Tolpuddle Cottage

Tolpuddle is the home of the Trade Union movement and the small village museum, which is free, documents the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and their fight for workers' rights; every year a festival is held in the village, which is very well attended. The local pub, The Martyrs Inn, was re-opened in 2023 after the village residents clubbed together to raise money to purchase it and it is very much the heart of the village, serving great food in a friendly atmosphere.

There is so much to explore on your doorstep; Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum, are just eight miles from Tolpuddle Cottage. Fans of Thomas Hardy can visit his birthplace and Casterbridge (Dorchester) as in The Mayor Of Casterbridge, the county town of Dorset, with some great cafes, the Tutankhamen Museum and the Dinosaur Museum, which children will remember long after their visit.

If you feel like a relaxing day on the coast, the safe sandy beaches of Studland and Weymouth are a short drive or visit the impressive geological features at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. If you are bringing bikes and/or kayaks on holiday with you, there is a lockable store in the garage behind the cottage, please contact us if you would like to request use of the store.

A short drive takes you to the historic market town of Wareham, gateway to Purbeck and the beginning of the Jurassic Coast; enjoy the National Trust's Corfe Castle or have a memorable ride on the Swanage Steam Train which runs beside this magnificent castle. Nearby historic Athelhampton House and Gardens is well worth a visit, with a restaurant to indulge in delicious holiday treats; Athelhampton House is also a wedding venue, so Tolpuddle Cottage is ideal if you want to extend your stay in Dorset after a memorable family celebration.