Gamekeeper's Cottage has been beautifully restored in keeping with its character.
What a beautiful kitchen, equipped with everything you could need.
Welcome to Gamekeeper's Cottage.
Time for a dip? The pool is open from May - September.
A sumptuous king-size bed in the main bedroom.
A lovely room to share with loved ones.
Anyone for a game?
Curl up with a good book, or enjoy holiday treats in this lovely space.
This stylish twin room looks out over the front of the cottage.
Beautiful furnishings throughout.
Luxurious shower-room with drench-head fitting.
The kitchen has all you need to cook a holiday feast.
Children will love this area!
Enjoy this tranquil setting.
Welcome to Gamekeeper's Cottage.
You are sure to switch off in this gorgeous setting.
Gamekeeper's Cottage is the second cottage from the left.
Gamekeeper's Cottage peeking through the lush green gardens.
Seek out the hammock for a siesta.
Enjoy al fresco meals on your private patio.
Just perfect!
So many secret spots to explore.
The Jurassic Coast is just stunning.
Dorset is full of Thomas Hardy history and the cottage he was born in lies just outside of Dorchester.
A holiday to Dorset would not be complete without a trip to the world-famous Durdle Door!

Gamekeeper's Cottage

4523

8.9 miles N of Dorchester / Sleeps 4 + cot

20% off for parties of 2 + cot or less at certain times of the year, view offer...

Book or Reserve Need more time? Reserve any cottage for up to 24 hours before booking

7 Nights from £566

The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.

Nearest pub

A family friendly pub with acres of gardens, a skittle alley and pygmy goats to say hello to! Food is locally sourced and made in house with daily specials on offer. The kids will love the play bus and crazy golf.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2021

Great village pub

We recently stayed in the village, and came across this great village pub, a very warm welcome and wonderful food. A real community hub with events to keep both the locals and visitors entertained.

Nearest beach

Bowleaze Cove Beach nestles into Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast, sitting at the far end of the sandy arch stretching from Weymouth. A sand and pebble mix, Bowleaze Beach is dog-friendly year-round and there are facilities nearby. It is popular amongst families in the summer, as well as anglers and water sports enthusiasts.

Nearest walk

Open daily from 1st February to the end of December and with free parking in the car park opposite, a wander around these gardens is a must. The trail around the garden is about a mile long and is a lovely way to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Nearest town

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A pretty village on the river Wiggle, worth a visit to see the honey coloured limestone cottages. At the heart of the village you'll find the Oak House Stores, a grade II listed building famed for its cheese and local produce.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

September 2020

The Old School Gallery and Cafe

Home made light lunches and cakes - very delicious! Plus a shop selling unusual gifts and Local produce. Highly recommended.

Also nearby

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Visit the world-famous gardens at Stourhead and sit amongst tranquil scenes. Described as ‘a living work of art’, the gardens lead visitors on a breath-taking journey. Spend a while in the 18th Century Palladian villa and Hoare family home, before wending your way around the grounds, falling in love with the beautifully thought out landscapes and classical architecture.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2021

Beautiful landscapes to explore

A short drive away and you're in the impressive landscape of Stourhead, with its magnificent trees, lake and iconic garden structures. We visited early November when the autumn colours were blazing. A perfect morning out, whether for a lazy amble round the lake or exploring the footpaths to viewpoints and monuments. Good National Trust cafe and shop too.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

June 2021

A highlight of our 5 night stay

We stayed in nearby Nunney for 5 nights. Stourhead was definitely our top pick. On a sunny day it was absolutely beautiful. The scenery is stunning and it was nice to have a well-earned ice-cream in the pretty courtyard of the pub after a good walk. There are plenty of spots for taking beautiful pictures. We'd be interested to return one Autumn or see it covered in snow too.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2014

Magical!

This is the most beautiful place you can imagine - the walk around the lake, dropping into the various buildings and grottoes, is breathtaking. All I can say is you really must visit.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

September 2013

Superb

A wonderful must in Dorset. Great gardens and interesting house. Well worth a visit.

A lovely traditional pub in the heart of the village with a great reputation for home cooked food and seasonal produce. Food is served daily apart from Monday lunch time. Dogs are welcome.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2023

Visits to the pub


We were made to feel welcome. Log fire burning, lovely furniture to relax on, drinks high standard, staff friendly and helpful. We were on holiday staying in the village. They do a pie night on Mondays. We enjoyed the chicken and chorizo choice and veg perfectly cooked. Excellent puds. Just sad that there were not many customers on a couple of nights when we went. I hope more locals support them in the future.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2023

Lovely friendly local pub you can walk to

A great pub for a drink or a meal. Food was very good and staff were so friendly. Would really recommend and its great to be able to walk there and back from the Old Mill.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

October 2022

Closed

This pub is closed. We hope it reopens as we had two excellent meal there last year on our visit to the area.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

February 2022

Wonderful friendly pub

We booked in advance and had a lovely family evening meal last Sat night. The pub owner made us feel very welcome and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The food was fabulous and very reasonably priced.

Minterne House and Gardens nestle in a valley in the beautiful Dorset countryside, described by Simon Jenkins in 'England's 1000 Best Houses' as a "corner of paradise". The 18th Century gardens feature lakes, waterfalls, all kinds of rare trees and an incredible rhododendron collection. A profusion of spring bulbs and magnolias provide the colour in spring, followed by flowering Japanese cherries and streams lined with primulas and other water plants in summer. The garden is particularly noted for its autumn colouring. Open March to November.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

March 2009

Beautiful rich gardens to wander around and with picnic facilities provided you could easily spend a relaxing day here.


Rated 3 out of 5 stars

February 2009

A lovely spot for a picnic. The streams and ponds really come alive in spring and summer when the water lillies and primulas add their colour to these delightful gardens.


Rated 3 out of 5 stars

February 2009

Spectacular Views

There are spectacular views of the estate and surrounding countryside from the hilltop terraces. The Maples and Acers are stunning in autumn.

A 200 acre estate offering quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery and hovercraft racing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Crisp white table linen, impeccable service and fabulous food.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

September 2020

Amazing Food

If you are looking for something a bit more than pub food you can't beat Plumber Manor - the food is outstanding, very relaxed and in the present difficult circumstances excellent safety measures! Well worth a visit


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2011

Excellent food in beautiful country house. In all guides. Welcoming atmosphere. A special night out.

Articles | From around the area

Places to Go

Gardens in Dorset