster Newton, with thriving cricket, bowls, tennis at Marnhull , rugby, football and a renowned boxing gym. amongst many other activities, as well as a leisure centre.
Sturminster Newton has a fantastic reputation for entertainment, festivals and events. A regular farmers’ market, the cheese festival, chilli festival, and Sturminster-Newton Arts Week. The Exchange, seating 300, is an arts venue and community hub for Sturminster and the surrounding rural areas, with a diverse and eclectic programme of film, theatre,music and more .
Nestled in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, Sturminster Newton’s strong agricultural roots make it a quintessential English country town with a welcoming atmosphere. It lies in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, made famous by Thomas Hardy. The surrounding countryside is a gently rolling landscape of lush green fields, winding rivers, and hedgerow-lined lanes. Known as “the Vale of the Little Dairies,” it is traditional dairy farming country, dotted with small farms and historic villages. The River Stour weaves through the landscape, providing peaceful walking routes and wildlife habitats. This area inspired much of Thomas Hardy’s writing, with its timeless, pastoral beauty and quiet rhythm of rural life. It offers a peaceful escape into classic Dorset countryside, rich in heritage and charm.
Walks from the town lead you to Sturminster Newton Mill, an instantly recognised and often painted and photographed landmark close to the town. Further along the river, you’ll find Fiddleford Mill, and Cutt Mill.
The countryside surrounding Sturminster Newton is rich with picturesque villages to explore, and crisscrossed with walking trails, including The North Dorset Trailway which follows the path of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway for 14 miles from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury. It is a safe route for walkers, runners, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility scooters. Bulbarrow, Hod and Hambledon Hills tower over the Vale, offering fantastic views for those brave enough to scale their heights. Both within the town and throughout the surrounding villages, you’ll encounter a host of fantastic public houses, creative artists, makers and growers. Local craft and food fairs are not to be missed!