Discover the Top 5 Abandoned Places in Dorset: explore eerie, historic locations perfect for urbex enthusiasts and lovers of mystery.
Dorset, with its stunning coastline, historic villages, and lush countryside, also has a number of abandoned places that reveal intriguing chapters of its past. From decaying villages and military sites to grand but forgotten mansions, these locations showcase a different side of Dorset’s history. Here are 5 of the most captivating abandoned places in Dorset for history lovers and urban explorers.
1. Tyneham Village
Known as Dorset’s “lost village,” Tyneham was abandoned in 1943 when it was requisitioned by the British Army during World War II for training exercises. Residents were never allowed to return, and the village remains a ghost town, with empty cottages, a schoolhouse, and a church. The village is open to the public on certain days, allowing visitors to explore its haunting atmosphere and learn about the people who once called Tyneham home.
2. St. Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury
Perched on a hill overlooking Abbotsbury, St. Catherine’s Chapel is a beautiful medieval chapel that was abandoned in the 16th century. The chapel’s stone walls and empty interiors create a hauntingly serene atmosphere, with views stretching across the surrounding countryside. Its remote location and Gothic architecture make it an atmospheric site for those interested in Dorset’s religious and medieval history.
3. Winspit Quarry
Winspit Quarry, located on the coast near Worth Matravers, was once used to extract stone for local buildings and even London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Abandoned in the 1940s, the quarry now has an eerie atmosphere, with echoing caves, rock formations, and crumbling walls. The site has also been used as a filming location for science fiction shows, adding to its otherworldly feel and making it a favorite for photographers and history enthusiasts.
4. East Weare Battery, Portland
East Weare Battery is part of a series of abandoned Victorian coastal defenses on the Isle of Portland, built in the 19th century to protect against potential French invasions. The crumbling gun emplacements, rusting iron doors, and empty underground rooms create a haunting atmosphere, and while access is restricted, parts of the battery can be viewed from nearby walking paths. The abandoned fortifications offer a powerful glimpse into Dorset’s military history.
5. Blandford Camp (Old Barracks)
Originally built in the early 20th century, Blandford Camp was used by the British Army and later as a training camp during both World Wars. While some parts of the camp remain active, several older barracks and training facilities have been abandoned, with empty rooms, broken windows, and overgrown pathways. These decaying structures offer an eerie reminder of Dorset’s military heritage and the impact of the two World Wars on the area.
