Eat & Drink in Dorset

Iconic 18th-century pub with flagstone floors, no bar counter, fossil museum, and stunning sea views over the Jurassic Coast. Cider and pasties served through a hatch — a true Dorset original.

💡 Cash only. No bar — order through the hatch. The fossil museum in the outbuilding is free and fascinating.

Historic smugglers' haunt with coastal views and a garden waterfall, perfect after a walk on the South West Coast Path.

Unbeatable panoramic views over Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour from its hillside beer garden. The view alone is worth the visit.

Home to the Isle of Purbeck Brewery, this pub offers great ales and a huge garden with views of the Jurassic Coast. Perfect after a day at Studland Beach.

A 16th-century thatched inn just a short walk from the iconic Lulworth Cove. The perfect reward after the Durdle Door walk.

Friendly village pub with a large garden and terrace, just a mile from the beach at Hive Beach. Great for families after a day on the shingle.

Balcony overlooking the harbour and a private beach area, perfect for a sundowner watching the boats come in.

Located right on the historic Cobb harbour, offering classic pub fare with unbeatable sea views. Watch the waves break over the Cobb wall.

A traditional Palmers Brewery pub tucked away in the old town, known for its real ales and welcoming atmosphere.

A lively, family-friendly pub in the heart of Swanage with a great range of ales and live music most weekends.

A 16th-century coaching inn with flagstone floors, oak beams, and a connection to Thomas Hardy's novels. Featured as the 'Sow and Acorn' in Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

💡 Accommodation available. Book well in advance for weekends.

An 18th-century thatched pub in the Piddle Valley, run by an owner-chef serving innovative, seasonal food. One of the highest-rated pubs in Dorset.

Gold winner of Dorset Tourism Awards' Best Pub 2025. A 17th-century freehouse with an award-winning menu and artisan store.

A community-owned pub in the historic village of Tolpuddle, paying homage to the six farm labourers and trade union pioneers — the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

A rustic 17th-century inn with modern British cuisine, ideally located for fans of Thomas Hardy's Dorset.

A 17th-century thatched pub that once hosted Cromwell's troops, serving local ales and home-cooked food.

A classic country pub known for its exceptional food and beautiful beer garden, a true 'Dorset gem'.

A 16th-century coaching inn in the shadow of the Cerne Abbas Giant, offering seasonal, high-quality dishes and accommodation.

A charming 18th-century thatched pub with a cosy interior, real fire, and a large garden.

A community-driven inn offering straightforward, hearty fare with a modern twist in a very dog-friendly atmosphere.

A beautiful pub in a lovely village with a sweet courtyard garden and friendly, helpful staff.

Home of the World Nettle Eating Competition, a quirky pub with a great sense of fun and community. A true Dorset original.

A historic cob and thatch pub in the uniquely planned village of Milton Abbas, a true Dorset gem.

A premium gastropub offering fine dining and stylish rooms in a picturesque village setting. One of the finest dining pubs in Dorset.

A bronze award winner at the Dorset Tourism Awards, this country pub is among the top three in the county. Stunning location in the Piddle Valley.

Named among the best pubs in England, offering a warm welcome and great food in a quiet village setting near the coast.

A historic 16th-century inn deep in the hills near Bridport, with characterful rooms and superb Sunday lunches.

A stunning 17th-century pub in the idyllic village of Cranborne, with nine letting rooms and a focus on local ingredients.

A chic yet traditional pub with boutique rooms, original beams, and fireplaces. A destination dining pub in north Dorset.

A beautiful thatched flint-stone building in a rural village, run by experienced landlords for over 40 years.

A stylish gastropub with rooms in the beautiful village of Fontmell Magna, known for its excellent food and drink.

A warm and welcoming pub in a beautiful village, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious sticky toffee pudding.

A proper olde world free house in Sherborne, serving a wide range of local and national ales and home-cooked food.

A proper drinkers' pub in the heart of Dorchester with a great selection of ales and a warm welcome for dogs.

With a garden overlooking the castle ruins and steam railway, many call it 'the best pub garden in Dorset'.

Reputed to be the oldest pub in the village, a charming 16th-century free house with original features and an open fire.

Arguably one of the most beautiful pub-restaurants in Dorset, situated on the picturesque Wareham Quay.

Winner of Best Community Pub at the Great British Pub Awards 2025, a hub for live music and the local arts scene.

A traditional village pub with a 'swashbuckling' atmosphere, great cask ales, and a welcoming, dog-friendly vibe.

The smallest pub in East Dorset but with the biggest welcome, known for its folk nights and traditional ales.

A beautifully renovated pub near Christchurch and the New Forest, serving refined pub classics and local seafood.

A lovely thatched pub in a quiet village, known for its excellent food and beautiful beer garden.

A cosy, thatched pub run by a Michelin-trained chef, offering high-class dishes at reasonable prices (2 courses from £30).

💡 Book ahead — this tiny gem fills up fast.

A community-owned pub with a warm welcome, great beer, and a lovely garden in the heart of Hardy country.