About the district

North Dorset is a peaceful and largely unspoilt area embracing the five market towns of Blandford Forum,Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Stalbridge and Sturminster Newton.

In the south and east of the District are the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase, both officially recognised as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Blackmore Vale occupies the western part of the District. In the summer this is a lush pastoral landscape and the visitor can spend days meandering through the maze of small roads, footpaths and bridleways linking the many sleepy thatched villages.

North Dorset is still one of the most peaceful and genuinely unspoilt parts of rural England. For those who really appreciate the English Countryside and our heritage of history and fine buildings this is a wonderful place for a holiday or short break. The market towns within the District are all worthy of a visit. Shaftesbury, for example, is one of the oldest towns in England, standing at a height of more than 200 metres above sea level, with fine views over the Blackmore Vale.

Shaftesbury's Abbey was founded in 888 AD by King Alfred the Great whose daughter was the first Abbess. The Abbey ruins are now open to the public and provide a tranquil haven. Sturminster Newton stands on the northern end of a fine six arch medieval bridge over the River Stour. Sturminster Newton was the home of Thomas Hardy for many years and he would still recognise much of the local architecture. Blandford Forum is the most complete 18th century Georgian town in the south of England, and is one of Dorset's little known gems.

The rural area of North Dorset covers 235 square miles. The population is 62,000. This figure has increased significantly in recent years and is likely to continue increasing for the foreseeable future. The number of residential properties is 26,500.