Tyneham The Lost Village

Tyneham the Lost Village Dorset was once one of many small isolated Dorset villages. The residents led a simple life relying mainly on farming and fishing for food and income. Life was predictable but simple for everyone who lived in Tyneham Dorset. However, that all changed in 1943 when the villages were moved out by Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet. Winston had plans to use the area for D-Day preparations which meant everyone has to move out of the village to alternative accommodation. On 17 December 1943 the last villagers left believing that one day they would be able to return. This, however, never happened sadly.

Tyneham Village Today

Today, the village is still part of the Army Ranges. Public access is allowed most weekends and on all public holidays. Unfortunately the years have not been kind to the buildings and today only a few structures remain intact. With names on the pegs and schoolwork on the desks, it feels as if only minutes ago the children had run outside to play. You can’t help but notice that the village seems to be trapped in a time warp that has protected the area from modern developments over the years.

Visit Tyneham Dorset for the day to simple enjoy a stroll, or visit to research your family history. You will find a wealth of information on this site including photographs old and new, as well as historic postcard views, baptism, marriage and burial records. Census entries, wills and probate records along with much more information are also available.

Getting to Tyneham the Lost Village

Tyneham Dorset does not have a postcode because it is not inhabited, therefore, it’t not the easiest place to locate via Satnav. Nor are there many road signs or phone masts so phone signals can be poor. For detailed directions to Tyneham click here.

Entry & Car Park

It is free to enter the village and to access the grounds. There is a small parking area not far from the village. There is no charge but donations are welcome to help fund ongoing conservation work in Tyneham.

Facilities

The village is not inhabited therefore there are no cafe or eating facilities within the village. It is possible to enjoy your own picnic at one of the seating areas. Please remember to take your rubbish with you though because there are no bins in Tyneham.