Packed guide to fantastic local places to visit and great places to eat.

Lavinia
Packed guide to fantastic local places to visit and great places to eat.

Places to eat

There are lots of great pubs and restaurants to suit most pockets and tastes and some handy take-aways in the area. It's amazing how fashionable Somerset has become!
We often get their deliciously fresh and crispy fish & chips to take away and the small restaurant above is really friendly, fun and serves fantastic fresh fish dishes.
7 locals recommend
Something Else Fishy
1 High St
7 locals recommend
We often get their deliciously fresh and crispy fish & chips to take away and the small restaurant above is really friendly, fun and serves fantastic fresh fish dishes.
I would only suggest this pub if you like standard burgers etc, as it's only a mile away. Plenty of parking and tables inside and outside so probably no need to book.
Virginia Ash
Sherborne Road
I would only suggest this pub if you like standard burgers etc, as it's only a mile away. Plenty of parking and tables inside and outside so probably no need to book.
Such friendly owners and staff and very tasty pub food with a happy buzz.
12 locals recommend
The Bell & Crown
New Road
12 locals recommend
Such friendly owners and staff and very tasty pub food with a happy buzz.
A choice of informal eating or a smarter restaurant.
31 locals recommend
The Kings Arms
31 locals recommend
A choice of informal eating or a smarter restaurant.
Rustic old fashioned pub with stone floors, local beers and incredibly good value food - great at lunchtime. You can't book a table - just take a chance.
6 locals recommend
Digby Tap
Cooks Lane
6 locals recommend
Rustic old fashioned pub with stone floors, local beers and incredibly good value food - great at lunchtime. You can't book a table - just take a chance.
Cosy pub with a small restaurant, providing friendly and efficient service with tasty food.
The Ship Inn
Cosy pub with a small restaurant, providing friendly and efficient service with tasty food.
Beautifully converted chapel, usually serving good food all day and produces very tasty breakfast, lunch and supper, plus pizzas and scrumptious bread and pastries which can be taken away. I recently heard from a friend that the service has gone dramatically downhill, but haven't been myself since covid, so that might have been just an off day!
175 locals recommend
At The Chapel
28 High St
175 locals recommend
Beautifully converted chapel, usually serving good food all day and produces very tasty breakfast, lunch and supper, plus pizzas and scrumptious bread and pastries which can be taken away. I recently heard from a friend that the service has gone dramatically downhill, but haven't been myself since covid, so that might have been just an off day!
Attached to the well-known Hauser & Worth gallery. Delicious food and you can eat outside in summer.
104 locals recommend
Roth Bar & Grill
Dropping Lane
104 locals recommend
Attached to the well-known Hauser & Worth gallery. Delicious food and you can eat outside in summer.
Fantastic food, excellent friendly service in a wonderful setting. With a price to match, but luckily we were able to get a contribution from Richi Sunak!
22 locals recommend
The Clockspire Restaurant
Gainsborough
22 locals recommend
Fantastic food, excellent friendly service in a wonderful setting. With a price to match, but luckily we were able to get a contribution from Richi Sunak!
Good food, lovely views, need to book. Not cheap!
11 locals recommend
The White Post
Rimpton Hill
11 locals recommend
Good food, lovely views, need to book. Not cheap!
For a more grown-up lunch or dinner. We recently had a delicious anniversary supper there. There's also a private room to hire up-stairs.
21 locals recommend
The Green
3 The Green
21 locals recommend
For a more grown-up lunch or dinner. We recently had a delicious anniversary supper there. There's also a private room to hire up-stairs.
The best Indian takeaway food I've ever eaten.
Wincanton Tandoori
26 High St
The best Indian takeaway food I've ever eaten.
Delicious and authentic Indian food in a very pleasant environment with friendly staff.
24 locals recommend
Chutney's
28 Salisbury St
24 locals recommend
Delicious and authentic Indian food in a very pleasant environment with friendly staff.
