Traffic-free cycling, railway heritage and one of Dorset's best family adventures

There are places in Dorset that stay with you long after the day is over, and the North Dorset Trailway is one of them. We first cycled it years ago, when our children were young. Back then, the excitement wasn’t really about the bike ride itself; it was about the adventure of it all. The feeling of disappearing along an old railway line through the countryside, crossing bridges over the River Stour, winding through woodland trails, and eventually arriving at the little old station at Shillingstone.

To them, it felt like uncovering a Dorset secret, and it still does today.

We now cycle a little further towards Stourpaine before retracing our route back to Sturminster Newton. The magic of the Trailway has never changed. It remains one of the best family-friendly cycle routes in Dorset and one we always recommend to guests seeking a quieter, special day out. It’s a flat, traffic-free route with beautiful scenery and good pub stops along the way. For us, this simple, budget-friendly adventure is one of the best days out in North Dorset.

Watch Our North Dorset Trailway Ride

We’ve included a short video from our latest ride along the North Dorset Trailway. Filmed on a beautiful summer’s day, it follows the route from Sturminster Newton through Shillingstone towards Stourpaine. It gives you a feel for the scenery, railway heritage and peaceful countryside that make this one of our favourite family bike rides in Dorset.

Where The Trail Starts

We normally begin the ride in Sturminster Newton, a traditional Dorset market town that feels untouched by time. For visitors, the easiest place to park is Old Market Hill Car Park (DT10 1FH), just a short distance from the Trailway. There is usually plenty of space, and, importantly, it is convenient when you have bikes to unload and children eager to get going. Within minutes of leaving the town behind, you find yourself following the route of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway through the heart of the Blackmore Vale.

One of the reasons we have always loved this ride is that it genuinely works for families. The route is largely flat, well-surfaced and completely traffic-free, which makes a huge difference when cycling with young children. Our own children comfortably managed the section between Sturminster Newton and Shillingstone when they were around seven and ten.

As you pedal along the Trailway, the scenery constantly changes. One moment you are cycling beneath trees and the woodland canopy; the next you emerge into open countryside, with views across fields, grazing livestock, and the River Stour’s gentle meanders. Old railway bridges appear around bends, countryside sounds replace the noise of traffic, and the pace of life seems to slow almost instantly. We always felt you were literally cycling back in time. 

Cycling To Shillingstone Railway Station

For many families, Shillingstone is the ideal stop-and-return destination. The journey from Sturminster Newton is about three miles each way, making it accessible to younger cyclists while still feeling like a proper adventure.

And then you arrive at the station.

The beautifully restored Shillingstone Railway Station is one of the highlights of the North Dorset Trailway and a place our children always looked forward to visiting.

There is something nostalgic about the place. Vintage railway signs, old station buildings and restored railway carriages line the former platform.

The station originally opened in 1863 as part of the Somerset & Dorset Railway and closed in 1966 during the Beeching cuts. Today, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, it has been lovingly restored and offers a fascinating glimpse into Dorset’s railway history. It may seem a quiet corner of Dorset today, but it has welcomed some remarkable visitors over the years. Former Prime Minister William Gladstone travelled through the station in 1882 after staying nearby at Iwerne Minster. While the future King Edward VII became such a regular visitor to local estates that the station’s distinctive ornate canopy was reportedly added to shelter royal guests arriving by train. King George V and Queen Mary also passed through Shillingstone during visits to the area. During the First World War, the celebrated poet Rupert Brooke boarded a train here with fellow servicemen on his journey towards Gallipoli. 

We always seemed to linger here much longer than intended. What began as a quick drink or an ice cream often stretched into an hour spent exploring the station, wandering through the museum displays and sitting in the old railway carriages, imagining journeys from another era. There’s also a children’s play area with a viewpoint where you can see the platform and the surrounding countryside from above.  

For younger families, Shillingstone makes an ideal turning point before heading back towards Sturminster Newton. It is long enough to feel like an adventure, yet short enough to avoid tired legs and complaints on the return journey. The station and café are open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.

Continuing On To Stourpaine

As our children grew older, we found ourselves extending the ride beyond Shillingstone and heading towards Stourpaine. This section feels even more rural and peaceful. The old railway line cuts through open countryside and pockets of woodland, with long, uninterrupted stretches. 

