Attractions and Places To See around Hooke - Top 20

Gemini said If you find yourself in the rolling hills of West Dorset, the Church of St John the Baptist in Broadwindsor is a classic, "slow-paced" country church that packs a surprising amount of history into its quiet stone walls. It’s perched on a high spot right in the heart of the village, looking out over the square like it’s been keeping watch forever (which, to be fair, it mostly has). Here’s why it’s worth a wander: A Royal Fugitive’s Hiding Spot The village’s biggest claim to fame involves a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. After losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651, King Charles II fled for his life and spent a night right here in Broadwindsor. While the King was hiding in a nearby inn (now private cottages), Parliamentarian soldiers actually arrived in the village to search it. Legend says he only escaped because a local woman went into labor in the same building, causing such a chaotic distraction that the soldiers moved on without finding him. He eventually escaped to France, but the church stands as a silent witness to that tense night. The "Witty" Rector In the 1630s, the church was led by Thomas Fuller, a man described as one of the first English writers to actually make a living from his pen. He was famous for his "pregnant wit" and once said, "Charity begins at home, but should not end there." * Even today, the village is very proud of him—you’ll often find his quotes inscribed in the local community pub, The White Lion, just down the road. What to Look For Inside The "Wonky" Architecture: The church has a mix of styles because it’s been rebuilt and patched up over nearly 900 years. You’ll see heavy, rounded Norman arches on one side of the nave and more pointed "Early English" ones on the other. It gives the interior a slightly mismatched, organic feel. The Ancient Font: There is a square font made of Purbeck Marble that dates back to the early 1200s. It’s been used to baptize village children for eight centuries. The Bells: The tower holds a ring of six bells. Some of them are "pre-Reformation," meaning they’ve been swinging in that tower since before Henry VIII broke away from Rome. The "Compromise" Clock: If you’re there during the day, you’ll hear the clock chime. There was a recent local debate about whether it should chime at night; in a very "British village" move, they compromised—it now stays quiet from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM so the neighbors can sleep!

Stopped there a few times and had an excellent lunch. £££s - starters £12-£14. Bit rough and ready / make do and mend. But majors on (Italian) food and the pizza's are highly regarded. I'd think this would be a good coffee stop. Annoyingly the Evening Standard has found it so expect more 'loud, well-dressed, well-informed families' obviously slumming it! Not sure that will increase the appeal for me. Also has campsite. Has a bit if a night life/scene going on at weekends. One negative - a bike rack is in place now but it is not the best and pretty insecure. Not sure you can keep your bike(s) in view. https://www.bredyfarm.com/about/ https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/dorset-foodies-drink-guide-best-hotels-b1176678.html

At the heart of the village, you'll find this lovely church, with its churchyard, of which the oldest parts are known to date back to the 12th century, in a Norman Romanesque style. During the Victorian era, it underwent significant restoration, so you can see signs of this period in its exterior appearance.

Set in the rolling hills of the Somerset and Dorset border. There are lots of pretty wildflowers and great views across the lovely blue waters, which attract a wide variety of butterflies such as Small Skipper and Marble White.

Food is now served on a Monday for the summer!

Good atmosphere, scenery and facilities (picnic area and loos)

As djcwey2402 says this is a much easier going now and even a few less gates. Used in winter after a bit of rain and it was fine - it would have involved a bit of walking in the old state.

This section of National Cycle Route 26 (and as such very well signposted) is very quiet - I passed one car and an off-road motorcycle. It is now predominantly dressed with chippings other than a few small sections passing through farmyards that are concrete.