By Joël Lacey It’s just before eight on a balmy Wednesday evening in August. Within an ancient Dorset riverside pub/restaurant, at a table whose centerpiece is a vase with a single red rose in it, a couple sits looking at one another. They have eyes and ears for nothing and no-one but each other… which is just as well, because milling all around them are adults dressed as … [Read more...] about Weird Britain: True love, pirates, Vikings and fish – a Wareham, Dorset vignette
Dorset
ABANDONED TYNEHAM: The Dorset Village Lost to Time
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Issue #10 of the Anglotopia Print Magazine in 2018. Support great long-form writing about British History, Culture, and travel by subscribing to the Anglotopia Magazine. Every subscription helps keep Anglotopia running and provides us to the opportunity to produce articles like this. You can subscribe here. It was a typical … [Read more...] about ABANDONED TYNEHAM: The Dorset Village Lost to Time
What’s On Around Britain in April 2019 – Easter Celebrations, St George’s Day, Queen’s Birthday, Flower and Garden Shows and More!
I hope you enjoyed the March 2019 recommendations as I've got plenty more ideas for April. There's so much to see and do, we hope you can incorporate some of these into your upcoming trips (or plan for next year)! This month moves us properly into spring so nature is bringing us more colourful flowers and those well known 'April showers' will keep them well watered. Easter … [Read more...] about What’s On Around Britain in April 2019 – Easter Celebrations, St George’s Day, Queen’s Birthday, Flower and Garden Shows and More!
Keys to the Castle: Kingston Lacey in Dorset in Pictures
Whenever we're in Dorset, we have a list of places we always like to visit and one of those places is Kingston Lacey. It's quickly become one of our favorite Stately Homes. It's beautiful, has lovely gardens, a great National Trust restaurant on site and gallons of history to soak up. I thought it would be fun to take you all on a photo tour of the house. If you're in southern … [Read more...] about Keys to the Castle: Kingston Lacey in Dorset in Pictures
Exploring Milton Abbas, Dorset – One of the First Planned Communities in England With a Fascinating Story
Editor's Note: This article on Milton Abbas originally appeared in Issue #6 of the Anglotopia Print Magazine in 2017. Support great long-form writing about British Culture, History, and Travel by subscribing to the Anglotopia Print Magazine. Subscribing allows us to go on these research trips and put together these unique articles for you. You can subscribe here. Joseph Damer, … [Read more...] about Exploring Milton Abbas, Dorset – One of the First Planned Communities in England With a Fascinating Story
Exploring Hardy’s Wessex: Places Thomas Hardy Fans Should Visit
Many authors have a particular time and place associated with them. Victorian Era writer Thomas Hardy evokes one place: Wessex - the mythical kingdom that’s comprised of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and bits of other English countries. Dorset is most associated with his work and there are many places that you can visit today that have a connection to him. Hardy’s … [Read more...] about Exploring Hardy’s Wessex: Places Thomas Hardy Fans Should Visit
Anglotopia Magazine: Broadchurch Country – A Jurassic Coast Drive Along the B3157 in Dorset
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the first issue of the Anglotopia magazine in February. Subscribe today to receive the next issue of our magazine and read about British History, Culture and Travel all in one place. Issue 2 is now available – order before it sells out! We're also now taking pre-orders for Issue #3 due out in August. One of my favorite things … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Magazine: Broadchurch Country – A Jurassic Coast Drive Along the B3157 in Dorset
Travels in Britain: Where We Stayed On Our Recent Trip to the Midlands and Dorset
We always like to post about where we stayed on our travels. This acts as a review of the places so people can reference later on for their own trips. We stayed at three different places, in three very different parts of the country. We stayed in two hotels and a self-catering cottage, all very different experiences. We should note that Anglotopia funded our stays at these … [Read more...] about Travels in Britain: Where We Stayed On Our Recent Trip to the Midlands and Dorset
Travels in Britain: Visiting Thomas Hardy’s Birthplace in Bockhampton, Dorset
Since today is Thomas Hardy’s birthday, I thought it would be appropriate to post our experience in visiting his actual birthplace in Dorset. My love for Dorset goes hand in hand with my love of the literary works of Thomas Hardy, a man more associated with Dorset than any other. So, it’s been a goal for me for a long time to visit his birthplace. Not just because of its … [Read more...] about Travels in Britain: Visiting Thomas Hardy’s Birthplace in Bockhampton, Dorset
Great British Houses: A Brief History of the Old and New Wardour Castle in Wiltshire
In the fourteenth century, Baron Lovell returned triumphant from battles overseas and built Wardour Castle, a grand fortress worthy of a powerful English Lord. Originally built as a show of strength and victory over enemies overseas, Wardour Castle was eventually ruined by enemies on home soil after being besieged in both the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. In the … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: A Brief History of the Old and New Wardour Castle in Wiltshire
Weird Britain: When Gulls Attack!
