Local Attractions
Sherborne Old Castle
For fading splendour – Sherborne Old Castle a picnic paradise
Built by Bishop Roger of Salisbury in the 12th century as a strongly defended palace, Sherborne Old Castle became a powerful Royalist base during the Civil War. It fell in 1645 after a fierce eleven-day siege. Sherborne ‘New’ Castle is nearby.
Sherborne Old Castle Website
The Jurassic Coast
For the intrepid beach comber – discover hidden coves of the Jurrasic Coast
Stunning coastline, spectacular scenery, a wealth of adventure waiting to happen. Discover the forgoten and deserted village of Tyneham, go rock pooling at Kimmeridge, eat ice cream at Lulworth Cove or make sand castles at Studland, explore and enjoy.
Further information is available from the National Trust Website
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle, Steeped in history the thousand-year-old castle is an iconic survivor of the English Civil War. Rising above the Isle of Purbeck in stunning surroundings explore one of the most beautiful ruined castles in England.
Further information on Corfe Castle is available from the National Trust Website
Stourhead House and Gardens
Stunning landscaped gardens by Capability Brown? hidden grottos, temples and spectacular lakes, a truly beautiful house and gardens. A visit to their Farm Shop is a must.
Further information on Stourhead is available from the National Trust Website
Kingston Lacy
An elegant country mansion with important collections set in beautiful formal gardens and extensive parkland. Discover their woodland walk with an adventure trail for the children and imaginatively designed wooden play parks hidden away within the trees – fabulous!
Further information on Kingston Lacy is available from the National Trust Website
Steam Travel - Norden to Swanage
Dorset's premier standard gauge preserved steam railway covering six miles of track between Swanage and Norden, through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle.
Swanage Railway Website
Gartell Light Railway
Based at Yenston, Templecombe, these half-size trains both steam and deisel offer a fabulous insight into the workings of trains from our past. Ride in the carriages all day along the route of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway.
Gartell Light Railway Website
Longleat House and Safari Park
Set within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland, Longleat House and gardens take your breath away.
Longleat Safari park is a superb day out, a Passport ticket means that you could visit on more than one day of your stay at Kite Cottage to make sure you enjoy all it has to offer, from boat trips round Gorilla Island with a seal escort, to driving among the giraffe, zebra and monkeys too if you are brave enough! A train ride opens up more of the estate and the house and gardens are simply stunning.
Longleat Safari Park Website