Dorset

Dating back to Anglo Saxon times, like so many villages in these parts, this market town lies on the banks of the River Stour and was the fictional ‘Shottsford Forum’ in the novels of Thomas Hardy.

Bridge over the Stour - Photo: Nigel Freeman CCL

Church of St Peter and St Paul - Photo: Chris Hayles CCL

Virtually wiped out by a fire in the early 18th Century, it was later rebuilt. It is unique for having uniform Georgian buildings, including the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, and a market place.






It is home to the ‘Badger’ real ales and the Royal Signals Museum and each year hosts a Great Dorset Steam Day.





The Independent Bryanston School is nearby, founded in 1928, while south is a six-arched stone bridge over the Stour.