About Charminster

Charminster is a village in West Dorset, situated on the River Cerne. The village was initially called “Cerneminster” which was a derivative from the River Cerne and the small minster church of St Mary. This name evolved over time to become Charminster. The village was home to Richard Norman and his family, one of the Planters of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the US.

Charminster has a huge amount on offer, from local history at the museum, sports or live music. The village has two pubs and a superb Norman church which is situated directly over the River Cerne. Wolfeton
House was home to the Trenchards until the late 18th century and is
now believed to be haunted, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Dorchester - Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and is a historic market town, lying on the banks of the River Frome. The town has plenty on offer including the Durnovaria Town walk, Maiden Castle, Maumbury Rings and The Old Crown Court.

Puddletown – Puddletown is a village and civil parish, approximately 5 miles from Dorchester. The village gets its name from the valley of the River Piddle in which it is situated.  The village is home to The Old Manor which is a Grade II listed country house, originally owned by the 3rd Earl of Huntingdon. 

Frampton – Frampton is a very small village situated on the A356 Dorchester to Crewkerne road. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has many footpaths and bridleways for walkers and visitors. You can also take the cycle path from Dorchester to Maiden Newton runs through the park from Grimstone to Southover and on to Frome Vauchurch.