Holnest is a village and civil parish located in the county of Dorset, England. Historically part of the North Dorset district, it now falls under the unitary authority of Dorset Council.
Location and Geography: Holnest is situated in the Blackmore Vale, a rural area of north Dorset, approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of the town of Sherborne and 10 miles (16 km) north-west of Blandford Forum. The parish is characterized by its agricultural landscape, consisting primarily of farmland, small woodlands, and scattered hamlets. The River Lydden, a tributary of the River Stour, flows through or near the parish.
History: The settlement of Holnest has ancient origins, being mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Holenhest." Its history is largely tied to its agricultural roots and the local gentry. Like many small English villages, it developed around its church and manor. The parish church, dedicated to St. Mary, dates primarily from the 15th century, with later additions and restorations.
Demographics: According to the 2011 United Kingdom Census, the civil parish of Holnest had a population of 279. The population is relatively dispersed within the parish, with a small cluster of homes forming the village centre.
Governance: As a civil parish, Holnest has a parish council, which is the first tier of local government. Its responsibilities typically include local amenities, environmental matters, and representing the interests of the community to the larger local authority, Dorset Council.