Beaminster

Description:

Beaminster is situated in the Western region of Dorset, on the River Brit and is pronounced Beminster. It lies fifteen miles north west of Dorchester and  has a tranquil beauty that has changed little since the 17th century.  Beaminster suffered three fires, destroying much of it's original buildings, but still has some fine examples of Georgian architecture and around two hundred are listed. 

Beaminster was once famous for its woollen cloth, sail cloth and sack cloth, also shoe thread, rope and twine. There are a good choice of hotels, restaurants, pubs, tearooms, farmhouses and b&b's. The shops are varied and have that old fashioned appeal that is typical of the charm found in this part of Dorset.

The town has its own local history museum featuring Beaminster and neighbouring villages. The former Broadwindsor Farm which is two miles away, is now a craft and design complex with shops and workshops, and an award winning restaurant.

 

Not much has changed in this secluded valley and there are some glorious walks - rare flowers, badgers can be spotted and mill wheels still turn.

Beaminster's most famous person is Thomas Hine who put his name to the famous Hine cognac, the connoisseurs choice. He died in 1822.

Through the beautiful West Dorset countryside, the Llama experience offers a guided walk through the Dorset countryside with Llamas and Alpacas - not the sort of experience one might expect in a West Country town.

 

The harbour of the pretty village of West Bay is the starting point for the eleven mile walk along the valley of the River Brit. This scenic route ends to the north of Beaminster at Winyards Gap.

Around Beaminster there are several grand country houses, Mapperton, Melplash, and Parnham are all fine Tudor examples.

At midsummer each year, the Beaminster Festival of Music and the Visual Arts is held in the town. The festival lasts for nine days and includes a wide range of festivities and events.

This Dorset Town is the home of Clipper Tea.