Abandoned UK village in the middle of nowhere left to rot for 80 years

Once home to thousands of residents, Tyneham in Dorsethas been abandoned for over 80 years with many of its buildings completely untouched.

Dubbed as Dorset’s ‘lost’ village, Tynehambecame a ghost town following an order that told residents to leave their homes by the British Army during the Second World War in 1943. A place with many memories is now used for army training exercises.

According toInside Dorset, a total of 225 residents from 102 properties were forced to up and leave, and given just 28 days to seek alternative accommodation in November 1943. The last residents left the following month, thinking they’d be able to return. Sadly, that never happened.

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The village is now owned by the Ministry of Defence, and it’s often closed to the public except during the weekends and public holidays. From Monday to Friday, its doors closed to allow training ground for the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School.

The many homes holding dear memories have been badly damaged - but the village still stands. The church and the school buildings are still in great condition, and as per the site, there are still pegs with names of the children who attended the school, as well as examples of their school work.

Abandoned for decades, the village still has a lot of history, going back to Iron Age Britain. Tyneham was once known for its salt-boiling, shale-turning and Purbeck Marble industries, which were important resources in the area.

People can still visit Tyneham and it’s free of charge but they are encouraged to leave donations at the car park to help fund the ongoing conversation work.

Visitors can walk the old village and look at life as it once was, but there's nothing in place to resemble modern life. There aren’t any shops, cafés or restaurants open, but there are designated picnic areas near the car park and at Tyneham Fam, where some of the buildings have been restored.

Because Tyneham and Worbarrow are part of the Ministry of Defence Lulworth Ranges, which are known to be a living fire range, visitors have to stay within the safe zones. Still, it’s a great place to visit, providing a unique experience by walking around areas once known for their liveliness.

Worbarrow is only 20 minutes away from Tyneham by car and is also part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Spot. Since it’s not overcrowded with tourists, it’s the perfect place for those looking to reconnect with nature and simply relax.