Blandford Forum is a historic market town in Dorset situated on the River Stour. Much of the town centre was rebuilt in the eighteenth century following a devastating fire, resulting in one of the finest concentrations of Georgian architecture in England. Blandford developed as an agricultural and commercial centre and remains an important local market town. Its location beside the River Stour and close to the Dorset Downs provides a combination of historic streets, riverside landscapes and open countryside. Spring through autumn are particularly suitable for exploring the town and surrounding countryside, while summer is ideal for walking and cycling along the river and nearby chalk landscapes.
Blandford Forum: Historical sights and information
Facts about Blandford Forum
- Latitude:
- 50.857675
- Longitude:
- -2.165163
- GPS Coordinates:
- 50°51' N, 02°10' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
Blandford Forum's Georgian architecture is its defining attraction, with the distinctive Blandford Forum Town Hall and parish church forming the centrepiece of the rebuilt town. The Blandford Georgian Fayre celebrates this architectural heritage and the town's historic character. The nearby Badbury Rings, a substantial Iron Age hillfort, provides evidence of the area's much older settlement history. The surrounding Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase offer extensive walking and cycling opportunities, while the Jurassic Coast and historic houses of Dorset are within reach.
Food and leisure
Blandford Forum has cafes, restaurants, traditional pubs, bakeries, delicatessens and independent shops centred around the historic town square. Dorset produce, local cheeses, meats and traditional British dishes feature strongly in the regional food culture. Visitors can combine shopping and dining with riverside walks, exploration of the Georgian streets or excursions into the surrounding Dorset countryside.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Blandford Forum.