- : BCP Tourism
Explore Blandford Forum
Dorset’s Riverside Georgian Gem
Tucked into the heart of North Dorset, Blandford Forum offers a pace and personality that feel refreshingly unhurried. With the River Stour winding alongside elegant Georgian facades and countryside footpaths, this compact market town offers an inviting blend of heritage, charm and open-air freedom.
Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the local ales or the green meadows, Blandford welcomes you to take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
A Georgian Town Rebuilt from the Ashes
The story of Blandford Forum begins, dramatically, with fire. In 1731, much of the town was destroyed, only to rise again through thoughtful planning and exquisite design. The result is one of England’s best-preserved Georgian townscapes, shaped by local architects John and William Bastard.
A walk through Market Place and West Street reveals symmetrical brickwork, stately townhouses and the refined Corn Exchange, all telling the story of a town thoughtfully rebuilt. At The Blandford Town Museum, visitors can explore the town’s transformation and learn more about its rural and social heritage.
Riverside Walks and Country Trails
The River Stour shapes both the geography and the feel of Blandford. For a tranquil wander, the Stour Meadows riverside walk is a peaceful stretch of greenery and wildlife, right by the town centre. Just beyond, the North Dorset Trailway offers a longer route, popular with walkers and cyclists, following the former Somerset and Dorset railway line through beautiful countryside.
A short drive out brings you to Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hillfort ringed with ancient beech trees and sweeping views across Dorset. It’s one of many gentle day trips that make Blandford a perfect base for exploring rural Dorset.
Local Flavour and Longstanding Brews
Blandford is the birthplace of Hall & Woodhouse, the brewery behind the much-loved Badger Ales. A visit to their historic headquarters offers more than just a pint — tours reveal the brewing process and family legacy, while the onsite taproom serves seasonal dishes with their full range of beers.
The town’s independent cafés and restaurants reflect its relaxed, local vibe. Forum Café is a favourite for daytime eats, while The Crown Hotel serves elevated pub classics with views over the river. For real Dorset flavour, look out for Blackmore Vale dairy cheeses and creamy local ice creams — often found in farm shops and menus around town.
Where to Stay and Unwind
Accommodation in Blandford ranges from riverside inns to countryside retreats. The Crown Hotel again offers stylish rooms right in town, with garden spaces and traditional charm.
There are also welcoming B&Bs and self-catering cottages tucked along the edges of the Stour and in nearby villages, giving you easy access to both town and trail.
Events with Character
There’s always something quietly unfolding in Blandford. The weekly market, held on Thursdays and Saturdays, brings local produce and handmade goods to the central Market Place.
Each spring, Teddy Rocks Festival adds a burst of live music and community fundraising to the calendar, while the Blandford Yuletide Festival turns the town festive each winter with stalls, lights and seasonal treats.
And for a bit of quirky fun, Laserguys laser tag brings outdoor games to the woodland edges nearby — ideal for families or a group afternoon out.
A Riverside Market Town with Layers
Blandford Forum might not shout for attention, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a place where riverside paths lead to hidden picnic spots, where centuries of stories are built into the brickwork, and where pint glasses still carry the taste of tradition.
Whether you’re here for a relaxed weekend or stopping by on a Dorset journey, Blandford rewards those who pause to look around.
Ready to plan your visit? Take a stroll, sip a local ale, and let Blandford’s calm character draw you in.