The Old Forge, Dorset, England

<p>Rosie, a 1934 <em>Gypsy caravan</em> sits next to Sam, a shepherd's hut, with yesteryear charm. Both lovable spaces are next to an orchard and paddock (home of 'Scrumpy Jack' the donkey and two Arabian horses) and are a joy for two to sleep in. The Old Forge is a Taste of the <em>West award winner</em> and a stay involves enjoying <em>all kinds of local and home made goodies</em>. The site also runs a classic car restoration business, effectively turning it into a fascinating working museum.</p><p><strong>Things to do:</strong></p><p><strong>Outdoor &amp; active </strong><br> There are some stunning walks from right outside The Old Forge. Local OS maps are provided. Moors Valley Country Park has walking and cycling trails, an adventure play trail and the Go Ape rope swing area.</p><p><strong>Rainy days </strong><br> Dorset Heavy Horse Farm is a horse rescue centre with loads of stuff for kids to do. Fleet Air Arm Museum houses a Concorde and an impressive collection of aircraft and the occasional Dalek. Check for air shows and special events. Hayes International Motor houses over 400 amazing cars and bikes.</p><p><strong>Places to visit </strong><br> Shaftesbury was the basis for Thomas Hardy's 'Shaston' and Gold Hill was made famous by a certain Hovis advert. Blandford Forum is one of Britain's best preserved Georgian towns, while Sturminster Newton's restored and fully functional mill is lovely to see in action.</p><p><strong>Courses &amp; classes </strong><br> Spend a happy day tinkering in The Old Forge garage by arrangement with Tim. Yoga and pilates classes and other treatements are availabe at Fontmell Magna, only 2 minutes away. Sign up for a bread making course at the Panary at Cann Mills, a traditional water mill half a mile from The Old Forge.</p><p>This is a place lovingly created by Tim &amp; Lucy Kerridge and selected by Canopy &amp; Stars</p><p><strong>Why is this a greener holiday?</strong></p> <p>Firstly, to truly minimise the environmental impact, guests are encouraged to arrive by public transport: the nearest train station is Gillingham and pickups are available by arrangement. Additionally, on site the owners have implemented a wide range of green initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. The business is operated under 'Recycle, Reuse and Reduce' as its mantra. Nothing gets thrown away and the owners creatively renovate and restore and as a result the whole place has a lovely, homey feeling. Breakfasts, picnics and cream teas are all made from local and organic produce. Nearby guests can purchase a wide range of regional specialties and local organic goodies at the excellent farmer's markets in Blandford and Shaftesbury and the Fontmel Magna village deli.</p>