The Old Coach House
13869.2 miles NE of Dorchester | Sleeps 4 + cot*
7 Nights from £506
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
A traditional 250 year old pub, The Fox Inn specialises in seasonal countryside grub and sources its produce from the finest, local artisan suppliers. Home to an inviting bar and restaurant and doused with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, guests are invited lunchtimes and evenings. Carveries are served on Sundays from midday to 3pm.
October 2015
We had two excellent meals here which were very good value for money. The staff are friendly and efficient and the atmosphere in the pub is welcoming. If you are there on a Tuesday evening you can even join in with the ukulele group!
My only quibble is that we were there in the first week of October and Christmas was already being advertised (menus etc.) Far too early...bah humbug!
July 2011
Very popular victorian pub. Excellent value Sunday carvery. Good all round pub.
Nearby beach
Home to around 700 yards of shingle beach, Ringstead Beach on the Jurassic Coast has plenty of space for everyone to find a quiet corner of their own. For ease, a shop and cafe are located in the car park. The east end of the main beach, which is about a 20 minute walk, is a nudist area. Ringstead is a dog-friendly beach.
July 2009
Apart from Studland this is our favourite beach spot in West Dorset. Parking is free at top of the hill but it's a longish walk down; you pay to use the toll road down to the car park near the beach.
Nearby walk
Bulbarrow Hill is probably the best known hill in Dorset and is a chalk hill site of an Iron Age hill fort - the name comes from barrows or burial mounds on the hill. Standing at 274m (899ft) high and giving the longest view in Dorset, with spectacular views over five counties, Bulbarrow Hill is the second highest point in Dorset and is a very popular beauty spot.
July 2011
Spectacular views over rolling country side. Breathtaking and unspoilt. The "top of the world".
Nearby town
Between Dorchester and Poole, deep in Dorset’s hilly countryside, Tolpuddle is a picture postcard village of thatched cottages, leafy lanes and a pretty church. The village is famous for its Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of agricultural workers who attempted to form the first ever trade union but whose efforts resulted in their deportation to Australia as criminals. A museum in the village now tells the tale through a series of fascinating exhibits.
Also nearby
Named after the legendary Dorset cheese (Monty Python fans may recall it mentioned in the 'Cheese Shop Sketch'). The Blue Vinny has a great menu (naturally, featuring dishes such as sirloin steak glazed with Blue Vinny, with wild mushrooms and hand cut chips), and a lovely big beer garden to sleep it all off.
May 2024
Rosie Whittaker
Good food at reasonable prices. The staff are helpful and friendly. Dog friendly.
August 2023
Great pub
5 minutes walk from the Beehive, it is friendly and dog-friendly. On a chilly evening being able to all sit inside is a bonus. Food was excellent value, with a more imaginative menu than many busy pubs manage. We ate there as often as we could.
January 2023
Meal and drinks
Lovely meal with friendly staff
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.
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.
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.
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.
September 2013
Superb
A wonderful must in Dorset. Great gardens and interesting house. Well worth a visit.
Crisp white table linen, impeccable service and fabulous food.
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
July 2011
Excellent food in beautiful country house. In all guides. Welcoming atmosphere. A special night out.
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.
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.
Managed by Dorset Countryside this magical woodland offers a 26 hectare site to explore. With a plethora of trees and wildlife you'll have hours of fun here and may even see Dormice and bats.
June 2024
Hardy's Cottage hideway in the woods
Thorncombe Woods are very pleasant for a gentle stroll and hidden in the trees is Hardy's Cottage (approx 15 mins walk from the car park). The cottage is delightful and the guides give an excellent history of Hardy's family life
December 2019
Perfect for dogs
Fantastic dog walking area with lots of paths, some main others criss crossing. Good parking spaces.
Articles | From around the area
Things to do
Miracle Theatre
Places to Go
Gardens in Dorset
Classic Fodder