A Journey Through Time: Exploring Dorset’s Rich Heritage and Culture
A Journey Through Time: Exploring Dorset’s Rich Heritage and Culture
Dorset, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a county that offers a deep connection to England's heritage and culture. From ancient abbeys and historic fortifications to charming Georgian towns and picturesque villages, there are plenty of stories to uncover. The county's cultural tapestry is woven from centuries of tradition, reflected in its well-preserved architecture, vibrant local customs and the enduring legacies of its famous residents, such as Thomas Hardy.
Heritage Open Days (6-15 September) is an annual celebration in England that offers the public free access to thousands of historic buildings, landmarks and sites, many of which are typically closed to visitors or charge an entry fee. Held every September, this event showcases the country's rich cultural and architectural heritage through guided tours, exhibitions and special activities. Take the family to explore hidden gems, learn about local history, and engage with the stories and traditions that have shaped communities across the nation.
Here are a few fantastic HOD events taking place across Dorset this year.
Weymouth
Abbotsbury Abbey & St Catherine’s Chapel walking tours – Saturday 14th September
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland, this 14th-century chapel, built by monks from Abbotsbury Abbey, remains a serene place of pilgrimage. Today, visitors can hike up the hill to enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside and the abbey ruins, explore the chapel's nooks, and discover the 'wishing holes' where local women once prayed to St. Catherine for a husband.
Nothe Fort Open Day – Sunday 15th September
Weymouth's top heritage attraction offers stunning 360-degree views of Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Originally built as a Victorian coastal defence, the fort played a significant role during WWII and even housed a secret nuclear shelter from the 1980s. Saved from dereliction by the Weymouth Civic Society, the fort is now maintained by dedicated local volunteers. Visitors can explore a maze of underground tunnels, the nuclear shelter, a museum and large guns on the ramparts. We recommend spending 2-3 hours to explore everything this historic site has to offer.
Nuclear Bunker Tour – Sunday 15th September
Discover Nothe Fort's hidden history with an interactive guided tour of its secret nuclear bunker. In 1983, part of the fort was covertly converted into a local authority emergency control centre, designed to help a select few survive and rebuild after a nuclear strike. This tour offers a rare chance to explore the bunker and learn how this Victorian fort was repurposed during the Cold War.
Portland House Open Day – 13th-15th September
Portland House, a hidden gem on the Dorset coastline, greets visitors with a palm-fringed drive and a stunning 1930s interior that feels like an Agatha Christie film set. Retaining original features and filled with period furniture, the house offers a rare chance to step back in time. With large French windows opening onto two sun-drenched terraces overlooking the coast, this National Trust holiday cottage is only open to the public once or twice a year.
Tudor House – 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th September
A stone’s throw from Weymouth Harbour, Tudor House is one of the UK’s best preserved 17th century buildings. Visitors can explore this merchant’s house and receive a tour from a volunteer guide.
Dorchester
Max Gate – 7th-8th September
Max Gate, an austere yet sophisticated townhouse designed by Thomas Hardy in 1885, was his home in Dorchester, reflecting his success and social standing. Here, Hardy wrote famous works like Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. The house's original garden, with high walls and large trees, remains largely intact. Take part in guided tours to explore the life and legacy of Dorset's most famous author and poet.
Dorset Museum and Art Gallery – Sunday 15th September
Led by a trained guide, take a bespoke tour to learn about Thomas Hardy's life through a curated selection of objects, from his childhood to his adult years. Discover the hidden stories behind the displays and their connections to the social, historical and natural landscapes that inspired Hardy's Wessex. Whether you're a Hardy enthusiast or new to his works, this tour offers a deeper insight into his world.
Also on 15th September, you can go behind the scenes of the Collections Discovery Centre – there are over four million objects! Visit the Conservation Studio to discover the important work that preserves Dorset’s natural history, art, archaeology and social history for future generations.
The Keep Military Museum – Sunday 15th September
The Keep will be open for free with a new guide to the building itself, a children’s trail, craft activities and stalls. Local reenacting groups will put on free displays outside and around the museum.
