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Stoneleigh Barn - Places to visit in the area

Sir Walter Raleigh lived at Sherborne and called it his 'Fortunes Fold'; today it is often referred to
as the Jewel of Dorset. A most attractive town of some 9000 inhabitants, it is renowned for it's
magnificent Abbey, two castles and a famous public school.  The King's School now uses some
of the remaining Benedictine monastic buildings and a beautifully preserved almshouse of the 15th century
is the home for 20 or so old Sherbornians. Steeped in history, the town is perhaps best appreciated by
following the Town Trail or, better still, by taking a guided walk. During the summer months these leave 
from the Tourist Information Centre in Digby Road.

About 10 miles to the south of Stoneleigh Barn is Milton Abbas and a few miles further on Cerne Abbas.  

Cerne Abbas is noted for it's medieval streets and the famous and very well-endowed, giant (below, top left) who overlooks the village from the adjoining hillside.

Above right. Milton Abbas, a well visited village and (main picture) Milton Abbey itself with adjoining school.

Six miles further south again is Dorchester.  Thomas Hardy, the famous novelist and poet, lived much of his life here and the county museum houses an excellent collection of Hardy memorabilia. Open to the public is the Old Crown Court in which the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried in 1834. Their treatment and punishment has much to do with the history and development of the Trades Unions. 

Only a few miles from Dorchester is the village of Tolpuddle itself which has it's own museum dedicated to the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

Other places well worth a visit are Montecute House, a National Trust property set amidst parkland and formal gardens, lying about 10 miles to the east of Stoneleigh Barn. Across the Somerset border is
The Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.  Here, portrayed in great detail, you will find the history and
 achievements of the Royal Naval Air Service, from it's inception to the present day.

There is so much more to see in the area, Kingston Lacey is close-by; a little further afield is Stonehenge, the City of Wells, with it's superb Cathedral, Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge and caves.