I just got back from a two week vacation in Door County, Wisconsin, a little part of the Midwest that's largely surrounded by water. For most of the two weeks, I was much less than a mile away from the water, whether it was Lake Michigan or Green Bay. I saw quite a few seagulls near the shore, but didn't get hassled by any of them. Honestly, I wouldn't think that this would … [Read more...] about Weird Britain: When Gulls Attack!
Great British Houses: Forde Abbey – A Former Monastery Turned Stately Home in Dorset
Editor's Note: After a short hiatus while we had new articles written, Great British Houses is back with a new series of 12 articles about some more of Britain's greatest houses. Enjoy! Forde Abbey has provided a home to Cistercian Monks, one of Oliver Cromwell’s top Parliamentarian aides, a penny-pinching Victorian merchant, and finally an enterprising 21st century family … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Forde Abbey – A Former Monastery Turned Stately Home in Dorset
Sunday Photo: A Gorgeous Photo of the Isle of Portland and Chesil Beach for Your Desktop Wallpaper
This week we have a lovely photo of the Isle of Portland and Chesil Beach in Dorset from our personal collection. We can definitely recommend driving to the top of Portland for the expansive views. The ocean seems to go on for enternity. It's beautiful, even on a cold windy day! CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SIZED VERSION. … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: A Gorgeous Photo of the Isle of Portland and Chesil Beach for Your Desktop Wallpaper
Sunday Photo: The Cliffs in Dorset Made Famous by Broadchurch in West Bay, Dorset For Your Desktop Wallpaper
We have a special treat this Sunday - a lovely photo of the sandstone cliffs in West Bay, Dorset - perhaps most famous now for their appearance in the worldwide hit British TV show Broadchurch. West Bay is a lovely sleepy seaside village with lovely beaches and warm pubs. It is perhaps more popular now that it has ever been and for good reason, the place is beautiful. The … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: The Cliffs in Dorset Made Famous by Broadchurch in West Bay, Dorset For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Great British Houses: Kingston Lacy – A Beautiful Italianate Country House in Dorset
Often referred to as an ‘explorer’ and ‘adventurer’, William John Bankes lived his life with such vigour that Byron referred to him as ‘the father of all mischiefs’. Kingston Lacy, a glorious Italianate country house originally built in the 17th century, is a monument to Bankes adventures. Following his tragic exile from his own country due to ‘homosexual acts’ Bankes continued … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Kingston Lacy – A Beautiful Italianate Country House in Dorset
Sunday Photo: A Lovely Shot of the Golden Afternoon Sun on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset For Your Desktop Wallpaper
This is my favorite picture from our last trip to England. We stayed on Gold Hill, located in Shaftesbury, Dorset in Updown Cottage - the white cottage in the center - for the Christmas holidays and had a lovely time. Every day I waited for the light to be right - just when the golden afternoon sun hit the hill at the right angle. I finally snapped this picture towards the end … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: A Lovely Shot of the Golden Afternoon Sun on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Video: Stunning Aerial Video Will Make You Want to Visit the Isle of Portland
Check out this amazing aerial video of the Isle of Portland - a beautiful island just off the coast of Dorset that we had the pleasure of visiting last December. This video was shot by Mike Drew with what looks like a drone and it's stunning. Can't wait to visit Portland again - I really like seeing the old quarries - Portland stone is what most of London's great buildings … [Read more...] about Video: Stunning Aerial Video Will Make You Want to Visit the Isle of Portland
British Landscapes Photography: Beautiful Dorset – From Castle to Coast