Shire Hall Courthouse Museum – Sunday 15th September
The museum will be hosting free, bookable guided tours throughout the day to give visitors an insight into Shire Hall’s fascinating history – from the architectural value of the building to the important stories of people who were tried at Shire Hall.
Dorset History Centre – Sunday 15th September
DHC is offering free entry to an exhibition of Dorset architectural plans, alongside a selection of archaeological finds curated by the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Wimborne
Deans Court Guided Tour – Wednesday 11th September
This tour reveals the 1,300-year history of a manor house at the heart of a rural English community. Starting with an overview of the house and the Hanham family, visitors will explore rooms adorned with 500 years of ancestral portraits, tracing the house's journey from Saxon Church ownership to a home for adventurers, politicians, churchmen and soldiers.
Kingston Lacy – 12th-14th September
For free entry, you can explore stunning artworks, picturesque landscapes and 8,500 acres of diverse estate, from Iron Age hill forts to Victorian gardens. The house, rich in history, was shaped by the Bankes family over centuries, with William John Bankes creating its lavish interiors remotely from Venice. Discover remarkable paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Titian, along with the UK's largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Whether enjoying a summer picnic on the lawn or wandering through restored gardens, Kingston Lacy offers a unique blend of art, history and natural beauty.
Sherborne
Sherborne Abbey – 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th September
Discover 1,300 years of history at Sherborne Abbey with a guided tour led by expert guides. Explore this magnificent Dorset landmark, where two Saxon kings are buried, Thomas Wyatt lies at rest and Sir Walter Raleigh once worshipped. The abbey shop will be open and there’ll be trails for kids.
Steam and Waterwheel Museum – 7th, 8th September
The museum showcases the history of Sherborne’s water supplies and public health measures. Experience the vintage waterwheel and steam engines in operation and view audiovisual displays of restoration work.
Blandford
Blandford Fashion Museum – 14th September
Visit Blandford Fashion Museum, set in a beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian building built after the Blandford Great Fire of 1731. Enjoy cream teas and homemade cakes in the charming tearoom, and browse the gift shop featuring local crafts.
Guided Heritage Walk – 8th, 15th September
Join a two-hour guided walk through Blandford’s town centre, rebuilt after the Great Fire. Explore its rich Georgian architecture, including the Grade I listed parish church, Town Hall and Corn Exchange, all designed by 18th-century architects John and William Bastard. The tour also highlights notable sites like the birthplace of Alfred Stevens, designer of the Wellington Monument in St Paul’s Cathedral.
Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury, one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in Dorset, is famous for its stunning hilltop location and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. The town’s most iconic landmark is Gold Hill, a steep, cobbled street lined with charming cottages, made famous by a 1970s Hovis bread commercial. The view from the top of Gold Hill is quintessentially English and a favourite among photographers and visitors alike.
For a deeper dive into the town’s history, the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens is a must-visit. The museum tells the story of the Abbey, founded in AD 888 by King Alfred, which was once one of the most important religious sites in England before its dissolution under Henry VIII. The peaceful gardens offer a reflective space to wander amongst the ruins of this once-great institution.
Shaftesbury Arts Centre is another cultural highlight, offering a range of performances, exhibitions and workshops that showcase local talent and creativity. The town also hosts the annual Shaftesbury Fringe in July, celebrating the area’s vibrant community spirit and artistic flair.
Modern Culture and the Arts
Dorset’s cultural scene is not just about the past. The county is alive with contemporary arts and events that celebrate both its heritage and its modern-day creativity. The Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth is a vibrant mix of music, dance, film and visual arts, attracting artists and audiences from across the country.
Bridport, known as "Notting Hill on Sea," is another cultural hub, famous for its arts scene. The Bridport Arts Centre and the Electric Palace regularly host events ranging from film screenings and theatre performances to exhibitions and live music.
We hope you have a wonderful time at Heritage Open Days events across Dorset. If Dorset’s charm has captured your heart and you’re considering making it your home, contact Dorset Property to explore your options. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect place to start your new chapter in this beautiful county.
Added: 27th August 2024
