Take a peek behind the scenes at some of the county’s most important and interesting buildings during Dorset Architectural Heritage Week.

From 9–18 September, 60 properties across Dorset will be opening their doors to visitors as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, which celebrates the county’s rich historic built environment. Some of the properties taking part are not normally open to the public, while other familiar buildings will open their doors for special events or to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. It promises to be an exciting week…
Dorchester will be closing its High Street to cars and opening its doors for a ‘Discover Dorchester’ event that promises to be an exciting celebration of our County Town.
The beautiful Grade II listed Allendale House, the home of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, will open its doors for the day. Enjoy tours of the house, have a go at (model) train driving and chat to the enthusiasts from Wimborne Railway Society. Visit Blandford Fashion Museum, which is housed in a beautiful Georgian building, built by the Bastard Brothers for their sisters following the Great Fire of Blandford 1731. Or the cemetery chapel at Blandford Forum, now fully restored since it was vandalised in 2013. There’s a guided heritage walk around Blandford Forum, which takes in the architecture of the city centre over two hours.

Milling around
Castleton Waterwheel Museum brings alive the history of the supply of drinking water to Sherborne and its surrounds. While at Sturminster Newton Mill, which new evidence suggests is on a milling site that dates back to 1016, you can see the machinery in action and find out more about the history of the mill and milling.
A comprehensive information booklet is available in all libraries and Tourist Information Centres across Dorset, or can be downloaded from www.edht.org.uk. Tickets are available online now: tinyurl.com/mrxzmrmd . For more info call 01202 888992 or email dahw@edht.org.uk.

Allendale House