Tel: +44 1258 818 397
Places to visit while staying at Belview Cottage, Dorset
Town Bridge, Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton (about 3 miles)
Stur is a small market town situated in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. It has a working 17th Century Mill and the Town Museum.
There is a very fine medieval six-arched stone bridge over the River Stour at one end of the town. The author Thomas Hardy lived here for a couple of years around 1876 and wrote "The Return of the Native" whilst here. There is a trailway along the course of the old railway which starts in Station Road car park and is suitable for walkers and cyclists.
You can also find out more about Sturminster Newton on www.sturminster-newton.org.uk
Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust has information about the Mill as well as the Museum
Sherborne (about 12 miles)
Sherborne is a most attractive and historic town, with Sherborne Castle and the Abbey being well worth a visit.
Dorchester (about 18 miles)
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and has many interesting features and attractions, including the Dinosaur Museum, the Tutankhamun Exhibition, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse, Dorset Museum and the Teddy Bear Museum as well as its links with the author Thomas Hardy, who called it Casterbridge. There's a large indoor and outdoor market on Wednesday mornings.
It's well worth a visit if you have a rainy day during your stay here - there's a wide range of places to eat and as well as the museums, there are two competitively priced cinemas, the modern Odeon and the traditional Plaza.
Lyme Regis (about 37 miles)
Lyme Regis is an historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world famous Cobb harbour. Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site Status; famous for its geology and fossil finds.
Weymouth (about 27 miles)
Weymouth is home to a safe clean sheltered family beach with three miles of level promenade, providing access to the beach, Town Centre, Harbour and Country Park. Also the location for sailing events in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Salisbury (about 31 miles)
Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain and dates from the 13th Century. Attractive town centre and shops.
Jurassic Coast 
Photo courtesy of Patrick Shelly (S & S Guided Tours) Other places of interest, which can easily be visited in a day
Abbotsbury Swannery and Sub-Tropical Gardens
Athelhampton House and Gardens
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Stonehenge - Photo courtesy of Patrick Shelly (S & S Guided Tours)
Stourhead National Trust Property
Kingston Lacy National Trust Property
Corfe Castle National Trust Property
Longleat Safari Park and House
Haynes International Motor Museum
Castletown D-Day Centre and Museum, Portland