[citation needed] The village lies at the foot of Blackdown Hill, which at 215 metres (705 ft) is one of Dorset's high points from which there are extensive views of the local area.

Despite a plea for clemency, Elizabeth was publicly hanged at Dorchester Prison, a sight witnessed by many, including a 16-year-old Thomas Hardy, who years later asked Lady Hester Pinney who lived at Racedown House to investigate the story.

[citation needed] Blackdown also has a village hall,[2] built on ground owned by the Pinney family of Racedown House.

The village school, situated next to the church and now a private house, closed because of dwindling numbers, although it reopened during World War Two to accommodate evacuees.

[citation needed] Blackdown is part of the Marshwood Vale electoral ward, which elects one member to Dorset Council.