The best country pubs in Dorset

The Wise Man Inn is a winning blend of a modern British inn and traditional surroundings. A place where traditional village pub meets rustic gastro cuisine, The Wise Man is set in the heart of Thomas Hardy country, a short distance from Hardy’s Cottage, which is well worth a visit during your time in Dorset.

Its ‘rustic gastro cuisine’ includes both British and international dishes with a twist that changes with the seasons. Diners can expect to find dishes such as pan-roasted pork tenderloin with lemon accompanied with a black garlic hash brown and stroganoff sauce or chicken parmigiana with truffle gnocchi and basil syrup.

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 3.3 miles
Postcode: DT2 8AG

Opening hours:
      • Monday – Thursday: 12:00 – 22:30 (food served 12:00 - 14:30 & 18:00 – 21:00)
      • Friday: 12:00 – 23:00 (food served 12:00 - 14:30 & 18:00 – 21:00)
      • Saturday: 11:30 – 23:00 (food served 12:00 - 14:30 & 18:00 – 21:00)
      • Sunday: 11:30 – 22:00 (food served 12:00 - 20:00)

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes
Recommended walk nearby: West Stafford, Stinsford and Hardy’s Cottage Circular

Two former 18th century cottages combine to create The Sailor’s Return, a gorgeous Dorset country pub packed with character and nooks and crannies to hide away in. This hidden gem is tucked away in the village of Chaldon Herring (also known as East Chaldon), just a few miles from Durdle Door.

Boasting a selection of local ales and ciders on tap, it’s the menu where The Sailor’s Return lives up to the highly-praised reviews. Diners tuck into tasty tapas including such as braised pigs’ cheeks or sample their hearty-yet-traditional main meals, which include local Purbeck Sika venison steak or the shortcrust pie of the day. An excellent gluten free menu is also available.

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 6.2 miles
Postcode: DT2 8DN

Opening hours:
      • Monday – Tuesday: Closed
      • Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00 – 14:30 & 17:30 - 22:00 (food served 12:00 - 14:00 & 18:00 - 21:00)
      • Sunday: 12:00 – 20:00 (food served 12:00 - 16:00)

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes
Recommended walk nearby: Chaldon Herring and Chaldon Down

One of the oldest inns in Dorset, dating back to 1660, The Castle Inn is a traditional Dorset country pub in the astounding area of West Lulworth, just a short distance from the famous Lulworth Cove. Inside, you’ll find a cosy bar and a relaxed restaurant perfect for a spot of lunch after a day of exploring the coast. From either the terraced garden or large courtyard, you can enjoy glorious views of the country from outside the pub when the weather is at its finest.

With a focus on seasonal ingredients, The Castle Inn offers a menu brimming with locally sourced produce, serving breakfasts, lunches, dinners and hearty Sunday roasts. The bar also serves a selection of award-winning Butcombe beer, ciders and classic cocktails.

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 8.5 miles
Postcode: BH20 5RN

Opening hours:
      • Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 23:00 (food served 08:00 - 21:00)
      • Sunday: 08:00 – 22:00 (food served 08:00 - 11:00 & 12:00 - 20:00)

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes 
Recommended walk nearby: West Lulworth, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door circular

The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton is a historic and award-winning thatched 18th-century pub in the picturesque Piddle Valley, just a short drive from Dorchester. Led by executive chef and proprietor Michal Trawicki, the team at The Thimble Inn creates innovative seasonal dishes focusing on the best Dorset produce, suitable for all dietary needs.

This Dorset pub is not only dog-friendly, but features two beautiful gardens alongside the Piddle stream, offering scenic views of the iconic Piddle Valley. With its regular live music, quizzes and a selection of award-winning local real ales from Palmers Brewery, the Thimble Inn is a perfect spot for both locals and visitors alike.

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 10.7 miles
Postcode: DT2 7TD

Opening hours:
      • Monday: Closed (including bank holidays)
      • Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 - late (last food orders at 20:30)
      • Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00 (last food orders at 15:30)

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes
Recommended walk nearby: Piddlehinton, the Piddle Valley and Doles Hill

The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton is an ideal pub stop for families in search of fun. With its five acres of gardens, a skittle alley, a play bus, crazy golf and pygmy goats to meet, this pub has enough to keep the kids entertained for hours.

The pub's delicious food favourites will take you on a culinary journey around the world. From braised beef chilli to nduja chicken and hoisin duck bao buns, the food variety here is great for those craving international dishes with a local twist. Its welcoming atmosphere extends to four-legged friends as well, with ample space for dogs in the garden area, which won the accolade of Best Pub Garden at the 2023 Great British Pub Awards - proving it to be one of the best country pubs in Dorset!

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 17.2 miles
Postcode: DT2 7BS

Opening hours:
     • Monday: Closed
     • Tuesday: Open from 17:00 (Food served 17:00 - 20:00)
     • Wednesday – Friday: 11:30 - 23:00 (Food served 14:30 & 17:00 - 21:00)
     • Saturday: 11:30 – 23:00 (food served until 14:30 & 17:00 - 21:00)
     • Sunday: 12:00 – 19:00 (food served until 17:30)

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes
Recommended walk nearby: Watts Hill and Buckland Newton

The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers, near Swanage, is not just a pub; it's a destination steeped in history and bursting with character. With its low ceilings, flagstone floors and serving hatches, visiting The Square and Compass is like stepping back in time. This legendary establishment is renowned for its fossil museum and stunning views over the Dorset coast, making it a fascinating stop for both history buffs and nature lovers.

The Square and Compass keeps its menu simple with a delicious and filling range of homemade pasties and pies to choose from. It also prides itself on its regular live music performances, as well as its traditional cider, which is also made in-house.

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 19.6 miles
Postcode: BH19 3LF

Opening hours:
      • Monday – Sunday: 12:00 - late

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes
Recommended walk nearby: Worth Matravers to Seacombe and Winspit

With its traditional brick exterior and charming thatched roof, The Langton Arms is a highly-acclaimed country pub that is certain to impress, having won the county award at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023. This pub goes one step further with its cuisine, serving its very own award-winning Rawston Farm meat.

Using local ingredients to transform pub classics, you can expect to find some of the best pub food in Dorset on the menu such as homemade beef burgers and 28-day dry-aged ribeye steaks. They also offer a kids menu, children’s playground and even an afternoon tea selection for those who would just like to stop for coffee and cake.

Visitors wanting to purchase delicacies to take home can do so from the Rawston Farm butchery and shop – with products ranging from their famous Tarrant Valley beef and homemade ready meals to their selection of local deli goods, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Key Information:

Distance from Silverlake: 21.2 miles
Postcode: DT11 8RX

Opening hours:
      • Monday – Tuesday: Closed (including bank holidays)
      • Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00 – 14:30 & 17:00 - 19:30
      • Fridays: 12:00 – 14:30 & 17:30 – 19:30
      • Saturdays: 12:00 – 19:30
      • Sundays: 12:00 - 16:00

Dog-friendly: Yes
Serves food: Yes
Recommended walk nearby: Tarrant Rushton loop

With so many great places to experience and visit across Dorset, from the many scenic walking routes to the country pubs offering wonderful food and drink, Dorset is a place you’ll be wanting to return to time and time again.

With a holiday home at Silverlake, you can return to experience the wonders of Dorset as many times as you like and explore its vast natural beauty at your leisure. Silverlake itself also offers the Hurricane Terrace and Bar, where holiday homeowners and holidaymakers can enjoy drinks and delicious light bites from the rooftop terrace.