Blandford Forum is a compact market town in North Dorset, England, set on the gentle sweep of the River Stour. Much of its attractive town centre dates from the early Georgian rebuild after a devastating fire in 1731, overseen locally by the Bastard brothers, and the result is a tidy ensemble of classical brick and stone buildings around the market square that gives the town a distinctive period character.
The town still functions as a rural service hub, with a regular market, independent shops and links to farming communities, while the neighbouring Blandford Camp brings a military presence and the Royal Signals Museum adds a niche cultural draw. Blandford also crops up in local lore for the so‑called Blandford fly and is a handy base for walkers exploring the surrounding downs, woodlands and Dorset countryside.