The Best Country Hotels in Dorset

As befits Dorset’s magnificent countryside, it has a wonderful range of country house hotels. Some of these exude old-world British charm with grand, traditionally styled rooms and four-poster beds. Others are more contemporary in design while others have a British quirkiness with a shabby-chic style or a mix of vintage and traditional furnishings. Some Dorset country-house hotels are deep in the countryside in pretty villages, others take advantage of its magnificent coast. Use our guide to the best country hotels in Dorset and start to plan your rural getaway.

For families

• In a prime position overlooking Chesil Beach, and surrounded by pastureland, Moonfleet Manor is an excellent county-house hotel for families. Built as a private stately home, it's been cleverly modernised with a mix of traditional and contemporary styling. Bedrooms are vast, and there's a spa, pool and children’s activities.

For a coastal location

• For a relaxing stay, book the 10-room Limestone Hotel, tucked away in the pretty village of West Lulworth and which feels very private. With its light, chic but understated styling and lovely garden with terrace, it makes a great place to unwind after a walk along the nearby beaches.

For a traditional stay

• Equally quirky, and also with great food, is Plumber Manor, near Sturminster Newton. Surrounded by 20 acres of parkland, this family-run former Jacobean manor house has an air of faded grandeur. With walls hung with family portraits, Labrador dogs snoozing found the fire, and vast comfortable bedrooms, it’s extremely welcoming.
• Dogs are also welcome at Summer Lodge, an 18th-century manor house deep in Thomas Hardy country in Evershot village. With pretty bedrooms, plenty of swagged curtains and antiques, beautiful gardens plus a tennis court, and spoiling spa. It exudes country-house charm.

Still not sure which to book?

• Expand your search and browse our full range of Dorset hotels.
• Or you could check out the best country house hotels in Devon, or the most romantic West Country hotels.
• Alternatively you could contact a friendly guru for advice.

  • Moonfleet Manor Weymouth (Dorset) 36 rooms from €138

    
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    Families  -  Pleasing both parents and children alike. There's plenty of activities for kids.

    Tennis  -  Play a game on one of the two courts. Coaching is also available.

    Spa  -  Treatments for children also available

    Great walks  -  Take long walks along the beach.

    

    Boasting a peaceful setting overlooking Chesil Beach on Dorset’s Jurrasic Coast, Moonfleet Manor is a stylish escape for all of the family. Kids can join in a plethora of fun-filled activities – from fossil hunting to playing in the enormous games room. And for adults spa treatments and childcare See More

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  • Limestone Hotel West Lulworth, Dorset 10 rooms from €127

    
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    Local exploring  -  Lulworth is surrounded by numerous cultural and natural attractions.

    Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful coast and countryside on walks starting straight from the property.

    Restaurant  -  Featuring dishes championing locally sourced produce

    Kayaking  -  Discover the coast by kayak.

    

    A small rural hotel set in the picturesque village of West Lulworth. Chic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with boldly patterned wallpaper, chandeliers and sash windows. The fabulous restaurant is a celebration of all things Dorset. The perfect spot for a relaxing country escape. See More

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  • Plumber Manor Hotel Sturminster Newton, Dorset 16 rooms from €184

    
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    Country Escape  -  A perfect base for exploring the Dorset countryside- gardens, National Trust Houses, villages and walks.

    Great walks  -  Bring your dog and enjoy the 20 acres of well kept grounds, with a river running through.

    Birdwatching  -  Take a deckchair and plonk it down by the river, sit, relax and listen to the birdsong.

    Tennis  -  Tennis courts on site are available for guests to use.

    

    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    Characterful, family-run Jacobean manor house in glorious Thomas Hardy country. This quintessentially English manor has been in the same family for centuries, with portraits to match. An air of faded grandeur. The real deal. See More

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  • Summer Lodge Evershot, Dorset 24 rooms from €305

    
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    Foodies  -  The dream team of Head Chef Steven Titman and world-renowned Sommelier Eric Zwiebel make dinner an unforgettable experience.

    Romantic Break  -  Let your romantic side out with candlelit hot tub sessions, in room champagne and rose petals on the bed.

    Great walks  -  Borrow wellies for strolls around the English garden or the adjoining deer park teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.

    Tennis  -  Guests are welcomed to use the hotel rackets for a Sunday afternoon knockabout on the courts.

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux

    A Hardy-esque country house turned hotel, surrounded by lovely gardens and spectacular countryside. Luxurious rooms boasts elaborate floral fabrics and plush furnishings. The gourmet restaurant is not to be missed, nor the extensive bar. A cosy countryside base, complete with pool, spa and tennis. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Wednesday, 26th July 2023