Short break help-Dorset/Devon?

rubia1409_2

Hi All,

I want to take my mum away for her birthday and mothers day, which fall over the same weekend. I was thinking of hotels, but they are proving to be quite expensive, so am now thinking of a holiday cottage.

I would ideally like Dorset, as we had many happy childhood holidays there, although I am open to suggestions. I live in the West Midlands and don't really want to drive more than 2-3 hours to get somewhere. Ideally I would like somewhere where we can do lots of nice walks and then go for a nice meal out in the evening. If the cottage were within walking distance of a couple of pubs/restaurants, that would be a bonus.

Any ideas/recommendations gratefully received! Oh, and if it's less that £200 for three nights, that would be fab!

Thank you!

adviceforall

have pm'd you

Tuesday_Tenor

See an earlier reply re range of farm cottages near Sherborne:

Message No 7 on:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2989724

This is VERY rural, but has good food pub close by, the Hunter's Moon. Although the standard menu doesn't look overly-inspiring, the specials really were very special.

Other places to eat 6 miles away in Sherborne. Also Cerne Abbas and Dorchester.

HTH

Tuesday_Tenor

Futher to previous message - have added another posting on that thread about a few things I did in the area, so copying here:

Originally Posted by melwright
Thanks to your post, we have booked up for a week in the summer holidays. Very reasonable and looking forward to exploring the area!:beer:

Just seen your message - hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Some things I particularly enjoyed and am noting here as not much mentioned in guidebooks:
- Walking to Cerne Abbas via Hermitage, steep path round High Stoy, and then along ridge before dropping down to Up Cerne. (Bus back : only twice a day. Bus doesn't actually pass by cottages, get off where bus turns right (to Glanville Wootton?) and walk last 0.25 mile along road - carefully, as no pavement but fast traffic).
-Bus out to Milborn Port and then walking back to Sherborne via country lanes and past castle grounds.
- Village of Nicholas St. Sydling. Is where bits of 'Far from the Madding Crowd' was filmed - note film-starring gargoyle on the church! Walks from there: saw deer and grass snake!
- Bluebell walks in Middlemarsh woods (but wrong time of year for you, sorry, but sure you'll see other things instead!)
- Museum in Sherborne has a fascinatng 'touch screen' exhibit of the 'Sherborne Missal' illuminated manuscript. (Original is at British Library). Great for a rainy day, and as I was there in April, I had it to myself for ages!
- Indian restaurant 'Paprika' in Sherborne gave us a massive complimentary tray of fruit for being first customers of the evening. But we were there 5.30 p.m. in order to go to a 6.30 concert at the Abbey and sadly had to leave most of it behind!
- Picnic in the Old Castle grounds.
- Love Sherborne: Abbey, cafes and little shops. Great bread stall at market (Thursday I think). The market square (triangle) is where Hardy places a particularly memorable scene in 'The Woodlanders': Giles Winterborne meeting Grace Melbury, while still holding and exhibiting his apple tree!

Yes, will have to go back - but sadly probably not this year.

As I've mentioned White Horse Farm in several messages, I should perhaps point out that I'm NOT at all connected to the businees. I've had one holiday there and think it's rather a special place that people might like to know about!.

HTH !