Around and About
There are many interesting places to visit when staying at one of our self catering cottages in Dorset, your only problem will be to choose. Our Dorset farm cottages are conveniently located near to Dorchester and many of the countys' wonderful attractions can be found without spending ages in the car. Really close by are some fantastic family attractions : Dinosaur Museum, Monkey World, Sea Life Centre (special discounts available), Tank Museum, Farmer Palmers the brilliant family farm, Hardys Cottage, Athelhampton House and Gardens (Use our corporate card for reduced entry fee + discounts on food + beverages)...............these are just a few ways to make a family holiday really special.
Take a trip on the Steam Railway from Corfe Castle to the seaside town of Swanage, an evocative step into history.
There are breathtaking country and coastal walks, the Jurassic Coast offers drama and beauty as well as beautiful beaches of golden sand. National Trust members benefit from free parking at one of the countrys best beaches...Studland.
Just along the lane visit "Sculpture by the Lakes" a wonderful combination of lakeside landscaping and sculpture by local artist Simon Gudgeon.
There are castles and country houses to visit with many National Trust properties in the area, such as Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy, Hardys Cottage, Montacute and more.
Dorchester has a brilliant new Sports Centre for those who like to keep trim while on holiday, indoor pools and gyms etc..
The local lanes are wonderful for an early morning run, with riverside paths and Puddletown Forest nearby.
Local Pubs and Restaurants
You can find a variety of pubs and restaurants in the area, ranging from bar snacks to fine dining, most offer a wide range of ales and wines, including some that are locally produced, all within range of Hastings Farm Cottages. Here are a few pubs and restaurants nearby:
Yalbury Cottage Restaurant village hotel, fine dining just along the lane
The Wiseman Inn nearby village inn, great food and interesting menus. Special Pie night Mondays... delicious home made pies, drink included.
The Martyrs Inn nearby friendly village pub + restaurant Use our corporate card for reductions on food + beverages. Curry night buffet on Mondays Fish + Chip night Fridays Good food, great value with a drink included.
The Frampton Arms good food in a family friendly inn
The Blue Vinney great for a special meal
The Sun Inn family pub, garden, play area, carvery + great menu
The new Brewery Square in Dorchester has a selection of popular restaurants such as Cote Brasserie, Waga Mamas, Carluccios, Nandos, Zizzi, Pizza Express all around the fun new Fountain Square.
Also at Brewery Square the new Odeon cinema complex.
The Plaza Cinema in Trinity Street Dorchester offers great value and comfort.
There are plenty more available, but these are just a few places for you to consider when you stay at one of our self catering cottages in Dorset.
If you prefer to relax in your cottage with a meal you will find that the kitchens are all well equipped. Why not stock up with some great "cook from frozen" family meals from Cook in Dorchester, seriously good food that's always ready very quickly, especially good after a busy day out with no pans to clean.
There are a host of takeaways in Dorchester from Fish + Chips to Thai and everything in between, many of whom can deliver to self catering cottages.
On Wednesday evening (4:30 -7:00) there is a popular Fish + Chip van in nearby Puddletown so you could collect supper on your way back after a busy day enjoying all that Dorset can offer.
Events Calendar 2017 also see the links page for more
Minterne Garden is a real delight for lovers of the natural garden landscape, especially in the spring.
Mapperton Garden a springtime must visit
Swanage Railway Steam Gala
BMW Concours Rally Sherborne Castle
Sherborne Abbey Music Festival
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 29 Apr - 1 May
Athelhampton Plant Fair an opportunity to buy rare and unusual plants nearby 1 May
Frome Valley Food Festival and Dorset Knob Throwing Contest 1 May
Swanage Railway Diesel Gala + Beer Festival 6-8 May
Springtide Food Festival at Hive Beach 21-22 May
Moreton Flower Festival in the parish church 28-30 May, fabulous display in a beautiful church with engraved glass windows by Whistler.
Baby Swans at Abbotsbury Swannery - Mid May - 30 June....... wander among the nests where the cygnets are hatching
Dorset and Purbeck Art Weeks 27 May - 11 June local artists and gardens open to all, fantastic selection of concerts and events.
Open Gardens, many Dorset villages open their gardens to all as part of the NGS scheme during the summer months
Athelhampton House Classic Car Auction 8 June ...... just along the lane
Athelhampton House Flower Festival 11-15 June
Kingston Maurward Country Fair, just along the lane........11 June
Tankfest 2015 at Bovington Tank Museum, arena displays include the White Helmet m/c display team and much more....24-25 June
Live Jazz in the beer garden at the Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle every Saturday evening in July + August
Thomas Hardy Explorer half day tours, Dorchester Ghost walk or Town Walk early July to 30 Sept
Dorset Seafood Festival - Award winning event in Weymouth 8-9 July
Puddletown Carnival Parade at 5pm - a fun event in the local village.... Saturday 8 July
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - 14-16 July
Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle 27-30 July
Swanage Carnival + Regatta.....a week of events 29 July-5 Aug
Dorset Arts + Crafts Fair 4-8 August Large and popular fair long established in Dorset. Wareham Purbeck School
Live Jazz in the beer garden at the Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle every Saturday evening in July + August
The Great Dorset Chilli Festival 5-6 August a really HOT day out..........
Dorset Food + Arts Festival 5- 6 August at Poundbury
MG Car Rally at Athelhampton House Sunday 6 August
Dorchester Borough Gardens events and open air concerts August
Corfe Castle Open Air Theatre August
Weymouth Carnival + Carnival Night Fireworks 15-16 August
Melplash Show Bridport 24 August Brilliant Country show
Corfe Castle...Stars under the Stars open air cinema August
Athelhampton House Open Air Theatre August
Oak Fair 27-28 August A day for those inspired by the countryside, timber, conservation,crafts and delicious local produce.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair - 24-28 August huge country fair, steam engines and loads more
Dorset Premier Country Show, interest for all ages - 2-3 September Dorchester Show Ground
Athelhampton House Plant Fair 10 Sept
Swanage + Purbeck Walking Festival 17-25 Sept
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival - 11-12 September
Abbotsbury sub Tropical Garden - Floodlights in the Garden 12-29 October
Autumn Apple and Garden Day at Kingston Maurward October...... just along the lane from here
Stunning cliff top walks and beautiful beaches are all close by.
Jurassic Coast & Purbeck Coastal Path
Fossil Hunting
You can attend guided fossil walks and rock pool rambles from Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre all year round. If a guided tour doesn't sound like something you are interested in, there is nothing to stop you from venturing out and discovering for yourself. Fossil hunting is a great way to engage young children in adventure along the coast, the idea of the search, the hunt for something mysterious is always a great way for children to gain that sense of adventure.
Some of the wonderful activities to choose from are always a treat for children. Cottage holidays for all the family.
