The Web’s Premiere Guide to Historic Hotels and Accommodation in the UK & Western Europe
Beautiful Villages: Dorset and Somerset
Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Most people who recognise the name will associate it with the famous image of the “rude” giant to be found on the chalk hillside above. However, this delightful village visually offers much more to the visitor than the hill-figure alone. Map
Places to stay: Cerne Abbas itself features The New Inn (left) while The Brace of Pheasants at nearby Plush is highly regarded by independent reviewers. Self-catering options include Cerne Abbey Cottage.
Places to stay: Cerne Abbas itself features The New Inn (left) while The Brace of Pheasants at nearby Plush is highly regarded by independent reviewers. Self-
Milton Abbas, Dorset
Though one would assume it to be of much greater age, the village of Milton Abbas one sees today was actually constructed during the late 18th century. The original settlement – around half a mile away – was almost entirely demolished by Joseph Damer (later to become the First Earl of Dorchester) on account that it wasn’t aesthetically-pleasing enough and too close to his grand house. Interestingly, however, it owes much of its design to Capability Brown. Map
Places to stay: The Hambro Arms (above) is situated within Milton Abbas itself, while there are other options at nearby Blandford Forum - these include the 17th century thatched Langton Arms.
Rampisham, Dorset
Nestled within a valley, Rampisham is a tiny village of little more than 100 inhabitants. Those interested in architecture will no doubt be fascinated by the work of the famous Gothic Revival architect A W Pugin, who designed both the church’s chancel and the house that once served as the village school. Map
Places to stay: Accommodation of most interest to heritage-travellers is to be found in the neighbouring village of Evershot – the Acorn Inn features in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbevilles and is over four centuries old.
Places to stay: Accommodation of most interest to heritage-
Worth Matravers, Dorset
A classic Purbeck stone village, Worth Matravers has a history dating back to the Iron Age. Its most notable existing building, however, is the Saxon Church of St. Nicholas of Myra which was first constructed around 1100 AD, and altered over the following centuries. Map
Places to stay: Those seeking period accommodation are most likely to find what they require in nearby Corfe Castle – a picturesque village in its own right. Examples include the award-
Allerford, Somerset
Famous for its much-photographed Packhorse Bridge, Allerford is set amid the splendour of Exmoor National Park. It boasts the West Somerset Rural Life Museum and a glorious position within the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate. Map
Places to stay: There are a small number of bed & breakfasts to be found at Allerford, including The Packhorse and Fern Cottage. For more information, visit the village’s accommodation page at TripAdvisor.
Places to stay: There are a small number of bed & breakfasts to be found at Allerford, including The Packhorse and Fern Cottage. For more information, visit the village’s accommodation page at TripAdvisor.
Chaffcombe, Somerset
At the time of the 2001 census there were less than 200 people resident in this gentle little parish near Chard. The village possesses a number of listed buildings, including the Church of St. Michael and All Angels (of which the tower is said to date from the fifteenth century). Map
Places to stay: A former corn mill dating from the early 1800’s, Hornsbury Mill in nearby Eleighwater is minutes away by car, while the Grade-
Dunster, Somerset
Although in existence at the time of the Domesday Book, Dunster owes its main development to the wool trade which developed during the medieval period. The village possesses some truly historic buildings, including Dunster Castle (with its associated gardens), the Gallox Bridge (Gallows Bridge), and St. George’s Church whose origins date back to 1097AD. Dunster is located little over a mile from the coast on the north-eastern fringes of Dartmoor National Park. Map
Places to stay: Those seeking period accommodation will find plenty to choose from in Dunster, including Spears Cross Hotel, the Dunster Castle Hotel, the Luttrell Arms (above) and numerous other bed & breakfasts. Get more information on places to stay in Dunster through Booking.com
Hinton St.George, Somerset
Described by many as the most beautiful village in Somerset, the Hamstone cottages of Hinton St. George will certainly appeal to the aesthetically-minded. The towns of Crewkerne and Chard are both within easy reach. Map
Places to stay: Seen left, The Lord Poulett Arms (details at TripAdvisor) is a seventeenth century inn located within Hinton St. George itself.
Places to stay: Seen left, The Lord Poulett Arms (details at TripAdvisor) is a seventeenth century inn located within Hinton St. George itself.
Mells, Somerset
The Independent described Mells as “the quintessence of Albion”, and few who visit will disagree. Bagfuls of charm and history, this beguiling Somerset settlement is located a couple of miles west of Frome and within easy reach of the historic city of Bath. Map
Places to stay: Clavey’s Farm offers bed & breakfast accommodation within Mells itself, while the Vobster Inn is located in the village of the same charming name only a mile away.
Priddy, Somerset
Inhabited since the Bronze Age, this Mendip village has much to offer both historian and music-lover – the Priddy Folk Festival is held here during the summer while the Sheep fair has its origins in the 14th century. Map
Places to stay: The New Inn (left) is a 15th century pub within Priddy itself, while there are also some notable historic hotels to be found in nearby Wells. These include The Swan and The Crown.
Places to stay: The New Inn (left) is a 15th century pub within Priddy itself, while there are also some notable historic hotels to be found in nearby Wells. These include The Swan and The Crown.
Selworthy
Thatched cottages and an unusual lime-
Places to stay: There are no hotels or inns within Selworthy itself, but there are several options in nearby Porlock. A full listing can be found at TripAdvisor.
Winsford
Another beautiful Exmoor village, Winsford has a population of less than 400. That said, one of its claims-
Places to stay: The Royal Oak Inn at Winsford is about as quintessentially English as it is possible to be – an ancient thatched farmhouse without a straight line to be seen. Winsford also offers a great base for those wishing to explore the area from a self-
