Eating out, farm shops and great places to visit.
Food scene
This is our award winning local. We love it. Just 2 mins down the hill or a beautiful 30 minute walk along the lane. You’ll always get a warm welcome from Tony, Pat and Jayne, especially if you say you’re staying with us. They serve beer from the barrel and very good home cooked food.
7 locals recommend
Horseshoe Inn
The CrossThis is our award winning local. We love it. Just 2 mins down the hill or a beautiful 30 minute walk along the lane. You’ll always get a warm welcome from Tony, Pat and Jayne, especially if you say you’re staying with us. They serve beer from the barrel and very good home cooked food.
Great food in very pretty surroundings. Fabulous ingredients from their kitchen garden. Very special place.
71 locals recommend
Pythouse Kitchen Garden
Great food in very pretty surroundings. Fabulous ingredients from their kitchen garden. Very special place.
Cosy and atmospheric pub (one of our favourite's locally) just down the road (15 mins drive) in Chicksgrove Excellent always reliable food, beer and cocktails and a lovely spacious garden too.
54 locals recommend
The Compasses Inn
Cosy and atmospheric pub (one of our favourite's locally) just down the road (15 mins drive) in Chicksgrove Excellent always reliable food, beer and cocktails and a lovely spacious garden too.
kingjohninn.co.uk
Gastro pub in very pretty Tollard Royal. Good walks around this pub, including up to Winn Green - one of the highest points in Dorset.
26 locals recommend
King John Inn
kingjohninn.co.uk
Gastro pub in very pretty Tollard Royal. Good walks around this pub, including up to Winn Green - one of the highest points in Dorset.
Very popular pub about 15/20 minutes drive. Lovely bar area and good food with outside seating and a garden room for larger parties. There's a little playground opposite it for the children to let off a bit of steam before or after your visit!
36 locals recommend
The Museum Inn
Very popular pub about 15/20 minutes drive. Lovely bar area and good food with outside seating and a garden room for larger parties. There's a little playground opposite it for the children to let off a bit of steam before or after your visit!
Smart country pub, lovely bar area and their eating areas are very attractively set out. Very good food, more sophisticated menu than most.
99 locals recommend
The Beckford Arms
Smart country pub, lovely bar area and their eating areas are very attractively set out. Very good food, more sophisticated menu than most.
Very good curry house (occasionally frequented by David Beckham!, one of his favourites apparently!) , always seems to get good reviews - not too far away in Shaftesbury
24 locals recommend
Chutney's
28 Salisbury StVery good curry house (occasionally frequented by David Beckham!, one of his favourites apparently!) , always seems to get good reviews - not too far away in Shaftesbury
Little bit of a longer drive into Salisbury but worth it. Traditional old pub but with an authentic Thai chef. Their food is fabulous, one of our favourite places to go.
11 locals recommend
Rai d'Or
69 Brown StLittle bit of a longer drive into Salisbury but worth it. Traditional old pub but with an authentic Thai chef. Their food is fabulous, one of our favourite places to go.
The Queens Head has been recently refurbished by the current owners and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just an 8 minute drive away in Broadchalke our next door village. It has been lovingly updated by the current owner and it gets great reviews on Trip advisor and provides really good food and a warm welcome to all.
8 locals recommend
The Queens Head
1 North StThe Queens Head has been recently refurbished by the current owners and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just an 8 minute drive away in Broadchalke our next door village. It has been lovingly updated by the current owner and it gets great reviews on Trip advisor and provides really good food and a warm welcome to all.
Wilton is a pretty market town about 20 mins away, since Lockdown they’ve been doing delicious pizzas to eat in or takeaway as well as an extensive menu and excellent food.
14 locals recommend
The Pembroke Arms
Minster StreetWilton is a pretty market town about 20 mins away, since Lockdown they’ve been doing delicious pizzas to eat in or takeaway as well as an extensive menu and excellent food.
I haven’t been here but have friends who live in the village who say it’s lovely! Very pretty 30 minute drive in East Knoyle a very popular village with an excellent village shop.
21 locals recommend
The Fox and Hounds
The GreenI haven’t been here but have friends who live in the village who say it’s lovely! Very pretty 30 minute drive in East Knoyle a very popular village with an excellent village shop.
Great pub, delicious food and wonderful atmosphere, roaring fires in the winter. Best pie I've ever had! Located about 20 mins by car in Hindon, very pretty village just on from Tisbury.
38 locals recommend
The Grosvenor Arms
High StreetGreat pub, delicious food and wonderful atmosphere, roaring fires in the winter. Best pie I've ever had! Located about 20 mins by car in Hindon, very pretty village just on from Tisbury.
