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Local Attractions to visit whilst attending your Nail Training Course

Wessex Nail Academy delivers its Nail Technician training courses in a beautiful part of the country, in the heart of Dorset. If you aren't local to us why not make a mini break of it and see what we have on offer nearby.

We can supply a list of recommended accommodation if you'd like to stay over. There are lots of family friendly attractions, why not bring the husband (or wife!) and kids and make an occasion of your Nail Training Course. We are within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast, historic Dorchester, Shaftesbury, Stonehenge and many more places of interest.

We have listed some popular places to visit and things to do all within striking distance of Okeford Fitzpaine, where possible we have included a link to the relevant website.

Things to do in and around Okeford Fitzpaine

There are many footpaths and bridleways all around the area, with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and along the stunning coastline. Stunning views over unspoilt countryside and lost to keep you interested young and old.

North Dorset Trailway

This runs along the route of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway line and takes you through some picturesque villages of the Blackmore Vale. There are four sections you can currently visit that take you through some of North Dorset's spectacular countryside, towns and villages with views of Hambledon Hill and the meandering River Stour. The trail runs along a flat, surfaced 2-metre wide track suitable for push chairs/wheel chairs, horses, bicycles and walkers. You can join the Trailway from Station Road car park in Sturminster Newton.

Sturminster Newton (about 3.5 miles)

Sturminster is a small market town situated in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. It has a working 17th Century Mill and the Town Museum.There is a very fine medieval six-arched stone bridge over the River Stour at one end of the town. The author Thomas Hardy lived here for a couple of years around 1876 and wrote 'The Return of the Native' whilst here. The Trailway along the course of the old railway starts in Station Road car park and is suitable for walkers and cyclists.

Shaftesbury (about 10.0 miles)

• Gold Hill Shaftesbury. Made Famous by the Hovis TV Advert.

• Shaftesbury Abbey The site of the abbey built by King Alfred for his daughter Ethelgiva.

• Compton Abbas Airfield Shaftesbury's air link to the outside world. Fully licenced restaurant with stunning views. Watch the small aircraft take off and land.

• Win Green 3 miles east of Shaftesbury, Win Green is one of Dorset's highest points, 911 feet above sea level. There is a triangulation point at the top from which there are views in all directions. Great for walks. Animal friendly.

Shaftesbury is a hilltop town which overlooks the Blackmore Vale, part of the River Stour basin. From different viewpoints, it is possible to see at least as far as Glastonbury Tor to the northwest. A particularly scenic road is Gold Hill, the steep cobbled street that film director Ridley Scott used as the setting for an iconic television advertisement for Hovis bread that was frequently broadcast in the 1970s and 1980s. Shaftesbury is also celebrated for its ruined abbey and the nearby Old Wardour Castle, the Central keep was used in 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves'. 2 miles to the west of Shaftesbury rises the conical mound of Duncliffe Hill, visible for miles and home to Duncliffe Wood and a nature reserve.

Dorchester (about 18.0 miles)

Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and has many interesting features and attractions, including the Dinosaur Museum as well as its links with Thomas Hardy, who called it Casterbridge.

Lyme Regis (about 37.0 miles)

Lyme Regis is an historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world famous Cobb harbour. Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site Status; famous for its geology and fossil finds. In the heart of the Jurassic Coast.

Weymouth (about 27.0 miles)

Weymouth is home to a safe clean sheltered family beach with three miles of level promenade, providing access to the beach, Town Centre, Harbour and Country Park.

Salisbury (about 27.0 miles)

Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain and dates from the 13th Century. Attractive town centre and shops.

Other places of interest, easily visited in a day

• Abbotsbury Swannery, Sub-Tropical Gardens and Children’s Farm

• Bovington Tank Museum.

• Athelhampton House and Gardens.

• Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

• Chesil Beach.

• Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre.

• Milton Abbey.

• Stonehenge.

• Stourhead National Trust Property.

• Kingston Lacy National Trust Property.

• Longleat Safari Park and House.

• Wimborne Minster Model Town.

• Swanage Steam Railway.

• Larmer Tree Wiltshires Secret Garden.

• Stonehenge Stonehenge is one of Britain's greatest national icons, symbolizing mystery, power and endurance, why not pay it a visit while in the area.

• Bath Famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture.

• Stourhead One of the National Trusts most visited Gardens.

• Yeovilton Well worth a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

• Salisbury The Cathedral is famous for having the tallest spire in England. Market Days are Tuesday and Saturday.