Things to see and do
Woodfrys is in easy reach of four counties with many things to do on the farm, on our doorstep and
a little bit further afield
Hungry? Check out our Eat page for some local recommendations
We're constantly reviewing and updating this page so if you've been somewhere great that you think we should add then please get in touch
On the farm
Fishing
You are welcome to fish in the lake. It was originally stocked with coarse fish, but we do have a visiting otter so most of the large fish are long gone! There's lots of smaller rudd and carp. You'll still need a rod licence. If you' like to do some serious fishing we'd recommend Todber Manor just down the road
Stream play & walks
The Sturkel chalk stream is beautiful for cooling your toes and a great place to chill out when it's sunny. The water meadow also has a number of criss-crossing paths so you can take a gentle stroll around the meadow. Look out for the orchids in May & June, and the barn owl and bats at twilight.
Straight from
the door
Mill walk
In the school holidays we run a short tour every evening when we feed and check the animals. Outside of school holidays, just ask and we'll happily take you around at 6pm. The workingfarm is usually out of bounds, so this is chance to get closer to the animals, hear about how we farm and see a different view of the valley.
Melbury Beacon short circular
You are welcome to fish in the lake. It was originally stocked with coarse fish, but we do have a visiting otter so most of the large fish are long gone! There's lots of smaller rudd and carp. You'll still need a rod licence. If you' like to do some serious fishing we'd recom,mend Todber Manor just down the road
Fontmell
The Sturkel chalk stream is beautiful for cooling your toes and a great place to chill out when it's sunny. The water meadow also has a number of criss-crossing paths so you can take a gentle stroll around the meadow. Look out for the orchids in May & June, and the barn owl and bats at twilight.
Stream play & walks
The Sturkel chalk stream is beautiful for cooling your toes and a great place to chill out when it's sunny. The water meadow also has a number of criss-crossing paths so you can take a gentle stroll around the meadow. Look out for the orchids in May & June, and the barn owl and bats at twilight.
Stream play & walks
The Sturkel chalk stream is beautiful for cooling your toes and a great place to chill out when it's sunny. The water meadow also has a number of criss-crossing paths so you can take a gentle stroll around the meadow. Look out for the orchids in May & June, and the barn owl and bats at twilight.
Stream play & walks
The Sturkel chalk stream is beautiful for cooling your toes and a great place to chill out when it's sunny. The water meadow also has a number of criss-crossing paths so you can take a gentle stroll around the meadow. Look out for the orchids in May & June, and the barn owl and bats at twilight.
Mill walk
Just across the road from us you can follow a footpath along the Sturkel enjoying views of the Mill & millpond. You can follow it to the A350, or turn off sooner to get back to us in a short circular route. N.B stiles to navigate
Melbury Beacon short circular
This is a lovely walk to do. Walk from the farm if you can manage a stile & hill or two. Or head up in the car to the National Trust car park for a couple of flat walks with stunning views. 45 minute circular straight from the farm.
Fontmell Down, & Airfield
A longer route from the farm, but a chance to stop for refreshments (book ahead) in the middle. Stunning views and a good hill climb. Chance to see planes flying if weather conditions allow. Pick up a map at the farm
Shaftesbury
It's a lovely walk or cycle to Shaftesbury. We recommend following the quiet lanes on this route to get their the most directly - expect a hill or two - it's not Saxon hilltop town for nothing! Lots of independent shops, cafes and two free museums to enjoy. We'd also recommend the tree top trail
Win Green & Tollard Royal
This is definitely a good days hike with some serious hill action. Thank goodness there's a pub in the middle too! The views from Win Green are amazing. If you don't fancy doing all of it, begin from the National Trust car park and follow this route
Cycling & Running Routes
There's so much choice for walking, running & cycling locally. Here's a couple of places to begin your research.
A short drive away
Duncliffe Wood
A 15 minute drive away you'll find the Woodland Trust's Duncliffe Wood. This is a fantastic place for a shady dog walk in the summer, or to escape the crowds
Trailway & Bere Marsh Farm
From Sturminster Newton you can pick up the North Dorset Trailway, an 14 mile stretch of railway line which is great for safe walking, cycling and running. Pop into Bere Marsh Farm and the Buzz cafe for refreshments. .
Hod & Hambledon Hill
If stunning flowers and clouds of butterflies are on your tick list, or you want to see two of the most exceptional hillforts in Dorset then visit Hambledon & Hod. Start from Child Okeford where there's a great village shop and a couple of pubs
Wardour Castle
Close to Tisbury, and the Ansty Farm Shop, Old Wardour Castle is run by English Heritage and is a 14th Century lightly fortified castle, also famous for appearing in Kevin Costner's Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
Stourhead Gardens
A 25 minute drive away is Stourhead, a world famous pleasure garden with a fantastic lakeside walk. All the convemiences you would expect from a National Trust gem including a independant pub, farmshop as well as NT cafe and historic house.
The Newt
If you fancy something a little up-market, how about a visit to the Newt, a newly created garden, with onsite restaurants, cider tours, and a history of gardening museum. A real foodie delight.
Further afield
Culture & Heritage Sites
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Stourhead (National Trust) – an unmissable landscape garden centered around a lake (25 minutes drive)
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Kingston Lacy (National Trust) – a showstopping house and estate, with great family play trails, fantastic paintings and plenty to do nearby (35 minutes drive)
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Wardour Castle (English Heritage) – A 14th Century castle which was also the film set for part of the Kevin Costner film 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'. (23 Minute drive). Can be paired up with a trip to Tisbury or a lovely lunch at the Forester Inn.
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Visit the Newt in Somerset. Fantastic food grown and produced onsite, extensive gardens, a history of gardening museum, a roman restoration and plenty more. Nearby Hauser & Wirth for an arty fix too. A foodie delight. (25 minutes drive)
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Visit the city of Salisbury with it's beautiful catherdral where you can see the Magna Carta
Beaches
Impossible to list and review all the Dorset beaches, so here’s a very edited list!
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Nearest is National Trust’s Studland Beach (45 mins drive). 4 miles of stunning beach with white sands and safe swimming. Dogs on leads. If it’s a beach type of day when the roads may get busy we recommend leaving here early (9am latest) to beat the queues. Free for NT members, or an all-day parking ticket. Check website for details. You pass Corfe Castle & Village on the way, and Swanage around the corner make for a great full day out.
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Durdle Door is another very famous beach and world heritage site. Does get super busy so same advice about leaving early applies. Needs to be seen once in a lifetime at least!
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Want to do beach with the dog – visit the Dorset Dog website https://dorsetdogs.com/ to find out where you can go off-lead / on lead. Many beaches have different rules so check before you go!
Dinosaur Hunting
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Kimmerage Bay & the Etches Collection Museum – A fantastic small museum in a stunning Purbeck location, with a walking trail, snokeling trail and great rockpooling. 50 mins drive. Great food above the beach too.
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Charmouth Beach – One of the safest places to have a go. An onsite visitor centre will give you lots of advice and daily fossil wardens will help out should you need it. 1hr 10 mins drive. Can stop in at Bridport, West Bay or Hardy Monument on your way.
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The Dinosaur Museum (great for 10 yrs and under), and the Dorset Museum in Dorchester. A great rainy day option. 45 minutes drive.
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Do check out the Fossil code and take great care - the Dorset cliffs are renowned for landslips, and high tides. Find out more here