Deepest Dorset

Thomas Hardy's Wessex, Lawrence of Arabia & the Tolpuddle Martyrs

Milton Abbas

Through the narrow lanes of rural Dorset

View RouteView Gallery

• Just half an hour from Bournemouth, we first visit the picturesque thatched village of Milton Abbas, famously moved by Lord Milton, 1st Earl of Dorchester in 1780.
• Visit the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum (free entrance), and learn about the Dorset farm workers who stood together, and paid the price of transportation to Australia. Their actions contributed to the birth of the Trade Union movement in Britain. Time also for morning tea/coffee.

Lawence of Arabia

• See the Martyrs' Tree under which they held their secret meetings.
• Visit Hardy’s Cottage in Higher Bockhampton, where Thomas Hardy wrote Far from the Madding Crowd and Under the Greenwood Tree. (Optional entrance, not included. Free to NT members).
• See the watercress beds that feed on the crystal clear chalk springs, and learn about how they grow this wonderful peppery salad.
• In Moreton, visit the final resting place of Lawrence of Arabia and hear what brought him to this area and the mysteries that surrounded his tragic early death.

Whistler's Engraved Glass

• Take a stroll down to the River Frome and look out for fish as they cross the shallow gravel at Longbridge Ford.
• The Old School House in Moreton has been turned into a wonderful tearoom, with a sunny terrace for a light lunch or cream tea.
• Having been hit by a WWII bomb, when St Nicholas’ Church in Moreton was rebuilt, instead of using stained glass, a series of spectacular engraved glass windows were created by Laurence Whistler. These windows are now world famous and are truly magical to see.
• Heading back we stop to view Hardy's Egdon Heath, the unique landscape, home to the rare Dartford Warbler and Smooth Snake.
• A brief stop at Wool Bridge to see Woolbridge Manor, ‘home’ of Tess of the d'Urbervilles, before driving back through the old Saxon market town of Wareham.

What to Bring

• Sensible outdoor footwear.
• Appropriate clothing - if in doubt bring another top, you can always leave it on the minibus.
• Don't forget your camera and/or binoculars.
• Sunscreen and a hat.