Key facts
OS Grid Reference: SU029193
What3words: ///prompting.perused.riddle
Postcode: SP5
Unitary Authority: Dorset
Parliamentary Constituency: North Dorset
The Woodyates
The Woodyates is a pretty, rural hamlet which sits in peaceful seclusion in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape), in Dorset – right on the border with Wiltshire.
Although it’s the epitomy of a peaceful village, it’s just 10 miles, or a drive of around 20 minutes, to the cathedral city of Salisbury with its shops, restaurants, heritage, culture, amenities and travel links.
The Dorset village of Sixpenny Handley is just two miles away, which offers a nursery and primary school, a GP surgery, a butcher and small supermarket.
The Woodyates are less than three miles from the ancient woodland nature reserve RSPB Garston Wood and Martin Down Nature Reserve.
History
The area around the Woodyates has been farmed since Neolithic times, with evidence of flint instruments, axe heads and laurel-leaf knives, found nearby.
The village name is derived from the Old English words ‘wud’ or wood, and ‘geat’, meaning gate.
Historically, Woodyates was a small farming community, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy.
In the Middle Ages the land formed part of the Tarrant Abbey estates, an independent monastery which was later refounded as a Cisterian nunnery that became one of the richest in England.
Nearby Tarrants Hill has signs of a medieval village, abandoned possibly during the Black Death.
In 2020 West Woodyates Manor, formerly the home of Thomas Pitt, the most famous diamond smuggler in British history, was on sale for £18.5m.
Walking and cycling
The Cranborne Chase AONB is perfect for walkers and cyclists. If you’re looking to explore on foot, then perhaps try this trail of a little over 3½ miles from Plot a Route.
