Things to do, near to and a little bit further away from The Old Barn - there are many!

Liz
Things to do, near to and a little bit further away from The Old Barn - there are many!

Food Scene

Fonthill Gifford, Tisbury SP3 6PX 01747 870385 (8 miles). Consistently good food with super friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. You can drop in casually or make it something special. Their homemade ginger drink is absolutely delicious particularly good if you're driving.
99 locals recommend
The Beckford Arms
99 locals recommend
Fonthill Gifford, Tisbury SP3 6PX 01747 870385 (8 miles). Consistently good food with super friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. You can drop in casually or make it something special. Their homemade ginger drink is absolutely delicious particularly good if you're driving.
HIgh Street, Bruton BA10 0AE (15 miles). Lovely light and airy converted chapel with beautiful art and a reliably good menu with great pizzas. Proper bakery attached.
175 locals recommend
At The Chapel
28 High St
175 locals recommend
HIgh Street, Bruton BA10 0AE (15 miles). Lovely light and airy converted chapel with beautiful art and a reliably good menu with great pizzas. Proper bakery attached.
Part of Hauser & Wirth, Bruton BA10 0HL (15 miles) Great food: can recommend the Tomahawk steak to share. They have an impressive barbeque set up with live music on Fridays, I think...
104 locals recommend
Roth Bar & Grill
Dropping Lane
104 locals recommend
Part of Hauser & Wirth, Bruton BA10 0HL (15 miles) Great food: can recommend the Tomahawk steak to share. They have an impressive barbeque set up with live music on Fridays, I think...
Our current favourite. The food is consistently delicious. Wonderfully atmospheric pub hidden in the tiniest of lanes. There is a stylish outdoor Covid friendly tent with the most beautiful view of a rural idyll. Definitely worth the drive of just under half an hour, opt for the scenic route via Tisbury and try not to get lost!
54 locals recommend
The Compasses Inn
54 locals recommend
Our current favourite. The food is consistently delicious. Wonderfully atmospheric pub hidden in the tiniest of lanes. There is a stylish outdoor Covid friendly tent with the most beautiful view of a rural idyll. Definitely worth the drive of just under half an hour, opt for the scenic route via Tisbury and try not to get lost!
HINDON Newly open, good food and nice atmosphere, Hindon is charming
38 locals recommend
The Grosvenor Arms
High Street
38 locals recommend
HINDON Newly open, good food and nice atmosphere, Hindon is charming
SHAFTESBURY My kids say this is the best pizza around
38 locals recommend
The Grosvenor Arms
High Street
38 locals recommend
SHAFTESBURY My kids say this is the best pizza around
Lovely low key, friendly place for a drink, snack, lunch or dinner. Its menu reflects the earthiness and local produce. Recently written up in The Times as in Giles Coren's Top Five, it is difficult to get a table. One of my guests considered it overpriced. But the kitchen garden is great to wander around and get some tips if fruit and veg are your thing or inspiration if you're toying with the idea. The setting is charming and a local favourite.
71 locals recommend
Pythouse Kitchen Garden
71 locals recommend
Lovely low key, friendly place for a drink, snack, lunch or dinner. Its menu reflects the earthiness and local produce. Recently written up in The Times as in Giles Coren's Top Five, it is difficult to get a table. One of my guests considered it overpriced. But the kitchen garden is great to wander around and get some tips if fruit and veg are your thing or inspiration if you're toying with the idea. The setting is charming and a local favourite.
Tollard Royal (11 miles), good country pub, it's perfect for combining with a walk on Cranborne Chase
26 locals recommend
King John Inn
26 locals recommend
Tollard Royal (11 miles), good country pub, it's perfect for combining with a walk on Cranborne Chase
Great Deli with options to eat outside
17 locals recommend
Compton McRae
17 locals recommend
Great Deli with options to eat outside
Within walking distance from The Old Barn, decent homemade food with lots of outdoor space
7 locals recommend
The Coppleridge Inn
Elm Hill
7 locals recommend
Within walking distance from The Old Barn, decent homemade food with lots of outdoor space
Very relaxing pub with bar food and separate restaurant
31 locals recommend
The Fontmell
31 locals recommend
Very relaxing pub with bar food and separate restaurant
28 Salisbury St, Shaftesbury SP7 8EJ Some guests from London recently gave very good reviews of this Indian restaurant
24 locals recommend
Chutney's
28 Salisbury St
24 locals recommend
28 Salisbury St, Shaftesbury SP7 8EJ Some guests from London recently gave very good reviews of this Indian restaurant
Very good burgers
The Grill House
Very good burgers
The Mess, interesting and good food
72 locals recommend
Messums Wiltshire
Court Street
72 locals recommend
The Mess, interesting and good food
Great food, lovely pub
36 locals recommend
The Museum Inn
36 locals recommend
Great food, lovely pub
Delicious cheese particularly the cheddar and truffle cheddar. The liquers are delicious too and make great presents
6 locals recommend
The Godminster Shop
6 locals recommend
Delicious cheese particularly the cheddar and truffle cheddar. The liquers are delicious too and make great presents
Some guests recently ate here and said they would definitely recommend it
6 locals recommend
La Fleur de Lys
Bleke Street
6 locals recommend
Some guests recently ate here and said they would definitely recommend it
Part of The Newt, Hadspen (17 miles). I haven't been but I imagine it lives up to its hype
158 locals recommend
The Pilgrims Restaurant
158 locals recommend
Part of The Newt, Hadspen (17 miles). I haven't been but I imagine it lives up to its hype

