Hi,  I saw your note on MMD this evening, regarding the Great Dorset
Steam Fair.  I have been to the rally a total of 17 times over the
years.  Perhaps I can assist you with some of your questions.

First: yes, there is plenty of parking right in the main gate area.
With a little luck, you may find a place right up front.  There is a
bus (interestingly, an antique restored bus) that travels around some
of the parking areas and will take you right to the gate.

Once inside, you will have to be prepared to do a _lot_ of walking.
The event takes place on a very large, slightly rolling farm field.
As a result, you will not find any pavement or sidewalks anywhere.
The walking surface may well be irregular.  As has happened many times
in the past, it could possibly be raining.  In this case, the entire
grounds turns into a sticky mud.  If this happens, there will be straw
tossed all over on the ground in an attempt to provide a dry walking
surface.  It would be quite difficult to use a wheeled vehicle, such
as a wheelchair, stroller, buggy, etc., although you will no doubt see
people struggling with these things.

Most of the local hotels will be found in the town of Blandford Forum.
There will be regular bus service from the town square right to the
main gate at the Fair, and return.  This actually makes it quite
simple.  Since you will have an automobile, you could also stay in
Salisbury (check out the almost 1,000 year-old Red Lion Hotel,
Stonehenge, and the Cathedral) or even the resort town of Bournemouth
on the south coast.

There are also a number of B&B's (Bed & Breakfast inns) in the area.
The North Dorset District Council puts out a very informative booklet
called the "Official Accommodation Guide" which lists the various
hotels, B&B's, type of accommodations, prices, etc.  You can probably
get a copy by contacting the local Tourist Information Center (TIC) in
Blandford at:

  Blandford TIC
  1 Greyhound Yard, Market Place,
  Blandford Forum, DT11 7BB
  Tel/Fax: 01258 454770

Going to their web site at www.ruraldorset.com will also give you a lot
of information on where to stay, where to eat, what to do, etc.

I hope this helps you.  Go and have a GREAT time!  If I can be of any
further assistance, please let me know.

Bruce Miller
Issaquah, Washington
USA