Days Out in Dorset: Symondsbury Estate

We recently visited the Symondsbury Estate and I thought it was possibly one of the most beautiful parts of Dorset I have been to yet.

 Colmers hill with its iconic pine trees sitting so neatly at the top that is often depicted in paintings or seen on photographs of Dorset, lies on the Symondsbury estate. It can be accessed by parking at the visitors center where there is free parking.  There is a permissive footpath that leads you through the rolling countryside and to the hill, and a path leading to the summit. 

 The day of our visit was a beautiful hot summers day and although dogs are permitted on leads, I left my girls at home in the coolness of the house. 

It was very peaceful as we strolled through the fields with the sheep grazing lazily around us. It was beautifully tranquil and the views were spectacular.

 We stumbled across the ancient sunken road, which was a welcome cool walk and one of Symondsbury best kept secrets. These ancient Holloways are a must visit as it is almost a mystical place. Some say they were used as pathways by pilgrims transporting goods to and from Westbay harbour in years gone by. And if you take your time you will find mysterious carvings along the trail of Shutes Lane and the rather spookily named Hell Lane, Ghouls and Gargoyles carved into the stone. A fantastic place to take children for an adventure!

There are cycle paths across this stunning historic estate and holiday cottages are available that are tucked into this beautiful green landscape.

The visitors centre was a true delight and the estate's dedication to conservation and looking after nature and all that belongs to it, becomes very clear as you wander around the shop and the estate. The visitors centre shop is filled with the most beautiful choice of books I have ever seen. From foraging and cooking, to rewilding and caring for our environment by rebugging the plant, through to folk law. I could have honestly spent most of the day there looking at the books,  but there is so much more to see and enjoy.

Along with the fantastic choice of books, the visitors centre is also packed with green goodies and locally sourced items. Beautiful pottery, bags and so much more it was an Aladdin's cave of all the good things in life! I have to tell you I had to pinch myself as I was in ore of the selection of items available.

After purchasing a book we wandered down to the gallery area filled with sweet little shops and even a beauty boutique!

Adventuring can be hungry work, but there is a fabulous café on site and the menu was to die for. Again full of locally sourced goodies and a large portion from the estate itself. I plumped for the Confit tomatoes, burrata with fresh basil and garlic and rosemary focaccia, and it was delicious! There is ample seating inside and out and it feels very spacious and comfortable.

Now I love a farm shop, but the Symondsbury estate farm shop is exceptional and is adjoining the “garden shop” and this is when I was in real trouble. There are some of the most beautiful locally sourced goods and again a large amount are from the estate itself and I have to confess I did purchase a few things to take home and enjoy. 

At the rear of the café is the tythe barn and this is available for private functions, at which time it is closed off to the public. It was closed the day we visited and as we left guests from a wedding at the village church were wandering up to the barn for a wedding reception. What a stunning setting for a celebration!

Before we headed home we visited the donkeys and the pygmy goats that are situated in the field overlooking the car park. The donkeys were very friendly and enjoyed being petted. There were also pig styles but I think the pigs had retreated into the shade and I couldn’t blame them. 

We will definitely be returning very soon and if it’s a cooler day we will hopefully make it to the top of Colmers hill and enjoy the views that the stunning Symondsbury estate and surrounding beautiful Dorset has to offer.