Arts & Culture

Always interesting, sometime challenging but they have had some remarkable shows
272 locals recommend
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Dropping Lane
272 locals recommend
Always interesting, sometime challenging but they have had some remarkable shows
Lots of variety on offer here, it may be an exhibition, dance, music, one of my favourite was Bruce Munro's light exhibition
72 locals recommend
Messums Wiltshire
Court Street
72 locals recommend
Lots of variety on offer here, it may be an exhibition, dance, music, one of my favourite was Bruce Munro's light exhibition
Moreton, Nr Dorchester DT2 8RH This is a hidden gem. It is known for its stunningly beautiful thirteen clear windows, engraved by the poet and artist Sir Laurence Whistler. Colonel T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) is buried in the separate churchyard. Please check that the church is open.
7 locals recommend
Saint Nicholas Church
7 locals recommend
Moreton, Nr Dorchester DT2 8RH This is a hidden gem. It is known for its stunningly beautiful thirteen clear windows, engraved by the poet and artist Sir Laurence Whistler. Colonel T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) is buried in the separate churchyard. Please check that the church is open.
Fantastic! Sculpture inside beautifully modern spaces that sit comfortably alongside the Georgian home, and more sculpture in the grounds. I can’t believe it’s taken me 6 years to visit Roche Court. I think I enjoyed the architecture more than the sculpture this time around. Try and pick a fine day to enjoy it to the max.
8 locals recommend
New Art Centre
8 locals recommend
Fantastic! Sculpture inside beautifully modern spaces that sit comfortably alongside the Georgian home, and more sculpture in the grounds. I can’t believe it’s taken me 6 years to visit Roche Court. I think I enjoyed the architecture more than the sculpture this time around. Try and pick a fine day to enjoy it to the max.

