Things to see & do
This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.
-
Lawrence's retreat
Lawrence's retreat
Step inside this tiny isolated cottage, rented by Lawrence as a retreat from army life. Lawrence read, wrote and listened to music here at Clouds Hill. Isolation and solitude were essential ingrediants to the way he chose to live his life.
-
Motorbike shed
Motorbike shed
Sadly Lawrence's Brough Superior motorbike is no longer at Clouds Hill, although the motorbike shed houses a fascinating exhibition about Lawrence's life.
-
The bunk room
The bunk room
The walls in this room are lined with aluminium foil to help keep in the heat. You can still see Lawrence's sleeping bags, one of which, Teum (yours) served as guest bedding. The other, Meum (mine), used by Lawrence, is downstairs. The room was also used as a larder with food stored under glass domes.
-
The music room
The music room
You can see the music room which contains Lawrence’s wind up gramaphone with its huge horn. It was in this room that he entertained many of his guests, who would come out to Clouds Hill in the afternoons to listen to classical music and read. Visitors to the house included Thomas Hardy and Robert Graves.
-
Over the door
Over the door
As you enter the cottage you should notice a quotation over the front door which was carved by Lawrence himself. It was taken from an ancient greek tale by Horodotus - it roughly translates as ‘why worry’.
-
T E Lawrence as a cadet
T E Lawrence as a cadet
This atmospheric painting, which you can see in the music room, is by Henry Scott Tuke and features Lawrence on Newport Beach, nr Falmouth.
Lawrence's retreat
Motorbike shed
The bunk room
The music room
Over the door
T E Lawrence as a cadetWhat's on
We are planning a number of events for 2012, including working in partnership with the Tank Museum, who will host a series of events celebrating the life of T E Lawrence.
Activities
You can find out more about T E Lawrence and his extraordinary life from our exhibition in the motorbike shed. Or why not chat to our room stewards? They are passionate about the house and happy to share their knowledge.
Groups
Due to the size of the property, access and parking is limited to small groups only with no access available for big coaches.
Please phone to pre-book and make arrangements on 07769 711785 or email.
Out and about
View of Clouds Hill from the ridge
You can explore the grounds and take a picnic to the top of the hill to see the outstanding views over the Isle of Purbeck.
Why not enjoy a walk along the ‘Lawrence of Arabia' trail’ which takes you through idyllic county lanes and leafy woodlands. This circular trail starts and finishes at Bovington's famous Tank Museum, taking in Clouds Hill and passes by the churchyard in Moreton - Lawrence's final resting place.
It is also worth visiting St Nicholas' Church at Moreton to see the engraved glass windows designed by Lawrence Whistler and commissioned in 1950 when the church was restored.
Time for tea?
The Moreton Tearooms about 3 miles away in Moreton is the nearest place to find refreshments. Winner of 'A Taste of Dorset' award in 2011, it's open for morning coffee, lunches, afternoon tea and sometimes dinner.