Recently named in Lonely Planet's Top Ten Places to Visit in Europe 2014, South West England includes Dorset. Dorset has a varied landscape featuring broad elevated chalk downs, steep limestone ridges and low-lying clay valleys. Over half the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and three-quarters of its coastline is a World Heritage Site that features … [Read more...] about British Landscapes Photography: Beautiful Dorset – From Castle to Coast
Video: Learn the Moving History of the Dorset Village of Tyneham That was Requisitioned for War and Has Been Abandoned Since
Tyneham is one of those fascinating stories from World War II. It was a thriving village on the coast in Dorset that was requisitioned during war and the residents were never allowed to return. Visitors can now explore the ruins on some weekends. We almost did on our last trip in December but the weather didn't cooperate - now after watching this, I can't wait to pay a visit … [Read more...] about Video: Learn the Moving History of the Dorset Village of Tyneham That was Requisitioned for War and Has Been Abandoned Since
Sunday Photo: A Lovely Cloud of Mist Going Over Green English Rolling Hills for your Desktop Wallpaper
Check out this lovely photo of mist covering the fields and woodland and the undulating landscape near Pildson Pen in Dorset in the early morning. Pilsdon Pen is a 277 metre (909 ft) hill in Dorset in South West England, situated at the north end of the Marshwood Vale in the West Dorset administrative district, approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) west of Beaminster. It … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: A Lovely Cloud of Mist Going Over Green English Rolling Hills for your Desktop Wallpaper
Video: Moody and Atmospheric Aerial Video of our favorite county – Dorset
It's no secret around here that Dorset is our favorite place to visit. It's rolling green hills, combined with it's rocky ancient coastline, ruined castles and rich literary history make it a truly lovely place to visit. That's why we wanted to share this video - it perfectly captures the beauty and atmosphere of Dorset. Shot by Lorne C who is a photographer and … [Read more...] about Video: Moody and Atmospheric Aerial Video of our favorite county – Dorset
Photo: A Lovely Photo of Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset England For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Here is a lovely photo of the iconic Durdle Door, located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Durdle Door is an eroded rock arch off the Jurassic Coast national park and coastal path in Dorset, and a national landmark. Durdle Door (sometimes written Durdle Dor) is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, England. It is privately owned by the Welds, a … [Read more...] about Photo: A Lovely Photo of Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset England For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Doctor Who: Dorset Town Get Its Very Own Working Police Box in PR Stunt to Attract Tourists (and improve public safety)
The Classic Blue Police Box that used to be all over Britain was phased out long ago, but it's an iconic image that just won't die thanks to the worldwide success of Doctor Who. Now, in an effort to attract more tourists to Boscombe in Dorset, local officials have had a new police box constructed and put into service. However, this is no prop - it's an actual Police Box. It … [Read more...] about Doctor Who: Dorset Town Get Its Very Own Working Police Box in PR Stunt to Attract Tourists (and improve public safety)
Video: The Great Dorset Steam Fair
http://vimeo.com/77308014 This has long been on my list of things I would love to experience in Dorset - the huge gathering of old Victorian Steam equipment that's held every summer. From the video creator: It is impossible to compress the whole event in less than 3 minutes but this video will certainly give you some idea. First of all there were amazing machines from … [Read more...] about Video: The Great Dorset Steam Fair
Photo: Close in Sturminster Newton Dorset
For a quiet and happy Sunday morning, here's a photo of a quiet nook in Sturminster Newton in Dorset. Click to download a desktop wallpaper sized version. … [Read more...] about Photo: Close in Sturminster Newton Dorset
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia is now our full-time jobs and we spend our time working on the site and planning our yearly trips to Britain. In 2014, we founded 