The Area
The Area
Sturminster Newton is situated at the heart of the Blackmore Vale. This area is surrounded with gorgeous landscapes dotted with oak trees, arable fields and dairy farms. The River Stour divides the town in two and runs past the ancient Sturminster Mill, which is still working and makes an idyllic spot for a picnic.
The town centre offers The Exchange, which is a modern 300 seat performance venue hosting a range of fantastic shows all year round. There is no shortage of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops to choose from as well as a host of independent shops and convenience stores. The town provides a great base for exploring the wealth of attractions that Dorset has to offer. Whether you are popping in for a short stay or planning a long visit, Sturminster Newton is the perfect location for your Dorset holiday.
Annual Events Nearby
25 & 26 April 2026: Dorset Cycling Weekend
1-3 May 2026: Teddy Rocks Festival, Blandford
3 May 2026 The Shaftesbury Food Festival
9 & 10 May: Dorset Spring Show
16 & 17 May 2026: Magic of Thailand Festival
22 - 24 May 2026: Bournemouth 7's Festival
25 May 2026: Sherborne Castle Country Fair
29 - 31 May 2026: Family Fest 2026
6 Jun 2026: Weymouth Summerfest
13 & 14 Jun 2026: Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival
20 Jun 2026: Chesil Rocks
26 & 27 Jun 2026: Dorset Fest
3 & 4 Jul 2026 Upton Country Park Festival
4 & 5 Jul 2026: Dorset Seafood Festival
10 - 12 Jul 2026: Weymouth Beach Rugby Fest
12 Jul 2026: Sandfest
21 - 25 Jul 2026: Dorset Opera Festival
24 - 26 Jul 2026: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender
30 Jul - 02 Aug 2026: Camp Bestival
31 Jul - 02 Aug 2026: Poole Harbour Festival
1 & 2 Aug 2026 The Great Dorset Chilli Festival
10 Aug: Cattistock Countryside Show
19 & 20 Aug 2026: Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show
Every Thu in Aug 2026: Poole Quay Summer Fireworks
20 - 23 Aug 2026: Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
20 - 23 Aug: We Out Here
29 & 30 Aug 2026: The Stock Gaylard Oak Fair
3 - 6 Sep 2026: End of the Road
12 & 13 Sep 2026: The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

Local walks & cycles
Festivals and Events
Festivals and Events
Where to eat & drink

Nearby activities
Nearby activities

There are ten circular walks starting from Sturminster Newton and taking in the surrounding area. These walks range from 1.5 to 5.5 miles. Maps are available at the CL.
The North Dorset Trailway is a 14 mile (22.5 km) walking, cycling and horse riding route from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury. For more info read here.
Shaftesbury and Gold Hill is a 3.5 mile loop trail located near Shaftesbury.
Sturminster Newton has 2 pubs, a few restaurants and a great selection of cafes & tearooms, There are a number of take-away options including fish & chips, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and a Kebab shop. There are some lovely village pubs in the surrounding areas too. You won't go hungry here! The town is an easy 20 - 30 minute walk from the caravan site.
Eat in:
Pan Thai Restaurant and Takeaway 01258 475662
Poets Corner Café & Turkish Meals 01258 473723
Takeaway:
Best Kebab & Pizza 01258 503383
Shin Sushi Bento Takeaway 01258 628089

Breezy Ridge Vineyard: Vineyard, Restaurant, Wine Bar
Dorset Nectar: Cider farm tasting room, farm shop and cider garden
Furleigh Estate: Winery with tours and tastings
Gold Hill in Shaftesbury: Steep, cobbled street with panoramic views
The Jurassic Coast: 95 Miles of World heritage Site
Langham Wine Farm: Vineyard, tours, restaurant, shop
Longleat Safari Park: Drive-through safari park
Monkey World: Ape rescue centre
Shopping: For retail therapy there is plenty of choice from market towns to bustling commercial centres. Dorchester, Wimborne, Sherborne and Shaftesbury are all recommended.
Stourhead Gardens: National Trust Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden
Sturminster Newton Mill & Museum
The Jurassic Coast: 95 Miles of World heritage Site
Todber Manor Fisheries: Fishing at Brickyard Farm, Bagber. Tel: 07970115825
Wookey Hole Caves: home to ancient legends and stunning rock formations


