Museum Inn

from $140
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Four poster bedroom
1 / 12
Double Room
Four poster bedroom
“The Museum Inn is an award-winning country pub located in a picture-postcard village in rural north Dorset. Eight individually designed rooms either in the main house or converted stables feature plush decor with Bramley bathroom accessories. Plus a separate large cottage for families or groups.”

Hotel review

The Museum Inn was built by the father of modern archaeology, General Augustus Pitt Rivers - it once fed and watered visitors to his nearby (long closed) museum. Today, part thatched and low-ceilinged, it offers good ales and locally sourced food and buzzes with happy country folk, either seated in the spacious bar, the elegant 'Shed' or the conservatory hung with hunting prints. The eight bedrooms (four in the Inn itself and four in the converted stables) are stylishly decorated and the emphasis is on home-from-home comforts with a modern twist. For something special book the General's Room - a vision of gold and burgundy country decadence with a four poster bed and its own private balcony. Or for those with a large family party, Moles Cottage is ideal; there are eight double rooms with comfy, chic interiors and some interconnecting. Dining is either at bar tables or in the AA two-rosette Restaurant with its Conservatory extension. Classic pub dishes are on offer, with a sensible childrens’ menu, or fine dining. Perfect after a muddy walk. A popular spot with shooting parties in winter months or couples the rest of the year who want to explore the surrounding area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Malcolm Orr-Ewing
Malcolm Orr-Ewing Review published: 03/12/2024

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • Both gastropub and fine dining options at the Museum Inn offer locally sourced, wholesome food, expect game from nearby shoots.

  • Groups

    • Moles cottage sleeps up to 16 and is popular with shooting parties in the season and families in the summer.

  • Traditional

    • There is a period feel throughout the Museum Inn, with flagstone floors & roaring fire in the bar and antique furnishings.

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • After a long days shooting, enjoy an even longer night swapping stories beside a roaring fire in the flagstoned bar.

  • Self catering to rent

    • Moles Cottage is a beautifully presented property which is ideal for shooting parties and sleeps 16 in 8 bedrooms.

  • Fishing

    • Damerham Fisheries offers Trout fishing and Gorcombe Farm boasts fishing, clay pigeon shooting and archery.

  • Golf

    • Less than two miles from The Museum Inn, is an idyllic golf course at Rushmore.

  • Great walks

    • Explore the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty, Cranborne Chase.

  • Other Activities

    • Hotel kites can be borrowed, and Tiger Moths can be flown nearby.

  • Restaurant

    • 2 AA Rosette, award winning restaurant specialising in game

  • Good wine list

    • Well stocked cellar with over 160 to choose from!

  • Child friendly

    • Extra beds can be fitted in some of the bedrooms

  • Pet friendly

    • Dogs only allowed in the stable rooms

  • Less £

  • Quiet

  • Owner managed

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • House party feel

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Inn

  • Antiques

  • Village

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Gourmet

  • Charming

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Free wifi

Facilities

  • Rooms

    8 rooms in this hotel

  • Self catering to rent

    Moles Cottage is a beautifully presented property which is ideal for shooting parties and sleeps 16 in 8 bedrooms.

  • Bar

    Wide selection of local real ales and specialities including house vodka and gin.

  • Restaurant

    2 AA Rosette, award winning restaurant specialising in game

  • Good wine list

    Well stocked cellar with over 160 to choose from!

  • Child friendly

    Extra beds can be fitted in some of the bedrooms

  • Pet friendly

    Dogs only allowed in the stable rooms

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Cots available

  • Outdoor dining

  • Parking

  • Sitting Room

  • Suites

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

Activities

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • After a long days shooting, enjoy an even longer night swapping stories beside a roaring fire in the flagstoned bar.

  • Fishing

    • Damerham Fisheries offers Trout fishing and Gorcombe Farm boasts fishing, clay pigeon shooting and archery.

  • Golf

    • Less than two miles from The Museum Inn, is an idyllic golf course at Rushmore.

  • Great walks

    • Explore the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty, Cranborne Chase.

  • Other Activities

    • Hotel kites can be borrowed, and Tiger Moths can be flown nearby.

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Museum Inn

"A country inn near Blandform Forum with attractive bedrooms, a cosy bar and a celebrity clientele."

Originally published by The Telegraph

The Museum Inn

"Suckers for hamlets of thatched cottages are likely to be won over before they even set foot inside this pretty restaurant and pub with rooms."

Originally published by Harpers Bazaar

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