The Wellness Woods

The Tolpuddle area is famous for the Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of men convicted of trying to engage in collective bargaining for better wages in the 1830s and exiled to Australia. You can find out more about the six local men and their significance at the small museum in the village. Under 10 minutes away by car, Athelhampton House and Gardens has a large Tudor mansion and gorgeous grounds to explore at your leisure – there's also a good café here if you fancy some light refreshment. Another popular stately home in the area is Kingston Lacy (30 minutes), a National Trust-managed property with a Victorian fernery, sunken garden and a fine collection of roses. If natural landscapes are what you've come here to see, head south to Ringstead Bay (half an hour), or marvel at the huge natural limestone arch at Durdle Door beach (also half an hour). The rolling hills, brilliant beaches and untouched woodlands of the Isle of Purbeck peninsula are also within reach (30 minutes), as are the wildlife havens Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island (half an hour's drive to Poole followed by a short ferry ride).