The Outdoors - Beautiful Dorset

I have included several Hill Forts in this section, there are many around us and of course they offer wonderful views and often an other world or life feeling. I have yet to find one that wasn't worth the walk but generally parking is very easy. Hopefully you will agree that Dorset is one of the most beautiful counties in England and a joy simply to drive around it.
Melbury Beacon, Great walk, fantastic views
Melbury Beacon
Melbury Beacon, Great walk, fantastic views
Win Green, Donhead Hollow, Ludwell SP7 0ES (9miles) The clump of weathered beech trees on Win Green is an iconic landmark that one begins to notice from the most extraordinary and often very far off places as one drives around Dorset and Wiltshire. As I drive west along the A303 towards home it is a beckoning beacon. As you move among the beech trees there is a sense of the ancient and other worldliness. As part of Cranborne Chase the views around here are dynamic and spectacular. Driving just a little bit southwards you can see the Isle of Wight on a clear day
14 locals recommend
Win Green
14 locals recommend
Win Green, Donhead Hollow, Ludwell SP7 0ES (9miles) The clump of weathered beech trees on Win Green is an iconic landmark that one begins to notice from the most extraordinary and often very far off places as one drives around Dorset and Wiltshire. As I drive west along the A303 towards home it is a beckoning beacon. As you move among the beech trees there is a sense of the ancient and other worldliness. As part of Cranborne Chase the views around here are dynamic and spectacular. Driving just a little bit southwards you can see the Isle of Wight on a clear day
The Piet Oudolf Field is stunning, we have seen it grow from the newly planted mud patch and 6 years on it is spectacular and definitely worth saving some time for in amongst looking at the art and maybe eating here
272 locals recommend
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Dropping Lane
272 locals recommend
The Piet Oudolf Field is stunning, we have seen it grow from the newly planted mud patch and 6 years on it is spectacular and definitely worth saving some time for in amongst looking at the art and maybe eating here
Stunning coastal landscape, definitely worth a visit
194 locals recommend
Jurassic Coast
194 locals recommend
Stunning coastal landscape, definitely worth a visit
403 locals recommend
Durdle Door
403 locals recommend
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove
383 locals recommend
And if you want a good walk you can go up to Clavell Tower, also known as Clavell Folly or the Kimmeridge Tower. It is a Grade II listed Tuscan style tower built in 1830
120 locals recommend
Kimmeridge Bay
120 locals recommend
And if you want a good walk you can go up to Clavell Tower, also known as Clavell Folly or the Kimmeridge Tower. It is a Grade II listed Tuscan style tower built in 1830
Apparently this is great, I am longing to go but always get diverted by the sea
28 locals recommend
The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
28 locals recommend
Apparently this is great, I am longing to go but always get diverted by the sea
Try and incorporate the stretch of road near Kingston Lacy and you will pass under the remarkable avenue of beech trees, it has to be one of the best in Britain
B3082
B3082
Try and incorporate the stretch of road near Kingston Lacy and you will pass under the remarkable avenue of beech trees, it has to be one of the best in Britain
The Newt, formerly Hadspen House, near Castle Cary. This is interesting, highly sculptured gardens in their infancy. One ticket lasts for the year.
158 locals recommend
The Pilgrims Restaurant
158 locals recommend
The Newt, formerly Hadspen House, near Castle Cary. This is interesting, highly sculptured gardens in their infancy. One ticket lasts for the year.
The Ancients chose their strategic settlements wisely. This is a large hill fort with expansive and impressive views
43 locals recommend
Eggardon Hill Fort
King's Lane
43 locals recommend
The Ancients chose their strategic settlements wisely. This is a large hill fort with expansive and impressive views
South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7HA. (17 miles) Cadbury Castle formerly known as Camalet, is a Bronze and Iron Age hill fort. Brilliant views north to Glastonbury Tor and east to King Alfred's Tower. It is a serene example of a hill fort. It has been associated with King Arthur's legendary court at Camelot. You can combine it with a visit to North Cadbury Village Stores (6 Woolston Rd, North Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7DW) where you'll find the renowned Montgomery Cheddar which is completely delicious and made here.
15 locals recommend
Cadbury Castle
15 locals recommend
South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7HA. (17 miles) Cadbury Castle formerly known as Camalet, is a Bronze and Iron Age hill fort. Brilliant views north to Glastonbury Tor and east to King Alfred's Tower. It is a serene example of a hill fort. It has been associated with King Arthur's legendary court at Camelot. You can combine it with a visit to North Cadbury Village Stores (6 Woolston Rd, North Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7DW) where you'll find the renowned Montgomery Cheddar which is completely delicious and made here.
And Hod Hill, DT11 8H (13 miles) We are surrounded by Iron Age Hill Forts! These have been consistent favourites of local artists. Hambledon Hill is a National Nature Reserve and one of Dorset's most impressive Iron Age hillforts with multiple ramparts. The hilltop is encircled by an Iron Age earthwork and there are extensive Neolithic features, making it a major archaeological site. Neighbouring Hod Hill is not so prominent, so the extensive and pretty views from the top come as a surprise. Hod actually has the largest internal area of any of the Dorset hillforts, excavations have shown that the site was used by a Roman legion of around 600 foot soldiers and a cavalry unit of 250. The Iron Age fort on the site is 4-5 times larger than the Roman fort with double ramparts around the outer edge.
33 locals recommend
Hambledon Hill
33 locals recommend
And Hod Hill, DT11 8H (13 miles) We are surrounded by Iron Age Hill Forts! These have been consistent favourites of local artists. Hambledon Hill is a National Nature Reserve and one of Dorset's most impressive Iron Age hillforts with multiple ramparts. The hilltop is encircled by an Iron Age earthwork and there are extensive Neolithic features, making it a major archaeological site. Neighbouring Hod Hill is not so prominent, so the extensive and pretty views from the top come as a surprise. Hod actually has the largest internal area of any of the Dorset hillforts, excavations have shown that the site was used by a Roman legion of around 600 foot soldiers and a cavalry unit of 250. The Iron Age fort on the site is 4-5 times larger than the Roman fort with double ramparts around the outer edge.
Hod Hill, (next to Hambledon Hill) DT11 8H (13 miles) another Iron Age hill fort. Easy parking with a quick steep climb with beautiful views of course. It's about an hour's amble around. Definitely worth a visit if it's en route and even if it's not too.
14 locals recommend
Hod Hill
14 locals recommend
Hod Hill, (next to Hambledon Hill) DT11 8H (13 miles) another Iron Age hill fort. Easy parking with a quick steep climb with beautiful views of course. It's about an hour's amble around. Definitely worth a visit if it's en route and even if it's not too.
Blandford Rd, DT11 9JL (20 miles) This is an Iron Age hill fort. It is close to Kingston Lacy and easy to combine. And the route takes in the exceptional avenue of beech trees.
35 locals recommend
Badbury Rings
Blandford Road
35 locals recommend
Blandford Rd, DT11 9JL (20 miles) This is an Iron Age hill fort. It is close to Kingston Lacy and easy to combine. And the route takes in the exceptional avenue of beech trees.
Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7AL. (24 miles). National Trust The Cerne Abbas Giant is a hill figure near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset, England. 55 metres high, it depicts a standing nude male figure with a prominent erection and wielding a large club in its right hand
67 locals recommend
Cerne Abbas Giant
24 Long St
67 locals recommend
Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7AL. (24 miles). National Trust The Cerne Abbas Giant is a hill figure near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset, England. 55 metres high, it depicts a standing nude male figure with a prominent erection and wielding a large club in its right hand

Essentials

Motcombe Community Shop and Post Office
The Street
16 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
Le Neubourg Way
16 locals recommend
29 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
Christy's Lane
29 locals recommend
The Co-operative Food
Beaufoy Close
27 locals recommend
Lidl
Lower Bristol Road
27 locals recommend
ALDI
7 locals recommend
Asda
Station Road
7 locals recommend

Getting Around

within 15 minutes
12 locals recommend
Gillingham Station
12 locals recommend
within 15 minutes

Sightseeing

We are surrounded by places of interest that literally span the ages. Dorset is home to the ancients and has a legacy that is both spiritual and tangible in its earthworks, these tend to offer spectacular views and wonderful walks. The list below is varied and eclectic, hopefully there is something for everybody!
677 locals recommend
Stonehenge
677 locals recommend
The Hovis advertisement. Please go if you're in Shaftesbury, it is utterly charming and easy to feel transported back a 100 or more years.
92 locals recommend
Gold Hill
Gold Hill
92 locals recommend
The Hovis advertisement. Please go if you're in Shaftesbury, it is utterly charming and easy to feel transported back a 100 or more years.
This 14th century castle ruin is where I take all our visitors, it never fails to impress and I never get bored of going. The history is fascinating, the architecture impressive with extensive steps, towers and rooms to explore. There is also the later Banqueting House with the archives to the gardens which were worked on by Capability Brown in the 1750s English Heritage.
73 locals recommend
Old Wardour Castle
73 locals recommend
This 14th century castle ruin is where I take all our visitors, it never fails to impress and I never get bored of going. The history is fascinating, the architecture impressive with extensive steps, towers and rooms to explore. There is also the later Banqueting House with the archives to the gardens which were worked on by Capability Brown in the 1750s English Heritage.
My favourite! Please visit. It is a short 24 minute drive away. The 49-metre-high (161 ft) triangular tower has a hollow centre and is climbed by means of a spiral staircase in one of the corner projections. It is seldom open but no matter. It creates fantastic optical illusions as one wanders around the base looking up. You can park on the roadside and walk up to it at any time. It was a folly built by Henry Hoare of Stourhead which is also available to visit nearby.
51 locals recommend
King Alfred's Tower
Kingsettle Hill
51 locals recommend
My favourite! Please visit. It is a short 24 minute drive away. The 49-metre-high (161 ft) triangular tower has a hollow centre and is climbed by means of a spiral staircase in one of the corner projections. It is seldom open but no matter. It creates fantastic optical illusions as one wanders around the base looking up. You can park on the roadside and walk up to it at any time. It was a folly built by Henry Hoare of Stourhead which is also available to visit nearby.
Tallest spire in England, this is elegant and visible from miles around, the Close is very lovely too
302 locals recommend
Salisbury Cathedral
302 locals recommend
Tallest spire in England, this is elegant and visible from miles around, the Close is very lovely too
109 locals recommend
Stourhead House The National Trust
High Street
109 locals recommend
BA12 7NW (16miles) Home of the Marquess of Bath and the renowned maze in the garden
108 locals recommend
Longleat House
108 locals recommend
BA12 7NW (16miles) Home of the Marquess of Bath and the renowned maze in the garden
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA (22 miles) Kingston Lacy is a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster. It was for many years the family seat of the Bankes family who lived nearby at Corfe Castle until its destruction in the English Civil War after its incumbent owners, Sir John Bankes and Dame Mary, had remained loyal to Charles I. There is the most remarkable avenue of beech trees along the B3082 towards it, it's worth just taking that road to see these.
78 locals recommend
Kingston Lacy
78 locals recommend
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA (22 miles) Kingston Lacy is a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster. It was for many years the family seat of the Bankes family who lived nearby at Corfe Castle until its destruction in the English Civil War after its incumbent owners, Sir John Bankes and Dame Mary, had remained loyal to Charles I. There is the most remarkable avenue of beech trees along the B3082 towards it, it's worth just taking that road to see these.
