Pictures of Wimborne Minster

About Wimborne Minster

Wimborne Minster is a magnificent Georgian town in the valley of the delightful River Stour. It is famed for its beautiful Minster church of Norman origins with twin towers, one of which is topped by a lantern. A 14th-century clock adorns the tower and interestingly, a grenadier strikes the quarter hour. The church has a Norman crypt and amongst its treasures is a chained library.

The town's narrow streets have a quintessentially English charm and show a rich variety of architecture, particularly in King Street where your eyes are immediately drawn to beautiful half-timbered properties. Thomas Hardy was a noted citizen.

Apart from strolling the lovely river banks and feeding its graceful swans, Wimborne Minster offers opportunities to explore Walford Mill, an restored 18th-century flour mill which hosts exhibitions, and sells locally made crafts and other attractive goofs. Another favourite place is Deans Court Gardens, here fascinating floral displays, plants and trees are spread around the old house that was once the Deanery to the Minster. The evocative museum of East Dorset Life is set in the historic Priests House. Period rooms portray the story of East Dorset and its people. The house has a beautiful walled garden and a shop.

The crowning glory of the region is stunning Kingston Lacy a 17th-century manor house where at any moment you expect to see a Regency carriage draw up and an elegantly gowned lady step out. The house is a treasure chest of beautiful paintings by the Old Masters, a magnificent marble staircase and on the outside is a glorious Italianate terrace with steps leading to classical gardens and sweeping parkland grazed by red Devon cattle.

With a lovely atmosphere, so much to see and do, Wimborne Minster makes the perfect summer place for a romantic weekend or to use as a base from which to explore this picturesque part of Dorset.