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The Area

Sturminster Newton is situated at the heart of the Blackmore Vale.  This area is surrounded with gorgeous landscapes dotted with oak trees, arable fields and dairy farms. The River Stour divides the town in two and runs past the ancient Sturminster Mill, which is still working and makes an idyllic spot for a picnic.  

The town centre offers The Exchange, which is a modern 300 seat performance venue hosting a range of fantastic shows all year round.  There is no shortage of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops to choose from as well as a host of independent shops and convenience stores.  The town provides a great base for exploring the wealth of attractions that Dorset has to offer.   Whether you are popping in for a short stay or planning a long visit, Sturminster Newton is the perfect location for your Dorset holiday.



Festivals and Events

Annual Events Nearby

15 & 16 April 2023: Dorset Cycling Weekend

28 & 29 April 2023: Weymouth Cider Festival

28 – 30 April 2023: Teddy Rocks Festival, Blandford

7 May 2023: The Shaftesbury Festival of Food and Drink  

14 May 2023: The North Dorset Cycle Ride  

20 & 21 May 2023: Magic of Thailand Festival

26 - 28 May 2023: Bournemouth 7's Festival

27 & 28 May 2023:  Fayre in the Square

29 May 2023: Sherborne Castle Country Fair

2 - 4 Jun 2023: Poole Seafood Festival

3 Jun 2023: Weymouth Summerfest

3 & 4 Jun 2023: Family Fest 2023

16 & 17 Jun 2023: Dorset Fest

30 Jun - 2 Jul 2023: Weymouth Beach Rugby Fest

7 & 8 Jul 2023: Upton Country Park Festival

24 - 29 Jul 2023: Dorset Opera Festival

27 - 30 Jul 2023: Camp Bestival

28 - 30 Jul 2023: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

5 & 6 Aug 2023 The Great Dorset Chilli Festival

16 & 17 Aug 2023: Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show

Every Thu from 20 Jul - 24 Aug 2023: Poole Quay Summer Fireworks

Back in 2024: The Great Dorset Steam Fair 

31 Aug - 3 Sep 2023: Bournemouth Air Festival

26 & 27 Aug 2023: The Stock Gaylard Oak Fair

9 & 10 Sep 2023: The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

Local ​walks & cycles

Nearby activities

There are eight circular walks starting from Sturminster Newton and taking in the surrounding area. These walks range from  1.5 to 5.5 miles.  Maps are available at the CL.

The North Dorset Trailway is a 14 mile (22.5 km) walking, cycling and horse riding route from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury.  For more info read here.

Shaftesbury and Gold Hill is a 3.5 mile loop trail located near Shaftesbury.

Where to eat & drink

Sturminster Newton has 2 pubs, 2 restaurants and a great selection of cafes & tearooms,  There are a number of take-away options including fish & chips, Indian, Japanese and a kebab shop.  There are some lovely village pubs in the surrounding areas too.  You won't go hungry here!  The town is an easy 20 - 30 minute walk from the caravan site.

Bankhouse Brasserie

The White Hart

The Swan Inn

Mumbai Bay

Stourhead Gardens

Longleat Safari Park

Monkey World

Todber Manor Fisheries

Fishing at Brickyard Farm, Bagber.  Tel: 07970115825

Sherborne Abbey

Gold Hill in Shaftesbury 

The Jurassic Coast

For retail therapy there is plenty of choice from market towns to bustling commercial centres.  Dorchester, Wimborne, Sherborne  and Shaftesbury are all recommended.   

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