Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Blandford Forum has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Blandford Forum.
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Sights in Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum is a wonderful place to visit with plenty of things to see and do. Situated in the heart of England, in the picturesque county of Dorset, Blandford Forum is home to a number of historic buildings, interesting museums and lively markets.
The town centre is compact and easy to navigate, with plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to explore. The pretty Market Place is the perfect place to start your visit, with its cobbled streets and 18th century architecture. If you’re looking for somewhere to pick up some souvenirs, be sure to head to the Tarrant Street Craft Centre which is packed with local arts and crafts.
For history lovers, Blandford Forum is full of interesting sites. The town was largely destroyed by fire in 1731, but many of the surviving buildings are Georgian masterpieces. The Exchange building is particularly impressive, and now houses the Museum of Blandford. This fascinating museum tells the story of the town, from its Roman origins to the present day.
Just outside the town centre is the Saxon hill fort of Baggagebury, which is well worth a visit. The views from the top are stunning, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Salisbury Plain.
If you’re visiting with children, they’ll love a trip to Kingston Lacy House. This grand stately home is packed with furniture, art and artefacts from around the world, and has beautiful gardens to explore.
Blandford Forum is a charming town with plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in history, culture or just want to enjoy a traditional English market town, Blandford Forum is the perfect place to come.
History of Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum, in the county of Dorset, England, is a market town and civil parish on the River Stour. The town is noted for its Georgian architecture and has been used as a location for television and film, including Cranford, Bleak House and Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles. It is the administrative centre for the North Dorset district.
The first record of Blandford Forum dates back to 909 AD when it was recorded as Blaeneforda. It is thought that the name comes from the Old English blægen, meaning ‘open land’, and ford, meaning ‘river crossing’.
In the 10th century, Blandford was a royal estate belonging to the Wessex kings. In 1017, Canute gave it to his courtier Eadric. The Domesday Book records that it was a small town with a population of just over 200.
In 1332, the town was made a free borough by Edward III. The town’s charter was confirmed in 1641 by Charles I.
Blandford Forum prospered during the Georgian period (1714–1830), thanks to the wool trade. Many of the town’s handsome Georgian townhouses were built with money made from the trade.
During the 19th century, Blandford Forum grew rapidly. New streets were built and many of the existing houses were enlarged. The town’s population more than doubled between 1801 and 1851.
Blandford Forum’s prosperity came to an abrupt end in the late 19th century when the town was hit by two disasters. First, the town’s main industry, the manufacture of woollen cloth, went into decline. Second, in July 1898 the town was struck by a tornado which caused considerable damage. These events put an end to Blandford’s days as a prosperous market town and it never really recovered.
Today, Blandford Forum is a small town with a population of around 8,000. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful Georgian architecture and its location in the heart of the picturesque Dorset countryside.
Vacation in Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum, a picturesque market town in the North Dorset district of England, makes for an ideal vacation destination. Located just a few miles from the coast, Blandford Forum offers a number of outdoor activities, as well as a variety of shopping and dining options.
For those looking to spend time outdoors, the town is situated on the River Stour, making it perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. Additionally, there are several walking and cycling trails in and around Blandford Forum. golfers will find a number of courses to choose from in the area.
Shoppers will enjoy browsing the unique boutiques and independent shops in the town centre, while foodies can sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants, pubs, and cafes. There is also a weekly farmers market where visitors can purchase fresh produce and other goods.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed vacation or an actionpacked getaway, Blandford Forum has something to offer everyone.
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