The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Okeford Fitzpaine

The Okeford Hill Beacon (also known as the Armada Beacon) is a prominent landmark situated on the summit of Okeford Hill, offering a panoramic viewpoint that overlooks the Blackmore Vale. While the hill is famous for the Okeford Hill Bike ParkClick to open side panel for more information, the beacon remains a central point for community celebrations and a popular start for local walks. A Community Landmark The beacon structure is a symbol of local volunteerism and national history. Unique Construction: It was built entirely free of charge by a local scrap metal dealer and erected on land donated by a retired farmer. Historical Origins: Originally constructed in 1988, it was first lit as part of a nationwide chain of beacons to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Royal Celebrations: Since its creation, it has been used to mark significant royal milestones, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees. Commemorative Events: The beacon continues to be active for historical commemorations, such as the upcoming VE Day and VJ Day 80th anniversary lighting events organized by the Parish Council.

All aboard for a massive hit of nostalgia! Shillingstone Station is like a beautifully preserved 1950s time capsule tucked away in the Dorset countryside. Once a vital stop on the legendary Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (the "Slow and Dirty"), it’s now being lovingly restored by a team of dedicated volunteers. You can wander the original platforms, explore vintage signal boxes, and even have tea in a converted railway carriage. It’s the perfect spot to pretend you're an extra in Brief Encounter while the North Dorset Trailway hikers buzz past. No trains to Bath today, but the atmosphere is pure gold!

What an absolute cracking pit stop. Extremely good prices on all the food. Only stopped for few coffees and toasted teacakes. Friendly staff and very clean.

Fiddleford Mill is an 18th-century structure near the River Stour, mentioned in the Domesday Book. Although the mill building is disused and not open to the public, it is adjacent to the much older Fiddleford Manor, a magnificent 14th-century English Heritage property known for its spectacular timber roofs.

It is the Church of England Parish Church and is a notable building, designated as a Grade I Listed structure. History: The present church dates from a rebuild in 1486 by the Abbots of Glastonbury and retains a significant carved wagon roof. A popular walking route goes along Penny Lane and Church Lane to reach the churchyard, which is why it's closely associated with Penny Street.

Colber Bridge is an elegant Grade II Listed footbridge crossing the River Stour upstream of Sturminster Newton Mill. Built of cast iron and coursed rubble in 1841 by J. Conway, it stands near the ruins of the old railway bridge. It is particularly known as a popular and picturesque spot for wild swimming and is a featured landmark on many local walking trails, offering beautiful views of the Dorset countryside.

Sturminster Newton 'Castle' is the ruinous remains of a 14th-century medieval manor house constructed within the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort. Originally belonging to Glastonbury Abbey, it was later granted to Katherine Parr by Henry VIII. The remains, which are on private land, are a Grade II* listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Good forest paths up to Shillingstone hill. Beautifuleven without bluebells. Take St Edwards Way into Shillingstone for refreshments