Clouds Hill is the tiny brick and tile cottage on the Dorset heath where T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia, escaped army life at Bovington Camp. Built in 1808 as a woodsman's cottage, it was rented by Lawrence in 1923 and bought in 1925; he died in May 1935 after a motorcycle crash on the road close by, and his brother gave it to the Trust in 1936. The rooms he furnished for writing, reading and music stay much as he left them, kept dim to protect the contents; the shed built for his Brough Superior motorbikes holds a display on his life, and children can try brass rubbing or climb the small hill to the picnic bench. Reviewers rate the guides highly and say the half-hour talk outside teaches even enthusiasts plenty; the visit takes about an hour. One tip from regular visitors: book a timed slot, because the cottage and the free car park are both very small. Only assistance dogs are admitted.
