Top 10 Specialty lodgings in Dorset, United Kingdom

April 24, 2023 Toi Mattera

Discover the best Specialty lodgings in Dorset, England including Duchess of Cornwall Inn, The Pilot Boat, Warmwell by Parkdean Resorts, Clock House B&B, Travelodge Poole North, Barton Cottage, Stapehill Lodge, Greenacres Bed & Breakfast, Number 14, The Scott Arms - Inn.
Things to do in Dorset

1. Duchess of Cornwall Inn

12 Queen Mother Square, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3DX England
Excellent
40%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
13%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 581 reviews

Duchess of Cornwall Inn

The Duchess of Cornwall Inn recently opened in the town of Poundbury, just outside Dorchester, offering a Bar, Restaurant & Bedrooms. Within The Duchess of Cornwall Inn you will find different areas which evoke a country house. The ground floor hosts our Pantry and Bar evoking a casual, drop-in, pot luck ethos, the Dining Room on the second floor focuses on classically simple British food, reliable standard dishes that everyone wants to eat, not an elaborate restaurant. To top it all there are 3 floors of stunning bedrooms, due to open in early December 2016, representing two themes of Georgian England; Gentility (Jane Austen) and Mercantilism (Charles Hall, our founder).

Quite good - could be even better

Reviewed By Nigella P

Stayed for 3 nights recently at this impressive looking Inn. It is set within Poundbury, which in itself is a curious and interesting place to visit. Payed for a luxury room. In my mind a room described as one of luxury would fulfil that description by being kitted out in a luxurious way. The room was comfortable and decent but it wasn't luxurious. The bed itself was fairly comfortable. We moved it away from the wall itself as it squeaked fiercely against the wooden board behind it. The arm chairs were fairly comfortable but set at an odd angle under the eaves, which meant that you were in danger of knocking your head every time you stood up from them. The arrangement of chairs, coffee table, desk and freestanding light also meant that it was a tricky negotiation to the bedroom window, although the window was set so high that unless you stood looking out there was no view. For two people for three days there was only just enough storage and it was all based in one wardrobe at one end of the room with a bit of tight squeeze to open the doors and drawers beside the bed. The bathroom appeared spacious but the layout was so strange that only a very small portion of it was used and it didn't feel that spacious in the end. Very sadly there was no window at all in the bathroom. Toiletries were all fine, but again not luxurious. The breakfasts were fantastic and were served in a timely manner. The dining room is really light and airy and a lovely place to eat. We did eat dinner there too and although the food was good, it was desperately slow arriving. The staff were polite and helpful and a credit to the place. There was a nice friendly atmosphere and I think this place could be outstanding with a few small tweaks here and there.

2. The Pilot Boat

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA England
Excellent
52%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
13%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 53 reviews

The Pilot Boat

Set at the edge of the beach in the beautiful and historic coastal town of Lyme Regis, the Pilot Boat has just been relaunched following a nine-month project by Palmers Brewery to rejuvenate the iconic grade II listed building back to life as a lifestyle destination pub & restaurant with roof terrace and bedrooms. The Pilot Boat has three beautifully appointed boutique letting rooms. All complete with oversized bathrooms, 4k televisions, minibars and stunning views out to sea. The Pilot Boat also offers a wide range of all-day dining options from the huge open plan kitchen and pizza oven, artisan coffee from early morning, and of course a full range of Palmers award winning ale.

Disappointed with service

Reviewed By LYMEREGIS2022

Just returned from Lyme Regis after a vacation with friends. Visited the pilot boat restaurant for lunch. A regular customer who was sitting outside stated to our group that he was not allowed to vape despite other guests were allowed to smoke. I witnessed this and the elderly gentleman stated it was because he did not purchase food and only popped in the restaurant for a drink. This gentleman was being discriminated and this was totally unacceptable. Please management do not treat customers in this way as our party Vowed never to return to your restaurant as it deeply saddened us to witness this poor service and behaviour from your staff.

