This inn once served as accommodation for visitors to the museum of local landowner and archaeologist, Augustus Pitt Rivers. These days it largely caters for shooting parties and the London crowd. The peaceful location is one of the main draws - in a pretty village within The Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you're the outdoorsy type, this could be one for you as the area offers fantastic walking, cycling and country sports. You needn't leave the dog at home - they'll be made very welcome. Many of the South West's top attractions are within easy reach, including the Jurassic Coast, Salisbury and Stonehenge. There are eight comfortable rooms, a cosy self-catering cottage, and a restaurant specialising in local fare.
Nearby Knowlton Church is hugely atmospheric; the hollow shell of a 12th-century church sits on a circular Neolithic earthwork.
Set within a historic Dorset village, the walking trails in Cranborne Chase (AONB) are close by.
By car: around 2 hours 30 minutes from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol and 3 hours from Birmingham. Free parking available.
By train: London to Bournemouth takes under 2 hours. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from the station. thetrainline.com
The hotel is geared towards shooting parties who come to shoot on nearby estates. The bar is cosy with a flagstone floor and a roaring fire in the colder months.
The cosy bar invites you to relax after a day hiking the surrounding countryside. Dogs are made very welcome and will enjoy the fantastic walks over the Cranborne Chase.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
- Garden
- Family-friendly
- Pet-friendly
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
The With a View Room is furnished with antiques and a four-poster bed, and boasts two balconies. The adorable, thatched self-catering cottage is thoughtfully furnished and perfect for groups of up to 16.
Classic Stable Room, The Feature Room, With a View Room, Mole's Cottage
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with Noble Isle toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi
The menu offers both pub classics and more refined options, all of which look pretty on the plate. Game sourced from local shoots is the speciality, so dishes like seared venison are a good option.
The Museum Inn: country pub, British cuisine with a twist and locally-sourced ingredients. Open daily for lunch, Mon-Sat for dinner. Mains from £16.
To view Booking.com’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.