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“A stunning addition to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Nine stylish and comfortable bedrooms, most with views over Lyme Bay, excellent restaurant championing local seafood and mainland produce, plus a bar specialising in classic cocktails. A recipe for a laid back break in fossil hunting country.”

Hotel review

The Seaside Boarding House is the brainchild of the renowned Groucho Club's founders and they've continued their winning formula here. Inside the designers have been influenced by a clever mix of British Edwardian and Cape Cod chic. So you'll find an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings accompanied by pieces of marine salvage, nautically themed paintings and a collection of Peter Blake prints. Bedrooms come in three sizes (double, larger and largest) and all boast at least partial sea views, large luxurious bathrooms some with roll top tubs others with showers, and huge comfy beds courtesy of Naturalmat (from just down the road in Devon) with Epyptian linens and goosedown duvets. This place is all about relaxation and recharging, so you won't find a telly in your room, but there is a radio and good selection of novels ("On Chesil Beach" anyone?). For those travelling with little people, camp beds can be added and four legged friends are welcome too. The bar and restaurant will not disappoint either. The bar is open all day, but their speciality is classic cocktails and who can argue with with concept of a Seaside Breeze sipped from a terrace looking out to sea? The restaurant enjoys similar views and the ethos here is to use local produce - think fish landed down the road and beef and lamb which have feasted on the surrounding fields. The cliff top location overlooking Dorset's Jurassic Coast is unbeatable. The South West Coast Path is on the doorstep, and there's plenty for all ages in the surrounding area. But for us it's all about a relaxing escape - find yourself a seat on the terrace and get stuck into that novel!

Sarah Empson
Sarah Empson Review published: 12/03/2024

Recommended for

  • Total relaxation

    • With its laid-back vibe, The Seaside Boarding House offers the perfect location to unwind and recharge
  • Other Activities

    • Go on a boat trip and see the beautiful coastline from the water or hunt for fossils on the beach
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit Roman Camps, beautiful gardens, Lyme Regis and historic stately homes
  • Beach Life

    • A seaside location a stone's throw from the beach, overlooking Lyme Bay
  • Local markets

    • The Saturday market in Bridport rivals that of London's Portobello Road
  • Fishing

    • Chesil Beach is famous for its beach fishing
  • Great walks

    • The South West Coast Path is on the doorstep
  • Child friendly

    • Camp beds can be added to double rooms for a small fee and there is a comprehensive children's menu
  • Restaurant

    • Delicious food championing the local seafood and country produce in a dining with beautiful views
  • Artworks

    • A variety of art adorns the walls, including illustrations by Peter Blake
  • Pet friendly

    • Well behaved dogs are welcome in some rooms, the bar and on the terrace.
  • House party feel

    • With only nine rooms, this is property has a great vibe.
  • Sit-out Terrace

    • Enjoy a meal or a drink with a view
  • Views

    • Stunning views over Lyme Bay
  • Lively

  • Traditional

  • Chic

Facilities

  • Child friendly

    Camp beds can be added to double rooms for a small fee and there is a comprehensive children's menu
  • Restaurant

    Delicious food championing the local seafood and country produce in a dining with beautiful views
  • Bar

    Open all day with a huge range of beverages including a carefully curated cocktail list
  • Pet friendly

    Well behaved dogs are welcome in some rooms, the bar and on the terrace.
  • Sit-out Terrace

    Enjoy a meal or a drink with a view
  • Views

    Stunning views over Lyme Bay
  • Outdoor dining

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • Go on a boat trip and see the beautiful coastline from the water or hunt for fossils on the beach
  • Sights nearby

    • Visit Roman Camps, beautiful gardens, Lyme Regis and historic stately homes
  • Local markets

    • The Saturday market in Bridport rivals that of London's Portobello Road
  • Fishing

    • Chesil Beach is famous for its beach fishing
  • Great walks

    • The South West Coast Path is on the doorstep

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do your guests love staying with you? Our guests love the unparalleled, unspoilt views over the Jurassic coast, our delicious food & perfectly made cocktails, plus our simple yet luxurious rooms.

What is there to do in the area? There are lots of things to do in this area for all ages: beach activities, incredible walks, Bridport market (which has a reputation of being able to rival London's Portobello Road Market for its vintage goodies), Fossil hunting along Dorset's Jurassic Coast, and beautiful gardens to visit including Mapperton (which was used for filming "Far from the Madding Crowd").

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and as such we offer dishes to complement all tastes; from the SBH full English with freshly squeezed orange juice, grilled kippers or smoked salmon to a simple bowl of home made granola or avocados on toast.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Breakfast is included in a night stay, additionally we offer a bar menu (11 – 6), lunch (12:30 – 15:00) & dinner (6:30 – 22:00).

Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have just 9 rooms so all our room types are popular. The smaller doubles because they offer incredible value for money, the Doubles because of their exceptional views across the fields and sea, the larger doubles as they are our dog friendly rooms and command the best views at the front of the building.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Children of all ages are more than welcome. Camp beds can be added for a small cost and we have special children’s menus.

Other reviews

The Seaside Boarding House Review

Created by a former managing director of London’s Groucho Club, the boarding house is a modern take on simple coastal lodging: white clap board exteriors containing rooms that jostle for attention with a restaurant looking to make a mark on the West Country dining scene...

Originally published by The Telegraph

Seaside Boarding House: hotel review

Set up by the people who founded London’s Groucho Club, this sophisticated seaside bolthole feels a lot more private members’ club than traditional boarding house. And the restaurant’s excellent, too...

Originally published by The Guardian

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