The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Buckland Newton

Go to the church next door to the gardens!!!!

Well,somebody needs to cut down the bushes and trees, as that is all that can be seen here. oh, and ouch.. big, BIG nettle stings!!!

The Cerne Valley offers quintessentially gorgeous Dorset vistas, blending rolling chalk hills with patchy, vibrant green pastures and ancient woodlands. Historic, golden-stone villages like Cerne Abbas nestle snugly along the winding River Cerne. Climb the high ridges for sweeping, postcard-perfect views across England's idyllic, sun-dappled countryside.

chalk- won't be good in wet weather due to downhill section. steep at start.

​Other Church Highlights ​The Napier Memorial: In the north chapel, there is a massive, cathedral-sized monument to Sir Nathaniel Napier (1725). It’s so large and impressive that it takes up the entire east wall of the chapel, featuring elaborate carvings that seem almost too grand for such a small village church. ​The "Road-Side" Entrance: Unusually, the main doorway is located in the west face of the tower and opens directly onto the main A352 road—so watch your step as you exit! ​Trafalgar Ties: Look for the memorial to Henry Digby, who commanded the HMS Africa during the Battle of Trafalgar. ​The church is often described as having "magnolia-washed" walls, which provides a bright, clean backdrop for the heavy, historic stonework. It’s a quiet, reflective place where you can literally stand over the roots of the Churchill family tree.

The St Andrew's Church in Minterne Magna is a small, late-medieval gem that feels more like a private family chapel due to its close ties with the neighboring Minterne House. ​While the church has bits and pieces from the 15th century, including its font and bells, it is primarily famous as the resting place and memorial site for the families who shaped British history—specifically the Napiers and the Churchills. ​The Churchill Connection ​Before the Churchills moved on to Blenheim Palace, Minterne was their family seat. The church holds some of the earliest monuments to the dynasty: ​The "Original" Sir Winston: In the floor near the pulpit, you’ll find a grave slab for John Churchill (d. 1659), the father of the first Sir Winston Churchill (who was the great-great-grandfather of the WWII Prime Minister). ​General Charles Churchill (d. 1714): On the north wall of the nave, there is a grand, ornate 18th-century monument to the younger brother of the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Charles was a hero in his own right, fighting alongside his brother at the Battle of Blenheim. ​Ellen Churchill: Nearby lies a slab for Ellen, the Duke of Marlborough’s sister.

The gravel tracks at Minterne Magna offer a smooth, relaxed loop through a "Himalayan" paradise in Dorset. Wander past cascades and rare trees on easy-going paths—it’s pure tranquillity, minus the mountain climbing!

The Cerne Abbey Abbot's Porch is a stunning, three-story fragment of history that serves as a grand reminder of the abbey's former glory. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit and admire the intricate stonework and that iconic two-story oriel window. ​It feels wonderfully peaceful, tucked away at the end of Abbey Street. Since it’s one of the few pieces of the 15th-century monastery still standing, it has a very grounded, quiet presence. It’s perfect for a slow wander when you want to soak up the medieval atmosphere without any rush.