Welcome

Places To Visit

Sturminster Newton.
An unspoilt market town on the river Stour at the heart of the Blackmore Vale, Sturminster and Newton were separate communities on opposite riverbanks until Elizabethan times. Shortly after the graceful town bridge was constructed to link the two communities, a mill was built a little way upstream. Now fully restored and powered by a 1904 turbine, Newton Mill occasionally produces flour and is the ideal place to find out more about the milling process.

It was here that Thomas Hardy and his wife Emma had their first home, between 1876 and 1878, and whilst here, he wrote The Return of the Native. He often referred to this period as our "happiest time".

Sherborne – 20 minutes drive.
20 minutes drive from Newton House is the historic town of Sherborne - home to Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne Castle: both a must on any visit to the area.

Sherborne Castle or the ‘new castle’ dates back to 1594 and was once the home of the famous Sir Walter Raleigh. Raleigh referred to the castle as ‘the lodge’ as he hunted frequently on its estate. After Raleigh was executed by James I, the castle and estate were passed to Sir John Digby, whose family still owns the castle today, nearly 400 years later.

The house contains a fine art collection including works by Gainsborough, Van Dyck and Reynolds. The castle is surrounded by a wonderful landscape designed by the famous Capability Brown which visitors can explore for themselves.

Stourhead (National Trust) - 30 minutes drive.
An outstanding example of the English landscape style, this splendid garden was designed by Henry Hoare II between 1741 and 1780. Classical temples, including the temple of Apollo, are set around the central lake and a series of vistas which change as the visitor moves around the paths and the magnificent mature woodland.

Kingston Lacy (National Trust) - 30 minutes drive.
Home to the Bankes family for over 300 years, Kingston Lacy is an elegant country mansion home with fine art collections, set in formal gardens and surrounded by extensive parkland.

The house famous for its art collection, collected by William Bankes, includes the magnificent Spanish Room with walls hung in stunning gilded leather. The house and garden are set in a wooded park with way-marked walks taking in a small part of the working estate of over 8000 acres.

And for rainy days and families with children.
Cool Play, a fun new indoor activity centre is within walking distance from the house.

Newton Mill

Sherborne Castle

Stourhead Pantheon

Kingston Lacy