3. Warmwell by Parkdean Resorts

D3390, Warmwell Rd Dorchester, Dorchester DT2 8JE England 011 44 330 123 4966
Excellent
42%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1479 reviews

Warmwell by Parkdean Resorts

A warm welcome awaits you at Warmwell, Dorset. Discover our latest additions to the park, which received a £2.5 million of investment in 2021. With exciting new activities including hoverboards, laser tag and even a custom drone course, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Whether it’s a 110m all-weather ski slope, woodland walks either spotting roe deer or fantastic fishing lakes – you’ll love it here. If you want to get out and about – there are so many great places to visit nearby too! This includes the stunning Jurassic Coastline, divine Dorchester and stunning seaside scenery – it offers it all!

Overpriced

Reviewed By amandacO682FN

Paid over £600 for 3 day break with our grandaughter, lodge wasn't ready until 5pm so had to sit and wait, lodge was clean though. Outside was very shabby and tired. Resteraunt needs a rethink, perhaps one on the till and a second member of staff making the drinks? Expect to queue for ages unless your prepared to use the app, which doesn't suit everyone by the way. Food not great for the prices , breakfast was cold , tables sticky. The best thing I had from there was the chicken sandwich, that was worth the fiver!! Entertainment poor and grandaughter was bored so we left. The arcade staff were actually really nice and helpful. Overall you seem to pay out an awful lot for your stay , and then just continue to spend that again at least on the activities and food etc. Dont think some of these places will last much longer with the cost of gas/electric going up so much, its extortionate already and no one surely will be prepared to pay even more for a stay . I think for the prices they charge this is why some of the reviews aren't great, you expect much more and it is disappointing. Looked forward to going home, wouldn't return, not my cup of tea.

4. Clock House B&B

Burton Street, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton DT10 1PH England
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 30 reviews

Clock House B&B

A hidden Gem

Reviewed By CatrionaUK

We were looking for a dog friendly B&B near Blandford Forum on Google and came across Clock House B&B. Rather than give money to greedy booking agents, we rang the B&B direct and was told the dates we required were available and proceeded to use their online B&B booking service. The place was easy to locate via sat nav. On arrival we were greeted by Chris who brought us a slice of delicious homemade banana cake and a pot of tea. The room we were staying in was modern, clean, spacious with a very generous en-suite. The ensuite had a very large bath, separate shower and quality fixture and fittings. We were very impressed by the shower cubicle which was spotless and didn’t have lots of black rubber seals where grime and mould can grow. The bedroom and bathroom had underfloor heating, however we turned it straight off because the rooms are so well insulated we found it too warm. In an age when heating costs are rising I think this gesture was gratefully received by the Chris and Mella. The patio doors were perfect for taking dog out for a toilet break and at the back of the property is a very large grassy area, dog poop bin and a doggy shower. Chris gave us a welcome dog bag which contained a silicon mat for the 2 dog bowls, a bag of quality doggy treats and a mat to sleep on. Breakfast was 7:30am to 9am and consisted of fresh orange, cereals, yoghurt (Mellas stewed fruit, the plums with star anis) were delightful, poached, scrambled or fried eggs on some lovely grain bread and if still not full, toast with a selection of homemade jams. You can see a lot of expense, time, love, thought and effort has gone in to rebuilding this place and Chris and Mella have some lovely memory books with amazing before and after photographs for guests to peruse. Clock House B&B is a hidden gem that needs to be explored. Finally, there is also a handy little shop just a few steps away.