Open Wednesday and Friday, wonderful organic veg on sale in their veg shed freshly picked from their farm that morning. I absolutely love this place! Highly recommend it for very fresh veg. They also have a stall at Salisbury market Tuesday and Saturdays
Kensons Farm
Open Wednesday and Friday, wonderful organic veg on sale in their veg shed freshly picked from their farm that morning. I absolutely love this place! Highly recommend it for very fresh veg. They also have a stall at Salisbury market Tuesday and Saturdays
Pick your own plus a farm shop with home cooked ready meals, meats, delicious breads and pastries, frozen fruits picked on the farm as well as fresh fruit and veg.
7 locals recommend
Ansty P Y O & Farmshop
Pick your own plus a farm shop with home cooked ready meals, meats, delicious breads and pastries, frozen fruits picked on the farm as well as fresh fruit and veg.
This is a beautiful gallery just down the road in Tisbury which also has a very good cafe/restaurant. The restaurant has been recently refurbished following a fire during lock down. I haven't been since but it was superb before lockdown! Highly recommended as a combo of lunch and viewing or dinner and viewing!
72 locals recommend
Messums Wiltshire
Court StreetThis is a beautiful gallery just down the road in Tisbury which also has a very good cafe/restaurant. The restaurant has been recently refurbished following a fire during lock down. I haven't been since but it was superb before lockdown! Highly recommended as a combo of lunch and viewing or dinner and viewing!
Gorgeous locally sourced, seasonal healthy food. Lots of delicious flatbreads, salads, chutneys, salsas, cakes, biscuits, scones and the most exquisite passion fruit curd - heaven on a plate! As well as Food to Go! Delicious Takeaway meals to heat up at home. Somewhere for coffee and cake as well as a quick flatbread and salad lunch out. Limited seating so probably good to book ahead.
Provenance
Gorgeous locally sourced, seasonal healthy food. Lots of delicious flatbreads, salads, chutneys, salsas, cakes, biscuits, scones and the most exquisite passion fruit curd - heaven on a plate! As well as Food to Go! Delicious Takeaway meals to heat up at home. Somewhere for coffee and cake as well as a quick flatbread and salad lunch out. Limited seating so probably good to book ahead.
A new set up in the beautiful Cranborne Chase. We haven't visited yet but it comes highly recommended and gets rave reviews.
7 locals recommend
The Fleur de Lys Inn
5 Wimborne StA new set up in the beautiful Cranborne Chase. We haven't visited yet but it comes highly recommended and gets rave reviews.
Great little pub in Salisbury where they serve delicious authentic Thai food - they have a Thai chef - best Thai curries in town . Cosy too 😊
11 locals recommend
Rai d'Or
69 Brown StGreat little pub in Salisbury where they serve delicious authentic Thai food - they have a Thai chef - best Thai curries in town . Cosy too 😊
Fantastic farm shop with huge variety and room to have a lovely cafe lunch or cup of tea!
29 locals recommend
The Udder Farm Shop
Front StreetFantastic farm shop with huge variety and room to have a lovely cafe lunch or cup of tea!
Excellent coffee just 10 minutes drive, Chestnut yard studios, Salisbury SP3 5NH, lovely cafe and a very popular spot locally. Live music most Sunday afternoon, snacks and just a great place to meet up and unwind.
The Stalls Cafe
Excellent coffee just 10 minutes drive, Chestnut yard studios, Salisbury SP3 5NH, lovely cafe and a very popular spot locally. Live music most Sunday afternoon, snacks and just a great place to meet up and unwind.
Sightseeing
Longleat house is nestled within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds, is home to the UK's original Safari park, one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture, and an abundance of exciting attractions including Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure where you can get up-close and personal with truly amazing animals.
108 locals recommend
Longleat House
Longleat house is nestled within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds, is home to the UK's original Safari park, one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture, and an abundance of exciting attractions including Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure where you can get up-close and personal with truly amazing animals.
Stonehenge
Salisbury Cathedral
Old Wardour Castle
About 20 minutes from here in Tollard Royal, near The King John (a local pub I include in our pub recommendations) - interesting gardens with peacocks and unusual follies and places for children to run around and explore.
19 locals recommend
Larmer Tree Gardens
About 20 minutes from here in Tollard Royal, near The King John (a local pub I include in our pub recommendations) - interesting gardens with peacocks and unusual follies and places for children to run around and explore.
www.swanagerailway.co.uk Just over and hours drive. This is so fund to do with children, they love it. Genuine steam railway with full size steam train. Swanage is also a great place to visit, lovely beach and classic English seaside town.
