Out and About from Starlight Glamping
The Vale of Little Dairies – and beyond
Starlight Glamping is perfectly placed for exploring North Dorset, Thomas Hardy’s Vale of Little Dairies and the spectacular Jurassic Coast. Whether you’re walking, cycling or travelling by car, there’s plenty to discover nearby.
From Sherborne Abbey and Castle to the dramatic coastline at Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis, you’ll find plenty of memorable places to explore during your stay. Other favourites include Shaftesbury’s famous Gold Hill, the North Dorset Trailway, Sturminster Newton Mill and Corfe Castle.
Sturminster Newton MillWe're five miles from our local market town, Sturminster Newton, and the lovingly restored watermill on the River Stour. Just over six miles to the west, with its renowned abbey and castles, is the bigger market town of Sherborne.
Abbeys, Museums and CastlesSherborne has a superb abbey, almshouse and two castles. Shaftsbury museum brings to life the story of Saxon England’s foremost Benedictine nunnery. A little further is the spectacular Old Wadour Castle, on a wooded hill with a beautiful lake. By the sea, on the Isle of Purbeck, there is the popular Corfe Castle.
Walkers and CyclistsThe North Dorset Trailway extends from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, taking you past the ancient hill fort of Hambledon Hill. On the spur of nearby Bulbarrow Hill is another hill fort. From the the sweeping downland of Cranborne Chase and the Dorset Downs and the pretty valley of the meandering River Stour, there are miles of footpaths through varied scenery.
'Hardy Country'Author Thomas Hardy once visited The Trooper Inn, while doing background research for his books. At the time, he was living in Sturminster Newton by the River Stour.
Hardy was born in 1840, at Higher Bockhampton near Dorchester. The cottage can still be seen, on walking through the ancient Thorncombe Woods towards the area Hardy called 'Egdon Heath'.
Hardy was born in 1840, at Higher Bockhampton near Dorchester. The cottage can still be seen, on walking through the ancient Thorncombe Woods towards the area Hardy called 'Egdon Heath'.
Beautiful BeachesThe spectacular Dorset beaches of the Jurassic Coast are within easy reach by car. From the sandy and child-friendly beach at bustling Lyme Regis, to the long and unique Chesil Beach, the quiet Ringstead Bay and the dramatic rock formations at Lulworth Cove.
Cliffs and FossilsThe Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site.
The dramatic coastline consists of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs, documenting 180 million years of geological history and is of great interest to fossil hunters.
The dramatic coastline consists of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs, documenting 180 million years of geological history and is of great interest to fossil hunters.
Popular events nearby:
- Great Dorset Chilli Festival – 1st and 2nd August, Stock Gaylard Estate.
- Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show – 19th & 20th August, Turnpike Showground, near Motcombe.
- Oak Fair – 29th and 30th August, Stock Gaylard Estate.
- Sturminster Cheese Festival – 12th and 13th September.