Wimborne Minster

Description:

This Dorset Town is the main town in East Dorset and lies on the River Stour close to the A31 trunk road. It's history dates back to 300bc and is the home of Wimborne Minster Church.   

The award winning Priest's House museum is located in the high street and has a walled garden. The property has period rooms and tells a story of the local people in Victorian times There is also a shop.

Wimborne holds an Antique market on Friday, a Flea market on Saturday, and Sunday a combination of both.

There are numerous shops, major stores such as Boots, Somerfield, Superdrug, W.H. Smith and many individual shops and boutiques, plus a good selection of Cafés, Restaurants and Bars. A new Waitrose store has gained planning permission on the old Cricket field causing much heated debate and will be completed in late 2009.

If wildlife is your interest there are some interesting walks around the water meadows, with a variety of visiting birds such as herons, egrets, mute swans, warblers and ducks. The river is well stocked with fresh water fish and rare butterflies can be spotted along the banks during the summer months.

There are many other local interests:-

Walford Mill, an 18th Century flour mill, now hosting exhibitions of local crafts, a fascinating shop and a Bistro.

Kingston Lacey House and gardens is not far from Wimborne town centre. It is a 17th century manor house with a magnificent marble staircase, old master paintings and acres of parkland gardens. There is a souvenir shop, restaurant and during the summer months there are some impressive concerts held here.

Ashley Heath is the location for the Moors Country Club on the A31. There are forest woods, walks, lakes, fishing and golf.

Stapehill Abbey is a 19th century Cistercian monastery holding craft workshops, exhibitions and one can enjoy walks in the landscaped gardens. There are also play areas for the children and animals to be seen.

Wimborne has a miniature model town, a replica of how life was 50 years ago.  Knoll gardens is close by and there is a Heavy Horse Centre.

A major event in Wimborne's calendar is the annual Folk Festival founded in 1980 and now a three day event. See our Guide2Dorset events section.