There’s a unique magic in retracing the footsteps of one’s childhood, especially when those steps lead through the enchanting landscapes that inspired some of the most beloved adventure stories ever written. My recent week-long holiday through Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset was not just a trip down memory lane but a bridge connecting my past to my children’s present, all under the spell of Enid Blyton’s timeless tales.
Revisiting Old Haunts in the New Forest
Our exploration of the New Forest began at Eyeworth Pond, a serene spot teeming with wildlife. The pond, once a water source for the Schultze Gunpowder Factory, now serves as a peaceful haven where ducks and other creatures thrive. Watching the ducks hopefully glide over to where we stood before heading off for a walk. For years at the start of my career at IBM Hursley this was one of my favourite place to visit, be it for a hike, bike ride, or long runs with friends or a break in the lovely old put here. We embarked on a walk from Fritham across Fritham Plain. The open heathland stretched before us, and the dampness in the air and the mist added to the atmospheric feeling of the place. The recent rains had left the paths muddied and puddled, adding an element of playful challenge as we navigated around them. Crossing the Dockens Water Valley, fuller than I’d ever seen, we passed the secluded Holly Hatch Cottage, a solitary sentinel in the lush landscape.
Hoping to revisit the rustic charm of the Royal Oak pub in Fritham, we found it closed—a small hiccup that led us to the bustling village of Lyndhurst instead. There, at the New Forest Heritage Centre café, we enjoyed hearty jacket potatoes. The adjoining museum was fascinating with tales of the forest’s history and its connection to Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, who spent part of her childhood in the area.
Our day culminated at Buckler’s Hard, a historic shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River. Walking along the Georgian cottages, we imagined the clamour of 18th-century shipyards where vessels like HMS Agamemnon were crafted. The blend of natural beauty and rich history made it a fitting end to our New Forest exploration.
Stonehenge: Mysteries Carved in Stone
The next morning, we set our sights on Stonehenge. Arriving early, the ancient stones stood majestically against the soft light of dawn. Armed with insights from a BBC documentary we’d watched prior, we delved deeper into the site’s mysteries—the origin of the bluestones from Wales, the monumental effort of transporting them, and the evolving purpose of this enigmatic structure. The audio tour enriched our visit, painting vivid pictures of Neolithic life and the site’s significance throughout millennia.
Following the Enid Blyton Trail in Dorset
With Stonehenge’s mystique fresh in our minds, we journeyed to the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, eager to explore landscapes that fueled Enid Blyton’s imagination. As a family, we’ve spent countless hours immersed in her stories—The Famous Five, The Adventure Series, and The Five Find-Outers—so visiting these inspirational locales felt like stepping into the pages ourselves.
An Afternoon at RSPB Arne
Despite a late arrival at RSPB Arne, the reserve welcomed us with its serene paths, diverse wildlife and a hot drink in the cafe. We spotted jays darting through trees and oystercatchers foraging along the mudflats. Gazing across Poole Harbour through binoculars, we spied Brownsea Island, the real-life counterpart to Blyton’s “Whispering Island” from Five Have a Mystery to Solve. The island’s history as a once-forbidden sanctuary only added to its allure.
Discovering Corfe Castle
As dusk approached, we ventured to Corfe Castle Village, peering through the gates of the castle that inspired “Kirrin Castle” in the Famous Five series. The village, with its stone cottages and narrow lanes, exuded a timeless charm. A spontaneous decision led us to stay at the Halfway Inn.
The Enigmatic Blue Pool and Mystery Moor
The next morning, we explored The Blue Pool, described in Five Go Off in a Caravan as “an enormous blue lake that lay glittering in the August sunshine.” Though its hues have mellowed over time, the pool’s tranquil beauty remains captivating. Surrounded by woodland trails and heathland, it was easy to see why Blyton found inspiration here.
Crossing the road, we followed Pike’s Tramway to Stoborough Heath, believed to be the muse for “Mystery Moor”in Five Go to Mystery Moor. Walking the paths, enveloped by the moor’s wild expanse, we felt a kinship with the characters who once roamed these imagined lands.
Historic Echoes at Corfe Castle
Our return to Corfe Castle was met with the fortune of joining a guided tour by a National Trust storyteller. Tales of sieges and resilience, especially that of Lady Bankes defending the castle during the English Civil War, brought the ruins to life. Standing amidst the ancient stone walls, it was easy to see why Corfe Castle is believed to have inspired “Kirrin Castle” in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series. The castle’s dramatic hilltop position overlooking the village, its mysterious nooks and crannies, and the aura of bygone adventures resonated deeply with the images painted in Blyton’s stories.
