Merley Park

Downs, Moorland in Dorset

England

Merley Park

Wimborne First School On School Lane, in a building dated 1911. — Wimborne First School Credit: Mike Faherty

Merley Park is a picturesque area located in Dorset, England. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, encompassing both downs and moorland landscapes. The park is situated in close proximity to the town of Wimborne Minster, offering visitors a tranquil escape from urban life.

The downs of Merley Park offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills and lush green fields stretching as far as the eye can see. These grassy uplands provide an ideal setting for leisurely walks and picnics, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.

In contrast, the moorland of Merley Park presents a more rugged and wild terrain. Here, visitors can discover an array of heather-covered hills, scattered with ancient stone formations and meandering streams. This unique landscape provides a haven for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Merley Park offers a range of options. The downs provide excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling, with well-marked trails that cater to all skill levels. The moorland, on the other hand, is perfect for birdwatching and nature walks, allowing visitors to observe rare species in their natural habitat.

Overall, Merley Park in Dorset is a haven for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of landscapes to explore. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or an active outdoor adventure, this beautiful area has something to offer everyone.

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Merley Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.787006/-1.9846841 or Grid Reference SZ0198. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wimborne First School

On School Lane, in a building dated 1911.

Mike Faherty

Wimborne, play area

On Redcotts Recreation Ground, at the end of School Lane.

Mike Faherty

Wimborne, Taphouse

The latest addition to Wimborne's pub scene, opened in 2013 on West Borough. Straight bar to right, drinking front, left and back; simple decor with bare brick and wooden panelling, background music. Cask ales on offer at my visit: six, served on gravity, including two from the local Six Arch Brewery. Link

Mike Faherty

Defending Dorset in 1940: Wimborne Anti-tank Island (1)

- Loopholed wall: DoB ID: e25267 Wimborne - West Borough - Loopholed Wall. The only surviving structure in Wimborne of the town's defences when it was designated an anti-tank island in 1940. This loopholed wall between two properties in West Borough was built to bring fire to bear on the approach road from the crossing of the River Allen to the north. The house directly opposite (the Old Saddlery) on the other side of the road was also requisitioned at the time, and handed over to the Home Guard to be used as a defended house. The second floor with its tiny north-facing window overlooking the street, may have served as a discreet observation post. SU0000 : Defending Dorset in 1940: Wimborne Anti-tank Island (2)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: Wimborne Anti-tank Island (2)

- Loopholed wall: DoB ID: e25267 Wimborne - West Borough - Loopholed Wall. A close-up of one of the three gunloops. Note that the construction of the aperture has been angled to the left of the photo and towards the direction of the perceived threat - the street outside. SU0000 : Defending Dorset in 1940: Wimborne Anti-tank Island (1)

Mike Searle

Northleigh Lane

The bridge over the old Southampton & Dorchester Railway on Northleigh Lane, saw its last passenger trains in 1964 and freight in 1974.

Peter Kazmierczak

Netherwood Mead towards the River Stour

James Emmans

The Square, Wimborne

View across The Square towards The King's Head.

Trevor Harris

Isaac Gulliver's house, Wimborne

Gulliver was a notorious smuggler based on the south coast of England during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Becky Williamson

Wimborne Minster: ...but not close enough

Pictured about 10 minutes after kick-off of the World Cup semi-final between England and Croatia, which England would lose 2-1 after extra time. Three Lions Close is a modern development of infill housing around the back of the pub on the corner of West Street and Victoria Road, currently called the Minster Arms. The name has nothing to do with the England football team: the pub was previously known as the Pudding and Pye, before that the Pye Corner (the name of the junction), and originally the Three Lions, hence the name of the close. See SU0000 : Wimborne, The Pudding and Pye for the pub in its Pudding & Pye guise (in 2012), and SU0000 : Pye Corner when it was the Pye Corner (2007).

Chris Downer

Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster

Robin Webster

B3078 West Borough, Wimborne Minster

Heading north out of town.

Robin Webster

The Albion Inn, 19 High Street, Wimborne Minster

Grade II Listed 18th century inn. A plaque on the wall reads 'THE ALBION INN Town's oldest surviving licensed house. Formerly THE NEW INN, a 17th century coaching halt. In 1834 the Tolpuddle Martyrs stopped here en route to transportation to Australia as convicts.' It has housed the magistrates’ court, a school house and reputedly was once a place of refreshment for King George III as he travelled to Weymouth. The 1777 refers to the establishment of Hall and Woodhouse Brewery. Searching my directories produces a confused picture. In 1842-1844 we have Edward White Bowles (& posting house), New Inn, High Street. In the 1850s two New Inns are listed, interestingly under 'Taverns & Public Houses' not 'Inns'. One is at 'Hill butts' that I'm ignoring but otherwise; 1851 Winter Lamiman, New Inn, Stocks; 1852 not listed with just the 'Bell' and 'Greyhound' in High Street; 1855 C Bagg, New Inn, Holt. By 1859 it is listed again in High Street and by 1889 as the Albion; 1859 Henry Braine, New Inn; 1889 Tom Coombs, Albion; 1895 Albion no victualler given; 1911-1915 Mrs A M Meek, Albion. Was the New Inn, apparently in a location named 'Holt' or 'Stocks', another pub and this one closed? I can't locate a Holt or Stocks on the Wimborne maps I have access to.

Jo and Steve Turner

Old Toll House by West Borough, Wimborne Minster

Toll House by the B3078, in the parish of Wimborne Minster (East Dorset District), Nos. 46-49, (GR II listed as No.63) West Borough. The centre section with the bay windows is believed to have been the toll house. Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1304037 Link

Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO.WIM02

Alan Rosevear