Sturminster Newton, known to locals as Stur, is a town in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. The town is famous as the home of poet and author William Barnes, and, for part of his life, Thomas Hardy. A market is held in the town on Mondays. Formerly one of the largest cattle markets in England was held here, but the market was closed in 1998 and is currently undergoing redevelopment into housing and retail. The town is part of the historic West Country Carnival circuit. The majority of the town's shops and services lie on the north side of the river, whilst Newton and Broad Oak lie to the south. A wide flood plain divides these areas. The town centre is the stuff of picture postcards. It comprises a mixture of traditional 16th and 17th century cottages, Georgian stone buildings and 19th century brick buildings. It offers charming shops and picturesque pubs, including The White Hart and The Swan Inn.