The Folly

Settlement in Dorset

England

The Folly

Derelict buildings, Gains Cross Farm
Derelict buildings, Gains Cross Farm Credit: Richard Webb

The Folly is a historic landmark located in the picturesque town of Dorset, England. It is an exquisite example of Victorian architecture and stands proudly on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Constructed in the mid-19th century, the Folly was initially built as a hunting lodge for the local Lord. Its design was inspired by Gothic Revival architecture, with its prominent tower, pointed arches, and decorative detailing. The building is made of local stone, giving it a distinct charm and blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

Today, the Folly serves as a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the various rooms and corridors, which have been preserved in their original state, allowing them to experience the grandeur and opulence of the Victorian era. The tower provides a panoramic view of the rolling hills, lush valleys, and the nearby River Stour, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The Folly is also a hub for cultural events and activities, hosting art exhibitions, musical performances, and theatrical productions throughout the year. Its tranquil gardens, adorned with colorful flowers and manicured lawns, provide a serene setting for picnics and leisurely walks.

In conclusion, the Folly in Dorset is a splendid architectural gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the past while providing a stunning backdrop for relaxation and cultural experiences.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Folly Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.873015/-2.2270424 or Grid Reference ST8408. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Derelict buildings, Gains Cross Farm
Derelict buildings, Gains Cross Farm
Gains Cross Farm Buildings out of use and behind Heras.
Gains Cross Farm
Buildings out of use and behind Heras.
Slow and Dirty, Stourpaine The Somerset and Dorset railway trackbed, now a path.
Slow and Dirty, Stourpaine
The Somerset and Dorset railway trackbed, now a path.
Bridge over the Stour The rails to trails conversion of the Somerset and Dorset railway trackbed.
Bridge over the Stour
The rails to trails conversion of the Somerset and Dorset railway trackbed.
Blandford Forum to Sturminster Newton path The former Somerset and Dorset railway.
Blandford Forum to Sturminster Newton path
The former Somerset and Dorset railway.
Path, Shillingstone Hill A steep climb through brambly woodland.
Path, Shillingstone Hill
A steep climb through brambly woodland.
Path, Shillingstone Hill Quite a steep ascent through jungle like woodland.
Path, Shillingstone Hill
Quite a steep ascent through jungle like woodland.
Path, Shillingstone Hill A steep ascent with dense woodland and brambles on either side.
Path, Shillingstone Hill
A steep ascent with dense woodland and brambles on either side.
Path junction, Shillingstone Hill
Path junction, Shillingstone Hill
Track on Shillingstone Hill Crossing farmland on the flat top, surrounding steep ground is wooded.
Track on Shillingstone Hill
Crossing farmland on the flat top, surrounding steep ground is wooded.
Stubble, Shillingstone Hill The flat higher ground is arable farmland.
Stubble, Shillingstone Hill
The flat higher ground is arable farmland.
Track, Shillingstone Hill On the woodland edge.
Track, Shillingstone Hill
On the woodland edge.
Track, Shillingstone Hill
Track, Shillingstone Hill
Track, Shillingstone Hill On flatter high ground, the surrounding steep slopes are wooded.
Track, Shillingstone Hill
On flatter high ground, the surrounding steep slopes are wooded.
Lay-by on A357 on north-east of Shillingstone Hill The lay-by also gives access to the house in the distance on the right
Lay-by on A357 on north-east of Shillingstone Hill
The lay-by also gives access to the house in the distance on the right
Enford Farm The farm and farm shop at the end of the valley of Enford Bottom.  The A357 takes a left-hand bend following a bend in the River Stour
Enford Farm
The farm and farm shop at the end of the valley of Enford Bottom. The A357 takes a left-hand bend following a bend in the River Stour
Lay-by on the A357 north of Durweston A lay-by that resulted from road realignment; the village sign for Durweston is on the left
Lay-by on the A357 north of Durweston
A lay-by that resulted from road realignment; the village sign for Durweston is on the left
Daffodils by the A357 on south of Durweston
Daffodils by the A357 on south of Durweston
Show me another place!

The Folly is located at Grid Ref: ST8408 (Lat: 50.873015, Lng: -2.2270424)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///dinosaur.protected.comic. Near Shillingstone, Dorset

Related Wikis

Blandford Forest

Blandford Forest is a scattered area of woodland centred to the northwest of the town of Blandford Forum in North Dorset, England. == Location == According...

Durweston

Durweston ( dər-WES-tən) is a village and civil parish in the English county of Dorset. It lies two miles (three kilometres) northwest of the town of Blandford...

Turnworth

Turnworth is a small village and civil parish in north Dorset, England, situated on the Dorset Downs five miles (eight kilometres) west of Blandford Forum...

Stourpaine and Durweston railway station

Stourpaine & Durweston Halt was a railway station in the English county of Dorset. It was located between Shillingstone and Blandford Forum on the Somerset...

Stourpaine

Stourpaine () is a village and civil parish in the ceremonial county of Dorset in southern England. It is situated in the valley of the River Stour in...

Shillingstone Quarry

Shillingstone Quarry SSSI, Dorset (grid reference ST823098) is an 8.13 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Dorset, England, notified...

Hod Hill

Hod Hill (or Hodd Hill) is a large hill fort in the Blackmore Vale, 3 miles (5 km) north-west of Blandford Forum, Dorset, England. The fort sits on a 143...

Hanford School

Hanford School is a girls' boarding preparatory school located in Hanford, Child Okeford, Dorset, England, established in 1947 and located in a grade II...

Related Videos

Van Life | Dog Walking | Dorset | Marley Labrador // Chasing Shadows 59A //

This episode (Chasing Shadows 59A) has had to be uploaded separately. It's just over eight minutes long but for some reason ...

WALKS IN DORSET at STOURPAINE & HOD HILL (IRON AGE HILL FORT) [4K]

This is another video in my series “Walks in Dorset” accompanied by my Whippet (Logan). In this episode I am at Stourpaine – a ...

Shillingstone Railway Project In The Heart Of Rural Dorset Progress Update.

I spent the Sunday afternoon down at Shillingstone Railway Station thats managed by the North Dorset Railway Trust, to see what ...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.873015,-2.2270424
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8718702/-2.2270033
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8712456/-2.2265741
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8699879/-2.225571
Material: wood
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.8693769/-2.2249594
Power: pole
Source: bing
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 50.8724609/-2.2273842
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to The Folly?

Leave your review of The Folly below (or comments, questions and feedback).