Home » Things To Book and Do in Dorset
M-cabs Taxi 01297 442222
Axminster Taxis 01297 34000
Go Eco Cabs (EV) 01297 445444
N.B. local taxis get booked up at busy times so it is always worth pre-booking.
Tytherleigh, 2.2 miles (if walking, turn right out of our car park & follow the lane down to Tytherleigh)
Our favourite local pub. Otter Ale, very popular for Sunday lunches. It is worth calling in advance to check opening times/days and availability.
EX13 7BE
01460 220214
http://www.tytherleigharms.com
Tytherleigh, 2.2 miles (if walking, turn right out of our car park & follow the lane down to Tytherleigh)
Take away breakfasts, Home-made local farm meat burgers, wraps salads and more.
Next door to their well stocked farm shop.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 4pm.
River Cottage Kitchen & Store
Park Farm 7.5 miles.
EX13 8TB
https://www.rivercottage.net/kitchen-store
Lyme Regis, 10 miles
A contemporary cafe & bar right on the beach in Lyme Regis. Informal and fun. Specialising in burgers, fish dishes and big breakfasts. DT7 3JH
01297 442668
Lyme Regis, 10 miles
Popular vegetarian, vegan and gluten free restaurant in the heart of Lyme Regis. Popular with carnivores too.
DT7 3PY
01297 445189
https://www.tierrakitchen.co.uk
Beaminster, 10 miles
A traditional Dorset 13th century Country House Hotel in this popular village with an excellent restaurant serving local produce. Garden terrace open in the warmer months.
DT8 3AY
01308 862200
Beaminster, 10 miles
Small and excellent restaurant specialising in fresh local produce, menu changes daily, popular with locals and visitors alike.
DT8 3AS
01308 538 100
https://www.brassicarestaurant.co.uk
Seatown, 14 miles
Perched on the cliff just above the beach at Seatown, next to Golden Cap with great views along the Jurassic Coast and out to sea. A varied menu of home cooked food. A favourite with coastal path walkers and sea swimmers alike.
DT6 6JU
01297 489215
https://theanchorinnseatown.co.uk/
Bridport, 13 miles
Tucked away down an alleyway off East Street in Bridport, delicious Asian dumplings & noodles and great cocktails too.
DT6 3PX
01308 423221
Bridport, 12 miles
This popular, easygoing and informal Boutique Hotel in the centre of Bridport offers everything from Moules-frites to Market day Brunch or a selection from the more substantial daily menu. In warm weather there is a lovely stable courtyard at the back.
DT6 3LF
01308 422878
West Bay, Bridport, 13 miles
An untouched Maritime Warehouse in West Bay/ Bridport makes a perfect showcase for artists and high quality makers in all media as well as top quality exhibitions. They also have an excellent organic café for delicious meals or cream teas and cakes.
DT6 4EL
01308 459511
Burton Bradstock, 17 miles
Enjoy delicious freshly caught fish and local food on their terrace overlooking the beach on the Chesil bank. Open for breakfast, lunch and sometimes for dinner – call first to check as it’s weather dependent.
DT6 4RF
01308 897 070
http://www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
Burton Bradstock, 17 miles
On the cliff above Burton Bradstock beach. Similar food ethos to the Hive Cafe (above) in a smart hotel/restaurant atmosphere, outside tables overlooking Lyme bay weather permitting. Breakfast until 11 am, lunch and dinner.
DT6 4RB
01308 897205
https://theseasideboardinghouse.com
On the fleet between Weymouth and Portland Bill, 33 miles
A bit further away but well worth the trip – Out-of-the-tank crustaceans served with hammers, buckets and bibs in an informal atmosphere overlooking the sea.
DT4 9YU
01305 788 867
http://www.crabhousecafe.co.uk
Lyme Regis 9.2 miles
The same overarching ethos as our sister restaurant Robin Wylde, with a focus on vegetables, seasonality, locality, reduction of waste and sustainability.
Whatever the season, our award-winning food will ensure no one goes hungry. Treat yourself to a lavish three course meal or enjoy some proper pub favourites.
Wambrook west of Chard
TA20 3EN
https://www.cotleyinnwambrook.co.uk/
9.2 Miles Lyme Regis
The Oyster & Fish House is arguably the most picturesque spot in Dorset to enjoy locally sourced fish and seafood. A large terrace wraps around the informal, light and airy dining room with floor to ceiling windows offering a view to every guest. Our new deck sits to the side of the restaurant with tables and counter tops to enjoy our freshly caught fish and seafood.
https://theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk/
Tel 01460 208414 4 Church street Crewkerne TA18 7HR
We buy fresh, local and organic whenever we can because healthy food and responsible agriculture are essential to our wellbeing, and rural economy.
A great farm shop stocking a selection of local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables along with a range of provisions.
EX13 7BE
Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm and 10am to 4pm Sundays
Tatworth, 2.6 miles
For last minute supplies the local store and post office in Tatworth is open every day from 7.00am to 9.00pm seven days a week. Turn left out of the car park, left at the T junction, righ7t at next T Junction, over the railway and river, left at the next T Junction then 1/4 mile on the left.
01460220933
TA20 2PY
Thorncombe, 2.2 miles
Our local shop in Thorncombe is well worth a visit – deli counter, local fruit, veg and meats. They also have a cafe area for teas, coffees and cakes. Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Sat – 8.30 to 1.00 p.m. Sun 9.30 a.m. to midday.
01460 30282
TA20 4NF
There are also large supermarkets in both Chard and Axminster but much better buy from our fantastic local suppliers:
Axminster, 5 miles
Fill your own Deli hamper with all sorts of delicious River Cottage Fare. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m seven days per week.
