Made up largely of thatched cob houses, Milton Abbas is not only one of the most picturesque villages in Dorset but it is also the first planned village. Built in the 18th century, Lord Milton disliked looking at the village of Middleton and wanted a more rural vista. As a result, he ordered it demolished and moved the village a short way to the south east.

The village is particularly interesting as it features 36 near-identical houses. It's very pretty and has a pub, perfect for a lunch stop.

Charlie Cosh

November 29, 2022

Hiking

Milton Abbas was created in the 1770/80's after Lord Milton decided that the village of Middleton was disturbing his rural peace at nearby Milton Abbey. He therefore asked Capability Brown, a famous landscape gardener, to create a new village in a nearby wooded valley. He then relocated most of the villagers of Middleton.

MCW73

May 3, 2025

Hiking

notable for being one of the first planned settlements in England. In the 1770s, the owner of Milton Abbey, Joseph Damer (later Lord Milton and Earl of Dorchester), decided the …

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Best routes to Milton Abbas Village

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1. Milton Abbas loop from Winterborne Stickland

13.1km

03:39

230m

Hike the moderate 8.2-mile Milton Abbas loop from Winterborne Stickland, exploring ancient woodlands, thatched villages, and scenic Dorset v

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4.7

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2. Milton Abbas Village – View from Bulbarrow Hill loop from Woolland

13.9km

03:56

290m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(13)

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3. Milton Abbas Village – View from Bulbarrow Hill loop from Milton Abbas

13.9km

03:56

290m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Elevation 170 m

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Today

Wednesday 4 March

14°C

3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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Location: Milton Abbas, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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Milton Abbas Village

1. Milton Abbas loop from Winterborne Stickland

2. Milton Abbas Village – View from Bulbarrow Hill loop from Woolland

3. Milton Abbas Village – View from Bulbarrow Hill loop from Milton Abbas

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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