5. Travelodge Poole North

Fleets Corner Business Park Waterloo Road, Poole BH17 0AE England
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Travelodge Poole North

Discriminative disrespectful and very rude receptionist and manager of the hotel

Reviewed By 424guest

They doesn’t give us the room what we payed for and asked us to pay again and don’t let us stay even they took our money online !?.. The manager was very rude so do the receptionist yesterday evening and we want our money back

6. Barton Cottage

Barton Cottage 21 Main Street Broadmayne, Dorchester DT2 8EB England
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Barton Cottage

Lovely thatched property located close to the jurassic coast. We have two rooms, both ensuite with wet room. We do accept dogs on request. Children welcome. Breakfast is served in the main part of the house with views of the garden.

Home from home

Reviewed By Flyer09967658376

Wonderful stay, Louisa made us feel so welcome! Our room was absolutely gorgeous, very clean and comfy bed. Tea/coffee making facilities, with fresh milk. Breakfast was really lovely, have a choice of granola, yoghurt, cereals and a cooked breakfast. Barton cottage is situated in a little village in Broadmayne, 5 minute walking distance of a shop and pub. 15-20 minute drive to the Jurassic coast and about 30minutes to Harry’s rocks. I really can’t fault this place enough and can’t recommend it enough!! Thank you very much Louisa and family

7. Stapehill Lodge

Hampreston BH21 7NB England
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Stapehill Lodge

Exceptional accommodation

Reviewed By Mo S

Outstanding accommodation, location and breakfast. Elana and her son looked after us exceptionally well, we felt like family. Breakfast was unique each day, with tasty and nutritious foods... assisted when I had a problem with my tooth ~ nothing was too much trouble. Definitely will be returning.

8. Greenacres Bed & Breakfast

Marshwood DT6 5QB England
Excellent
87%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Greenacres Bed & Breakfast

Beautiful setting and accommodation

Reviewed By T4390WLmatthewc

With our two young children, we absolutely loved staying in the wagon. Zoe and Howard are lovely hosts, really going out of their way to ensure we had a comfortable stay. They were particularly good with our kids, with Howard on a few occasions showing them the lovely farm animals. They got time stroking and feeding the sheep (with Rupert being a bit of a star, but a bit naughty too!), plus a visit to the adorable pigs. Our children loved feeding the sheep at will from the lovely garden. Zoe and Howard even popped by the show our kids their dogs. The wagon itself is perfect. It's really comfortable with everything you need, including comfortable beds and a lovely kitchen and bathroom. The place was pristine and couldn't be faulted. The garden area is lovely where we enjoyed eating meals on the picnic bench. Nothing was too much trouble for the accommodating Zoe and Howard and we look forward to visiting again!

9. Number 14

14 The Close Off Damory Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7HA England
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Number 14

A warm welcome awaits you at Number 14 B&B, a lovely Victorian townhouse centrally located in the Georgian market town of Blandford Forum. The property offers two double bedrooms to singles, couples, or business travellers. The rooms share a spacious bathroom equipped with large shower and separate bath. Each room is provided with quality tea, coffee, fresh milk and biscuits and equipped with a flat screen TV, hairdryer and fan. Breakfast choices vary daily and may include eggs & bacon, scrambled eggs & smoked salmon, omelette and other items on request. Vegetarian and gluten free options can be provided with prior notice. All are freshly cooked to order in addition to a selection of cereal, fresh fruit, yoghurt, toast, tea and coffee.

Fantastic Room

Reviewed By Jo_NYorks

Stayed for 1 night to attend a friend's surprise party. Beautiful large room and the Taylors of Harrogate coffee was a taste of home. Sue was a wonderful host and nothing was too much trouble. Very clean room and bathroom, I would stay here again when visiting Blandford as it is only a couple of minutes walk from the town centre.

10. The Scott Arms - Inn

Scott Arms West Street, Kingston, Wareham BH20 5LH England
Excellent
27%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 15 reviews

The Scott Arms - Inn

Sunday Roast with a view

Reviewed By Sheroot27

Lovely Sunday Roast with nice views over the beautiful surrounding countryside. You have to book an indoor table to be able to have the Roast menu. Amazing building with thick, traditional stone walls. Recommend, but definitely book at the weekends

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