Attraction Guide: Tyneham Village, Wareham, UK

Tyneham Village Guide

Tyneham: The Village That Time Forgot Guide

Step back in time at Tyneham, a deserted village frozen in 1943. Evacuated during World War II to allow for military training, the villagers were promised they could return after the war. Sadly, that promise was never kept, and Tyneham remains a poignant reminder of wartime sacrifices. Today, you can wander through the eerily silent streets, explore the preserved schoolhouse and church, and imagine what life was like in this once-thriving community. The story of Tyneham is one of both patriotism and loss. In November 1943, the 225 residents of Tyneham received a compulsory purchase order from the War Office, giving them just a few weeks to leave their homes. They left with the understanding that they would be able to return once the war was over. However, the military retained the land after the war, and Tyneham became a permanent part of the Lulworth Ranges. The village stands as a powerful symbol of the impact of war on ordinary lives. Visiting Tyneham is a unique and thought-provoking experience. Explore the schoolhouse, where you can see the children's drawings and lessons still on the blackboard. Visit the church, with its simple but elegant architecture. Wander through the village, reading the information boards that tell the stories of the families who once lived there. While Tyneham itself doesn't have a culinary tradition, nearby villages offer traditional pub fare and cream teas. Remember to bring your own refreshments, as there are no shops or cafes in Tyneham.