Blandford Forum
The Town
Exploring Dorset from a property search perspective? It makes sense to engage an expert property search company. Recoco buying agents will delight in introducing you to Blandford Forum, in the lovely surroundings of the River Stour.
Recoco property finders will happily point out the beautiful Georgian buildings dating from the early 18th century reconstruction after the Great Fire. Houses in the north next to the Salisbury and Shaftesbury roads were built for wealthier residents.
Buyers agents from our property search company can also help you discover the early 21st century private housing available. The population is slightly above 10,500 and since April 2019, the town has come under Dorset unitary authority.
Transport
The town lies about 13 miles northwest of Poole. Property buying agents can clarify the bigger picture concerning transport. Blandford is on the junction of the A350 and A354, with an eastern bypass. The main B3092 road connects to Wimborne Minister.
Or ask your real estate buyers agent about the nearest airports: Bournemouth is 15 miles away; Southampton 43 miles; Heathrow 100 miles; and Gatwick 125 miles.
The nearest railway station is in Poole, about 15 miles away; Buses run from Blandford Forum to Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, and Shaftesbury.
History
Blandford appears as Blaneford and Blaen-y-ford in the Domesday Book and by the 13th century was home to a livestock market. It was later known for lace-making, brewing and malting.
Your designated real estate buyers agent will be able to outline the history of the ferocious 1731 Great Fire, which started in a chandler’s workshop. The lead roof of the church melted - it’s now the King’s Arms pub. Our property buying agents can point out surviving buildings, including Dale House and the Ryves Almshouses in Salisbury Street, some of East Street, and Old House in the Close.
Buyers agents can confirm that Blandford remained a bustling market town. Much wealth was generated from wool, button making, brewing and the inn trade. During the coaching era the town became especially prosperous, although rail had relatively little impact.
Education
There are several primary schools in Blandford Forum for property buyers requiring educational facilities, including Archbishop Wake, St Mary’s, Pimperne, Milldown, and Durweston. The Blandford School takes pupils from the age of 11 and has a sixth form.
Our property search company can also help locate independent schools in the area. Ask your property buying agent about Bryanston, Canford, Clayesmore Senior School, Knighton House, or Milton Abbey.
Leisure and Events
To the west lies the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs north and east of the town. The area has good walking and excellent cycling. Feeling energetic? Ask your Recoco property finder about the 50-mile White Hart Link, which takes in 5 towns in North Dorset.
Enjoy other leisure activities? Ask your Recoco property finder about the bowls facilities, the non-League football club, rugby club, and cricket club. Or visit of the three museums: Blandford Town, Blandford Fashion Museum, and the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford Camp military base. Blandford also has a library.
Blandford Forum’s annual Georgian Fayre is one of the charming events property buyers can enjoy. Recoco buying agents will be able to confirm the dates: it takes place in the first week of May, with historical re-enactments, dancing, music, stalls, presentations, and a fun fair. Buyers agents can also help you discover details of the annual carnival, while nearby Tarrant Hinton hosts the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
Keen stately homes and stunning gardens? Recoco buying agents can point you towards Kingston Lacy, which brings Italian architecture to rural Dorset. It houses the largest private collection in the UK of artefacts from ancient Egypt.
Foodies’ Corner
Dorset is known for its fresh and delicious produce. Ask your real estate buyers agent for details of pretty tearooms like Beatons or inns like The Crown, which date from the coaching era. Property buyers can take a breather from their property search in traditional surroundings, or enjoy Indian, pub grub, farm shops and traditional British cuisine.
Celebrity Connections
Blandford Forum was the birthplace of Frederick George Abberline, prominent in the investigation into Jack the Ripper by the London Metropolitan Police.
Sculptor Alfred Stevens was born here, and three important bishops: Samuel Lisle, Bishop of Norwich; Thomas Lindesay, Archbishop of Armagh; and William Wake, Archbishop of Canterbury. More modern celebrity connections include singer Duncan James from pop group Blue.
Fun Fact
In Thomas Hardy’s fictional Wessex, Shottesford Forum is Blandford.