Litton Cheney - Local Info
Litton Cheney is a quiet, sleepy village nestled in the heart of beautiful West Dorset. This small property is full of character and offers an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The surrounding countryside is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are also many fascinating historic sites to be found nearby. Walkers can choose from the hundreds of coastal and countryside walks in the area and cyclists will enjoy exploring the quiet country lanes and pretty villages. Located by the magnificent Jurassic Coast, awarded World Heritage Site status for its outstanding geological importance, Litton Cheney is a great base from which to explore West Dorset and beyond.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
The following are some of the many sights and attractions that are within just 15 miles of YHA Litton Cheney:
Abbotsbury – Three separate attractions can be found at the village of Abbotsbury:
Swannery - Dorset’s World Famous Sanctuary with over 600 free flying friendly swans. Baby swans hatching mid-May to end June. Mass feeding 12 and 4pm daily. Licensed coffee shop, children’s play area and big bale mountain. Tel: 01305 871858
Subtropical Gardens - Magnificent Grade 1 18th Century walled garden. Rare and exotic plants. Plant and gift shop, tea-house. Tel: 01305 871387
Children's Farm - Cuddle and feed all sorts of farm animals, bottle feed the baby goats, race the toy tractors or ride a pony. Indoor soft play in the Great Barn. Tel: 01305 871817, visit www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery.html
Broadwindsor Craft and Design Centre & Restaurant - Individual craft studios, craft gallery, shop and restaurant. Tel: 01308 868362
Mangerton Mill - 17th century working watermill and Museum of Rural Bygones. Tea room, local crafts, trout fishing. Peaceful, rural setting. Tel: 01308 485224
Bridport Museum- Visit www.bridportmuseum.co.uk
Chessil Beach
Winterbourne Abbas - Just outside the village there is a small copse where you can find a henge
Forde Abbey and Gardens - Magnificent 12th Century house, 30 acres of gardens, plant centre, gift shop, tea room, pottery exhibition, forge. Tel: 01460 221290
Dorchester – Many attractions can be found in and around the city of Dorchester including Maiden Castle, Dorset County Museum, Keep Military Museum, Dinosaur Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Terracotta Warriors Museum
Kingston Maurward Garden & Animal Park - Formal Edwardian garden with a stunning ornamental lake in front of the 18th century mansion house. The animal park has a collection of miniature Shetland ponies, donkeys, rabbits & guinea pigs. Refreshments, play area, shop and plant sales. Tel: 01305 215003
NEARBY TOWNS
Also within each reach of Litton Cheney are a number of towns, each with its own character. With its bright and bustling shopping precincts, elegant 18th century houses, broad walks and cultural tradition, Dorchester, the 'Casterbridge' of Thomas Hardy's novels, has much to offer the visitor in relaxation, entertainment and rural charm.
Boasting two castles, famous schools and an ancient abbey church, Sherborne is the place for handcrafted goods, antiques, fine art and elegant fashions.
Bridport is a thriving market town and a great place to browse and shop for local produce - as TV chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, demonstrated in his popular 'Return to River Cottage' series, filmed in and around the town.
Beaminster has much to offer in relaxation and rural charm. Standing at the head of Dorset's 'Hidden Valley' - the historic Vale of the River Brit, whose tranquil beauty features rare flowers, badger setts, old water mills and glorious walks.
Lyme Regis is the perfect setting for a seaside adventure. The narrow tangle of streets and shops tumble down to the ancient Cobb harbour where a cloaked Meryl Streep famously stood in 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'.
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