Dorset Architectural Heritage Week 2025: Events in Blandford Forum

Dorset Architectural Heritage Week is a celebration of the architecture of Dorset, both historic and contemporary. This year’s DAHW, which is organised by East Dorset Heritage Trust, runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September. All events are free and run by volunteers. A full programme of the Week’s events can be downloaded from the East Dorset Heritage Trust website. Tickets for all pre-bookable events can be reserved from www.ticketsource.co.uk.

There are several events in Blandford, reflecting the town’s historical and architectural interest:

Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7UX.

Blandford Forum’s cemetery chapel was built in 1855 and is an important surviving example of both an unaltered early cemetery chapel and of Anglican church design in mid-nineteenth century Dorset. It was vandalised by an arson attack in September 2013 and has since been fully restored by the Town Council.

Parking on site, accompanied children welcome, photography welcome, no dogs please

Walk around the town centre with a guide from Blandford Town Museum’s Civic Group, taking approximately two hours.

The Heritage Walks (14/9 at 11am, 21/9 at 11am and 2:30pm) examine the history and detail of Blandford’s Georgian and other architecture, including the Grade I listed parish church, Town Hall and Corn Exchange (currently under restoration) and other fine buildings designed by 18th century architects John and William Bastard. See also the birthplace of sculptor and artist Alfred Stevens who designed the Wellington Monument in St Paul’s Cathedral, and whose work features in other places of note. Visit our History, Facts and Features page for more information about Blandford’s history. Meet by the flood defence wall in the Marsh & Ham car park, Blandford (behind Morrisons supermarket, DT11 7AW), close to the Information Office.

The Geology Walk (14/9 at 2:30pm) examines the history of the stones making up the town’s historic architecture. Meet at the entrance to Greyhound Yard, next to Greyhound House in the Market Place (DT11 7EB).

Disabled parking and accessible toilet facilities in the Marsh and Ham (Morrisons) car park. The walks are on public footpaths which are normally accessible, though some footpaths are narrow.

Assistance dogs welcome, Pushchair / pram friendly, Cameras welcome, Dogs Welcome on leads, Accompanied Children Welcome.

27 West Street, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 7AW

While the entrance to this building may be modest, behind it lies an impressive Masonic temple. This little-known and esoteric building was originally built circa 1770 and, as the Blandford Assembly Rooms, hosted Franz Liszt for a performance during his acclaimed tour of Europe in 1840-41. It has been in constant use as a Masonic Hall from 1869 to the present day. Come and visit this historic building with its fascinating temple and numerous Masonic artefacts. Discover more about the history of Freemasonry in Blandford and about some of the well-known local characters who were members of the organisation.

Rooms are at first floor level so no wheelchair access, but there is a stairlift. Parking in nearby public car park. No Cameras, No Dogs.

Blandford Fashion Museum is located in Lime Tree House, a beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian building, built by the Bastard brothers for their sisters after the Great Fire of Blandford in 1731 as a showcase for their capabilities and skills. As well as being a fine example of a Georgian building, the museum houses a collection of historic costume and textiles, currently showcasing the textile collection of Elisabeth Frink.

The museum also houses a welcoming traditional tearoom.

Partial Disabled Access, accessible toilets, children welcome, photography welcome, no parking on site, assistance dogs welcome / dogs welcome in tearoom only

Must be pre-booked; location details will be shown on ticket.

www.blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk