On the evening of Friday, June 20, 2025, a significant fire broke out at the abandoned former Dudsbury Golf Club building on Christchurch Road in Longham, near Ferndown, Dorset. The structure, which had been derelict for some time, was completely destroyed in the blaze. Dorset Police and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly, and the incident is now being investigated as suspected arson.
Around 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene. The fire was reported at approximately 6:10 PM and was brought under control by about 9 PM, though crews remained on site into the following day to manage hotspots. Nearby residents were advised to keep doors and windows shut due to heavy smoke. No injuries were reported, and the building was unoccupied at the time.
Police have confirmed that their initial assessment indicates the fire was not started accidentally. An appeal for witnesses and footage has been issued, and the investigation remains active. The future of the site, which had been the subject of preliminary redevelopment discussions, is now uncertain.
What Happened at Dudsbury Golf Club?
A major fire broke out on June 20, 2025, at the abandoned Dudsbury Golf Club building on Christchurch Road, Longham. The structure was completely destroyed.
Police and fire services have launched an arson investigation. No injuries were reported, and the building was unoccupied.
The golf club and hotel had been closed for some time. Owners did not renew the lease, leaving the building abandoned.
Development plans for the site were in discussion prior to the fire. The future now hinges on the outcome of the investigation and potential redevelopment proposals.
- The fire at Dudsbury Golf Club marks the end of a long-term derelict structure that had become an eyesore.
- Local authorities are treating the fire as suspicious, indicating possible deliberate ignition.
- The fire has reignited public debate about the management of abandoned buildings in the area.
- No injuries were reported, and the isolated location limited impact on nearby homes.
- The timing of the fire coincides with ongoing discussions about redevelopment, raising questions.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Fire | June 20, 2025 |
| Time of Call | Approximately 18:00 BST (6:10 pm) |
| Time Extinguished | 22:22 BST |
| Location | Christchurch Road, Longham (former Dudsbury Golf Club site) |
| Damage | Building completely destroyed |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Cause (Preliminary) | Suspected arson – under investigation |
| Responding Agencies | Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Dorset Police |
| Current Status | Arson probe active; site secure |
What exactly happened on June 20, 2025?
Dorset Police received a report of a fire at the former Dudsbury Golf Club on Christchurch Road at approximately 6:10 PM on Friday, June 20, 2025. Fire crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived to find the derelict building well alight. Around 40 firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which was declared under control by about 9 PM. The building was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. Firefighters remained on scene into the following day to deal with hotspots before handing the site back to the owner.
Are there any videos of the fire?
A video posted on Facebook by an account named Abandoned Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa shows the building ablaze and its aftermath. The footage, dated late June 2025, is user-generated and has not been officially verified. Dorset Police have not released any official video footage of the incident. Residents and motorists who captured footage on dashcams or doorbell cameras have been urged to come forward.
How does this compare to other golf course fires?
Other fires at abandoned golf club buildings in the Ferndown area have occurred in recent years, though none have been as destructive as this incident. Each case has prompted renewed scrutiny of how derelict properties are managed and secured. The Dudsbury fire is notable for its scale — the building was entirely lost — and for the official arson classification, which distinguishes it from accidental or undetermined causes seen elsewhere.
Is this the only golf club fire reported today?
In the available reporting, no other golf club fires on June 20, 2025, are mentioned in connection with the Dudsbury incident. Local news outlets and emergency services have not reported a second fire at any other golf course in the Dorset area on that date. The Dudsbury fire appears to have been an isolated event on that day.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service stated that around 40 firefighters responded to the blaze, which was controlled by about 9 PM. The building was declared destroyed. Residents were advised to keep doors and windows shut because of heavy smoke.
Why Is Dudsbury Golf Club Closed?
What does the closure of Dudsbury Golf Club entail?
The Dudsbury Golf Club and its attached hotel had been closed for some time before the fire. The owners did not renew the lease, leaving the property abandoned. The site fell into disrepair and became derelict. Local reports describe the building as having been an eyesore, vulnerable to vandalism and decay. The closure meant the site was unoccupied and unmanaged, which may have contributed to the circumstances that led to the fire.
How is the Ferndown golf club fire related?
The Dudsbury Golf Club fire is located in Longham, which is close to Ferndown. Several local news outlets have referred to the incident as the “Ferndown golf club fire” because of the geographic proximity. The fire is the same event — the destruction of the former Dudsbury club building — but has been described with slightly different geographic labels depending on the outlet.
What is the status of the Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa?
The Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa had already closed prior to the fire. The hotel and club were part of the same complex and shared the same derelict building. There are no reports of any plans to reopen the hotel. The fire has effectively removed any possibility of restoring the existing structure.
What Are the Future Development Plans for Dudsbury Golf Club?
What development is planned for the Dudsbury Golf Club site?
Before the fire, local councils and developers were in early discussions about repurposing the land. The exact nature of those plans has not been publicly detailed. The destruction of the building may accelerate redevelopment by clearing the site, but it could also complicate efforts if the arson investigation leads to legal proceedings or insurance disputes. The future of the site now depends on the outcome of the police investigation and subsequent decisions by the landowner and local planning authorities.
While development plans were in discussion prior to the fire, no formal proposals have been made public. The arson investigation and any legal outcomes will likely influence the timeline and nature of future development. Residents and local stakeholders are awaiting further announcements.
Timeline of Events: When Did the Dudsbury Golf Club Fire Occur?
- Pre-2025 (Months before fire): Dudsbury Golf Club and Hotel close. Owners do not renew the lease. The building becomes derelict and abandoned.
- June 20, 2025 – 18:00–18:10 BST: Fire reported at the former Dudsbury Golf Club building on Christchurch Road. Fire crews are dispatched.
- June 20, 2025 – 22:22 BST: Fire extinguished after more than four hours. The building is declared destroyed. No injuries reported.
- June 21–23, 2025: Firefighters continue to monitor hotspots. Media reports highlight the scale of the destruction.
- June 24, 2025: Dorset Police and Fire Service announce an arson investigation. The Bournemouth Echo publishes “Arson probe after Dudsbury Golf Club fire”.
- Ongoing: The investigation continues; the future of the site remains unclear. The local community awaits further updates.
The timeline shows that the fire was reported, fought, and extinguished within roughly four hours. The police investigation was announced four days later. As of the available reporting, no suspect has been identified, no arrest has been made, and the case remains open.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About the Fire?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The fire occurred on June 20, 2025, at the derelict Dudsbury Golf Club building. | The exact cause of the fire – suspected arson but not yet confirmed. |
| The building was completely destroyed. | Any potential suspects or motives. |
| No injuries were reported. | Future redevelopment plans – previously under discussion but now uncertain. |
| The fire was extinguished by 22:22 BST. | Long-term environmental or community impact – not yet assessed. |
| An arson investigation was launched (confirmed by police and fire service). | — |
Background: What Was the Dudsbury Golf Club Site Before the Fire?
Dudsbury Golf Club was a well-known local facility that fell into disuse in recent years. The club and attached hotel were abandoned after the lease was not renewed, leaving the site vulnerable to vandalism and decay. The building was described as derelict in multiple news reports. The fire occurred at a time when local councils and developers were in early discussions about repurposing the land. The destruction of the building may accelerate or complicate those plans. Similar incidents at other abandoned golf clubs in the region have led to increased scrutiny of vacant property management.
Official Statements and Sources: What Do the Reports Say?
Key statements from official sources and news reports provide clarity on the event.
“The fire broke out at the derelict structure in Christchurch Road, Longham, at about 18:00 BST on Friday and was extinguished by 22:22.”
BBC News (21 Jun 2025)
“Firefighters and police were called to Dudsbury Golf Club on Christchurch Road at around 6.10pm on Friday, June 20 after reports of a fire. The cause is believed to be arson.”
Bournemouth Echo (24 Jun 2025)
“Following the fire at the old Dudsbury golf club off Christchurch Road on Friday night, there are still some hotspots where it’s too…”
Ferndown Fire Station (Facebook, 21 Jun 2025)
“Firefighters were called to the site off Christchurch Road – formerly part of Dudsbury Golf Club – at around 6pm on Friday evening (June 20).”
Stour Avon Magazine (24 Jun 2025)
Summary: What Is the Current Situation?
The June 2025 fire at the former Dudsbury Golf Club building in Longham completely destroyed the derelict structure. Dorset Police are treating the incident as suspected arson and have appealed for witnesses and footage. No arrests have been reported, and the investigation remains open. The future of the site — including any redevelopment — is uncertain and will depend on the outcome of the probe and decisions by the landowner and local authorities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the story develops. For further local coverage, read: Probe underway after fire at former golf club building in Longham and Golf club arson – Police investigation underway.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dudsbury Golf Club Fire
Was anyone injured in the fire?
No injuries were reported. The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
How many firefighters responded to the blaze?
Around 40 firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to the scene.
What is the police case reference number?
Dorset Police have asked anyone with information to quote occurrence number 55250088641.
Why was the Dudsbury Golf Club building derelict?
The golf club and hotel had closed before the fire. The lease was not renewed, and the building was left abandoned.
What should I do if I have information about the fire?
Contact Dorset Police with any doorbell, CCTV, or dashcam footage. Quote occurrence number 55250088641.
Is the arson investigation still ongoing?
Yes, as of the latest reports, the investigation remains active. No arrests or charges have been announced.
What was the Dudsbury Golf Club Hotel & Spa?
It was a hotel and spa that was part of the Dudsbury Golf Club complex. Both had closed before the fire.
Will the site be redeveloped?
Development plans were in early discussion before the fire. The future of the site is now uncertain and under review.
Where exactly did the fire happen?
The fire occurred at the former Dudsbury Golf Club building on Christchurch Road in Longham, near Ferndown, Dorset.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.