Accommodation

Sturminster Newton and its surroundings are an ideal setting for your base camp for a short break in Dorset. When you visit for Sturminster Newton Literary Festival why not extend your stay? We’re not far from the wonderful Jurassic Coast, and not far from the ancient and medieval wonders of South Somerset and Wiltshire. Don’t forget, of course, to explore the rural idyll of North Dorset itself!

There’s plenty of accommodation of varying types. Here are a few places, all either within Sturminster Newton or in easy travelling distance, to get you started.

Inns

The Swan Inn, Sturminster Newton

Address: Market Place, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1AR
Website: Visit website
Email: swansturltd@outlook.com
Tel: 01258 268150

Overlooking the old marketplace, the Swan Inn dates back to medieval times, though it was rebuilt after the Sturminster Newton fire of 1721. The town itself was once home to Thomas Hardy, and with the Dorset Trailway only a short walk away, these days the Swan is rich in history as well as being a popular choice for cyclists, dog walkers and families alike.

In truth, this welcoming pub has something for everyone, with a spacious open bar, a large separate dining area and an attractive secluded courtyard garden. The pub’s seasonally changing menu ranges from light bites to wholesome, freshly cooked dishes using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. And with five comfortable bedrooms, (all dog-friendly) the Swan makes for the perfect pub for a short-break in the beautiful Dorset countryside.


The Crown, Marnhull

Address: Crown Road, Marnhull, Dorset, DT10 1LN
Website: Visit website
Email: info@crownmarnhull.com
Tel: 01258 820224

Established in the 16th century, The Crown at Marnhull is a traditional thatched coaching inn located at the heart of the historic village of Marnhull in North Dorset’s stunning Blackmore Vale. Just under an hour away from Bath & the Jurassic Coast, with the historic market towns of Shaftesbury & Sherborne within twenty minutes.

The Crown is the setting of the ‘Pure Drop Inn’ in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles.


Fiddleford Inn, Fiddleford

Address: Calf Close Lane, Fiddleford, Dorset, DT10 2BX
Website: Visit website
Email: info@thefiddlefordinn.net
Tel: 01258 472886

For those who like walking or cycling Bere Marsh Farm is a pleasant 1.3 miles away from Sturminster Newton along the North Dorset Trailway (a former railway line) and a short stretch of country lane.

Landlords Barrie & Ilze welcome you to The Fiddleford Inn, a traditional pub with four en-suite bedrooms in the heart of rural Dorset.

Fiddleford Inn offers a relaxed, cozy atmosphere with honest pub food, a great selection of real ales and lagers, a large beer garden for when it’s sunny and a roaring log fire for those colder nights.

Sturminster Newton is just a short walk or cycle ride up the North Dorset Trailway – the former Somerset and Dorset railway line.

Couples, friends, families (and their dogs!) are all welcome. Our location is perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside – from Shaftesbury and Gold Hill to Sherborne, Cerne Abbas and Blandford. Further afield, there are stunning natural wonders such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, as well as, of course, Stonehenge.

We look forward to welcoming you!


The Kings Arms, East Stour

Address: East Stour Common, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5NB
Website: Visit website
Email: info@kingsarmseaststour.com
Tel: 01747 838325

The Kings Arms Inn, East Stour Common has always been a pub and is set in rural Dorset, close to Shaftesbury. The original building dates back to the 18th century and provided the starting point for the local hunt.

The pub has been sympathetically extended and opened up to create a light contemporary environment, whilst maintaining a cosy snug around an open fire. Then outside we have a beautiful large enclosed beer garden and a pétanque (French boules) pitch.

The Kings Arms Inn is food led, reflecting the seasons throughout our menus and offering something for everyone. So alongside our world cuisine, the Sunday Carvery remains as popular as ever, as do our home cooked pub classics like fish & chips and steaks.

Plus, as a free house the Kings Arms is able to serve an interesting range of real ales, lagers, traditional & bottled ciders, wines, gins, rums and soft drinks.


The Saxon Inn, Child Okeford

Address: Gold Hill, Child Okeford, Dorset, DT11 8HD
Website: Visit website
Email: hello@thesaxoninn.co.uk
Tel: 01258 860310

The Saxon Inn is the perfect place to stay, whether you are visiting for business or leisure. Nestled in the heart of the North Dorset countryside in The Blackmore Vale, our establishment is a charming destination for those seeking picturesque landscapes and fine dining. We’re conveniently located close to the market towns of Shaftesbury and Blandford, as well as a range of other local attractions, including Hambledon Hill and the River Stour, where visitors are treated to stunning views in every direction.

Cottages and Self Catering

The Victorian Barn, Woolland

Address: Dairy House Farm, Woolland, Dorset, DT11 0EY
Website: Visit website
Email: info@thevictorianbarn.co.uk
Tel: 01258 817501 / 07956 161528

The Victorian Barn is your ideal family-friendly retreat in rural Dorset. Enjoy self-catering cottages with an indoor heated pool, sauna, hot tubs, games rooms, childrens play area and fishing lakes. Perfect for family holidays, romantic escapes, or weekends with friends. Pet free and pet friendly options available.


33, Sturminster Newton

Address: Sturminster Newton, Exact location provided after booking, Dorset
Website: Visit website
Email: Contact via Website
Tel: Contact via Website

A charming Grade II listed cottage in the hub of Sturminster Newton with amenities such as Butchers, Bakers , Newsagents, Pubs & Restaurants.

