Eat, drink and be merry
Dorset is renowned for it's food and drink so if you want to do more than just cook on the campfire or the cook's decided to have a night off, then here's some suggestions to help you during your stay. Note - we've tried these and can recommend them, but we haven't been everywhere so if you find a gem then let us know!
Great for families
Great for dogs
Great for special occasions
Places to eat
The Fontmell reopened in late 2023 and is a lovely small village pub with a focus on great food. Just a 7 minute drive away, or a good yomp over the hill with stunning views to enjoy.
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Booking recommended
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A great walk involving stunning views and some ups and downs - you'll earn your meal!
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There's a small shop and tearoom in the village too
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Dogs welcome in the bar area, great for couples, families & friendship groups.
Good quality breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look out for special offers and special event evenings too. The onsite farm shop showcases the best of Dorset food (we use them for our butchery too)
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Booking recommended (especially for lunch) Book online.
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11 minute drive, open 7 days a week
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No dogs, great for children, families & couples
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Also an onsite farm shop to stock up
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Close to the Woodland Trust's Duncliffe Wood for a lovely scenic walk.
Sorelle is a gorgeous modern Italian restaurant in the heart of Motcombe, serving fresh, seasonal dishes with real flair. A relaxed spot perfect for breakfast, lunch, date nights, family meals or catching up with friends. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but the outdoor seating is great in good weather. A brilliant choice for anyone who loves great food, warm service and a touch of luxury.
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Book online or give them a call
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10minute drive
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9am - 3pm, Wednesday - Sunday
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Friday nights 6pm - 9pm (pizza until 8pm)
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Great for children, families & couples
The closest pub in driving distance. Good for families, serves great portions. Perfect if you need somewhere quick, easy and no fuss. If you want something a bit more fancy, this probably isn’t the one for you.
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Book online or give them a call
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4 minute drive, open 7 days a week food served from noon until 9pm
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Great for children, families & couples, no dogs.
Right in the middle of Shaftesbury high street, the Mitre has a fantastic terrace with views overlooking Melbury Beacon so is a great spot for lunch or dinner.
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6 mins drive+ short walk – you’ll need to park at nearby pay & display Bell Street or Angel Lane
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Dogs welcome inside or on the terrace
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Great for couples & families
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If you'd like to walk or cycle from the farm, it's a lovely walk through quiet ancient lanes
and everywhere else...
There are loads of places not mentioned here. Shaftesbury has a vibrant café scene with most being very dog friendly.
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Best fry-up (and like stepping back in time) : John Peel Café
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Best scones (also great for lunch with a view) The Salt Cellar
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Flowers & cakes: Fab coffee too, and dogs welcome Pamplemousse
Other Farm Shops
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Onsite butchers and deli, fresh fruit and veg, as well as gifts and alcohol and the Udder Restaurant
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11 minute drive, open 7 days a week
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Make a morning of it with a walk at the Woodland Trust's Duncliffe Wood
Ansty Pick-Your-Own, Shop & Café
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Fresh fruit and veg, pick your own fruit, and seasonal events and live music evenings with food, café
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12 minute drive, closed Mondays
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Team it up with a visit to English Heritage's Old Wardour Castle, or the National Trust's Win Green
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Fresh fruit and veg grown onsite, art gallery, cafe and other small businesses
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16 mins drive in the village of Child Okeford, open Thursday, Friday, Saturday
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Tie it in with a visit to two of the most stunning hillforts in Dorset, Hambledon Hill & Hod Hill
Take-aways
Take-aways
Pizza - San Antonio Restaurant & Take-away
Curry - Chutney's Restaurant and Take-away
Fish & Chips - Golden Fish, Coppice Street (cash only! Nearest cashpoint is Tesco's)