Local Area and Attractions
The village of Nether Compton lies almost exactly on the border between Somerset and Dorset.
This makes Round Lodge a perfect base for your holiday.
The nearest beach in south, is only around 30 mins from the house in Weymouth & to the north 30 mins will get you to the famous shopping village of Street.
Nearby Attractions
Minterne House and Gardens
Landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown and Trailing around a mile in length, Minterne boasts a world renowned and completely unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees. Wander the trail and enjoy our chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. With an abundance to see from the snowdrops in winter, to spring bluebells through to summer azaleas and hydrangeas, the garden is full of interest throughout year.
With benches nestled throughout the garden, sit back, absorb the tranquillity, and remove the stresses of everyday.
Sherborne
Sherborne's historic buildings include Sherborne Abbey, its manor house, independent schools, and two castles: the ruins of a 12th-century fortified palace and the 16th-century mansion known as Sherborne Castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh. The town is host to many local independent shops and also hosts a once monthly artisan market on select Sundays playing host to a whole range of local makers and seller of locally crafted goods. A lot of the town is dog friendly and there is a lovely field next to the river where dogs are allowed to be let off leash opposite the entrance to the Sherborne castle grounds and Garden centre which is also a lovely place to visit. In the winter they (Sherborne Castle Garden Centre) host a "Winter Wonderland" which is a must visit for enthusiastic seasonal shoppers and great hit with the kids!
Haynes Motor Museum
The Museum was opened on 10 July 1985 by the then Land Speed Record holder Richard Noble OBE. Since then the collection’s international theme expanded as vehicles from around the globe were acquired increasing numbers from a humble 29 to nearly 400 in 30 years; an amazing feat by anyone’s standards. There is much here to see and do as well as just to look at the cars. They hold a one Sunday a month breakfast club which you can buy tickets for to join with fellow petrol heads and join their gathering. There is a Go-Kart track for all the family to try as well as interactive children's activties throughout the museum. There is also an outdoor play area and large cafe.
Yeovilton Museum
Fleet Air Arm Museum - representing the Royal Navy In the Air. With four exhibition halls, over ninety aircraft and over 2 million records and 30 thousand artefacts the Museum is Europe's largest naval aviation Museum. In addition it houses the first British Concorde which you can go on board, view the cockpit and visit the award winning Aircraft Carrier Experience.
Kingston Mauward animal Park and gardens
Come and visit our super friendly animals – we have everything from ducks, pigs and sheep, to chickens, guinea pigs and bunnies! Get to know the animals as you walk around the Animal Park. Take a peaceful stroll round our stunning formal gardens, which were laid in 1922 in the Jardin Anglais style of the famous landscape gardener, Capability Brown. Have a tranquil cup of tea on one of the many benches and appreciate the creativity of our skilled gardening team, who you will often see tending the many plantings across the estate. Our purpose-built Barn & Café is currently open for takeaway food and drink – we have hot and cold drinks, delicious cakes and pastries, and savoury snacks including pastries, sandwiches and crisps. We also have an indoor play area and seating in the Barn & Café and we look forward to welcoming you all soon!
Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens | Dorchester, Dorset (kmc.ac.uk)
Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas is a charming and quaint village that is world renowned for the Cerne Giant, a 180 ft high ancient chalk figure carved out into the steep sloping hillside above the village.
The origins of the Giant, now owned by the National Trust, are a mix of fact and speculation. Some believe that he represents the Roman god Hercules or that he is a Pagan fertility symbol. There is no known historical record before 1694, however recent studies suggest the giant was first made by the Saxons between AD 700 and 1100. Though there is more to see in the village than the giant, the village boasts not one or two pubs but three who will happily host you for a wonderful pub lunch, a stroll through the main street will also bring you to a lovely tea rooms also if an afternoon tea is what you are looking for.
Our Local suppliers and recommendations
Photography
Nico Gooden
My photography itself has in recent years shifted towards nature and fungi photography, I feel using photography to raise awareness is of a greater purpose.
Through my blog I help others improve their own photography and I am currently in the final stages of a commissioned photography learning book.
Childrens Store
The Toy Barn
Specialises in wooden climbing frames, swings and playhouses, traditional wooden toys and games and indoor and outdoor play equipment. Also stocking a wide range of toys and games, so come and visit our amazing toy shop and display orchard! The Toy Barn is open from 10 am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. We are usually open on Bank Holidays, but please call to check if you’re making a special visit. They also have a wonderful Maize Maze in the summer & a new Cafe and play area open Easter 2022
