The 5 Best Hotels Near Monkey World, Dorset

Choosing to stay in a hotel near Monkey World, one of Dorset’s most popular attractions, will go down well with anyone with a love of animals. It also makes a great choice for families. Monkey World, near Wareham in southern Dorset, is not a zoo, but a world-renowned sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees and other primates, including orangutans, monkeys and gibbons. Often these animals have been kept as pets or used in circuses and theatres. We’ve scoured the are and found the best Dorset hotels near Monkey World, and many are family-friendly, too.

For a luxury hotel

• For a bit of luxury, our top choice would be the 16th-century Priory Hotel in Wareham. This 16th-century building has a classic English country-house style with flagstone floors, exposed beams, polished antiques and peaceful gardens sloping down to the River Frome. The stone-vaulted dining room is wonderfully romantic. Choose one of the bedrooms leading directly to the gardens.

Pubs with rooms

• If you want to combine walking with visiting Monkey World, The Scott Arms should fit the bill. Set in the Purbeck Hills, with views over Corfe Castle, this handsome village inn, with its creeper-covered frontage, is both charming and relaxing. It has just four cottagey bedrooms, plus regularly changing menus and, in summer, Caribbean-style dishes served in the garden.
• The family-friendly Castle Inn, close to the beaches around Lulworth Cove, is around eight miles from Monkey World, and makes a great base for enjoying both this attraction and the coast. With its thatched-roof, beams and exposed-stone walls it will enchant children, and the terraced gardens with wonderful views make a restful spot for the grown-ups.

Hotels on the coast

• Children over seven years old are welcome at The Limestone Hotel which, like the Castle Inn, is in the pretty village of West Lulworth. With a rural feel, and just 10 rooms, it has a light, contemporary style, popular restaurant and lovely garden with terrace. And the beaches are just 10-minute walk.
• If you prefer somewhere truly private and peaceful, take a look at Lulworth House, also in West Lulworth. With just two rooms, and tucked in sub-tropical gardens, it’s both charming and relaxing – as are the hosts. Bedrooms are big, bright and contemporary in style – one has French doors to the garden – while breakfasts are generous.

Still not sure?

• If you can’t find what you’re looking for, have a look at our complete range of Dorset hotels.
• Or check out the best family hotels in Dorset or perhaps the best family hotels in Devon.
• Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

  • Priory Hotel Wareham (Dorset) 17 rooms from $282

    
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    Local exploring  -  From the Saxon town walls of the ancient market town of Wareham to the rolling Dorset countryside there is plenty to see.

    Great walks  -  The lovely gardens slope down to the River Frome, a perfect starting point for an afternoon stroll.

    Sights nearby  -  Check out nearby Corfe village with the spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle, only a few miles away.

    Restrictions on children  -  Not under 14

    

    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    A slice of old England served with China tea. With pretty gardens bordering the river, The Priory is a delightful and luxury historic hotel on the edge of Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck. See More

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  • The Scott Arms Wareham, Dorset 4 rooms from $122

    
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    Restaurant  -  Regularly changing menus for pub grub and more refined dishes. Plus exterior Jerk Shak in summer months for Caribbean flavours.

    Great walks  -  Go for lovely walks in the surrounding Purbeck Hills.

    Sights nearby  -  Less than two miles from Corfe Castle.

    Restrictions on children  -  Adults only accommodation

    

    Set in the beautiful Purbeck Hills overlooking Corfe Castle, The Scott Arms is a charming rural inn. Offering four comfortable rooms as well as an excellent restaurant plus a jerk shak for Caribbean cuisine, and a garden with stunning panoramic views. A superb base for epxloring the local coastline. See More

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  • Limestone Hotel West Lulworth, Dorset 10 rooms from $141

    
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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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  • The Castle Inn Dorset 12 rooms from $152

    
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    Country Escape  -  The location of this quiet country inn is perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck

    Families  -  With lots to explore on the coastline, and family rooms available at the inn, this pub is a family favourite

    Local exploring  -  With Lulworth Cove a stone's throw from the hotel this is a great base for local Dorset exploring

    Great walks  -  There are endless great walks to explore the Dorset countryside and coastline; tuck into a warm meal in the pub afterwards

    

    This historic Dorset inn is nestled on the beautiful Jurassic coast. Under the thatched roof, individually designed rooms invite you in with warm and cosy soft furnishings. The 16th-century pub has been lovingly restored and offers a separate dining area and garden. A charming and traditional inn. See More

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  • Lulworth House Dorset 2 rooms from $141

    
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    Country Escape  -  Set in a quaint Dorset village, close to many rugged coastal walks, this hotel makes an idyllic country escape

    Local exploring  -  The hotel is well-located for local exploring set within walking distance of pubs and many hiking trails

    Romantic Break  -  With just two guestrooms, this B&B makes an intimate stay, perfect for a discreet romantic getaway

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the St Nicholas Church, a parish church known for its thirteen windows, engraved by the artist Sir Laurence Whistler

    

    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    An intimate B&B nestled in sub-tropical gardens in the beautiful village of West Lulworth. The two ground-floor guestrooms are bright and airy and look onto the garden; book the suite for extra living space and French doors with direct outside access. Superb breakfast and excellent friendly hosts. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Wednesday, 27th November 2019