The best MTB trails around Stratton

Located near the village pub in Martinstown, this historic, stone-lined sheep wash pool dates back to the 19th century. Once a vital hub for local farmers to dip and clean their livestock, it now serves a much lighter purpose, most famously hosting the village's annual charity duck race.

Dating from 1848, this traditional, family-run village pub initially served as a girls' school before transforming into an inn. Today, the freehouse serves gravity-fed real ales straight from the cask, boasts a cozy open fire, and is highly regarded for its locally sourced menu and popular Sunday roasts.

Maiden Castle from afar? It’s basically Dorset’s ultimate, oversized plate of grass lasagna. A massive, lumpy green ripple on the horizon that makes you think, "Wow, the Celts really hated mowing the lawn."

Part of the 17 mile Spine ( The Dead City ).

Hardy’s Monument: climb 120 steps to look like a sweaty mess, just so you can stare at Dorset, the sea, and sheep that look like popcorn. On a clear day, you can see your house!

Towering over the village is Britain’s most "well-endowed" landmark, a 180-foot chalk giant who clearly forgot his trousers—and his modesty. Carved into the hillside with a massive club and an even more massive... ego, he’s been blushing hikers for centuries. Legend says sleeping on his "manhood" boosts fertility, but most people just settle for a breathless selfie. He’s ancient, he’s shameless, and he’s definitely the only hillside that’s genuinely happy to see you.

* 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.