Wimborne Minster
The Town
Often called simply Wimborne by buyers agents and property buyers alike, Wimborne Minster is both town and church. Recoco property finders will help you locate it – it’s around 5 miles north of Poole in Dorset, where the Stour and Allen rivers meet.
Many buildings date from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The town has kept much of its original character. Your Recoco buying agent can point out particularly notable examples, including the Saxon church, the town hall, and the Priest’s House museum. The Tivoli Theatre is an example of 1930s art deco.
Property buying agents generally agree that West Street is one of the prettiest roads, with West Borough, Rowlands Hill, and St John’s Hill attractive choices. Recoco property finders will happily help you find the perfect home or investment property.
Transport
For property buyers seeking to escape the rat race, Wimborne is an ideal location. The main A31 road runs through town; if the nearest mainline railway station is vital to your property search, ask buyers agents about Bournemouth, approximately 30 minutes’ drive away. The nearest airports are Bournemouth and Southampton – ask your real estate buyers agent for estimated journey times.
History
Wimborne Minster itself dates from the start of the 8th century, when a monastery for both men and women was endowed here by the sisters of the King of the West Saxons. Ask your Recoco property finder to point out the tombs of Alfred the Great’s brother, King Ethelred.
Real estate buyers agents will confirm there is a book of sermons of particular historical interest in the Chained Library in the Church. It belonged to Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII.
Education
Your property search company can help with details of schools in the town, including primaries Wimborne, St John’s, Hayeswood, and Pamphill. The two middle schools are Allenbourn and St Michael’s. There is also Dumpton prep school and co-educational school Canford. Senior schools are Corfe Hills and Queen Elizabeth’s. Property buying agents can help you identify the ideal properties close to, or distant from, schools.
Leisure and Events
Wimborne Minster property buyers get two towns for the price of one – it’s home to one of the largest model towns in England. Recoco buying agents will confirm it shows the town as it was in the 1950s. (Not too much has changed, as your dedicated property search company will tell you!)
The town makes much of its historical legacy. If your property search takes place at a weekend or on a national holiday, you’ll spot the town crier out and about. The tradition is a long standing one - ask your property buying agent for more details.
Buyers agents can outline other events, including the annual Folk Festival with Morris dancers and Appalachian dancing, concerts and workshops. There are dedicated sessions for children.
Real estate buyers agents can point wildlife enthusiasts to the local water meadows at White Mill, which teem with life. The Stour is an ideal place to take a breather from your property search to see ducks, egrets, herons, mute swans, and warblers. Wimborne Minster is a particularly pretty spot for walks or bike rides along the river. Nearby attractions include Stapehill Abbey and Dorset Heavy Horse Centre.
Wimborne is a “Fairtrade” town, with a mix of independent stores, boutiques, and high street household names. Recoco buying agents will happily point you towards sources for the unusual and unique in the numerous antique and curio shops. Every Friday the antique market is in full swing; Saturday sees the flea market, and Sunday combines the two.
Foodies’ Corner
When it comes to hostelries and cafes, your property search company will confirm you’re spoiled for choice in Wimborne Minster. Sample local craft beer at the Butcher’s Dog, or enjoy hearty pub grub at the Barley Mow. Pop in to the Tickled Pig for local fare, or stay on top of your health with products from Spill The Beans.
You’ll not go hungry in Wimborne, whether it’s a cream tea you’re in the mood for, or the fishermen’s catch of the day from the nearby coast. There are also regular farmers’ markets and food festivals.
Celebrity Connections
Author Thomas Hardy lived here for a couple of years, as did Montague Druitt, a possible suspect in the Jack the Ripper murders, and Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.
Fun Fact
The Chained Library in the church is the second largest in England. (Hereford Cathedral has the largest.)