A NEW children’s trail has been launched the former home of Lawrence of Arabia.

This trail, at Cloud's Hill, near Bovington, gives youngsters the chance to complete their own set of rubbings from zinc plaques hidden in the hillside around the cottage.

As a young boy TE Lawrence was fascinated with medieval history and imagery.

Aged nine, he discovered brass rubbing and would visit churches around his hometown of Oxford creating rubbings from medieval tombs.

There are eight plaques to discover at Cloud's Hill cottage – cared for by the National Trust – each one with an image relating to a key time in Lawrence’s life.

Clouds Hill visitor experience officer Rachael Raine said: "We are excited to be offering an activity for children at Clouds Hill, particularly something that reflects a hobby that Lawrence enjoyed himself as a child.

"He made his rubbings using shoe wax and long rolls of paper and covered his bedroom walls with them.

"Four of Lawrence’s own brass rubbings are on display inside the cottage for visitors to admire. We hope that local families will visit Clouds Hill during the October half term to have a go for themselves."

Trail sheets will be provided, along with crayons to complete the rubbings.

Although the trail is aimed at children, visitors of all ages are invited to try it out.

The hillside surrounding the cottage is scrub and heathland covering steep and uneven terrain.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill for further details.