Historic Hotels in Dorset
Places to stay in Dorset connected to famous figures from history.
The Acorn Inn. Evershot.
Some places boast grand histories while others have more modest claims-to-fame, as with this old hostelry. It may owe its recognition to a work of fiction, but many will still recognise The Acorn Inn.
Some places boast grand histories while others have more modest claims-to-fame, as with this old hostelry. It may owe its recognition to a work of fiction, but many will still recognise The Acorn Inn.
The Abbot's House. Charmouth.
We will never know for sure, but some say that the man who would become Charles II stayed here prior to fleeing to France. And the same can be said of a possible connection to one of Henry VIII’s wives, too.
We will never know for sure, but some say that the man who would become Charles II stayed here prior to fleeing to France. And the same can be said of a possible connection to one of Henry VIII’s wives, too.
Langtry Manor. Bournemouth.
The “love nest” of a king and one of the late 19th century’s most famous actresses. Discover more about Bournemouth’s celebrated Langtry Manor Hotel.
The “love nest” of a king and one of the late 19th century’s most famous actresses. Discover more about Bournemouth’s celebrated Langtry Manor Hotel.
King's Arms. Dorchester.
Those on a Thomas Hardy literary tour will no doubt consider a visit to this old Dorchester inn. Find out what connections to the author are to be found at The Kings Arms.
Those on a Thomas Hardy literary tour will no doubt consider a visit to this old Dorchester inn. Find out what connections to the author are to be found at The Kings Arms.
The Crown Inn. Marnhull.
Enthusiasts of Thomas Hardy will find much to whet their appetite in Dorset, including the pretty thatched building known as the 'Pure Drop Inn' in Tess of the d'Urbevilles.
Enthusiasts of Thomas Hardy will find much to whet their appetite in Dorset, including the pretty thatched building known as the 'Pure Drop Inn' in Tess of the d'Urbevilles.
The Grosvenor Arms. Shaftesbury.
Any building given a Grade II* listed status is a very special one indeed. And Shaftesbury's old coaching inn, The Grosvenor, is most certainly one of those.
Any building given a Grade II* listed status is a very special one indeed. And Shaftesbury's old coaching inn, The Grosvenor, is most certainly one of those.
The Royal Lion. Lyme Regis.
Though we'll never know if Jane Austen really stayed at this famous Lyme Regis inn as some suggest, it can still claim Edward VII and a great American artist as former guests.
Though we'll never know if Jane Austen really stayed at this famous Lyme Regis inn as some suggest, it can still claim Edward VII and a great American artist as former guests.
Mariners. Lyme Regis.
Hunting for fossils is a popular pursuit along stretches of the Dorset coastline, just as it was in 1805 when some notable amateur palaeontologists took up residence what is now Mariners Hotel.
Hunting for fossils is a popular pursuit along stretches of the Dorset coastline, just as it was in 1805 when some notable amateur palaeontologists took up residence what is now Mariners Hotel.
The Brace of Pheasants. Plush.
A delightful rural location; plenty of historic charm; a Grade II listed building; fabulous guest reviews; a literary connection. There are lots of reasons to like The Brace of Pheasants.
A delightful rural location; plenty of historic charm; a Grade II listed building; fabulous guest reviews; a literary connection. There are lots of reasons to like The Brace of Pheasants.
The Bull. Bridport.
Those embarking on a tour of places associated with Thomas Hardy will have a sizeable itinerary when it comes to Dorset. And the Bull Hotel in Bridport deserves its place on any such list.
Those embarking on a tour of places associated with Thomas Hardy will have a sizeable itinerary when it comes to Dorset. And the Bull Hotel in Bridport deserves its place on any such list.
How you can help: if you are aware of a historic hotel in Dorset that you believe ought to be included on the site, please contact us via email (info@nightsinthepast.com) in the first instance. Please note that these should have connections to famous people and events from the past.