Visions and Voices of Dorset: 2026 Historic Church Tour of Dorset (Tour 2)

Please note that this Historic Church Tour has now sold out. However, we are taking a waiting list for this tour. If you would like to have your name added to the waiting list, please email us at supporters@thecct.org.uk.

Delve into the visual language of our remarkable Dorset wallpaintings and the written words of William Barnes and Thomas Hardy in the countryside that inspired them. 

The Church, Whitcombe: This rustic medieval church is where the poet and scholar, William Barnes, preached his first and last sermons. Whitcombe’s great treasure is the magical medieval wallpaintings featuring St Christoper and a mermaid. 

St Peter’s Church, Winterborne Came: This quintessential country squire’s church, close to the Palladian Came House, is the resting place of William Barnes. Dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth-centuries, and refurnished in the Victorian period. 

St Andrew’s Church, Winterborne Tomson: St Andrew’s is one of only four English single-celled Norman churches with an apse at the east end. This stone and flint chapel has barely altered since it was built in Norman times. 

St Mary’s Church, Tarrant Crawford: St Mary’s dates from the twelfth-century and is all that remains of a wealthy Cistercian nunnery. The interior boasts a sixteenth-century wagon roof, thirteenth and fourteenth-century coffin lids set in the floor, and fourteenth-century wallpaintings.

Further information about each location can be found by clicking on the links above. 

This tour is a coach tour and includes lunch and entrance fees where appropriate.

Waiting List Please contact us at supporters@thecct.org.uk or call us on 0800 206 1436 if this event is sold out and you would like to be added to the waiting list. 

Accessibility Please note that on all of our tours, even our coach tours, there is a fair amount of walking, quite often over uneven and worn surfaces. They are not suitable for anyone with difficulties with everyday walking and stair climbing. In some circumstances, coaches may be unable to park near the church, and there may be walking over uneven land or tracks when approaching the church building. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 0800 206 1463 before booking. All tour details are correct at the time of publication. Please note that in the event that details are changed, guests will be notified as soon as possible. 

Cancellation Policy If you are no longer able to make a tour after booking, then please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel your booking more than 1 month before the tour start date, then you will be entitled to a full refund. If you cancel within 1 month of your tour then, unfortunately, we are not able to offer a refund.