Sturminster Newton is situated at a historic fording point on the Stour. The ford was replaced in the 16th century with a six-arch stone bridge. A 19th-century plaque affixed to the stonework states that anyone damaging the bridge would be transported to Australia as a felon.
Did you know?
Thomas Hardy lived in Sturminster Newton from 1876 to 1878 after he married Emma Gifford. He said that his home was ‘idyllic’ and described his years there as being among the happiest of his life. The house is now a private home.
Sturminster Mill dates from the 17th century but a mill was in the same spot in the Domesday survey. It’s one of several that have dominated the banks of the Stour over the centuries. It was once a place for hiding contraband liquor and is now a working tourist attraction.
Help us to organise Literary Festival 2020
Following on from the success of the first Literary Festival in June, the organising team have already got together and started to plan the next one for 20 June 2020. The main focus will again be a celebration of local writers past, present and future. And again we’ll add cheerfulness by dressing the town and as many people as we can with a Victorian theme.We’ve had some amazing feedback (thank you!) and got some great ideas to make sure that next year’s event is even better,even bigger and, most importantly, even more fun.
We are looking for others to join the team so we can develop the Literary Festival into the event we know it can be. This is a great opportunity for you add your own ideas and enthusiasm by helping us to design and organise activities.
There are many aspects you may choose to get involved with, for instance working directly with authors or performers, organising stalls for Railway Gardens, planning some street scene activities. Importantly, you don’t have to be a Hardy bookworm to be able to help out; we particularly need people with ideas or skills in ticketing, poster creation, fancy dress, website creation, sponsorship and grant applications.
If this sounds interesting, then get do in touch. Jo Lewis [email protected]
Quick facts about our town
Sturminster highlights
Oxfords Bakery, run by fourth generation baker Steve Oxford, uses equipment dating back to the early 1900s. Its a traditional artisan bakery, with a very modern owner, and a town highlight.
Hansons is one of the largest craft and fabric warehouses in the South of England. With over 20 000 rolls of fabric, as well as sewing machines, wools, patterns and a myriad of craft utensils, its no surprise it attracts loyal customers from far and wide.
Or visit Harts of Stur – owned and run by Philip Hart and now nearly 100 years old. It’s a cookware specialist but sells everything you ever need for your home. From tiny picture screws to Christmas lights, coffee pots and wellington boots. Its a local treasure.
Our Partners
This site is brought to you Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society supported by Our Partners:
Accommodation
Stay at one of the many local bed and breakfasts, an old inn or choose a holiday cottage hidden away in the Blackmore Vale.
Food & Drink
There is something for everyone – pubs, cafes, tea shops or Holebrooks, the high end deli which sells a great cup of coffee.
Attractions
Visit the ancient Sturminster Mill, stroll down the trailway, or drop into The Exchange – the prestigious arts and community centre.
Retail
A fresh fruit shop, a high end butcher, an exceptional baker, a friendly newsagent. What more could you want?
Services
From great local garages to plumbers, financial services and more.
Travel Guide
How to get here, where to park and what to do first with so much on offer.