There's so much to enjoy in this beautiful part of Dorset - for older visitors and for families, for walkers and nature lovers, for foodies and garden enthusiasts, and for everyone who enjoys beautiful scenery, unspoiled beaches, lovely old pubs and towns and villages rich in history.
Most of the land around Fishpond Bottom is owned by the National Trust, so there's plenty of safe open land for children (and dogs) to play, and excellent off-road walking. At the head of the valley are two iron age forts, with superb views over three counties, while nature lovers will enjoy the protected hedgerows and numerous SSIs in the valley.
The beach and coast path are just four miles away, with all the marvels of the World Heritage Coast to be explored: the fossil-rich cliffs of Charmouth and Lyme , Golden Cap and Chesil Beach, the picturesque coastal villages of Branscombe and Beer and, of course, the beautiful old town of Lyme Regis and its historic harbour, the Cobb.
Foodies will relish the superb local produce (this is Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall country) and many excellent restaurants and dining pubs. Our local is the Bottle Inn at Marshwood, famous for its annual nettle eating contest: two miles by road, or a magical walk through the woods.
And it's no surprise that so many garden writers live in the area, with so many outstanding gardens and nurseries nearby.
Hardy Country
Nearby Dorchester is a delightful historic town, and the heart of Hardy country. You can visit the writer's cottage at Bockhampton, and explore many of the locations in his books. Other literary pilgrims may enjoy Jane Austen's Lyme Regis (see where the impetuous Louisa came to grief!) or pose like John Fowles' French Lieutenant's Woman at the end of the Cobb.
Beaches
Charmouth - famous for its fossils. Excellent Heritage Centre
Lyme Regis - a traditional sandy beach ideal for kids
Seatown - unspoiled shingle beach with popular pub
Burton Bradstock - National Trust gem with great cafe
Branscombe - our favourite
Gardens to Visit
Some of the finest gardens in England can be found between 10 and 60 minutes drive from Sheepwash Green, including: Forde Abbey, Burrow Farm Gardens, Mapperton, Abbotsbury sub-tropical garden, Tintinhull (N.T.), Montacute (N.T.), Lytes Cary (N.T.), Lower Severalls, Hestercombe, Barrington Court (N.T.), East Lambrook Manor, Athelhampton, The Scented Garden, Ivy Cottage, Ansty, Cothay Manor
Walking
There are splendid walks from the door, up to Lambert's and Coney's Castles, though wildflower meadows and ancient woodland, or along footpaths to Charmouth or Lyme. The Liberty Trail passes through the valley, the Wessex Ridgeway close by, while the Dorset coast path and Golden Cap Estate offer magnificent cliff walks.
National Trust
There are many National Trust properties within easy reach, including Killerton, Montacute, Barrington, Loughwood Meeting House and Shute Barton.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details.
