Blandford Forum is located on the banks of the River Stour in Dorset, which explains why its name comes from Blaen-y-ford meaning ‘the place near the ford’.
The 13th century saw Blandford Forum as an important market town, enabling access by a bridge running over the Stour. In the 19th century accessibility was further improved by the addition of the railway and housing was being developed beyond the immediate town centre.
Blandford Forum boasts a Georgian style Market Place, and photographic records are able to illustrate how the area has retained its open style. Markets continue to run in the same place every Thursday and Saturday near the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which has stood grand in the Market Place since 1739 and is a fine example of the Georgian architecture that can be seen throughout the town.
Local attractions include the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Army Camp, focusing on the history and significance of military communications, Blandford Museum and the Cavalcade of Costume Museum.
Annual celebrations take place in May for the Georgian Fayre, and September with Blandford Carnival and the week long, world-renowned Great Dorset Steam Fair.
To mark the 400th anniversary of the granting of the Royal charter to Blandford Forum by King James I the town will be hosting an exciting variety of events throughout 2005, from a civil war re-enactment to an open air concert.
Attraction
Blandford Forum Museum
Chettle House
Milton Abbey
Royal Signals Museum
Camping
Inside Park (The)
True Lovers Knot
Classes
Dance - Janet Knight School of Dancing
Council
Doctor
Eagle House Practice
Milton Abbas Practice
Whitecliff Mill Street Practice
Estate Agent
Chaffers
Connell Estate Agents
Forum Lettings
General Accident Property Services
Horder Vivien
Sheppards
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Inn
Crown HotelInn On The Chase
Talbot Inn
The Museum Inn
Market
Blandford Farmers Market
Blandford Forum Indoor Market
Blandford Forum Market
Craft Market in the Shambles
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
Anvil Inn
Baker Arms
Charlton Inn
Hambro Arms
Stour Inn
True Lovers Knot
Wheatsheaf
White Horse
School
Bryanstone School
Clayesmore Prep School
Clayesmore School
Knighton House
Milton Abbey School
Self-Catering
Featherdown Farm
Inn On The Chase
Solicitor
Taxi
Abell Cars
Blandfords Oakwood Taxis
Edwards Taxis
Kens Radio Kabs
Kent Cabs
Riverside
Venue
Vet
Sports Clubs
Blandford CC (Cricket)
Blandford TC (Tennis)
Shops
Sunflowers
Boots
Digwell Nursery
MJB & J Jones
Fowlers
Holland and Barratt
Millhouse Flowers
Box of Gifts
Scruples Coffee House
Willows Tea Rooms
Oxfords Bakery
Mato & Son Ltd
J Bilsland Butchers
RG & ME Belbin
Florabunda
The Sapling
Papyrus
Blandford Chiropody Surgery
Hallmark Cards
Antiques
Activities
Deer Park Riding Stables(Riding)
Places to Stay near Blandford Forum
Portman Lodge (0.35 miles)
Crown Hotel (0.61 miles)
Crown Hotel sits on the edge of Blandford, with views of the Stour River's water meadows and the town. It has a gastro-style restaurant and a stylish, upmarket bar. The current hotel ... More
Lower Bryanston Farm (0.94 miles)
We welcome you to stay at our family run, attractive Georgian farmhouse bed & breakfast, situated on the edge of the historic town of Blandford Forum. Our location is superb; in the heart of ... More | visit website
Anvil Inn (1.72 miles)
Langton Arms (3.66 miles)
True Lovers Knot (3.99 miles)
hi welcome to the stunning true lovers knot. set in the romantic dorset countryside in the heart of the tarrant valley we have 4 classically appointed rooms. all feature ensuite ... More
The Talbot (4.59 miles)
4 Star Visit Britain rating. Visit Britain prestigious Silver Accolade award.
Recently renovated and refurbished to a high standard, The Talbot, voted "Dorset Dining Pub of the Year", is a ... More
Whispering Chimneys Bed & Breakfast (4.61 miles)
A large luxurious room avaiable in the heart of rural Dorset. The room is within a private self contained annex with it's own entrance. This is part of ... More
Saxon Inn (5.28 miles)
Visit this Dorset gem and you will not be disappointed. Nestling beneath Hambledon Hill, the Saxon Inn is one of the most delightful and picturesque country inns you could ever ... More
Hilltop Barn (5.99 miles)
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