Ilchester Rd, Somerton TA11 7HU (26 miles) National Trust
46 locals recommend
Lytes Cary Manor
Manor near
46 locals recommend
Ilchester Rd, Somerton TA11 7HU (26 miles) National Trust
Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5HH (13 miles) Philipps House is an early nineteenth-century Neo-Grecian country house at Dinton, overlooking the Nadder valley about 8 miles west of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. The house was built in 1816 by William Wyndham to the designs of Sir Jeffry Wyatville, replacing a 17th-century house.
6 locals recommend
Dinton Park & Philipps House
6 locals recommend
Dinton, Salisbury SP3 5HH (13 miles) Philipps House is an early nineteenth-century Neo-Grecian country house at Dinton, overlooking the Nadder valley about 8 miles west of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. The house was built in 1816 by William Wyndham to the designs of Sir Jeffry Wyatville, replacing a 17th-century house.
Bruton BA10 0NS (14miles) The Bruton Dovecote is a limestone tower that was built between the 15th and 17th century. It has easy parking and a very short walk up to it where you get a good view looking over Bruton. The structure was once used as a dovecote, and may have been a watchtower at some point. It is a Grade II* listed building.
15 locals recommend
Bruton Dovecote
Park Wall
15 locals recommend
Bruton BA10 0NS (14miles) The Bruton Dovecote is a limestone tower that was built between the 15th and 17th century. It has easy parking and a very short walk up to it where you get a good view looking over Bruton. The structure was once used as a dovecote, and may have been a watchtower at some point. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Montacute, South Somerset TA15 6XP. (32 miles) National Trust Montacute House is a late Elizabethan mansion with garden. It is an example of English architecture during a period that was moving from the medieval Gothic to the Renaissance
127 locals recommend
National Trust - Montacute House
127 locals recommend
Montacute, South Somerset TA15 6XP. (32 miles) National Trust Montacute House is a late Elizabethan mansion with garden. It is an example of English architecture during a period that was moving from the medieval Gothic to the Renaissance
Castleton Rd, Sherborne DT9 3SA
55 locals recommend
Sherborne Castle
New Road
55 locals recommend
Castleton Rd, Sherborne DT9 3SA
near Wareham BH20 5EZ ( 34 miles) Corfe Castle has been a Saxon stronghold, a Norman fortress, a royal place and a family home in its ten centruies of dominating the Purbeck landscape. The keep was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son. It was designed to be impressive – and it certainly was. Standing 21m tall and on the top of a 55m high hill, this gleaming tower of Purbeck limestone could be seen from miles around.
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
425 locals recommend
near Wareham BH20 5EZ ( 34 miles) Corfe Castle has been a Saxon stronghold, a Norman fortress, a royal place and a family home in its ten centruies of dominating the Purbeck landscape. The keep was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son. It was designed to be impressive – and it certainly was. Standing 21m tall and on the top of a 55m high hill, this gleaming tower of Purbeck limestone could be seen from miles around.
BA6 9DP (26 miles) This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. Steeped in history and legend, excavations at the top of the Tor have revealed the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, of which only a 15th-century tower remains. Glastonbury Tor is known as being one of the most spiritual sites in the country. Its pagan beliefs are still very much celebrated. It’s a beautiful place to walk..
427 locals recommend
Glastonbury Tor
427 locals recommend
BA6 9DP (26 miles) This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. Steeped in history and legend, excavations at the top of the Tor have revealed the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, of which only a 15th-century tower remains. Glastonbury Tor is known as being one of the most spiritual sites in the country. Its pagan beliefs are still very much celebrated. It’s a beautiful place to walk..

Drinks & Nightlife

7 locals recommend
The Coppleridge Inn
Elm Hill
7 locals recommend