Continuing our meander through some of the hamlets and villages surrounding Dorchester, Joanna Davis takes a closer look at Moreton.

Moreton is a village full of many charms on the River Frome, surrounded by broad meadows and pastures creating Thomas Hardy’s ‘Vale of the Great Dairies’.

It is around eight miles east of Dorchester.

Thomas Edward Lawrence, more famously known as Lawrence of Arabia, is buried here. His grave can be viewed along with St Nicholas's Church, where his funeral was held. Moreton attracts visitors from across the world who are keen to pay tribute to TE Lawrence. A more elaborate memorial can be found at St. Martin's church in Wareham.

Lawrence of Arabia rented nearby cottage Clouds Hill from his cousins, the Framptons, while serving at Bovington Camp.

There is a stunning sight to behold for visitors to St Nicholas's Church.

A window designed by the late Sir Laurence Whistler depicts Judas, the betrayer of Christ, the disciple who the gospels relate hanged himself in shame after throwing away the 30 pieces of silver he was paid for his treachery.

Parishioners appalled at the strangeness of the image originally rejected artist Laurence Whistler's valuable gift but it was installed at the church in 2014, 14 years after his death.

The church stands on medieval foundations but was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Frampton family, whose neighbouring mansion is depicted in a snowstorm in the church windows. It had conventional stained glass windows until a direct hit from a German bomber in 1940.

A popular draw is the award-winning Moreton Tea Rooms, which occupies the village's old School House, attracting tourists by the coach-load.

The nearby Moreton Walled Garden is open to visitors, who can enjoy a three acre landscaped garden with a variety of plant environments, stream-fed ponds and large lawn spaces, styled on the original Georgian and subsequent Victorian design with long borders, formal gardens, wetland features and woodland.

Villagers in Moreton enjoyed a new village hall in 2015. It is a thriving community hub where regular coffee mornings and lunch clubs are held. Activities held there include short mat bowls, yoga and ping pong.

Moreton forms part of the Lawrence of Arabia Walking Trail. The walks take in Bovington, Clouds Hill, Moreton Church and Lawrence’s grave.

A short stroll away is the scenic Moreton Ford, which leads into Moreton Forest, and is recommended as a perfect spot for swimming.

Moreton even has its own railway station, so you can take a leisurely train ride there from Dorchester. Be warned though, the station, while gloriously adjacent to the Frampton Arms pub and a very popular camp site, is some distance away from the centre of the village and is actually closer to Crossways.