Fantastic fish & chips, seafood, local cider, beer, etc on a shingly beach on the Jurassic coastal path
148 locals recommend
Hive Beach Cafe Burton Bradstock
Beach Road
148 locals recommend
Fantastic fish & chips, seafood, local cider, beer, etc on a shingly beach on the Jurassic coastal path
Wonderful walks in both directions along the Jurassic coastal path before you settle down to a delicious lunch.
79 locals recommend
The Anchor Inn
79 locals recommend
Wonderful walks in both directions along the Jurassic coastal path before you settle down to a delicious lunch.
The best seeded sour-dough bread I've ever eaten! Also a cafe.
Reeve the Baker
63 Cheap St
The best seeded sour-dough bread I've ever eaten! Also a cafe.
If you want to just visit the beautiful gardens there's a lovely cafe for lunch but I was invited to lunch in the Hotel dining room and it was absolutely delicious, if pricey. However, it didn't disappoint and definitely worth a visit for a special occasion.
158 locals recommend
The Pilgrims Restaurant
158 locals recommend
If you want to just visit the beautiful gardens there's a lovely cafe for lunch but I was invited to lunch in the Hotel dining room and it was absolutely delicious, if pricey. However, it didn't disappoint and definitely worth a visit for a special occasion.
Dined here for Valentine's Day and the food was excellent, if a little pricy, but worth it for a treat. Typical warm English pub atmosphere, with low beamed ceilings, high backed seats and roaring fires. Very good service and delicious wines too!
17 locals recommend
The Rose & Crown
17 locals recommend
Dined here for Valentine's Day and the food was excellent, if a little pricy, but worth it for a treat. Typical warm English pub atmosphere, with low beamed ceilings, high backed seats and roaring fires. Very good service and delicious wines too!
This place has amazing reviews: "Farm-to-table cooking meets innovative refined dining in this new restaurant. Who's cooking? Merlin Labron-Johnson, who famously won a Michelin star at 24, only nine months after opening Portland Restaurant." Not my words but having eaten in the Portland Restaurant in London, I can't wait to try this latest addition to the Somerset restaurant scene.
51 locals recommend
Osip restaurant
1 High St
51 locals recommend
This place has amazing reviews: "Farm-to-table cooking meets innovative refined dining in this new restaurant. Who's cooking? Merlin Labron-Johnson, who famously won a Michelin star at 24, only nine months after opening Portland Restaurant." Not my words but having eaten in the Portland Restaurant in London, I can't wait to try this latest addition to the Somerset restaurant scene.
Very pretty and atmospheric pub with lovely owners and delicious food. Fab crunchy chips! Very tasty home made cider is served. Also some lovely walks around the village.
Stag's Head Inn
Pound Lane
Very pretty and atmospheric pub with lovely owners and delicious food. Fab crunchy chips! Very tasty home made cider is served. Also some lovely walks around the village.
We've always loved this pub for its warm and dog-friendly atmosphere, it's a great spot for a drink after a good walk up to the trig-point and wonderful views. Now it's been completely refurbished by new owners, it has retained its conviviality but has got rather too posh with the food and prices. Has has the smartest loos in the area.
35 locals recommend
The Queens Arms
35 locals recommend
We've always loved this pub for its warm and dog-friendly atmosphere, it's a great spot for a drink after a good walk up to the trig-point and wonderful views. Now it's been completely refurbished by new owners, it has retained its conviviality but has got rather too posh with the food and prices. Has has the smartest loos in the area.
Very good Chinese/Eastern take-away. Ring to place an order.
Is Shin Chinese & Japanese Hot Food
Very good Chinese/Eastern take-away. Ring to place an order.
Lovely local pub with a really great atmosphere, very good service by sweet staff and delicious food which is good value.
13 locals recommend
The Stapleton Arms
Church Hill
13 locals recommend
Lovely local pub with a really great atmosphere, very good service by sweet staff and delicious food which is good value.

