Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk
Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk
Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow Walk
4.5
About
A moderate 3.8 mile stroll along the South West Coast Path around the much-photographed chalk stacks rising spectacularly from the clear water off The Foreland at Studland. The same sea that carved the soft rock into caves and arches also polished the vertical cliffs to a dazzling white. There are far-ranging views over Swanage in one direction and Wareham and Bournemouth in the other. There are some long but gentle climbs and descents.
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4.5
160 reviews
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Jez H
Isle of Portland, UK23 contributions
Dec 2020
It's a real shame that donations are being spent on cheap fencing to restrict public access to the buildings that have been in the same state for years. Spend the money on securing the buildings and the history rather than on fences and warning signs. If maintenance is too hard work for you, give up your job and find somebody who will look after this important piece of history properly.
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy S
55 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
This was an amazing hidden gem, an abandoned village deep in the lulworth army ranges. However in the last year they have not just blocked off all the houses but done so with 6ft high wire fencing making the place look like a prison camp. They have also not moved the information boards they used to have about the individual family stories which are still in the houses so you can’t read them. I always sued to bring friends when they visit the area but I will not be back now until they are removed.
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
Poole, UK32 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We live locally and visit Tyneham every month for its spectacular scenery, peacefulness and stunning walks. It is unique. Sadly over the past year more and more of the village has been cordoned off for “health and safety” reasons. Buildings that have stood the test of time for hundreds of years have been judged unsafe. Local knowledge suggests that this is just the start of an attempt by the MOD, who are responsible for the site, to shut the village down. This would be a national outrage! At its root is the problem of ownership of the site. It is ‘owned’ by the MOD because it is in the middle of a firing range and the area is only open typically at weekends and other times when the MOD are not actively practising. It makes no sense for the MOD to run a tourist facility like this. There is no benefit to the MOD, only hassle. Maintenance is partially funded by car parking fees and hard-working local volunteers. This can’t be enough and so the facility probably takes valuable MOD budget away from more important activities core to their defence purpose. It is easy to see that they might want it to go away. It is also easy to see how the site would be better managed by something like the National Trust. If it closes after their “safety” review it will soon be lost forever. If you value this wonderful place please lobby your MP or add to this review or forum.
Written December 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
webber5
Fordingbridge, UK765 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We visited here and had a lovely time wandering around looking at the once to be village of Tyneham. It was lovely reading about the history and families that had lived there, and what life had been like. We especially liked the school. In the church you can pick up a leaflet for 40p donation which details the village and walks you can do. We chose the walk up through the fields with the cows and along the cliff tops. It was steep in places and the walk down to Worbarrow Bay was especially steep. Better to have proper walking boots on as a little slippery on the stones underfoot. At the bay you can walk to Kimmeridge or back to Tyneham Farm/car park. The car park is £2.00 donation. Shame there isnt anywhere to get a drink/snack - so recommend taking a picnic. There are toilets at the farm. Highly recommend visiting here we had a lovely few hours.
Written April 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
realisticR99
164 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
A collection of buildings forming the small village of Tyneham that had to be vacated for World War II activities. Some of the original buildings are now ruins but the school room and Church remain with relevant contents that provide a fascinating look into history. Some of the farm buildings also remain which are equipped with farming tools and descriptions. Entrance and parking is by way of donation to the those maintaining the village and many people visit which is a tribute to the custodians.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeighHampshire
Hampshire108 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Enjoyed Tyneham village-lots of info and photos in each house, church and school.
There are toilets here-they are next to the farm just out of the village on the way to the bay. The walk to the bay is well worth it-easy path and I could just imagine all the children from the village running down to this lovely bay at weekends!!
There are toilets here-they are next to the farm just out of the village on the way to the bay. The walk to the bay is well worth it-easy path and I could just imagine all the children from the village running down to this lovely bay at weekends!!
Written September 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ber_sun
Southampton, UK42 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Heard of this a few months ago so we had to see it. The drive there is beautiful and not disappointed by what we found. Volunteers were there when we arrived who help to keep it ship shape. The plaques on the walls in each cottage were a lovely way to tell the story of each one and its inhabitants. This village was evacuated by the military back towards the end of ww2 to use for their training. Sadly, the people never returned.
Written March 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccollinspmacrae
yeovil38 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
This village which was taken over by the military in the war remains on MoD land, it is open only at certain times for visitors, it's usually open at weekends throughout the school summer holidays, can be accessed at other times but do check the website before going to avoid disappointment.
