Around The Area
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The village of Hooke is tucked away in an area of outstanding natural beauty and at its heart stands the tiny 15th. century church of St Giles, it has been extended and added to many times in the past five hundred years and the single bronze bell in its tower is reputed to be the second oldest bell in Dorset. In the past, Hooke was much larger than it is now, boasting two mills, and several small industrial works engaged in spinning twine and yarns. |
| As with most small villages, with the collapse of the wool trade in the 1880s, the population quickly declined, and never regained its former size. |  |
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There are numerous pleasant walks of varying length and difficulties in the immediate vicinity, in either woods, country lanes or along the ridges of the surrounding hills. To the south of Hooke lies the iron aged hill fort of Eggardon impressive even after two thousand years. |
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The interesting and ancient town of Beaminster is just four miles to the west, a small town whose shops and pubs cluster around an old market square. Three miles on is the Broadwindsor Craft Centre, a complex selling both local and imported craft ware, as well as a restaurant serving light refreshments. |
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South of Beaminster lies the large town of Bridport and its near neighbour, West Bay, otherwise known as "Bridehaven" in the T.V. series, Harbour Lights. West Bay is a fascinating small harbour, usually filled with fishing boats |
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and the occasional coaster. It is at the western
end of the famous Chesil Beach, fifteen miles of sand shingle and stones
that reach clear to Portland in the east. Its also an excellent place to buy
fresh seafood in season.
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| For more serious shopping, both Dorchester, the
county town, and the seaside resort of Weymouth which is a little over twenty
miles to the south-east, or Yeovil, about twelve miles to the north, all
contain big name chain stores and should be able to supply anything needed.
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Photographs on this page are courtesy of the copyright holder, West Dorset District Council
