In Britain, a deserted village in Dorset stands as a remarkable reminder of the past, untouched yet not forgotten. Decades ago, tragic events compelled residents to abandon their beloved homes. Tyneham village, situated along Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.
During World War Two in 1943, the vibrant community of Tyneham faced a permanent transformation when British forces took over the village for military exercises. Residents were given only a month’s notice to leave, leaving behind homes that had housed generations of families.
The village and its surroundings were used as a training ground for Allied troops, with the hope that the sacrifice would aid the war effort and allow residents to return post-war. Unfortunately, the villagers never got to come back as the area remained under military control even after the war ended.
Nearly 80 years later, Tyneham village remains a poignant tourist attraction frozen in time. It opens to visitors at specific times, offering a unique insight into the lives of its former inhabitants. The gates are locked when not open to the public, preserving the village’s historical integrity.
One visitor on TripAdvisor described the village as having a captivating history, particularly moved by the villagers’ struggle to return. Another review praised it as a somber yet alluring place that beckons repeated visits.
The last resident of Tyneham, Peter Wellman, passed away at 100 in April, having visited the village in 2024 to reminisce about his childhood. Tyneham, located in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, is not an actual island but a peninsula overlooking the English Channel.