Exploring 7 of the Best Pubs in Dorset

With an array of gorgeous beaches and prehistoric fossils, Dorset is a place for the whole family. After a long day of exploring, there is no better way to relax than visiting one of the best pubs in Dorset. 

Due to the stunning coastline and family-friendly activities, Dorset has become one of the most popular destinations for a staycation. Whether you are visiting Durdle Door or Corfe Castle, Dorset is a captivating place to explore.

The Jurassic coast also hosts some of the UK’s most historic pubs to rest those weary legs after a long day. Settle down next to a crackling fire and enjoy a tipple in some of the best pubs in Dorset.

Read more to find out about some of the best pubs in the Dorset area…

The Acorn Inn – Evershot

Located in the small parish of Evershot, The Acorn Inn is a historic pub full of character. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat or somewhere to stay, The Acorn Inn is an ideal location for all.

Throughout the summer months, you can bask in the beer garden with a fruity glass of Pimms. Or, take your friends indoors and get competitive on the skittle alley pub games.

Working with a range of high-quality local suppliers, The Acorn inn offers a taste of Dorset. The menu is a mouth-watering mix of traditional English and world dishes, adding it to our list of the best pubs in Dorset.

Opening Times: Contact for opening times.
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Evershot, Dorchester DT2 0JW
Contact: 01935 83 228; stay@acorn-inn.co.uk

The Anchor Inn – Seatown

Tucked away between the jagged cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, The Anchor Inn is a beautiful hideaway. With a wide selection of Palmers Brewery ales, you can quench your thirst as you listen to the waves rolling up the beach.

In the summer months, you can grab a beachside seat with a stunning view over the Dorset coastline. Whereas, throughout winter, you can tuck away indoors, curled up next to the warm fireplace.

The Anchor stays true to local heritage, serving a mouth-watering choice of seafood. From foodies to hikers, The Anchor Inn can be sure to refresh the weariest of visitors.

Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 – 21:00
Pet Friendly: No
Address: Seatown, Bridport DT6 6JU
Contact: 01297 489215; contact@theanchorinnseatown.co.uk

The Royal Oak – Cerne Abbas

Just a short walk from the Cerne Abbas Giant, The Royal Oak is an ideal stop for many travellers. Sit back, relax and enjoy a cold pint whilst you stare in wonder at the pubs’ history.

With a crackling fire and cosy atmosphere, The historical Royal Oak takes your journey back to the 16th-century. Then, put your feet up and relax whilst you sip on a refreshing Cerne Abbas Brewery ale.

Wednesday evenings also host the local curry night with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available.

Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 – 22:00
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: 23 Long St, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JG
Contact: 01300 341797

The Thimble Inn – Piddlehinton

Placed in the Piddle Valley, The Thimble Inn is a stunning thatch roof cottage that caters for groups of all sizes. The historic decor runs throughout the pub and instils tradition in the food. Seasonal menus offer a range of dishes that showcase the flavours of Dorset.

Four miles from Dorchester, The Thimble Inn is worth the visit for its welcoming atmosphere. The dog-friendly pub offers scenic views and has plenty of room for indoor and outdoor dining.

Serving a range of ales, wines and Fordingtons Premium Gin, there is a drink for everyone at The Thimble Inn.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 – 23:00; Sunday 12:00 – 17:00
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: 14 High St, Piddlehinton, Dorchester DT2 7TD
Contact: 01300 348270; thethimbleinnpub@gmail.com

The Three Horseshoes – Burton Bradstock

The Three Horseshoes Inn is an award-winning pub just north of Hive Beach. Located in the quaint village of Burton Bradstock, you can enjoy the rustic decor or embrace the outdoors under a heated gazebo.

The owners Hannah & Jaap Schep, have a passion for all things food. Using locally sourced ingredients, they offer you an insight into the Jurassic Coast.

Sit down and tuck into beer-battered fish and chips while you refresh yourself with a cold Palmers ale. The food and location of The Three Horseshoes pub are sure to get you engrossed in Dorset culture. The combination of great features is what makes The Three Horseshoes one of the best pubs in Dorset.

If you fancy yourself as a keen golfer, the Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club is just over three minutes away. The Three Horseshoes is an ideal rest stop after an afternoon on the course.

Opening Times: Wednesday – Saturday 12:00 – 23:00; Sunday 12:00 – 18:00
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Mill St, Burton Bradstock, Bridport DT6 4QZ
Contact: 01308 897259; info@threehorseshoesburtonbradstock.co.uk

The Fleur De Lys Inn – Cranborne

Previously known as The Inn at Cranborne, The Fleur De Lys Inn is a 17th-century pub full of history. With Stonehenge and the Jurassic coast a short 40-minute drive, it is a central location for exploring Dorset.

Low ceiling beams and historical trinkets create a warming atmosphere. The rustic food menu hosts some of the Dorsets food favourites. That includes a hearty Sunday Roast with fresh vegetables and homemade sauces.

Whether you are looking for locally sourced meat or some of Dorsets freshest fish, The Fleur De Lys Inn has something to make your mouth water. The high-quality food and ale is what makes this one of the best pubs in Dorset.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 23:00
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: 5 Wimborne St, Cranborne, Wimborne BH21 5PP
Contact: 01725 551249

The Marquis Of Lorne Inn – Nettlecombe

Winning the CAMRA Pub Garden of the Year award in 2018, The Marquis of Lorne Inn is a great place to settle after a long day. The 16th-century inn is nestled in the small town of Nettlecombe, 12-minutes from the lively Bridport.

The pub hosts a range of local Palmers brewery ales and locally sourced ingredients for their menu. Sink your teeth into a hearty meal followed by one of the counties favourite desserts, Dorset apple cake.

With Weymouth, Poole and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty close by, The Marquis of Lorne has something for everyone. The central location allows you to explore a range of activities throughout the Dorset area.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
Pet Friendly: Call ahead to find out
Address: Nettlecombe, Dorset, DT6 3SY
Contact: 01308 485236; info@themarquisoflorne.co.uk

Dorset is a beautiful county to explore throughout the year and putting your feet up in a local pub is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in Dorset. Book now from this range of cottages in Dorset and enjoy some of the best pubs in Dorset on your stay. 

Image Credits – Mr Eugene Birchall – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Richard Slessor – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Malc McDonald – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Michael Ely – (CC-BY-SA 2.0); Philip Halling – (CC-BY-SA 2.0); Jonathan Billinger – (CC-BY-SA 2.0); Mike Searle – (CC-BY-SA 2.0)