Here are a few of our favourite outings.

Nearby pubs and Walks

Walk across the fields to our local pub, The Mitre in Sandford Orcas, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Cheryl and Alan. Their traditional Sunday lunch is not to be missed – our childrens’ favourite Yorkshire puddings! www.mitreinn.co.uk

Alternatively, stride over to The King’s Arms in nearby Charlton Horethorne approaching the village via the impressive Cleeve Way.  You’ll get a warm welcome from Tony and Sarah and the food there is consistently good. www.thekingsarms.co.uk

Not to be out done, The Queens Arms at Corton Denham also attracts a loyal following.  Go for the relaxed vibe with roaring fires and quite delicious Scotch eggs! www.thequeensarms.com

Or treat yourself to a meal at the charming Rose & Crown in Trent. Walking there takes in part of the Monarch Way.
www.theroseandcrowntrent.co.uk

Head over to Cadbury Castle, also known as Camelot, a Bronze and Iron Age hill fort of Arthurian legend, and walk around the top for great views of the surrounding Somerset countryside. Great food to be found at the nearby Stag’s Head in Yarlington. www.stagsheadinn.co.uk

Sherborne

Pop into historic Sherborne for a mosey around the shops and cafes.  For antiques go and see Paddy at MacIntosh Antiques www.macintoshantiques.co.uk. Coffee & light bites head to The Pear Tree or head to Winston’s Bookshop at the top of the High Street for delicious coffee and a browse. Highly rated food at  Newell’s www.newell.restaurant. Do NOT miss medieval Sherborne Abbey with its extraordinary fan vaulted ceiling.

Messum Gallery

Find half a day to visit the stunning Messum Gallery – housed in the oldest tithe barn in the country messumswiltshire.com. Allow time for lunch or a coffee at the Pythouse Café. www.pythousekitchengarden.co.uk

Sculpture by the Lakes

Get closer to art and nature at Simon Gudgeon’s inspiring sculpture park just outside Dorchester.
www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk. For healthy refreshment try out organic café and health food shop ‘Feed the Soul’ www.feedthesoul.co.uk

Head for the sea and Dorset’s stunning Jurassic coastline

After a good walk there’s a wide choice of fishy eats:

Slader’s Yard at West Bay www.sladersyard.co.uk
The Hive Café at Burton Bradstock www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
The Crab House Café near Weymouth www.crabhousecafe.co.uk or The Parlour Café, Bredy Farm, Bridport www.bredyfarm.com

Boho Bruton

Drive over to ancient, boho Bruton with its eclectic collection of shops. The Chapel provides coffee and lunch (delicious wood fired pizzas) www.atthechapel.co.uk. Alternatively, head to Osips a fabulous farm-to-table restaurant www.osiprestaurant.com or to The Old Pharmacy – café, wine bar and deli, www.oldpharmacybruton.com. Also worth checking out is the nationally acclaimed Hauser & Wirth Contemporary Art Gallery  www.hauserwirthsomerset.com on the outskirts of town.  Another must-visit destination is The Newt, a magnificent country estate (formerly Hadspen House) www.thenewtinsomerset.com celebrating all things local.

Stourhead

Stroll around the world famous neo-classical gardens at Stourhead www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead or get lost in the adjacent woods around Alfred’s Tower.

A Trip Down Cerne Valley

Explore the magnificent gardens o historic Minterne House – home to the Churchill and Digby families since 1620. A few miles on down the Cerne Valley is the prettiest of villages Cerne Abbas, world renowned for its ancient figure standing 180′ high on the chalk hillside. Stop for lunch or a drink at one of our favourite pubs, The New Inn, which quite contrary to its name is the most beautiful 16th century former coaching inn.

Anyone For Golf?

Check out Sherborne Golf Course  www.sherbornegolfclub.co.uk, it’s a real winner and less than a mile away.  A mature and attractive 18-hole course to challenge all standards with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.  Visitors are given a friendly welcome.

Museum Mania

For car enthusiasts, Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford has a glittering array of vehicles and is now the UK’s largest exhibition of great cars from around the world. www.haynesmotormuseum.com

The Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton is as much theatre as museum with a simulated flight deck experience and the largest collection of naval aircraft in Europe.  Climb aboard the first British-built Concorde. www.fleetairarm.com