Highlands

Settlement in Dorset

England

Highlands

Self unloading bulker Mobile Pearl off West Bay The Bahamas registered Mobile Pearl, a 43,499 DWT self discharging bulk carrier, is anchored a couple of miles off West Bay at 50.6849°N 2.765863°W She is carrying granite from the Glen Sanda quarry in Argyll for use in the West Bay improvement scheme. Searock1 dumb barge and tug Afon Alaw acting as propulsive power and positioning unit are secured alongside the bulker with the barge being charged with granite for the next transfer to East Beach. — Self unloading bulker Mobile Pearl off West Bay Credit: John Stephen

Highlands is a small village located in the county of Dorset, in the south-west region of England. Situated on the outskirts of the town of Shaftesbury, Highlands is known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming rural atmosphere. The village is nestled in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, an area renowned for its natural beauty and agricultural heritage.

Highlands boasts a population of around 500 residents and is predominantly residential, with a mix of historic cottages and newer houses. The village center features a handful of amenities, including a local pub, a village hall, and a small primary school. Despite its modest size, Highlands offers a strong sense of community, with various social events and gatherings taking place throughout the year.

Surrounded by the beautiful Dorset countryside, Highlands offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a stunning backdrop for hiking, cycling, and exploring the local flora and fauna. Within a short drive, residents can also access the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches.

For those seeking cultural experiences, the historic town of Shaftesbury is just a stone's throw away. With its cobbled streets, independent shops, and ancient landmarks such as Gold Hill, Shaftesbury offers a range of amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

In summary, Highlands in Dorset offers a tranquil and idyllic setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle while still being within reach of larger towns and the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

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Highlands Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.716014/-2.7804154 or Grid Reference SY4591. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Self unloading bulker Mobile Pearl off West Bay

The Bahamas registered Mobile Pearl, a 43,499 DWT self discharging bulk carrier, is anchored a couple of miles off West Bay at 50.6849°N 2.765863°W She is carrying granite from the Glen Sanda quarry in Argyll for use in the West Bay improvement scheme. Searock1 dumb barge and tug Afon Alaw acting as propulsive power and positioning unit are secured alongside the bulker with the barge being charged with granite for the next transfer to East Beach.

John Stephen

6 West Bay Road, West Bay

Grade II Listed 18th or 19th century building.

Jo and Steve Turner

The Steps, East Cliff, West Bay

A holiday let, The Steps, was the location for the home of detective DCI Hardy (David Tennant) and its interiors featured in ITV's Broadchurch (2013–2017) Season 3.

Jo and Steve Turner

The George, 18 George Street, West Bay

19th century Grade II Listed inn. The George calls itself a traditional pub but has a restaurant and 6 en suite rooms refurbished in 2014 . George Street was constructed in 1819-20, presumably named after the inn that was built around the same time. In 1834 the inn and several houses were destroyed by fire and it was rebuilt in 1839. Directory entries include; 1842-1844 Thomas Jarvis; 1851-1859 Mrs Sarah Jarvis; 1875 Mrs Mary Jane White; 1889 Edward Stevens Boucher; 1895 Mrs Mary Jane Boucher; 1911-1915 Henry Lucas.

Jo and Steve Turner

Former Salt House, West Bay Road, West Bay

18th century Grade II Listed salt house. Built in the early 18th century salt was stored here for the Newfoundland fishing trade. Ships would sail laden with Bridport nets, line, ropes and salt to trade with the fishermen of the Newfoundland fishing fleet. The salted cod obtained would be traded to the Caribbean or Mediterranean countries for oil, fruit, wine and preserves that would then be returned to Dorset. The building has since been used as a milking parlour, then as a cycle hire shop in the mid 20th Century and more recently as a museum and information centre until 2005. It is now a community hall leased by Bridport Town Council from West Dorset District Council.

Jo and Steve Turner

Rise CafÃ© Bar, off George Street, West Bay

Originally Riverside in the early part of the last century was a tent erected during the Summer to provide Tea and Cakes. Around 1935 it was replaced by increasingly enlarged wooden huts. Riverside got flooded several times a year during the 60’s & 70’s. In 1976 the then owners, who had been in occupation since 1964, decided to rebuild the Riverside to a design by the Architects Piers Gough and Roger Zogolovitch. Largely unchanged since, the lounge area extension was added in early 2007 and was designed by John Matthews, a Bridport Architect. Around May 2018 Riverside was purchased by the founders of the Stable chain of restaurants and it was subsequently rebranded.

Jo and Steve Turner

The Moorings, Harbour Green, West Bay

Grade II Listed house of 1905 by Arts and Crafts architect Edward Schroeder Prior (1857-1932) and converted late 20th century to flats. The Moorings was used as a Hotel and Restaurant in the 1960s into the 70s. The central dormer window was added during the 1990s.

Jo and Steve Turner

Former Bonded Stores, Customs House Yard, West Bay

Grade II* Listed 18th century or earlier former warehouse. It is likely to have been associated with the first period of improvements to the harbour in 1740. Purchased by Norman Good in the 1930s as far as I can see it is still owned by Norman Good & Sons and leased to Dorset Council. Change of use was granted in 2013 for use as retail premises (A1). The building is on the buildings at risk register and discussions on repair of the site stalled but in May 2020 a listed building consent application for retrospective works to provide access to the upper floors was under consideration by Dorset Council.

Jo and Steve Turner

East Cliff, West Bay Beach

West Bay, formerly known as Bridport Harbour, is situated approximately 2 miles from the centre of Bridport on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset (a World Heritage Site), and is at the mouth of the River Brit. The Bay has 2 beaches, 2 piers and a small grade II listed Harbour. West Bay has a number of local caravan and camping sites, as well as hotels and B&Bs. The bay has a number of kiosks, serving traditional fish and chips, often with locally caught fish. There are also a few pubs, cafés, and restaurants. Website: Link

Lauren

The harbour at West Bay

Eirian Evans

Pebble beach at West Bay

Eirian Evans

Beach and Esplanade at West Beach

The South West Coast Path makes its way up West Cliff

Eirian Evans

The Old Salt House

Formerly used for the manufacture of salt which was then loaded onto boats to cross the Atlantic. There the fishermen would catch cod, salt and dry it before using it to trade in the West Indies and Mediterranean ports. They would then bring wine fruit and oil back to England.

Eirian Evans

West Bay Harbour

Eirian Evans

The River Brit

Near West Bay harbour

Eirian Evans

St John's Church, West Bay

A Church of England church which was built in 1935–39 to the designs of William Henry Randoll Blacking and has been a Grade II listed building since 1975

Eirian Evans