Cultural Explainers: The Story Behind Tyneham Village

One of Dorset’s most visited tourist destinations, Tyneham Village, has had a population of 0 for the last 70 years. Prior to this, its inhabitants had it all – the village was sat in luscious countryside, situated on the Jurassic Coast, just a few miles from the sea and the beautiful Worbarrow Bay. So, what changed for the locals? We uncover the story of Tyneham, the village frozen in time…

Before 1943, the village was a simple, care-free haven. Its most renowned building, Tyneham House, was home to the Bond family (owners of this picturesque village). The village also showcased a wonderful church, school, functioning farms and delightful cottages. Like many villages during that period, there was no electricity or running water. However, the villagers were happy; away from the hustle and bustle, strife and troubles of city life.

In late December 1943, the Tyneham people would be hit with the same, devastating news millions of others had to hear; the people of Tyneham were going to have to leave their homes.

Met by the dismay of the villagers, the government had decided, due to its location in relation to Lulworth firing ranges, they were going to claim Tyneham village and its surrounding land. The residents were told this would be a temporary fixture, and once the war was over, they could return to their homes and continue their lives, as normal.

As the last of the locals left, they pinned a note to the door of the village church (below):
“Please treat the churches and houses
with care. We have given up our
homes where many of us have
lived for generations, to help win
the war to keep men free.
We will return one day and
thank you for treating the
village kindly. “
Unfortunately, the original residents were never allowed to return to their lives, as promised. Despite a few high-profile campaigns, it remains highly unlikely that this will change too, with only a small handful of the original residents still alive to this day.

Although today, only the church and school remain intact, it seems only moments ago that the children had finished their lessons! The rest of the village provides a unique glimpse into how life used to be and, when it’s open to the public, is a magical place to visit.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.