The best walks and hikes around Hermitage

​Other Church Highlights ​The Napier Memorial: In the north chapel, there is a massive, cathedral-sized monument to Sir Nathaniel Napier (1725). It’s so large and impressive that it takes up the entire east wall of the chapel, featuring elaborate carvings that seem almost too grand for such a small village church. ​The "Road-Side" Entrance: Unusually, the main doorway is located in the west face of the tower and opens directly onto the main A352 road—so watch your step as you exit! ​Trafalgar Ties: Look for the memorial to Henry Digby, who commanded the HMS Africa during the Battle of Trafalgar. ​The church is often described as having "magnolia-washed" walls, which provides a bright, clean backdrop for the heavy, historic stonework. It’s a quiet, reflective place where you can literally stand over the roots of the Churchill family tree.

The St Andrew's Church in Minterne Magna is a small, late-medieval gem that feels more like a private family chapel due to its close ties with the neighboring Minterne House. ​While the church has bits and pieces from the 15th century, including its font and bells, it is primarily famous as the resting place and memorial site for the families who shaped British history—specifically the Napiers and the Churchills. ​The Churchill Connection ​Before the Churchills moved on to Blenheim Palace, Minterne was their family seat. The church holds some of the earliest monuments to the dynasty: ​The "Original" Sir Winston: In the floor near the pulpit, you’ll find a grave slab for John Churchill (d. 1659), the father of the first Sir Winston Churchill (who was the great-great-grandfather of the WWII Prime Minister). ​General Charles Churchill (d. 1714): On the north wall of the nave, there is a grand, ornate 18th-century monument to the younger brother of the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Charles was a hero in his own right, fighting alongside his brother at the Battle of Blenheim. ​Ellen Churchill: Nearby lies a slab for Ellen, the Duke of Marlborough’s sister.

The gardens were influenced by the legendary Capability Brown, but they are most famous for their "Himalayan" style, featuring a world-renowned collection of rhododendrons and azaleas sourced from early botanical expeditions. ​Fascinating Residents ​The halls of Minterne have seen some truly eclectic characters: ​Admiral Henry Digby: A naval hero who commanded HMS Africa at the Battle of Trafalgar. ​Jane Digby: Perhaps the most scandalous resident, she was a Victorian adventuress who had several high-profile marriages before eventually marrying a Bedouin Sheikh and spending her final 25 years in Syria. ​Pamela Harriman: Born Pamela Digby, she was a socialite and diplomat who eventually became the U.S. Ambassador to France. ​Today, the house remains a private family home, though the Minterne Gardens are open daily for visitors. While the house itself is generally closed to the public, exclusive guided tours led by Lord Digby himself are occasionally offered, providing a rare look at the

Minterne House is a grand Dorset estate that Lord Digby famously calls the "cradle of the Churchill dynasty." While the current house was rebuilt in 1905 after a nasty bout of dry rot, the story of the land and its families stretches back centuries. ​A Tale of Two Families ​The house has been the seat of just two families since 1620: the Churchills and the Digbys. ​The Churchill Connection: The first Sir Winston Churchill (ancestor to the PM) lived here in the 1600s. His eldest son, the Great Duke of Marlborough, spent his childhood at Minterne but famously had to "settle" for Blenheim Palace after his younger brother inherited the family home instead. ​The Digby Takeover: In 1768, Admiral Robert Digby bought the house on a "walk-in, walk-out" basis, meaning he bought everything—even the furniture and the original Churchill tapestries, which remarkably still hang in the house today. ​A "Himalayan" Oasis:

The gravel tracks at Minterne Magna offer a smooth, relaxed loop through a "Himalayan" paradise in Dorset. Wander past cascades and rare trees on easy-going paths—it’s pure tranquillity, minus the mountain climbing!

The Cerne Abbey Abbot's Porch is a stunning, three-story fragment of history that serves as a grand reminder of the abbey's former glory. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit and admire the intricate stonework and that iconic two-story oriel window. ​It feels wonderfully peaceful, tucked away at the end of Abbey Street. Since it’s one of the few pieces of the 15th-century monastery still standing, it has a very grounded, quiet presence. It’s perfect for a slow wander when you want to soak up the medieval atmosphere without any rush.

Hidden behind the church lies the Silver Well, a mystical pool where Saint Augustine allegedly tapped the ground and told the water to "get a move on." It’s famous for "healing" properties, though mostly it’s just great at chilling your ankles. Legend says drinking the water at sunrise brings babies or visions; nowadays, it just brings hikers looking for a quiet spot to contemplate why they wore sandals. A peaceful, leafy nook for some holy hydration!

Standing tall since the 1300s, St Mary’s is where you go to feel ancient and slightly judged by stone gargoyles. It boasts a stunning 15th-century tower and a posh stone screen that’s older than your family tree. Don't miss the medieval wall paintings—they’ve survived centuries of damp and hymns. It’s the perfect, holy spot to pray for forgiveness after giggling at the Giant’s nakedness just five minutes up the road. Amen to that!