Far for the Madding Crowd – West Dorset earns its designation as an area of outstanding natural beauty! You can drink in the breathtaking scenery, absorb its history and heritage, lace up your walking boots for a ramble along cliff-tops or through picturesque countryside, or simply relax and rediscover the simple pleasures in life outdoors. |
Discover the Dramatic Coastline! |
West Dorset is world-famous for its Unesco world heritage Jurassic Coast. The coast path is simply spectacular and from the cliff tops you can savour the stunning panoramic views. Amongst its many seaside treasures are the lively and picturesque harbours at Lyme Regis and West Bay.
You can join a guided fossil finding tour at Charmouth or Lyme Regis. |
A Rural Paradise |
Often described by our guests as a little bit of heaven; we are in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, an area steeped in history and heritage. The picturesque town of Beaminster is nestled in a natural valley surrounded by four of Dorset’s highest peaks – this area provides some of the finest views to be found anywhere.
Beaminster (pronounced bemminster) is an old settlement, dating back to around the 7th century, when it was known as Bebingmynster, meaning the church of Bebbe. Today there are some lovely independent shops and tasty places to refuel.The area is a rich patchwork of rolling countryside containing mellow stone villages with their cosy pubs serving local delights, as well as vibrant towns like Bridport (dubbed Notting Hill on Sea).Stylish, yet unspoilt. If you are looking for somewhere to unplug from everyday life and reinvigorate your senses, West Dorset is definitely for you – book your break and recharge your batteries! |
Places we eat: |
Here’s a few of our favourite places to eat local to our shepherd’s huts here in West Dorset. There are many other wonderful places, including more in our visitor’s guide. One thing is for sure, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lovely local food.
Brassica Restaurant, Beaminster
In the Sunday Times’ Top 100.
The Fox, Corscombe
The Fox is a lovely family run pub serving good local food within a short distance of the farm. Well worth a visit during your stay.
The Hive, Burton Bradstock
Loved by locals and visitors alike, it has the reputation of being the best beach café!
The food is seasonal using local sustainable ingredients.
The Acorn Inn, Evershot
Another great gastro pub. This 16th century inn was awarded Gold Winner of the Dorset Tourism Awards, Tourism Pub of the Year 2014!
Beach & Barnicott, Bridport
Close to the clock tower in the centre of bustling Bridport is this wonderful pub. As well as great food it has a fantastic live music, poetry slams and comedy.
Oliver’s, Sherborne
We first visited Oliver’s over 20 years ago, and still have a soft spot for it today. Right in the centre of Sherborne serving wholesome food on large sharing tables. |