153 locals recommend
Swanage
www.swanagerailway.co.uk Just over and hours drive. This is so fund to do with children, they love it. Genuine steam railway with full size steam train. Swanage is also a great place to visit, lovely beach and classic English seaside town.
About 50 mins drive - my son loved it here when he was little - full day out with Ape Rescue Centre and tree climbing etc.
319 locals recommend
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
LongthornsAbout 50 mins drive - my son loved it here when he was little - full day out with Ape Rescue Centre and tree climbing etc.
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Fun place to visit for car fanatics!
Stourhead Estate on the Wiltshire-Somerset border is the perfect day out for everyone. A National Trust property with
breathtaking 18th century landscape gardens with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples, this is only the beginning. Fun for all the family.
You can also visit Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion with a fantastic regency interior.
Advisable to book ahead at busy times of the year.
276 locals recommend
Stourhead
Stourhead Estate on the Wiltshire-Somerset border is the perfect day out for everyone. A National Trust property with
breathtaking 18th century landscape gardens with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples, this is only the beginning. Fun for all the family.
You can also visit Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion with a fantastic regency interior.
Advisable to book ahead at busy times of the year.
Beautiful Gold Hill in Shaftesbury (where the original Hovis advert was filmed). So pretty with long reaching views.
Shaftesbury is also a very interesting little town with Shaftesbury Abbey and Museum.
92 locals recommend
Gold Hill
Gold HillBeautiful Gold Hill in Shaftesbury (where the original Hovis advert was filmed). So pretty with long reaching views.
Shaftesbury is also a very interesting little town with Shaftesbury Abbey and Museum.
Fun place to visit for a gentle afternoon or morning wander around.
22 locals recommend
Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden
Park WalkFun place to visit for a gentle afternoon or morning wander around.
Art Galleries
45/50 min drive but worth it! Pioneering world class gallery and multi-purpose arts centre which acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture, and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art. An impressive landscaped garden, designed by internationally renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf, sits behind the gallery buildings and includes a changing programme of outdoor sculptures, and hosed the Radic Pavilion, designed by Smiljan Radic.
272 locals recommend
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Dropping Lane45/50 min drive but worth it! Pioneering world class gallery and multi-purpose arts centre which acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture, and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art. An impressive landscaped garden, designed by internationally renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf, sits behind the gallery buildings and includes a changing programme of outdoor sculptures, and hosed the Radic Pavilion, designed by Smiljan Radic.
Beautiful gallery within a 20 minute drive away. Stunning location and set up with unusual exhibitions and a great cafe/restaurant. We always bring friends here when they come and stay.
72 locals recommend
Messums Wiltshire
Court StreetBeautiful gallery within a 20 minute drive away. Stunning location and set up with unusual exhibitions and a great cafe/restaurant. We always bring friends here when they come and stay.
Walks and bike rides
Lots of things to do with children, hire bikes, adventure play areas, just pay for parking, 35 minutes away - good value and great fun.
262 locals recommend
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Horton RoadLots of things to do with children, hire bikes, adventure play areas, just pay for parking, 35 minutes away - good value and great fun.
E- MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTAL. Really helpful lovely people, passionate about cycling and skiing Charlie and Julie Pickup run this business and from their base in Tisbury (20 mins by car) they will help you to hire the best bike to enjoy a fun day out exploring the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
Unit E2A, Wyndham Business Park, 4 Grosvenor Drive, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6GS
Cranks and Planks
E- MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTAL. Really helpful lovely people, passionate about cycling and skiing Charlie and Julie Pickup run this business and from their base in Tisbury (20 mins by car) they will help you to hire the best bike to enjoy a fun day out exploring the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
Unit E2A, Wyndham Business Park, 4 Grosvenor Drive, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6GS
Beaches
Knoll Beach Studland
Kimmeridge Bay
Lulworth Cove
Sandbanks Beach
Banks RoadChesil Beach
Mudeford Sandbank
Lyme Regis Fossil Beach (Ammonite Pavement)
www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk
This is a wonderful beach and area generally, google it and you'll find all the information you need. Great for children.
28 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head Beach
www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk
This is a wonderful beach and area generally, google it and you'll find all the information you need. Great for children.
City/town information
Bath is a beautiful city with Roman Baths and stunning architecture all around you. Great for shopping, eating out or just a day immersing yourselves in a beautiful city full of history. 50 minutes drive away - depending on traffic
721 locals recommend
Bath
Bath is a beautiful city with Roman Baths and stunning architecture all around you. Great for shopping, eating out or just a day immersing yourselves in a beautiful city full of history. 50 minutes drive away - depending on traffic