We have been a couple of times and both times on glorious sunny days, the village is still largely intact and there is quite a lost feel to it, you can visit the schoolhouse, the church, some ruins of other buildings/houses and the red telephone box is still in situ. It must have been a truly picturesque village in its glory days, it remains quite beautiful and the little gardens full of flowers and herbs......there is some lovely humour in the signage, one of the benches is the batty bench, yes Paul had a little snigger about that as I was inadvertently stood in front of it for a photo, he's easily amused!
After an enjoyable stroll around reading the very informative signs everywhere which give enough information for you to actually picture in your mind how it used to be, we went off for a little walk towards the beach, the pathways were quite flat and accessable for those requiring wheels to transport them, the countryside is so pretty. We eventually reached the beach, the coastline is rugged, there is a hill to climb and it is worth the effort for the views, you can see right across to Portland. We then took the walk up the hill to Flowers Barrow......this is not for the faint hearted, I actually thought I might die, or my legs drop off at the very least......trust me on this....it is massively steep, Paul kept telling me it would be worth it, frankly I was almost too exhausted to care (I'm not the fittest walker by the way) we met loads of people, all joyfully struggling too but determined to reach the summit. Ok it was absolutely worth it, honest, I'm not just telling you this, it really is an amazing view. You can take your chances and go back down the same way or walk along the top, we did the top, you can see Lulworth castle and randomly numbered targets which remind you this is still MoD firing ranges. Do go, it's very rewarding despite the hills, in fact maybe it's the effort which adds to the joy when you stop at the top and look down, go on, put your walking boots on and enjoy.....oh and take some water, there are no cafes at Tyneham although there are some bathroom facilities. Have fun 😊
We have been a couple of times and both times on glorious sunny days, the village is still largely intact and there is quite a lost feel to it, you can visit the schoolhouse, the church, some ruins of other buildings/houses and the red telephone box is still in situ. It must have been a truly picturesque village in its glory days, it remains quite beautiful and the little gardens full of flowers and herbs......there is some lovely humour in the signage, one of the benches is the batty bench, yes Paul had a little snigger about that as I was inadvertently stood in front of it for a photo, he's easily amused!
After an enjoyable stroll around reading the very informative signs everywhere which give enough information for you to actually picture in your mind how it used to be, we went off for a little walk towards the beach, the pathways were quite flat and accessable for those requiring wheels to transport them, the countryside is so pretty. We eventually reached the beach, the coastline is rugged, there is a hill to climb and it is worth the effort for the views, you can see right across to Portland. We then took the walk up the hill to Flowers Barrow......this is not for the faint hearted, I actually thought I might die, or my legs drop off at the very least......trust me on this....it is massively steep, Paul kept telling me it would be worth it, frankly I was almost too exhausted to care (I'm not the fittest walker by the way) we met loads of people, all joyfully struggling too but determined to reach the summit. Ok it was absolutely worth it, honest, I'm not just telling you this, it really is an amazing view. You can take your chances and go back down the same way or walk along the top, we did the top, you can see Lulworth castle and randomly numbered targets which remind you this is still MoD firing ranges. Do go, it's very rewarding despite the hills, in fact maybe it's the effort which adds to the joy when you stop at the top and look down, go on, put your walking boots on and enjoy.....oh and take some water, there are no cafes at Tyneham although there are some bathroom facilities. Have fun 😊
Written August 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perthtravelers
Perth, Australia356 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
I used to come here as a child and wanted to bring my children while we were visiting the UK. It's still as lovely as I remembered. We parked in the main car park (gold coin donation) and looked through the old village. It was very interesting reading about the people who lived there before they were made to leave in 1943 so the area could be used by the armed forces. It is still part of the army ranges but civilians have access on weekends and during school holidays.
The walks are lovely too although we were there in April and the wind was howling which made it very cold. The girls loved the "Keep Out" signs everywhere which added to the walk.
There are toilets at Tyneham Farm, just a minute or so walk from the village.
The walks are lovely too although we were there in April and the wind was howling which made it very cold. The girls loved the "Keep Out" signs everywhere which added to the walk.
There are toilets at Tyneham Farm, just a minute or so walk from the village.
Written July 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ridvan-1
London, UK49 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
A snapshot of a village stuck in time! Incredible. Highly recommended. Also with you taking some before setting off so you can enjoy it there.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it accessible for disabled or people with walking dificulties
Written June 19, 2016
i can only concur that navigating the ground between all the abandoned buildings would be difficult/ impossible, however access to the post office row of buildings and the school might well be ok, and would give an insight. Carparking is by voluntary donation, so IF you are in the area I would encourage you to take a little detour and check the area out. I found the sire fascinating
Written June 23, 2016
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