EX13 5AN
01297 631862
https://www.rivercottage.net/restaurants/axminster
Kilmington, 6 miles (just off the A35 past Axminster)
A one stop shop for everything fresh, delicious and local (as well as a weekly lorry load of French produce) including occasional wet fish stall and meat from the best local farms. Home grown veg from the farm shop.
EX13 7RA
01297 35290
https://www.millersfarmshop.co.uk
3 mile drive or 2 mile walk
Forde Abbey is well worth a visit. The estate borders our woods. A wonderful medieval monastery, beautiful gardens, tea room and a nursery. Either drive to the main abbey or walk (only outside the shooting season) – turning left out of our car park and then go straight over to the track opposite at the crossroads. Pls check seasonal opening times.
TA20 4LU
01460 220231
3 miles
The second highest point in Dorset, the top is just a short steep walk uphill from the car park (on the road to Broadwindsor) a great stop off point for cyclists and motorists – superb views across the Marshwood Vale to Golden Cap and out to sea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilsdon_Pen
Childhay Manor, 7 miles
Black Cow vodka is made locally purely from milk, also available at Soho House, Hix, The Savoy, The Groucho and Nobu amongst others. Distillery visits or distillery experience, cocktails and lunch. Booking essential.
DT8 3LQ
01308 868844https://www.blackcow.co.uk/shop/
Park Farm, 9 miles
Fantastic courses including making bread ovens, butchery, growing, curing and smoking, foraging, beekeeping and lots of fantastic cookery courses to choose from. Pre-booking on their website essential.
EX13 8TB
https://www.rivercottage.net/courses
Lyme Regis/The Cob, 9 miles
Mackerel fishing and deep sea fishing trips. A great day out on the ocean waves before bringing back your catch to enjoy on your BBQ in the woods, booking essential – availability is seasonal.
http://www.mackerelfishinglymeregis.com
Charmouth, 10 miles
A great excuse for a walk on the beach with a difference. Our part of the Jurassic coast is world famous for its fossils that can often be found washed out of the cliff. The Charmouth Heritage coast centre offers free advice & tours and is well worth a visit.
DT6 6LL
01297 560 772
Salway Ash (on the way to Bridport), 10 Miles
Award winning English wine and Fizz. Shop open 11-5 Monday to Saturday. Tours and tasting 11 and 2.30 on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday- booking advisable.
DT6 5JF
01308 488991
https://www.furleighestate.co.uk
12 miles
Galleries, caves and fishing cove – a great day trip with shopping, pubs, exploring, walking and boat hire.
Three miles East of Bridport
Our favourite locals’ beach, off the beaten track, lovely walks along the pebbled beach. No facilities so great for getting away from the crowds in the busy seasons.
No website but here is a video we made for fun:
Seatown, 14 miles
Pre book this wonderful wood fired sauna on the beach, followed by a bracing plunge in the sea and a pint in the pub next door.
DT6 6JU
07845576112
seasidesaunahaus@gmail.com
https://www.seasidesaunahaus.co.uk/
Bridport, 12 miles
This classic renovated cinema has films, live music, comedy and offbeat events. Popular artists get booked up very quickly so worth booking as early as you can.
DT6 3NY
01308 42835
http://www.electricpalace.org.uk
Bridport, 12 miles
Theatre, Comedy, Music, Film, Dance and much more.
DT6 3NR
Box office 01308 424 204
Bridport, 12 miles
Brewery tours from Easter to the end of October. Tours start at 11 am and last about 2 hours. Pre booking essential.
DT6 4JA
01308 427500
http://www.palmerswinestore.com/palmers-brewery-tours
Bridport 12 Miles
The Bridport Street market takes place in the centre of Bridport every Wednesday and Saturday 8-4 pm. The Vintage Market is held in the Vintage Quarter at St Michael’s trading estate on the last Sunday of the month from Easter through to October – booths and warehouses stuffed with well priced bric-a-brac, antiques and everything in-between.
DT6 3RR
http://bridportantiques.co.uk/vintage-market
Walditch near Bridport, 13 miles
Real Tennis (which is quite unlike the tennis that most people are familiar with) is Guy’s other passion when he’s not woodworking. Visitors always welcome to come and have a look at the strange goings on.
DT6 4LB
01308 420777
http://www.hyderealtennis.co.uk
West Bay/Bridport, 13 miles
Rib trips along the Jurassic Coast starting at West Bay. Also longer cruises, water taxi and charter or wake boarding and waterskiing. Booking essential.
Contact Simon Miles (Milo) – 07971 258515
or crew@lymebayribcharter.co.uk
http://www.lymebayribcharter.co.uk
Abbotsbury, 25 miles
Sub-Tropical Gardens are filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were the first introductions to this country, there is also a nursery with a superb range of plants and palms. The famous Abbotsbury Swannery is next door & open in the warmer months.
DT3 4JG
https://abbotsburygardens.co.uk/
Guy’s wife Boo is a contemporary landscape painter inspired by the Dorset surroundings. Studio visits in Bridport by arrangement: email Boo@themallinsons.com; her work is also on show at selected galleries in London, Bath and St Ives as well as for sale from the walls of our treehouses.
Petter Southall is also local and specialises in steam bending; he works to commission.
http://www.itrefurniture.co.uk
A local friend and excellent chairmaker who featured in the BBC ‘Mastercrafts’ programme. As well as buying a chair for myself, David helped with the treehouse build and made the two dining chairs in the treehouse.
http://www.fivepennychairs.co.uk
Here you will find details of over 600 artists, makers and galleries in Dorset.
http://www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk
The wonderful design company who are responsible for creating Oscar the owl amongst other things.
Adam runs spoon carving courses. Over recent years he has become an internationally acclaimed spoon carver and tutor. Further information on Adam’s spoon carving work and courses can be seen on his website:
@adamhawker1