As we explored, I could almost hear the excited whispers of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog uncovering secrets and plotting their next escapade. The parallels between the real and the fictional were striking—the ruined towers, hidden passages, and panoramic views all mirroring the thrilling settings that captivated me as a child. The castle’s storied past and its ties to Blyton’s work intertwined seamlessly, enriching our experience and blurring the lines between history and imagination.
After leaving the castle, we strolled down to the Corfe Castle village railway station, a charming station that feels like a step back in time. Just as we arrived, the distant sound of a steam whistle pierced the air. Moments later, the Swanage Railway’s heritage steam locomotive emerged from the trees, its plume of steam billowing against the sky. Watching the vintage train pull into the station, we were transported to a bygone era of rail travel. The sight of the polished carriages and the nostalgic aroma of coal smoke added another layer to our journey through history.
We watched as the train came to a halt, passengers waving from the windows—much like the scenes described in Blyton’s adventures. It wasn’t hard to imagine the Famous Five themselves boarding such a train on their way to a seaside escapade or a mystery on the moors. The juxtaposition of the steam train, the historic village, and the looming presence of Corfe Castle created a perfect tableau that encapsulated the essence of our trip.
Embracing the Jurassic Coast
With storm clouds gathering, we made our way to Lulworth Cove, settling into the Lulworth Cove Inn just as the skies opened. Over the next two days, we balanced relaxation with exploration. Morning jogs along the South West Coast Path led us to Durdle Door, where the iconic limestone arch framed the sea’s horizon. Refreshing sunrise swims at Man O’ War Cove invigorated us, the cold waters a sharp contrast to the warmth of the autumn sun.
Learning about the area’s geology deepened our appreciation. Stair Hole, with its dramatic folds of limestone, shale, and chalk, told a story of millions of years of Earth’s history—tectonic shifts, erosion, and relentless natural sculpting. The landscape’s connection to “Rubadub Whirlpool” from The Rubadub Mystery added a layer of literary intrigue.
The Legacy of the Bankes Family at Kingston Lacy
Our journey continued to Kingston Lacy, the elegant estate that became the Bankes family’s new home after the fall of Corfe Castle. The gardens, a blend of formal designs and exotic influences, beckoned us. We marveled at the Philae Obelisk, adorned with hieroglyphs and Greek inscriptions—a testament to William John Bankes’ passion for antiquities.
Inside the mansion, art and history converged. Masterpieces by Rubens and other luminaries adorned the walls, while the library captivated me with its rows of ancient books—a sanctuary of knowledge and a reflection of the family’s intellectual pursuits.
Driving along the stately Beech Avenue, we arrived at Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hill fort offering panoramic views and a tangible connection to the region’s ancient past. The intertwining stories of the Bankes family, from their resilient defense of Corfe Castle to the cultural legacy at Kingston Lacy, resonated deeply.
A Tapestry of Art and Nature at Stourhead Gardens
Our final day was spent at Stourhead Gardens in Wiltshire, a place that felt like stepping into a dream. The early morning mist rose from the lake, enveloping classical temples and gilded foliage in an ethereal glow. We wandered the paths, each turn revealing meticulously crafted vistas—temples reflected in calm waters, grottos inviting quiet contemplation, and bridges arching gracefully over streams.
Highlights included the Temple of Apollo, offering sweeping views across the landscape, and the Pantheon, housing statues that whispered tales of myth and legend. A guided tour enriched our understanding, revealing the vision of Henry ‘the Magnificent’ Hoare, who crafted these gardens knowing he’d never see them in their full glory—a legacy of patience and foresight.
The gardens’ autumnal hues were a feast for the senses. The fiery reds of Japanese maples contrasted with the golden canopies of ancient oaks. A particularly striking sight was a horse chestnut tree growing within the hollow of its predecessor—a living symbol of renewal.
Reflections on a Journey Woven with Stories
As our week drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the threads that had woven this journey together. The landscapes of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset are more than just picturesque settings; they’re living characters in both history and literature. Retracing these paths allowed me to remonise not just about the physical beauty of these places but the stories and memories they hold.
Enid Blyton’s tales, which so vividly captured my imagination in youth, came alive anew as we explored the very places that inspired her.
This journey reaffirmed the timeless allure of adventure and the enduring power of stories to bridge generations. As we packed up to return home, I carried with me not just memories of a delightful holiday but a renewed appreciation for the landscapes that shape our narratives and the stories that, in turn, shape our lives.
