Dorset’s Tank Museum offers a unique experience for military enthusiasts and history buffs. With over 300 military machines on display, visitors can learn about inventions, soldiers’ stories, and watch mock battles in the arena during the Tanks in Action show. The museum also hosts various events and family-friendly activities, including science demonstrations.
While exploring Dorset, you can stay at a range of accommodations, including historic hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, and award-winning pubs. Here are some options:
Limestone Hotel: This traditional stone cottage-style hotel offers stylish rooms with art deco accessories and countryside views. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of breakfast options and fresh seafood. The hotel is conveniently located just 5 miles (8 km) from the Tank Museum and near the picturesque Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Countryman Inn: A traditional countryside pub that is dog-friendly and features roaring fires and a cosy snug. The inn hosts events like quiz nights and live music and serves British classics and curries in the dining area. The rustic chic rooms have original feature ceilings, wooden floorboards, and comfortable furnishings. It is located 4 miles (6.4 km) from the coast in East Knighton.
The Greyhound Inn, Dorchester: This centuries-old coaching inn in Sydling St Nicholas offers cooked-to-order pub grub made with locally sourced ingredients. The inn has a wide selection of real ales and wines. The rooms are located in the old coaching block and feature French beds or divans, plump pillows, and vintage accessories. Some rooms are dog-friendly.
Barton Cottage Bed & Breakfast: Located in Broadmayne, this thatched roof bed and breakfast offers two plush and homely ensuite rooms with beamed ceilings and colourful decor. The Garden Room has French doors leading to a private courtyard. The cottage is dog and kid-friendly, and guests can enjoy traditional or continental breakfast in the rustic cottage kitchen.
Beggar’s Knap Bed & Breakfast: A small and charming guest house built in 1881, offering a historic experience with wall tapestries, candelabras, and vintage furniture. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the fireside dining room and book the four-poster bedroom for an authentic historic stay. The guest house provides modern comforts like free WiFi and parking.
The Old Mill Bed & Breakfast: This 18th-century mill offers a unique experience with a garden housing Shetland ponies, alpacas, hens, and beehives. Guests can enjoy honey and eggs from the garden in their hearty breakfasts. The rooms provide home comforts like dressing gowns and tea, and there’s an option to glamp in a restored shepherd’s hut.
The Frampton Arms: Recently restored, this country pub from the 1840s features a tiled bar, colourful walls, and equine paintings. The rooms are located in the main building or a converted barn. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including roast lamb rump and halloumi burger, to be enjoyed in the beer garden. Breakfast options are also available.
The Fox Inn: This inn is run by a family that owns Brewery Farm across the road, ensuring the menu features their own produce. Guests can enjoy classic dishes with exciting twists and breakfasts featuring Dorset sausage. The inn offers bright bedrooms with comfortable beds and local tea and coffee. Some rooms are dog-friendly, and some have window seats for reading.
These accommodations provide a range of options to suit different preferences and offer convenient access to the Tank Museum and the picturesque towns, landscapes, and fossil-strewn beaches of Dorset.