Stourpaine itself is worth a few moments’ exploration before heading back along the Trailway. Nestled in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, it is one of those quietly beautiful Dorset villages that many visitors would otherwise drive straight past. At its centre stands the Church of the Holy Trinity, whose roots date back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Although much of the church was rebuilt in the Victorian era, its impressive 15th-century tower endures, offering a glimpse into the village’s long and fascinating history. Together with its traditional cottages, rolling countryside and welcoming village atmosphere, Stourpaine feels like a perfect snapshot of rural Dorset.

It’s also worth stopping at The White Horse Inn. If there is such a thing as the perfect cycling pub, this might be it.

Dating back to the eighteenth century, The White Horse offers everything you hope for in a Dorset country inn. It features traditional bar areas, cosy interiors, outdoor seating and excellent food. After several hours on the Trailway, sitting outside with lunch in the sunshine felt exactly like what a Dorset day should be about.

It’s easy to see why it has developed such a strong reputation amongst walkers, cyclists and visitors exploring this part of the county. The White Horse was one of just five pubs nationally to win The Telegraph’s prestigious #SaveOurPubs competition, a recognition that celebrated not only the quality of the pub but also its importance to the local community. Once you’ve visited, it’s easy to understand why it earned such acclaim.

The History Behind The Trailway

Part of what makes the North Dorset Trailway so special is the sense of history that accompanies you throughout the journey. The route follows the former Somerset & Dorset Railway, which once linked Bournemouth with the Midlands and beyond. When the railway closed in 1966, much of the route could easily have disappeared. Instead, sections were transformed into one of Dorset’s finest recreational trails.

Today, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and families can enjoy a route that follows the gentle gradients originally designed for steam trains more than a century ago. This is one reason the Trailway feels so accessible. There are no steep climbs or technical sections, just easy countryside exploration at your own pace.

Not Just For Cyclists

Although cycling is undoubtedly the most popular way to experience the North Dorset Trailway, it is equally enjoyable on foot.

Many visitors choose to walk shorter sections of the route, enjoying the same countryside views, riverside crossings and wildlife-spotting opportunities without needing a bike. Because the path is largely level and well maintained, it is also suitable for prams, mobility scooters and wheelchairs, making it one of the more accessible outdoor experiences in Dorset.

Making A Day Of It

One of the things we particularly like about the North Dorset Trailway is that you can make the day as long or as short as you like. For families with younger children, the ride from Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone and back is about six miles in total and usually takes a couple of relaxed hours, especially when you factor in time at the railway station

If you continue towards Stourpaine before returning to Sturminster Newton, the distance increases to about twelve to fourteen miles. We usually allow most of the day for this version of the ride because there is always another view, another bridge, or another place worth stopping.

And that, really, is the beauty of the Trailway. It is not a route for rushing.

Some of our favourite memories are the unexpected pauses along the way, such as stopping on a bridge to watch the River Stour below, taking photographs across the Blackmore Vale, or simply sitting outside the station café while the children explored.

Where To Stay In Dorset

If you are planning a cycling holiday or a family getaway in Dorset, the North Dorset Trailway is a wonderful addition to a broader Dorset itinerary.

Many of our guests combine countryside adventures like this with days exploring the Jurassic Coast, Weymouth and Dorchester.

Our collection of luxury holiday cottages includes beautiful, family-friendly properties across the county, including our carefully selected holiday cottages in Weymouth and our handpicked holiday cottages in Dorchester.

For guests wishing to explore Dorset on two wheels, our Concierge Service can arrange bicycle hire and delivery directly to your cottage, including e-bikes, family bikes and equipment for younger riders.

And if this ride gives you the cycling bug, take a look at our Curated E-Bike Experiences Across Dorset and the Jurassic Coast, which offer a wonderful way to discover some of the county’s most spectacular landscapes, with a little extra assistance when needed.

North Dorset Trailway planning your visit

Starting Point: Sturminster Newton
Parking: Old Market Hill Car Park, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Family Route: Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone and return (approximately 6 miles)
Extended Route: Sturminster Newton to Stourpaine and return (approximately 12–14 miles)
Suitable For: Families, walkers, cyclists, pushchairs and mobility scooters
Refreshment Stops: Shillingstone Railway Station Café and The White Horse Inn, Stourpaine