The prettiest Dorset villages near The Acorn Inn
Pack your camera and set off exploring the history of the most picturesque villages.
21 Apr 2021
Evershot is one of Dorset’s most enchanting villages. Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy certainly approved, having featured the charming cluster of neat, thatched cottages and bow-fronted shops in Tess of the D’Urbervilles, thinly disguised under the name Evershed. But Evershot, home to The Acorn Inn, is not the only gorgeous, olde-worlde English village in the vicinity. Follow any winding country lane and you’ll inevitably stumble upon an equally delightful, local treasure. Here are the prettiest Dorset villages, each within a 15-minute drive of The Acorn Inn.
Sydling Saint Nicholas
A scenic 10 minutes along the English country lanes leading out of Evershot is the impossibly pretty Dorset village of Sydling Saint Nicholas. With Sydling Water bubbling through it, and many of its pretty rose and ivy-clad cottages reached by stone bridges, it’s utterly picture perfect. The beautiful, ancient church is not its only selling point—be sure to pay a visit to the now-closed blacksmith and bakery for an authentic glimpse of historic, rural life.
Chedington
An 11-minute drive due west of Evershot is the gorgeous little gold-stone village of Chedington, which commands spectacular views across the Mendip and Hamdon Hills. Surrounded by stunning hiking trails, it’s a popular stop among ramblers. Join them for a drink in the beer garden at Winyard’s Gap Inn, a charming local pub with a cheerful menu.
Toller Porcorum
The Toller Valley, within a 13-minute drive of The Acorn Inn, is particularly picturesque, more so for the tiny hamlets of Toller Fratrum, Porcorum and Whelme that pepper it. Of these, Toller Porcorum is the prettiest. The ancient church is the highlight, with its 17th-century bell tower an easy landmark. Step inside to discover what’s suspected to be a Roman font.
Cerne Abbas
The Cerne Valley is best known for its mysterious, ancient, 180ft giant, etched into the side of a hill with chalk rubble. However, it’s also home to some of the prettiest Dorset villages, and nearby Cerne Abbas—13 minutes from Evershot—is a worthy visit. All historic, listed buildings clustered around a 10th-century abbey, it rose to fame for the quality of its beer, brewed at the monastery. The brewery has since dried up, but its three village pubs still pour an excellent pint.
Bradford Abbas
Find Bradford Abbas 15 minutes from Evershot, and once you’ve wandered through it to admire the neat, stone houses and sleepy charm, settle in at The Rose and Crown for a real taste of village life. The Tudor pub is the beating heart of the village, much like The Acorn Inn, and you’re likely to meet a few local characters at the bar.
Charminster
A scenic 15 minutes southeast of The Acorn Inn is Charminster. It has all the trappings of a traditional English village: olde-worlde tea rooms, traditional pubs, pretty gardens, an ancient church and, of course, a haunted house. It’s also the central hub of some very beautiful walks, not least a stroll along the banks of the River Cerne, upon which Charminster sits.
Stay at Red Carnation Hotels’ The Acorn Inn to admire the prettiest villages in Dorset, starting with Evershot itself.
Things to do
From 22nd July
The state rooms guided tour
The 22nd July sees the reopening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace for a limited time only. The event runs across the summer months into October, offering visitors the chance to delve into the rooms and corridors of Her Majesty’s home.
There is also the option to extend your visit to include a garden tour that showcases 350 types of wildflowers, a three-acre lake, and over 200 trees. Why not finish your royal day with a Picnic in a Royal Park, courtesy of The Rubens at the Palace?
21st June - 21st August
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
The RA Summer Exhibition has been running without pause since 1769 and this year's theme is 'Climate'. Visitors can expect a mirage of colour and artistry in a showcasing of artwork in all mediums, including paintings, printing, photography, and sculpture.
Not only is it an exhibition that will dazzle the senses, but the works on display are available to buy with all proceeds going to the exhibiting artists and the RA's charitable work.
Unique experiences
Every Thursday at 6.30pm
Growing underground
Delve into the latest methods of sustainable food production with a tour of this exceptional underground farm. This unique experience is perfect for those interested in sustainability and the changing practices of our food industry. Not only can you enjoy a private tour, but afterwards you can indulge in a meal cooked by our Chef using microgreens collected at the farm.
