The best MTB trails around Woodsford

Bridleway section is quite close to stream and river, be prepared to stop dog walkers

Grassy section

If open go inside, also there a bench next to the river

Stair Hole is a fascinating and impressive place on the Jurassic Coast in southern England that is definitely worth a visit. The cliffs and rocks that jut out into the sea here are breathtakingly beautiful and provide a dramatic backdrop for photographers and nature lovers. Particularly impressive is the natural rock formation that leads into the water like a staircase (hence the name) – a real highlight for any visitor. The area is perfect for coastal walks, where you can enjoy the fresh sea air and admire the impressive natural surroundings. Stair Hole is a place that combines tranquility and beauty and leaves a lasting impression. An absolute must for anyone who wants to experience the wild beauty of the English coast!

* Historic Structure: The cottage itself was built in 1800 by Hardy's great-grandfather and has remained largely unaltered since the Hardy family left. It offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life, with its open hearths, small windows, and stone floors. While the furniture inside isn't original to the Hardy family, it is authentic to the period, helping to recreate the atmosphere of his upbringing. * National Trust Property: The cottage is now owned and managed by the National Trust, ensuring its preservation and public access. * Traditional Cottage Garden: The property features a typical cottage garden, complete with roses around the door, which would have been an early inspiration for the author.

* Hardy's Early Life and Works: Hardy lived in this cottage until he was 34 years old. It was here that he wrote some of his early and influential works, including the novels Under the Greenwood Tree (1872) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874), as well as early poetry and short stories. The surrounding landscape, including the adjacent Thorncombe Wood and the heathland (which inspired his fictional "Egdon Heath" in The Return of the Native), profoundly influenced his writing.

Thomas Hardy's Cottage is a significant literary landmark located in Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, England. It is a quaint, cob and thatch cottage, notable for being the birthplace of the celebrated author Thomas Hardy in 1840. Here's what makes it special:

The church was built in 1786. This was during the creation of the new village of Milton Abbas by Joseph Damer, the Earl of Dorchester. He had the original market town of Milton (or Middleton), which was too close to his mansion (now Milton Abbey School), demolished and a new model village constructed to house his estate workers. * Replacing an Older Church: There was an earlier St James' Church serving the parish before the new village was built. Its exact location is uncertain, though some speculate it might have been near the south door of Milton Abbey. Registers of this earlier church date back to 1650. * Materials from the Abbey: It is believed that some of the materials used to build St James' Church came from the demolished abbey barn. * Victorian Enhancements: In 1886, the church underwent significant alterations. The chancel was enlarged, the chancel and tower arches were rebuilt, and a south aisle was added.