The best cycling routes around Chettle

If you enjoy a bit of architectural time-travel with a spooky twist, Knowlton Church & EarthworksClick to open side panel for more information is one of the most atmospheric spots in Dorset. It is essentially a "history sandwich" where a 12th-century Christian church was built directly inside a much older Neolithic henge. The Ultimate Mash-up: It is a rare example of "reusing" a sacred site. The Normans built their church right in the middle of a pagan ceremonial circle, creating a visual timeline that spans thousands of years. Ghostly Vibes: Because of its lonely location and ruined state, it is a legendary hotspot for local ghost stories. Whether you believe in the "Face in the Window" or not, the silence of the surrounding fields makes it feel incredibly mysterious. The Henge High-Ground: You can still walk along the massive circular earthwork banks. From the top, you get a great view of the ruined flint walls of the church standing defiantly in the center of the ring. Picnic with the Past: Unlike many tourist spots, it is completely open and free to wander. It’s a perfect place to spread a blanket, grab a sandwich, and wonder what the original builders were thinking 4,000 years ago.

Interior Details: The interior is known for its high-quality flint work on the tower walls and a range of interesting features: Pulpit: A magnificent 15th-century pulpit is a central feature. Font: A 12th-century font is another medieval survival. Tomb Recess: Against the north wall, there is a canopied tomb recess from the 14th century. For a long time, it was thought to be a rare "Easter Sepulchre," but a skeleton was found inside during the 1860s restoration, suggesting it was a tomb. Organ: The church's organ is a fascinating piece of its history. An 18th-century Walker organ, it was gifted to the church and is said to have been used for choir practice at Westminster Abbey before its installation here. The church, set on a rise at the north-west corner of the village, is part of the "Knowlton Circle Benefice," which also includes nearby parishes like Cranborne and Wimborne St Giles, both of which are included on this cycle route.

All Saints Church is the parish church for the village of Gussage All Saints in Dorset. It's a Grade I listed building with a long and layered architectural history, primarily reflecting the Early English and Decorated Gothic styles. Medieval Origins: The church's main body, including the nave and chancel, dates largely to the early 14th century. The walls are constructed from a mix of local flint, rubble, and various types of stone, including Shaftesbury Sandstone and Heathstone. The Tower: The impressive west tower was built in several stages. Its lower part dates to the 14th century, while the upper stages and embattled parapet were added in the 15th century. The tower is particularly distinctive for its use of alternating bands of flint and ashlar stone. Victorian Restoration: Like many English churches, All Saints underwent a significant Victorian restoration. In 1864, architect Ewan Christian carried out extensive work. A notable change from this period was the moving of the original medieval chancel arch to the north wall, where it now frames the organ. A new chancel arch was then built by the architect John Hicks, who was a mentor to the famous novelist Thomas Hardy.

St. Giles Church is known for its numerous monuments, particularly those dedicated to the Earls of Shaftesbury. Sir Anthony Ashley's Tomb: A historic highlight is the spectacular gilded tomb of Sir Anthony Ashley, dating to 1628. The tomb features intricate classical columns and symbolism. A curious detail is a sphere at his feet, which has been the subject of various theories, including that it represents a globe, a jewel, or even a cabbage. Ashley-Cooper Family Memorials: The church houses several other memorials to the Ashley-Cooper family, including tombs for the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 9th Earls. The 1st Earl's memorial includes a bust by Rysbrack, and the 3rd Earl's is a grand wall monument by Scheemakers. Crusader Effigy: There is a much-restored 14th-century effigy of a crusading knight, believed to be Sir John de Plecy. Comper's Work: The interior is almost entirely a result of Sir Ninian Comper's restoration. This includes the highly decorated screen separating the nave and chancel, new stained glass windows, and the gilded tester over the altar.

19th-Century Gothic Revival: In the 19th century, the church was remodeled twice. The most significant work was in 1887, a Gothic Revival-style memorial to the 8th Earl of Shaftesbury. The 1908 Fire and Comper's Restoration: A catastrophic fire in 1908 destroyed most of the church's interior, leaving only the walls standing. The 9th Earl of Shaftesbury commissioned the renowned Gothic Revival architect Sir Ninian Comper to restore and rebuild the church. Comper's work, completed between 1908 and 1910, is considered one of his masterpieces. He kept the 18th-century external walls but completely redesigned the interior, adding a new north aisle and a lady chapel. His intricate work, including stained glass, a wooden screen, and numerous sculptures, makes the church a "treasure-house of Comper work," as described by Sir John Betjeman.

St. Giles Church is the parish church for the village of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset. It has a rich and complex history, marked by several rebuilds, a major fire, and the patronage of the Ashley-Cooper family, the Earls of Shaftesbury. The church's origins date back to at least the 13th century, with the first recorded rector in 1207. The current building is a fascinating mix of architectural styles due to its turbulent history. 18th-Century Georgian: The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1732 by the Dorset architects John and William Bastard, who were also responsible for much of the reconstruction of the town of Blandford Forum after a fire. The exterior of the church, with its greensand and flint walls, still largely reflects this Early Georgian design.

Easter Sepulchre: A truly exceptional feature is the ornate early 16th-century Easter Sepulchre, located on the north wall of the chancel. This superbly carved example is one of the few surviving in Dorset and is considered unique in the county. It bears the initials "TW" for Thomas Weaver, who served as rector from 1514-1536 and was likely responsible for its erection. Its sophisticated Renaissance decoration and resemblance to angels by Benedetto da Rovezzano suggest influences from contemporary French and Italian art. Norman Font: The 12th-century font is crafted from local Purbeck marble and is topped by a 17th-century oak cover. Lectern: The church boasts a beautiful Art Nouveau style lectern, made from iron and brass in 1909. Registers: The church registers date back to 1545.

St Mary's Church in Tarrant Hinton, Dorset, is a charming medieval church with a rich history and several notable architectural features. It is one of several "Tarrant" villages named after the River Tarrant that flows through the area. Medieval Origins: The church dates back to the 13th century, with some Norman elements surviving, such as the font and piscina. Restorations and Additions: The church underwent a restoration in 1891. The chancel, by contrast, is largely Victorian, resulting from remodelling in 1874. Materials: The walls are a mix of banded flint and Upper Greensand, with some Ham Hill Stone used for windows and Caen stone for the Easter Sepulchre. The tower is primarily Upper Greensand ashlar. The changing workmanship in the banding of materials can illustrate different dates of construction. Tower: The 15th-century tower is heavily decorated with grotesque carvings and has a battlemented top. South Door: The south door exhibits traditional Norman zigzag carving motifs