Bee and honey masterclass
Take part in a honey extraction, tasting, and candle-making workshop with this Bee and Honey Masterclass at The Montague. This exciting experience is like no other in London, offering you the chance to learn more about the vital influence of bees on our ecosystem and our role in protecting them.
After a morning of interactive activities, the experience concludes with an Afternoon Tea on our Leopard Bar Terrace where you can overlook the gardens and hives.
Evershot is one of Dorset’s most enchanting villages. Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy certainly approved, having featured the charming cluster of neat, thatched cottages and bow-fronted shops in Tess of the D’Urbervilles, thinly disguised under the name Evershed. But Evershot, home to The Acorn Inn, is not the only gorgeous, olde-worlde English village in the vicinity. Follow any winding country lane and you’ll inevitably stumble upon an equally delightful, local treasure. Here are the prettiest Dorset villages, each within a 15-minute drive of The Acorn Inn.
Sydling Saint Nicholas
A scenic 10 minutes along the English country lanes leading out of Evershot is the impossibly pretty Dorset village of Sydling Saint Nicholas. With Sydling Water bubbling through it, and many of its pretty rose and ivy-clad cottages reached by stone bridges, it’s utterly picture perfect. The beautiful, ancient church is not its only selling point—be sure to pay a visit to the now-closed blacksmith and bakery for an authentic glimpse of historic, rural life.
Chedington
An 11-minute drive due west of Evershot is the gorgeous little gold-stone village of Chedington, which commands spectacular views across the Mendip and Hamdon Hills. Surrounded by stunning hiking trails, it’s a popular stop among ramblers. Join them for a drink in the beer garden at Winyard’s Gap Inn, a charming local pub with a cheerful menu.
Toller Porcorum
The Toller Valley, within a 13-minute drive of The Acorn Inn, is particularly picturesque, more so for the tiny hamlets of Toller Fratrum, Porcorum and Whelme that pepper it. Of these, Toller Porcorum is the prettiest. The ancient church is the highlight, with its 17th-century bell tower an easy landmark. Step inside to discover what’s suspected to be a Roman font.
Cerne Abbas
The Cerne Valley is best known for its mysterious, ancient, 180ft giant, etched into the side of a hill with chalk rubble. However, it’s also home to some of the prettiest Dorset villages, and nearby Cerne Abbas—13 minutes from Evershot—is a worthy visit. All historic, listed buildings clustered around a 10th-century abbey, it rose to fame for the quality of its beer, brewed at the monastery. The brewery has since dried up, but its three village pubs still pour an excellent pint.
Bradford Abbas
Find Bradford Abbas 15 minutes from Evershot, and once you’ve wandered through it to admire the neat, stone houses and sleepy charm, settle in at The Rose and Crown for a real taste of village life. The Tudor pub is the beating heart of the village, much like The Acorn Inn, and you’re likely to meet a few local characters at the bar.
Charminster
A scenic 15 minutes southeast of The Acorn Inn is Charminster. It has all the trappings of a traditional English village: olde-worlde tea rooms, traditional pubs, pretty gardens, an ancient church and, of course, a haunted house. It’s also the central hub of some very beautiful walks, not least a stroll along the banks of the River Cerne, upon which Charminster sits.
Stay at Red Carnation Hotels’ The Acorn Inn to admire the prettiest villages in Dorset, starting with Evershot itself.
Upcoming events
5th, 6th, and 7th July at 7.30pm
Military Musical Spectacular
The pageantry of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations transcends into July with the Military Musical Spectacular, set to take place on Horse Guards Parade on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of July.
The event will offer a blend of music, fireworks, horsemanship, and the splendour that defines any great British celebration.
10th July
Wimbledon finals
Those visiting London in early July are in a prime position to experience the final of the highly anticipated Wimbledon Championships. This fusion of elite sport and quintessential Britishness comes to an end on 10th July and is sure to be a final of intensity and anticipation.
There are also a number of large-screen livestreams of the event taking place across the city, including St Katherine’s Docks, Tower Bridge, and the Canal at King’s Cross.
Fancy something sweet?
Join us at The Chesterfield Mayfair and indulge in our limited-edition Mr Simms Sweetshop Afternoon Tea, celebrating the nostalgic flavours of traditional British sweets.
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