Things to do, near to and a little bit further away from The Old Barn - there are many!
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 personas locales recomiendan
The Beckford Arms
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 personas locales recomiendan
At The Chapel
28 High StHIgh 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...
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Roth Bar & Grill
Dropping LanePart 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!
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The Compasses Inn
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
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The Grosvenor Arms
High StreetHINDON Newly open, good food and nice atmosphere, Hindon is charming
SHAFTESBURY My kids say this is the best pizza around
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The Grosvenor Arms
High StreetSHAFTESBURY 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 personas locales recomiendan
Pythouse Kitchen Garden
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
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King John Inn
Tollard Royal (11 miles), good country pub, it's perfect for combining with a walk on Cranborne Chase
Compton McRae
Great Deli with options to eat outside
Within walking distance from The Old Barn, decent homemade food with lots of outdoor space
7 personas locales recomiendan
The Coppleridge Inn
Elm HillWithin walking distance from The Old Barn, decent homemade food with lots of outdoor space
The Fontmell
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
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Chutney's
28 Salisbury St28 Salisbury St, Shaftesbury SP7 8EJ
Some guests from London recently gave very good reviews of this Indian restaurant
The Grill House
Very good burgers
Messums Wiltshire
Court StreetThe Mess, interesting and good food
The Museum Inn
Great food, lovely pub
Delicious cheese particularly the cheddar and truffle cheddar. The liquers are delicious too and make great presents
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The Godminster Shop
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 personas locales recomiendan
La Fleur de Lys
Bleke StreetSome 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
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The Pilgrims Restaurant
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
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Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Dropping LaneAlways 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 personas locales recomiendan
Messums Wiltshire
Court StreetLots 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.
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Saint Nicholas Church
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.
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New Art Centre
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
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
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Win Green
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
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Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Dropping LaneThe 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
Jurassic Coast
Stunning coastal landscape, definitely worth a visit
Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove
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
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Kimmeridge Bay
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
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The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
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
B3082Try 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.
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The Pilgrims Restaurant
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
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Eggardon Hill Fort
King's LaneThe 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 personas locales recomiendan
Cadbury Castle
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.
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Hambledon Hill
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.
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Hod Hill
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.
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Badbury Rings
Blandford RoadBlandford 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
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Cerne Abbas Giant
24 Long StCerne 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 StreetWaitrose & Partners
Le Neubourg WayTesco Superstore
Christy's LaneThe Co-operative Food
Beaufoy CloseLidl
Lower Bristol RoadALDI
Asda
Station RoadGetting Around
Gillingham Station
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!
Stonehenge
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.
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Gold Hill
Gold HillThe 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.
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Old Wardour Castle
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 personas locales recomiendan
King Alfred's Tower
Kingsettle HillMy 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
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Salisbury Cathedral
Tallest spire in England, this is elegant and visible from miles around, the Close is very lovely too
Stourhead House The National Trust
High StreetBA12 7NW (16miles)
Home of the Marquess of Bath and the renowned maze in the garden
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Longleat House
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.
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Kingston Lacy
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
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Lytes Cary Manor
Manor nearIlchester 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.
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Dinton Park & Philipps House
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.
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Bruton Dovecote
Park WallBruton 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
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National Trust - Montacute House
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
Sherborne Castle
New RoadCastleton 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.
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Corfe Castle
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 personas locales recomiendan
Glastonbury Tor
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
The Coppleridge Inn
Elm Hill