Kingston Maurward

Now an Agricultural College but the gardens and grounds are open to the public. Ideal for picnics, admiring the ducks and swans and leisurely walks around the lake. Look out for special events like the Lambing weekends in March and the Lakeside Magic concerts in July.

Maiden Castle

Maiden Castle is one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe. The multiple ramparts enclose a huge area capable of sheltering several hundred people. Excavations have shown the site to date back to 4,000 BC and revealed human remains which linked the site to the Roman invasion in AD 43.

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Cerne Abbas

No trip to Dorchester is complete without viewing the at times rather chilly Cerne Giant - a club wielding figure carved in the hillside. Drive almost through Cerne on the A352 and you will see a car park and viewing area on the right.

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Kingston Lacey

Kingston Lacey is one of the treasures of the National Trust which describes it as an elegant country mansion with important collections, set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. Old Master paintings, with works by Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghel.

Portland

Try this inspiring walk. Once you are on Southwell Road leave the car at the clifftop parking area on the left. Walk along the road another 200 metres and turn left on a track. This takes you through the old quarries all the way to the Bill. Allow 2 hours for the walking but there is a cafe with seats outside at the Bill.

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New Forest

Yes, that's just an hour to the New Forest! So if you've never visited, even a half day trip will give you a flavour of this National Park now famous for its free roaming ponies! Ideal for walks and cycle rides through the woods and heathlands. The directions take you to the road where this photo was taken.

More information about Visiting The New Forest