The best hikes from bus stations in West Dorset

A picturesque trek, with relatively easy paths and very enjoyable.

* It lies southeast of the deserted medieval village of Bingham's Melcombe, the remains of which can still be seen in the surrounding fields.

* Architectural Features: The church exhibits features typical of the 14th and 15th centuries, including reticulated tracery in some windows, ogee-headed lights, and a tower with an embattled parapet. The south chapel has panel tracery. * Interior Elements: Inside, you can find a Norman font (brought from a nearby chapel in 1951), a pulpit bought in 1723, and 17th-century communion rails. A unique feature is a stuffed owl intended to deter bats! * Horsey Chapel Screen: The oak screen separating the Horsey Chapel from the nave is particularly interesting, featuring the initials S.T.F. (for Sir Thomas Freke) and the date 1619 on the reverse. Location and Setting: * The church is situated in the grounds of Bingham's Melcombe, a significant medieval manor house.

A church has stood on this site since at least 1150 AD, with records dating back to that time held in the County Museum Library. * 14th Century Core: The present stone and flint building largely dates back to the mid-14th century. This includes the nave and the lower stage of the west tower. * 15th Century Additions: The upper stage of the tower and the rebuilding of the south (Horsey) chapel occurred in the 15th century. The Horsey Chapel is separated from the nave by a notable oak screen. * 19th Century Chancel: The chancel was added in 1844 and features a window with reticulated tracery, in keeping with some of the earlier styles.

End of the Esplanade past the rocks on the beach is great at sunset

To explain the patronage of this place of worship, which is not dedicated to one person, but to the "Holy Trinity" - God the Father, God the Son and Holy Spirit; ONE God in THREE persons - from the publisher's information for the book "GOD, YOU THREE" by Father Reinhard Körner: "For Father Reinhard Körner, the Trinity is ... a certainty that can be experienced in life. He takes the reader on a journey of discovery of his personal faith history: to the one God in three persons - to God who is community. In spiritual literature from the past and present, in art and in theology, he finds this ... Christian view of God. Living with the triune God can change one's own faith, one's own way of praying and living together with other people in the church, and ultimately also in society. Because a God who is community, relationship and love in himself means hope for all people. A secret worth rediscovering." (Source: https://www.borromedien.de/produkt-1994/gott_ihr_drei/11241557 )

An extensive oasis of relative calm compared with the open sea across Chesil Beach, the Fleet Lagoon is a vital shelter and feeding area for wildlife. This long, shallow stretch of water is England’s largest lagoon at around 480 hectares. Home to the famous Abbotsbury Swannery and large numbers of over-wintering Brent geese, the Lagoon draws wildlife watchers to its shores. Visitors can also see other resident and migrant birds like little terns, wigeon, pochard, coots, even an occasional passing osprey. In addition to its birds, the Fleet Lagoon Marine Protected Area also protects numerous plants and animals. Several marine plants like seagrasses, stoneworts and salt marsh, and animals like lagoon sandworms, lagoon sand shrimps and the rare DeFolin’s lagoon snail all benefit from the Fleet’s status as an MPA. The Fleet Lagoon is also an important nursery area for several types of fish like bass, black bream, sand smelt, mullets and gobies. Commercial fishing does occur in the Fleet although it is tightly controlled and limited in its extent. Toward the seaward end, oysters are also farmed commercially.

Quaint little fishing harbour with eateries and places to sit and enjoy the views