There’s something charmingly compelling about Dorset, and its quiet countryside, that once inspired Thomas Hardy, still manages to capture everyone’s hearts. The only thing that could make a short break in Dorset any sweeter is an equally-magnetic place to stay, and we found the perfect holiday cottage in Dorset. Pound Farm Cottage, in the secluded village of Leigh, is the ultimate haven for anyone looking to escape city life; and its proximity to the best places to visit in Dorset will make your getaway hassle-free.
This post is in partnership with Classic Cottages, but all thoughts, opinions and photographs are my own.
As you approach this accommodation in Dorset, country charm abounds as the thatched roof, stone exterior, and gravel driveway combine to give you a fresh take on a quintessentially-English image. The fact that we could see nothing but fields and spent a good portion of our time walking through the surrounding pastureland intensified our connection to the landscape.
For privacy, guests enter this Dorset holiday cottage via the backdoor. This opens to the utility room, which is complete with all the necessary features, a coat rack and a spot to stick your muddy boots – another tell-tale sign you’ve entered rural England.
In the living room, a tall white vase filled with an elegant collection of purple and pink flowers and similar floral curtains and china, pay homage to the countryside. The large inglenook fireplace, TV and rolltop bath are persuasive reasons to stay at this Dorset holiday cottage; but the views of the garden from this room are just that little bit more enticing. Who wouldn’t want to sit outside and enjoy them, accompanied by a warm cuppa and breakfast? I relished these precious moments!
In the fully-equipped kitchen, I was delighted to see that the owners had provided afternoon tea. I’m pretty sure the scones were home-baked – and they were the best I’ve had in a long time!
To start our short break in Dorset off right, we walked for 20-25 minutes down country lanes to the Chetnole Inn; a wonderful place to relax with a drink, views of a church and to meet friendly locals. Be sure to book in advance, as it gets full quickly! Once back in our accommodation, we made a home-cooked meal from the ingredients we brought in the nearby town of Sherbourne before retiring to the elegant galleried bedroom, featuring a king-sized double bed.
Pound Farm Cottage is fantastically-positioned, with several places to visit in Dorset right on its doorstep. The next day, we headed to Thomas Hardy’s Cottage to learn more about the literary genius’s birthplace, before popping into Briantspuddle, a little village full of thatched cottages. If you love quaint cottages, this is your heaven! Keeping with the cottage theme, Lawrence of Arabia’s isolated abode, called Clouds Hill, is also nearby. This is a great place to learn about his fascinating personality.
We drove to Corfe Castle, which is undoubtedly amongst the most popular places to visit in Dorset. We climbed West Hill, which has breathtaking views over the ruined castle. Park up at the nearby National Trust site and follow the signposts to this spot! Then take the path around the back of the castle to arrive in the village. Any short break in Dorset should include time here to watch the steam trains and browse the ‘Corfe Castle Village Stores’. Visiting these stores was among my favourite things to do near Corfe Castle, as they stock over 300 gins. I was recommended the mint cider, and I ended up going back for more!
It’s a short drive to Durdle Door and West Lulworth, where we got lucky with an extraordinarily-picturesque sunset. Parking is £5 for four hours. But one of the most unique places to visit in Dorset is Tyneham Village. Abandoned during World War Two, only derelict cottages, a church and a schoolhouse that displays children’s work now remain. There’s a ghostly and melancholic vibe and to see the homes in a state of dilapidation was very thought-provoking. From here, you can walk to the glistening Worbarrow Bay.
Whether a short break in Dorset means spending your time walking country lanes or exploring its vast heritage sites, Pound Farm Cottage is perfectly positioned for you to do both at your own leisurely pace.
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