Drinks & Nightlife

Traditional, welcoming pub which is great for a drink half a mile from our cottage, has its own indoor skittles alley. No food served at night.
17 locals recommend
Bird In Hand
Queen Square
17 locals recommend
Traditional, welcoming pub which is great for a drink half a mile from our cottage, has its own indoor skittles alley. No food served at night.

Sightseeing

As its website says, "One of the most photographed streets in Great Britain - and used in countless calendars of England, Gold Hill is perhaps best known for its association with the famous Hovis bread advert that was filmed here in 1973, directed by Sir Ridley Scott. Not so well known - but no less breathtaking - are the far reaching views across Dorset that can be enjoyed from the wonderful Park Walk which lies immediately to the right of Gold Hill."
92 locals recommend
Gold Hill
Gold Hill
92 locals recommend
As its website says, "One of the most photographed streets in Great Britain - and used in countless calendars of England, Gold Hill is perhaps best known for its association with the famous Hovis bread advert that was filmed here in 1973, directed by Sir Ridley Scott. Not so well known - but no less breathtaking - are the far reaching views across Dorset that can be enjoyed from the wonderful Park Walk which lies immediately to the right of Gold Hill."
World famous ancient stone circle, with all kinds of theories about its origins. Even though it's an iconic site, it's pretty amazing to see up close.
677 locals recommend
Stonehenge
677 locals recommend
World famous ancient stone circle, with all kinds of theories about its origins. Even though it's an iconic site, it's pretty amazing to see up close.
Stunning gardens, a very interesting house and, if you're around at Christmas, a marvellous light display, which you need to book in advance.
Stourhead House The National Trust
Stunning gardens, a very interesting house and, if you're around at Christmas, a marvellous light display, which you need to book in advance.
6 locals recommend
The Baker Arms
The Cross
6 locals recommend
The TV dramatised Wolf Hall was partially filmed in this interesting house.
127 locals recommend
National Trust - Montacute House
127 locals recommend
The TV dramatised Wolf Hall was partially filmed in this interesting house.
When flour was in short supply during lockdown and this museum had to close, this historic water mill started milling for our local supermarket, which was a joy to find on the shelves.
6 locals recommend
Sturminster Newton Mill
Newton Hill
6 locals recommend
When flour was in short supply during lockdown and this museum had to close, this historic water mill started milling for our local supermarket, which was a joy to find on the shelves.
Also has great walks and a very good garden centre, with an award winning Christmas store in December.
Sherborne Castle & Grounds
Also has great walks and a very good garden centre, with an award winning Christmas store in December.

Everything Else

Fun to step inside the Concorde prototype and to read pilots' letters from the two World Wars.
63 locals recommend
Fleet Air Arm Museum
63 locals recommend
Fun to step inside the Concorde prototype and to read pilots' letters from the two World Wars.
Some fab looking cars!
101 locals recommend
Haynes International Motor Museum
101 locals recommend
Some fab looking cars!

Arts & Culture

We have so many wonderful points of interest to visit within the area, so do check out a few that I have selected. This is by no means an exhaustive list!
First built in the 8th Century, this magnificient abbey also has a lovely choir and holds a music festival in May. http://www.sherborneabbeyfestival.org/festival-programme-2018/ One of the most accessible music festivals in the country, most of the performances are free to attend.
43 locals recommend
Sherborne Abbey
Abbey Close
43 locals recommend
First built in the 8th Century, this magnificient abbey also has a lovely choir and holds a music festival in May. http://www.sherborneabbeyfestival.org/festival-programme-2018/ One of the most accessible music festivals in the country, most of the performances are free to attend.
The world famous live music event, the next Glastonbury Festival is in 2021.
229 locals recommend
Glastonbury
229 locals recommend
The world famous live music event, the next Glastonbury Festival is in 2021.
An ancient turf-cut outline filled with chalk depicting a large naked man on the hillside in an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty"
67 locals recommend
Cerne Abbas Giant
24 Long St
67 locals recommend
An ancient turf-cut outline filled with chalk depicting a large naked man on the hillside in an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty"
Guests who've visited say Thomas Hardy's cottage, where the famous author of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "Far from the Madding Crowd" lived and wrote, makes a very interesting tour. Tickets are sold in time slots, as it's too small to accommodate crowds.
62 locals recommend
Hardys Cottage
62 locals recommend
Guests who've visited say Thomas Hardy's cottage, where the famous author of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "Far from the Madding Crowd" lived and wrote, makes a very interesting tour. Tickets are sold in time slots, as it's too small to accommodate crowds.
Excellent exhibition of aircraft from both world wars up to the Concorde prototype, plus interesting memorabilia.
63 locals recommend
Fleet Air Arm Museum
63 locals recommend
Excellent exhibition of aircraft from both world wars up to the Concorde prototype, plus interesting memorabilia.
Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in motor vehicles.
101 locals recommend
Haynes International Motor Museum
101 locals recommend
Definitely worth a visit if you're interested in motor vehicles.
Very interesting Tudor house, lovely architecture, one of the locations used in the television production of Wolf Hall.
127 locals recommend
National Trust - Montacute House
127 locals recommend
Very interesting Tudor house, lovely architecture, one of the locations used in the television production of Wolf Hall.
A wonderful peaceful spot with beautiful sculptures by different artists and a really good restaurant for lunch if you want to make a day of it. Booking essential.
67 locals recommend
Sculpture by the Lakes
67 locals recommend
A wonderful peaceful spot with beautiful sculptures by different artists and a really good restaurant for lunch if you want to make a day of it. Booking essential.
Fascinating displays of aircraft and ships, collections of military memorabilia at the Fleet Air Arm museum.
63 locals recommend
Fleet Air Arm Museum
63 locals recommend
Fascinating displays of aircraft and ships, collections of military memorabilia at the Fleet Air Arm museum.
Open days allow the public to visit and taste the wonderful amber nectar that is Somerset cider and if you book a tour you'll be royally entertained by a family member who will walk you through the cider brandy making process. It may look ramshackled but the orchards are immaculate!
26 locals recommend
Somerset Cider Brandy Co
Burrow Hill Burrow Way
26 locals recommend
Open days allow the public to visit and taste the wonderful amber nectar that is Somerset cider and if you book a tour you'll be royally entertained by a family member who will walk you through the cider brandy making process. It may look ramshackled but the orchards are immaculate!

