Exploring Clouds Hill | The National Trust Home of T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia

🏠Come step inside Clouds Hill with me. The secluded Dorset cottage once home to T. E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia.
Nestled amid the heathland near Bovington, this National Trust property offers an intimate glimpse into the private world of one of Britain’s most fascinating and enigmatic figures. From his handcrafted furniture and cork-lined bathroom, to his beloved reading chair and personal library, every corner of Clouds Hill reflects Lawrence’s complex mind, love of craftsmanship, and desire for peace after years of war.

🎥 This video has been created with the intention that those unable to visit can still enjoy this unique site. It is a non-verbal tour with natural sounds to begin & end with and a relaxing soundtrack playing throughout. Out of respect of the great work & effort the tour guides do, their voices have been muted throughout this video. Brief snippets of information have instead been provided.

⏱️Timestamps
00:00 Intro & Walk to Clouds Hill
02:12 Downstairs of Cottage
04:32 Upstairs of Cottage
07:11 Outside & Motorcycle Shed
08:52 Outro

🏛️ Thomas Edward Lawrence (1888–1935) was a British archaeologist, soldier, diplomat, and writer. Immortalised as Lawrence of Arabia for his role in the Arab Revolt during the First World War. Renowned for his courage, intelligence, and unconventional leadership, Lawrence helped unite Arab forces against Ottoman rule and became an international icon after the publication of his memoir Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Despite global fame, he longed for solitude, retreating to Clouds Hill in Dorset while serving under assumed names in the RAF. Here he read, wrote, and sought peace until his untimely death in a motorcycle accident nearby in 1935, aged just 46.

🚗 Please be advised facilities at Clouds Hill are extremely limited. Parking is available for around 20 vehicles directly onsite with my personal recommendation to book the earliest viewing session to guarantee a parking space. Additional parking may be found at the nearby Tank Training viewing area, approximately a 10-minute walk away. Here you will also find a small memorial dedicated to T.E Lawrence.
On site you’ll find a small visitor information centre where tickets can be purchased on the day (again, advance booking is highly advised). The centre also includes 1 unisex toilet and a small selection of postcards and books celebrating T. E. Lawrence’s life and legacy.
🎟️ Clouds Hill is open until the 30th October 2025 before closing for the winter season, to book your visit please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visi...

🌿Clouds Hill is cared for by the National Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving and protecting Britain’s most historic buildings, landscapes, and cultural treasures. Through their tireless work, places like Clouds Hill and nearby treasures such as Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy remain open for future generations to explore and enjoy.
If you’d like to support their mission and gain free access to hundreds of historic sites across the UK, you can become a member today through the National Trust website. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/memb...

🧭 A visit to Clouds Hill offers the perfect starting point for exploring the wider T. E. Lawrence Trail across Dorset, a journey that traces his remarkable life and lasting legacy.
• Bovington Tank Museum Memorial: Located just a few minutes away, the Tank Museum holds a moving memorial to Lawrence, honouring his close connection with the armoured corps and his early experiments in mechanised warfare. Visitors can see his Brough Superior motorcycle and exhibits exploring his influence on military innovation.
• The Village of Moreton, Lawrence’s Final Resting Place: Lawrence is buried in the peaceful churchyard of St Nicholas, Moreton, a short drive from Clouds Hill. His simple grave, surrounded by countryside, attracts visitors from all over the world seeking a moment of reflection. The nearby Moreton Tea Rooms and Ford Walk make this an idyllic stop on a day exploring Lawrence’s Dorset.
• The town of Wareham, The Effigy of T. E. Lawrence: Inside St Martin-on-the-Walls Church stands a stunning recumbent effigy of Lawrence sculpted by his friend Eric Kennington. (A smaller scale version of this effigy can be seen in the video) The church’s quiet atmosphere and remarkable Norman frescoes make it an unmissable stop for history and art lovers alike.

While Clouds Hill is one of the smaller NT sites in Dorset, by combining this site with a visit to the nearby Tank Museum and Moreton Village, it makes for a unique day out.

Together, these sites form a deeply personal portrait of Lawrence, from his military career and literary genius to his quiet final years.
Future videos on each of these locations will be added to my future T. E. Lawrence playlist. Subscribe to follow the full journey.

#TELawrence #CloudsHill #DorsetHeritage #NationalTrustUK #DiscoverDorset