Ride + Stride 2026 is a dynamic fundraising event that brings people of all ages together to walk or cycle between churches in their local area, supporting the preservation and care of historic places of worship.

Held across Dorset, the event not only provides vital financial support to local churches but also offers a chance to explore the community, enjoy the outdoors, and engage with the region’s rich heritage. Funds raised are shared between the participant’s chosen church and the county’s Historic Churches Trust, helping to safeguard these treasured buildings for future generations.

Dorset Historic Churches Trust have kindly granted £5,000 towards St Eustace Church stabilisation appeal and £5,000 towards the Tower Steps restoration project during 2024. A further £10,000 has been granted in 2025 towards refurbishing the roof.

Lucinda and Su visited local churches on horse back. Annette will be cycling to all the churches in the Hazelbury Bryan and the Hillside Parishes Benefice plus a few more - please sponsor us if you can.

Visit St Eustace Church and view the 'Everyday Histories' Heritage Open Days Exhibition. It will focus on the stories of the everyday people who made heritage sites special – from the architects who designed our churches to the people who attended services in them.

Ride + Stride is an annual event during which our supporters raise money for DHCT and for their own church by cycling, walking or riding between any number of our beautiful churches and chapels. DHCT uses half of the money raised (well over £100,000 in 2025) to fund vital repairs to roofs and fabric while the other half is returned to participating churches to help with their own maintenance. DHCT also grant aid the provision of facilities such as kitchenettes and lavatories so that our churches are flexible enough for use throughout the week for community activities.