Parks & Nature

Woodlands, coastline, orchards, deer parks and cultivated gardens, many are beautifully landscaped in historic settings.
Stunning golden cliffs and great walks with shingle beaches and nice places to eat.
167 locals recommend
West Bay
167 locals recommend
Stunning golden cliffs and great walks with shingle beaches and nice places to eat.
Fantastic walking with terrific views.
10 locals recommend
Jurassic Coast - Cliff
South West Coast Path
10 locals recommend
Fantastic walking with terrific views.
Beautiful gardens with gorgeous camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in Spring and illuminated trees at night. Excellent home-made food served in the Colonial Restaurant. Nearby Abbotsbury Swannery is home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans.
128 locals recommend
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Bullers Way
128 locals recommend
Beautiful gardens with gorgeous camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in Spring and illuminated trees at night. Excellent home-made food served in the Colonial Restaurant. Nearby Abbotsbury Swannery is home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans.
Stunning Palladian house and landscaped gardens, with spectacular sights and walks, particularly in Autumn when the leaves turn. You can also walk to King Arthur's Tower: http://www.alfredstower.info
109 locals recommend
Stourhead House The National Trust
High Street
109 locals recommend
Stunning Palladian house and landscaped gardens, with spectacular sights and walks, particularly in Autumn when the leaves turn. You can also walk to King Arthur's Tower: http://www.alfredstower.info
Just opened after a massive investment in the 17th Century Hadspen House to create a modern luxury hotel, spa and gardens, I hear this is a wonderful place to visit the estate, deer park and cultivated gardens.
158 locals recommend
The Pilgrims Restaurant
158 locals recommend
Just opened after a massive investment in the 17th Century Hadspen House to create a modern luxury hotel, spa and gardens, I hear this is a wonderful place to visit the estate, deer park and cultivated gardens.
A lovely walk and fantastic for bluebells in the Spring.
13 locals recommend
Duncliffe wood
13 locals recommend
A lovely walk and fantastic for bluebells in the Spring.
Incredible views and a good hard walk up to the iron age fort. A lovely pub awaits you at the bottom for a well earned pint!
33 locals recommend
Hambledon Hill
33 locals recommend
Incredible views and a good hard walk up to the iron age fort. A lovely pub awaits you at the bottom for a well earned pint!

Shopping

Good local shopping. If you happen to be staying at a time when Charterhouse Auctioneers has it's monthly sale on in Sherboren, it's a wonderful place to view sale items of all kinds and you may find amazing bargains, which you can bid for later online.
http://www.thegardeneronline.co.uk/locations/castle-gardens-location This is an excellent garden centre year-round but at Christmas it has an award-winning Christmas display and shop - a must for inspiring decorations and stocking fillers.
Castle Gardens
New Road
http://www.thegardeneronline.co.uk/locations/castle-gardens-location This is an excellent garden centre year-round but at Christmas it has an award-winning Christmas display and shop - a must for inspiring decorations and stocking fillers.
Antiques sold by individual traders under one roof. It's a great place to browse and often there are bargains to be had.
Acreman St. Antiques & Interiors
121 Acreman St
Antiques sold by individual traders under one roof. It's a great place to browse and often there are bargains to be had.
We've bought some great pieces of furniture and pictures for our house in these auctions. You can always find a bargin.
Charterhouse
Long Street
We've bought some great pieces of furniture and pictures for our house in these auctions. You can always find a bargin.
The owner buys lovely original clothing and shoes and it's well priced.
White Feather
22 Cheap St
The owner buys lovely original clothing and shoes and it's well priced.
Lovely hand made exlusively designed and bespoke jewellery.
Alex Appleton Jewellers
13 Market Pl
Lovely hand made exlusively designed and bespoke jewellery.
Wonderful range of high quality original gifts, clothing and housewares - the kinds of things you don't find in other shops.
The Circus
33 Cheap St
Wonderful range of high quality original gifts, clothing and housewares - the kinds of things you don't find in other shops.
Wide selection of lovely looking swimwear and undies. Ideal for holidays and honeymoons! Or every day...
Bellissima
Cheap Street
Wide selection of lovely looking swimwear and undies. Ideal for holidays and honeymoons! Or every day...