Easy access to countryside offering stunning walks on Dorset Trail way & Jurassic Coast within 1 hour’s drive.

Comfortable accommodation for up to 6 guests. The cottage has a fitted kitchen, dining room and sitting room with wood burning stove, ground floor cloakroom, upstairs 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms over two floors and sheltered backyard.


Well Cottage, Okeford Fitzpaine

Address: Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, DT11 0RQ
Email: jbjacquibudd@gmail.com
Tel: 07961 156836

Double bedroom suite with separate sitting room/dressing room and en-suite shower room. Tea & coffee making facilities plus fridge with continental breakfast included (cold meats, cheese and fresh fruit & yogurt). 1 off road parking space. £125 per night.


The Snug, Caphays

Address: Caphays House, Caphays Drove, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5LX
Website: Visit website
Tel: 07846-572848

The Snug is the perfect place to wind down and reconnect with nature. Less than ten minutes from the historic town of Sherborne and surrounded by fantastic food and shopping options, The Snug balances complete peace with accessible holiday treats.


Willow Brook Barn, Okeford Fitzpaine

Address: Exact location provided after booking, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset
Website: Visit website
Email: Contact via Website
Tel: Contact via Website

Willow Brook Barn is a newly refurbished 2 bedroom barn situated on a quiet no-through lane in the village of Okeford Fitzpaine. This delightful village is in the heart of the rolling North Dorset countryside at the foot of Okeford Hill and Bulbarrow Hill. Amenities include a local pub, village shop and Post Office. The location is perfect for walkers, cyclists, families and as a base for getting to all the best that Dorset has to offer.


Willow Brook Cottages, Child Okeford

Address: Exact location provided after booking, Child Okeford, Dorset
Website: Visit website
Email: Contact via Website
Tel: Contact via Website

A newly refurbished 2 bedroom cottage situated in the village of Child Okeford. This delightful village is in the heart of the rolling North Dorset countryside at the foot of Hambledon Hill. Amenities include a wonderful local pub less than a minute from the property and a well-stocked village shop. The location is perfect for walkers and families as a base for getting to all the best that Dorset has to offer. Please note, the cottage does not have a rear garden.


Hurst Cottage, Stalbridge

Address: Exact location provided after booking, Stalbridge, Dorset
Website: Visit website
Email: Contact via Website
Tel: Contact via Website

A beautiful cosy 2 bed cottage, set on gold street in Stalbridge. This cottage has the original flagstone flooring in the living room, with plenty of space for 4 people to come and relax in the country side. There is a pub just down the hill from the cottage (not even a 5 minute walk). Plenty of takeaways with in walking distance and an Indian restaurant. There is also an independent supermarket, which has a little cafe inside, as well as having country walks right on your door step!


Cottage, Stourton Caundle

Address: Exact location provided after booking, Stourton Caundle, Dorset
Website: Visit website
Email: Contact via Website
Tel: Contact via Website

Couples hideaway, entirely your own space in a quiet friendly village. Private driveway parking, entrance with steps, situated over owners garage. Covered patio area with table, chairs, views of countryside. Key safe entrance via patio doors into living/kitchen area, sofa, table and chairs. Seperate bedroom with king size bed, bedside drawer units, chest of drawers and large fitted wardrobe. Seperate shower room with loo, basin and large shower.

Glamping, Caravanning and Camping

Featherdown Mount Pleasant Farm, Woolland

Address: Featherdown Mount Pleasant Farm, Woolland, Dorset, DT11 0EX
Website: Visit website
Email: info@featherdown.co.uk
Tel: 0142 080804

Located in a timeless patch of English countryside, you will escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the stunning peace of Mount Pleasant in Dorset. Mike and Anna will teach you all about their family-run farm, home to Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle, a flock of ewes, horses, pigs and a collection of poultry. Your canvas hideaways are in the middle of a glorious meadow looking out over your beautiful surroundings – the ideal spot for a Dorset family holiday.


What A View Caravan Site, Rivers Corner

Address: Rudge Hill Farm, Rivers Corner, Dorset, DT10 2AB
Website: Visit website
Email: info@whataview-caravansite.co.uk
Tel: 07487 781140

Whataview Caravan Site is situated at Rudge Hill Farm, which is a 150-acre working farm in the middle of North Dorset.

Rudge Hill Farm began as a dairy farm in 1978 and was bought by the Rose family in the 1980’s. The business has diversified and the farm currently has a heifer-rearing unit and some arable grown as well as a solar site that supplies electricity to the farm. The farm also has a selection of footpaths and bridleways traversing it.

The caravan site is located in a field overlooking the Blackmore Vale with a view of King Alfred’s Tower in the distance. The pitches are grassy and level to gently sloping. There is a hedge to the rear.


Redlands Breaks, Hazelbury Bryan

Address: Woodrow, Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset, DT10 2AH
Website: Visit website
Email: info@redlandsbreaks.co.uk
Tel: 07551 071692

If you are looking for a place to unwind and relax, we believe this is the place for you! Nestled in our very own secluded Nature Reserve with a beautiful lake, amazing wildlife and plenty of space to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Dogs are very welcome, but on leads please; there are plenty of public footpaths nearby to enjoy and explore.

Showers, toilets, washing up station, communal fridge, washing machine and tumble dryer are just a stone’s throw away from your hut/pitch, and all lit up subtly at night.


For Owners of Suitable Accomodation

If you have suitable accomodation within travelling distance of Sturminster Newton and would like us to include it in our list, please contact us. We’re especially interested if it has any literary connections!

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