Powerstock Location Guide: All You Need to Know
Powerstock: Gateway to the Dorset Downs
On the fringes of the Dorset Downs, surrounded by meadowns, waterways and steep grassy hills, lies the picturesque village of Powerstock. This timeless village is characterised by honey-coloured stone cottages, thatched roofs and pretty gardens. In the heart of the village stands the church of St Mary the Virgin, a beautiful building set in cherry blossom grounds. One of the most noteworthy features of the church is its 12th century chancel arch, considered one of the most intricate of its kind in the whole of Dorset.
The village is served by two local pubs, the Three Horseshoes, a lovely old pub with a pretty beer garden boasting unrivalled views, and The Marquis of Lorne, a charming 16th century pub found on the other side of Mangerton River in the neighbouring hamlet of Nettlecombe. Both pubs provide a welcome staging post for walkers out enjoying the surrounding hills and the many breathtaking vantage points, not least the verdant slopes of Eggardon Hill upon which the site of an Iron Age hill fort can be explored. The hill was once used by renowned West Country smuggler and gentle giant, Isaac Gulliver, who had the bright idea of growing a small copse on the hillside which could be used as a landmark for his roving fleet of renegade luggers.
Walks Around Powerstock…
Another prominent hill (or ‘tump’ as they are locally known) is Drackenorth. Standing over seven hundred feet tall, the hill looms large on a popular hiking route called the Jubilee Trail, which spans the breadth of the county, starting in Chard and winding all the way to the river town of Fordingbridge in the New Forest. Powerstock Common provides ramblers with more than 100 hectares of ancient woodland, secret ponds and roaming heathland. Much of this nature reserve runs along the disused Maiden Newton to Bridport railway and is home to a vast array of wildlife, including willow warblers, chiffchaffs, bee orchids, rock roses, ding skipper and speckled wood butterflies, newts and dragonflies, all of which flourish in this spectacular native habitat.
Powerstock History, in a Nutshell…
During the Middle Ages, the village was known as ‘Poorstock’, most probably eponymously named after one of its former landowners, Hugo le Poer. However, as the village became more prosperous and prominent, having been granted a charter for a market and horse fair by Edward III in the 1300s, those with a vested interest in the community became more and more disapproving of its name and the unfair connotations and undertones it attracted. It was Great Western Railway, in 1857, which decided to refer to its outlying station by its colloquial alternative ‘Powerstock’, thus removing the unpalatable ‘slur’. Nearly a century later, Dorset County Council decided to officially adopt the elevated name, going against the wishes of the parish council who felt duty-bound by its Poorstock roots.
Things To Do…
There’s so much to see and do in mid-Dorset. Here are just a few suggestions from a long list of activities and outings…
Part of the impressive Symondsbury Estate, Colmers Hill remains one of the region’s most iconic walks. Following the weaving paths through the rolling countryside, it takes less than an hour to reach the summit of this grassy peak where you can enjoy one of the West Country’s most breathtaking panoramas.
Mapperton House and Gardens, one of the most stunning manors in the county, dates back to the 11th Century. The house is a fine example of classic Tudor architecture and the exquisite gardens include some enchanting features, such as a fountain court, arboretum, spring garden, a tortoise corral, pool gardens,and woodland trails.
It’s one of Britain’s oldest family-run breweries, able to boast a 225 year history of cask and real ale fermentation. Set on the south side of Bridport on the banks of a weir where its famous water wheel still turns, Palmers Brewery runs tours around its famous premises, offering a fascinating insight into its award-winning blending processes.
Some say it was shaped on the mythical Greek hero, Hercules, others believe it pokes fun at soldier and statesman, Oliver Cromwell, while many agree with local folklore and see it as a symbolic aid to fertility… We are, of course, referring to the 180 foot tall Cerne Giant, the largest and most renowned chalk hill figure in Britain. He remains one of the most spectacular sights to be found along the many tracks and trails of the Cerne Valley.
Powerstock is only a short drive from the magnificent Jurassic Coast, with all its gleaming bays and magnificent clifftop passes. West Bay beach is just over six miles away from Powerstock. Here you can follow in the footsteps of ITV’s Broadchurch detectives, whilst savouring some brilliant ocean horizons and fresh sea air. If you’re looking to explore some secret smugglers’ coves, take a look at our guide to Seven of Dorset’s Secret Beaches for a heads up on those lesser-known shores.
For an equally uplifting experience, the Abbotsbury Swannery offers you the chance to admire one of the UK’s most majestic waterbirds and walk through ‘the heart’ of a colony of mute swans. Also within easy driving distance of Powerstock are the historic market town of Bridport and the vibrant seaside town of Lyme Regis, both well-known for their many cultural gatherings, arts and music festivals, and bustling high streets.
Where To Eat…
When it comes to eating out in Dorset, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From cosy tearooms and inviting bistros, to traditional inns and fine-dining restaurants, we’ve picked out a handful of lovely places to ear in the mid-Dorset countryside.
Winner of the Good Food Guide’s ‘Best Local Restaurant, South West’, Brassica Restaurant lies in the charming neighbouring village of Beaminster. This thriving restaurant continues to garner glowing reviews, gaining the approval of some of the UK’s more discerning food critics, including Jay Rayner who described the restaurant’s culinary delights as ‘deft cooking, with attention to detail.’
If you’re looking to treat yourselves after a hard day’s walk across the beautiful Dorset Downs, the delightful old inn, the Half Moon, is just the ticket. Set in the pretty village of Melplash, this gorgeous gastro-pub has sumptuous, seasonal menus, including plenty of delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes.
In nearby Bridport, the Olive Tree is one of the region’s best kept secrets. This well-established bistro continues to serve up incredible food packed with wholesome ingredients from local producers, enough to satisfy the most sophisticated of palates.
Surrounded by rolling hills, The Pymore Inn is another of Dorset’s many adorable, rural pubs and remains a welcome sight for weary wayfarers in need of sustenance. Expect a warm reception and exceptional ‘pub grub’.
Holiday Cottages in Powerstock…
Not far from the magnificent Jurassic Coast, The Old School House is one of Toad Hall Cottages’ most sought-after properties. This Grade II listed home has been exquisitely updated; a walled garden, stain-glassed gothic windows and scissor-beamed ceilings are just some of the impressive features still on display. The Old School House sleeps up to eight guests, making it the ideal venue for large family get-togethers and gatherings of friends. Take a virtual tour and see for yourselves why this prestigious property consistently receives five star reviews.
Set in the heart of Powerstock, Thatch Cottage is as pretty as a picture, placing you in the midst of Dorset’s stunning countryside. Sleeping up to five guests, this cosy retreat is also one of our many dog-friendly holiday cottages. With its traditional low beamed ceilings, exposed timber trusses and lintels, Thatch Cottage retains so much of its original character and remains one of our hidden gems – the perfect base for keen ramblers looking to explore Dorset’s endless tracks and trails.
Bridge Cottage lies on the edge of Powerstock, an attractive home boasting far-reaching views of the Dorset Downs. Sleeping up to four guests, this cosy bolthole would be the perfect setting for a small family break or couple’s retreat. As-well-as benefiting from all the mod cons, the property has a lovely patio and secluded garden area leading down to the leafy banks of a babbling brook, the ideal spot for those summer barbeques and lazy afternoons.
The enchanting county of Dorset is home to an impressive selection of Toad Hall holiday cottages, nestled in the rolling hills and tucked away down quiet, cobbled lanes of rural hamlets and coastal villages. Find your perfect property here…