Where to Stay

Smedmore House

One of Dorset's finest Georgian Manor Houses, with eclectic, magazine-worthy interiors and a short walk from the beach at Kimmeridge Bay, Smedmore House (above) can be booked for short or long breaks. Sleeping 16-22, it's perfect for large gatherings.

The Seaside Boarding House

A charming, cosy hotel with elegant rooms and superb sea views, The Seaside Boarding House is a home away from home on the Jurassic Coast.

The Pig on the Beach

In a picturesque hamlet overlooking Studland Bay, Dorset's Pig hotel - one of eight across England - shares the relaxed, country house feel of its siblings, with an unbeatable location.

Where to Shop

Food & Homewares

 

Niwaki, Semley

'I love the Niwaki homewares shop in Semley. They have an incredible selection of Japanese garden and kitchen tools.' Fred Rigby

 

Ludwell Village Store, Ludwell

'Their homemade marmalade, made by the shopkeeper, Phil, is sublime - only 200 jars are made each season so we stock up for the year. As a foodie, their wide range of incredibly good and diverse ingredients is second to none.' Flora Soames.

 

Famous Hedgehog Bakery, Wimborne

'An excellent bakery and breadmakers in a lovely renovated farmhouse in Long Crichel, Wimborne. They also run bread-making courses.' Flora Soames.

 

Farm Shops

'I love the Home Farm Shop in Tarrant Gunville for fresh produce, or, after a walk, the Chettle Village Shop for their homemade pies.' Fred Rigby.

 

Art and Antiques

 

Sherborne

'I am not a great ‘ordinary’ shopper, but perusing for antiques is my real weakness. In Sherborne, Patrick Macintosh has wonderful Arts and Crafts, and earlier, pieces, while Sherborne is a charming town with good antique shops, restorers and an awe-inspiring Abbey. Blackshed Flowers, near Sherborne, is great for cut flowers when you have pillaged your own borders.' Flora Soames.

 

Great Dorset Steam Fair

'Ultimately, my favorite place to shop in Dorset is the Great Dorset Steam Fair every summer, now back after the pandemic. You’ll find fields of old tools, vintage pieces and all manner of things, it's huge! There are also ploughing competitions, a funfair, steam engines and lots of real ale. It's got to be seen to be believed; it's on the scale of Glastonbury, but a very different vibe.' Fred Rigby.

Where to Eat & Drink

 

 

The Square and Compass

'A wonderful, historic smuggler's pub in Worth Matravers, overlooking the Jurassic coast. This would be my Desert Island Discs' luxury item!' Fred Rigby.

 

The Crab House Cafe, Weymouth

'A great crab and a hammer - what more could you want!' Fred Rigby.

 

Langhams Winery

'A beautiful place to visit; the platters are delicious while tasting the wines.' Fred Rigby.

 

Compton McCrae, Shaftesbury

'A fabulous delicatessen with great lunch (and burgers during the summer) and the best cheese for miles, like their La Tur, an Italian mixed milk soft cheese, which, with a drizzle of their White Truffle honey, is hard to beat.' Flora Soames.

 

The Seaside Boarding House, Bridport

'A wonderful place with great food and incredible views.' Flora Soames.

Beaches & Walks

 

 

Tyneham Village

'A picturesque village, which was commandeered by the army during WWII and never handed back to the villagers at the end of war. Now abandoned, you can walk around the village, tour the different cottages and read their stories. After, walk down the coast path to the beautiful beach.' Fred Rigby.

 

Winspit Quarry

'Winspit Quarry, where we shot our latest collection, is a few miles from the Square and Compass and great for a post-lunch walk. Fun fact: they recently shot Star Wars there.' Fred Rigby.