See and Do
Much of west Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has stunning scenery with varied and distinctive landscapes shaped over time by nature and people including the Iron Age Eggardon Hill Fort that affords far reaching views to the Jurassic Coastline and for many lies all around.
With so much diversity on the doorstep you will never be at a loss to fill your time from being active, sightseeing or just resting sitting amongst the wildflowers of the meadows, or an early morning start for the cacophony of bird-song or on a clear night marvelling at the myriad of stars.
If you are a course fishing enthusiast we have seven tiered lakes stocked with Carp, Perch, Roach, Bream and Tench The top lake is wheelchair friendly with fishing platforms for safe access.
Walking
There are many choices from a gentle stroll around the adjacent meadows Kingcombe Meadows - Kingcombe Centre to a half day or full day walk exploring the many public footpaths accessible from our doorstep or a short drive away. A selection of walk distances and notes is available for guests use. The local Explorer map is Cerne Abbas 171 or OL15 for the nearest Jurassic Coast.
Gardens
The gardens at Minterne House are landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown laid out in a horseshoe below Minterne House. The trail is about a mile with a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams.
Not too far away is Forde Abbey, Chard a fascinating combination of medieval monastery and family home with 12th century Cloisters and vaulted Undercroft. Some of the features of the award winning gardens include colourful herbaceous borders, topiary lined vistas and bog garden.
Eating out
Dating from 1845 when it was first licensed the tranquil, traditional family run Spyway Inn is situated above the village of Askerswell on an old road called Spyway and is said to be haunted. The rear beer garden provides magnificent views and stunning scenery. (6 miles)
Nestled in the beautiful hills of Nettlelcombe is The Marquis of Lorne a 16th century Pub and Inn. (4 miles)
On the edge of Chedington Village is Winyards Gap a traditional family owned pub with stunning Dorset countryside views that go on for miles. (6.4 miles)
Other activities
There are two places of interest on the outskirts of Dorchester; the evocative cob and thatch cottage of Thomas Hardy birthplace of this English author and Maiden Castle one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe. Alternatively the informative list numerous options for exploring this part of west Dorset.
Local Services
The nearest garage and shops are in Maiden Newton.(4.6 miles). The market town of Beaminster has a variety of shops (6 miles). The attractive and lively market town of Bridport offers a wider range of shops.(8miles). Further afield is the County town of Dorchester (15 miles) and Weymouth (21miles). The harbour at West Bay.(12 miles) The nearest beach (NT) is at Burton Bradstock where there is Hive Beach Cafe.
