A New Landmark at Gullivers Farm

Discovering the Story of Isaac Gulliver, One Adventure at a Time

There is something magical about telling history outdoors.

Rather than reading from a plaque or a textbook, we wanted visitors to discover the story of Isaac Gulliver through play, imagination and exploration. That's exactly what inspired the latest addition to Gullivers Farm—a beautifully handcrafted fallen ship's mast lookout, complete with a hidden treasure chest, created by the incredibly talented Yoli Woodwork.

As children climb aboard and peer across the fields, they're stepping into a story that began more than 250 years ago.

Who Was Isaac Gulliver?

Long before Gullivers Farm became a place for families, nature and community, it was home to one of Dorset and Hampshire's most famous characters.

Isaac Gulliver was an infamous 18th-century smuggler whose operations stretched across the south coast. At a time when taxes on goods like tea, tobacco, rum and brandy were incredibly high, smuggling became a way of life for many coastal communities.

Gulliver became one of the most successful smugglers of his era, commanding fleets of boats and networks of riders who transported goods under the cover of darkness.

His wealth eventually allowed him to purchase the estate that would become Gullivers Farm, making this landscape part of a remarkable local story.

From Orchard Ship to Nature Trail Lookout

Visitors may already know about the wooden ship in Gullivers Orchard, which has become a favourite place for young explorers to imagine life at sea.

This new installation takes the story one step further.

Instead of another complete ship, we've created the remains of a fallen mast—as though time has slowly reclaimed a vessel once connected to Isaac Gulliver's adventures.

At the end sits a weathered treasure chest, inviting children to imagine what secrets it might hold.

Was it hidden smuggled cargo?

Maps of secret coastal routes?

Or perhaps the last clues left behind by Isaac himself...

The answers are left to every child's imagination.

Looking Out Across the Land

The lookout isn't just somewhere to climb.

Standing at the mast, children can gaze across the open fields much like a lookout keeping watch for ships approaching the Dorset coast or riders travelling inland.

It's a simple structure, but it encourages storytelling, role play and curiosity—turning a peaceful corner of the farm into an adventure.

History suddenly feels much closer when you can climb into it.

Crafted with Care by Yoli Woodwork

We're incredibly grateful to Yoli Woodwork for bringing this idea to life.

Their craftsmanship and attention to detail have transformed a simple concept into something that feels as though it has always belonged here.

Every timber, curve and finish reflects the care that has gone into creating a piece that is both robust enough for play and beautiful enough to become part of the landscape.

Supporting talented local makers is something we're passionate about, and Francisco at Yoli Woodwork has created something truly special for Gullivers Farm.

More Than a Play Feature

Everything we add to Gullivers Farm has a purpose.

We want children to play.

We want families to spend time together.

But we also want to celebrate the stories that make this place unique.

The fallen mast is another chapter in that journey—a playful reminder that Gullivers Farm isn't just named after Isaac Gulliver; it's built on the history of someone whose life shaped this corner of Dorset.

By weaving history into natural play, we're hoping visitors leave with more than memories—they leave with stories.