Things to do in Lyon's Gate, Dorset

A peaceful woodland site once used as a place for reflection by monks from the Hillfield Friary

It’s amazing how much wildlife can be supported by one small hay-meadow site, as the reserve at our Dorset Wildlife Trust Headquarters at Brooklands Farm proves.

A chalk grassland on a steep north facing slope

Former water meadows on the River Frome; the site of a Roman Villa and medieval village

Two attractive areas of ancient woodland, including a small flower-rich meadow at Adam's Green

Set amidst winding country lanes, delightful rivers and superb, unspoilt countryside, Kingcombe Visitor Centre is a place to relax and be inspired. Spend some time exploring our wildlife-friendly gardens, orchards, bird hide and the boardwalk along the edge of the tranquil River Hooke. Visit the Kitchen at Kingcombe (open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm) for refreshments , cake or a light lunch or enjoy your picnic anywhere in the visitor centre grounds. Kingcombe Visitor Centre is the gateway to the stunning Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, incorporating Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common nature reserves, where you can enjoy exploring the unspoilt countryside and ancient woodland.

Gateway to the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve (KNNR), Kingcombe Meadows offers the opportunity to step back in time on a traditional working farm complete with flower rich grassland, ancient hedgerows, rough pasture and wet woodlands. The hedgerows, fields and hay meadows are almost untouched by artificial fertilisers and pesticides. As a result they are home to a huge array of wildlife, some common and easy to see, others rare elsewhere in the UK. At the heart of the nature reserve lies the Kingcombe Visitor Centre - find out more information about the centre on our Visitor Centre page.

A reserve with a mix of different habitats, attracting a wide variety insects and birds

A site brimming with wildlife and a sense of the wild.

A charming pocket of old orchard - sit a while in the dappled shade of an apple tree and watch the insects buzz by.

A hidden gem in west Dorset. This is home to some of Dorset's best loved species including dormice, otters and woodpeckers.

A mixture of mature woodland, offering superb views of South Somerset