"The food was amazing especially the hand cut chips."
Deborah from United Kingdom
read full review
"The breakfasts were freshly cooked to order and delicious."
Sarah M from United Kingdom
read full review
"The scrambled egg. the best I've ever had!"
Sarah Hilton from United Kingdom
read full review
"Proper pub, proper beer and food and a great place to stay."
Tim from United Kingdom
read full review
17th-century family-run pub in the village of Semley
Accommodation
The Benett Arms offers en-suite guest rooms with garden views, each newly refurbished and equipped with a private bathroom. Family rooms are available, and the property also features the Shepherds Hut named Hetty for a unique countryside stay. A traditional English Breakfast is included in the rate, prepared with local produce.
Dining
The on-site restaurant specializes in local cuisine, serving home-cooked British, Indian, and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the menu changes to reflect fresh, seasonal ingredients. The bar offers a range of local ales and ciders, with a roaring wood burner adding to the atmosphere.
Location
Situated in the quiet village of Semley, the hotel is 16 miles from Longleat House and Safari Park, a major family attraction. Nearby highlights include Shaftesbury's Gold Hill and the Jurassic Coastline, both within easy driving distance. Free private parking is available on-site, and Bournemouth Airport is 42 km away.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
The Benett Arms welcomes dogs in designated rooms with an additional charge, making it a convenient choice for pet owners. Dogs are allowed in the bar area and may even receive a sausage at breakfast, as noted by returning guests. The property's garden and surrounding countryside provide ample space for walks.
Entertainment
Evening entertainment includes darts, a board game club, and a regular music trivia quiz that fosters a community atmosphere. The bar hosts a tour or class about local culture, and guests can enjoy live music on selected nights. The 17th-century building itself, with its historical charm, adds to the experience of a traditional English country pub.
Highlights
Location: 16 miles from Longleat House, near Gold Hill and Jurassic Coast
Rooms: En-suite garden-view rooms plus Hetty the Shepherds Hut
Dining: Home-cooked local cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options
Pet Policy: Dog-friendly rooms with no extra basic charge (additional fee)
Activities: Darts, board game club, quiz nights, local culture tours
Value: Free private parking and traditional English Breakfast included
Must-do experiences
Visit Gold Hill for stunning views and a quintessential photo op.
Don't miss the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum for rich local history.
Try the Dorset apple cake from The Grosvenor Arms café.
Check out the local market at Shaftesbury Town Hall on Saturdays.
Explore the ancient St. Peter's Church, a hidden architectural gem.
Select your room type
The Benett Arms features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
65 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room Garden View
2 persons
70 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Comfort Triple Room
2 persons
70 m²
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Benett Arms provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Sports & Fitness
Darts
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Room service
Tours/Ticket assistance
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Beach umbrellas
Entertainment
Garden area
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
The Benett Arms: Location in England
The Benett Arms Semley, Shaftesbury, SP7 9AS,
Explore Shaftesbury
Local Experiences Near The Benett Arms
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Church Of St Katherine
30 minutes' walk
12th-century architecture, beautiful stained glass, and a peaceful atmosphere make this church a serene visit.
Summerleaze Gallery
30 minutes' walk
An art gallery featuring local artists, Summerleaze Gallery showcases diverse styles in a cozy setting.
Old Wardour Castle
10-minute drive
A stunning 14th-century castle with beautiful grounds, perfect for a day out with a history backdrop.
Gold Hill Museum
10-minute drive
Local history exhibits and artifacts at Gold Hill Museum tell the rich story of Shaftesbury's past.
Hiking at Gold Hill
10-minute drive
Thrilling hiking trails with scenic views. Great for adventure seekers wanting nature and tranquility.
Relaxation at Shaftesbury Spa
10-minute drive
A serene spa offering massages and wellness treatments to unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day.
The Benett Arms
5 minutes' walk
A traditional pub with hearty British fare and local ales, perfect for a casual dining experience.
The Ship Inn
10-minute drive
Welcoming atmosphere with a menu of local seafood and classic pub dishes. Reservations recommended.
Shaftesbury Art Centre
10-minute drive
A community arts venue hosting various performances, from live music to theater shows suitable for all ages.
Shaston Social Club
10-minute drive
A lively venue with events like quiz nights and live music, perfect for casual socializing.
Getting around England
City Centre
Shaftesbury 8 min · 5 km
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 79 min · 52.1 km
Southampton (SOU) 106 min · 70.3 km
Train
Shaftesbury T H Train Station 8 min · 5.1 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Find exclusive rates for stays across England now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 3.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Benett Arms.
Review score
Based on 136 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
8.9/10
Location
9.1/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Cute staff
Freshly cooked breakfast
Good evening meals
Comfortable rooms
Village pub atmosphere
Cons
Cold rooms
Shower plumbing issues
Room servicing inconsistent
Guest reviews
based on 221 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
The Seven Stars
Phelips Arms
Bath House Hotel & Restaurant
Heronshaw House
Barton Cottage Bed And Breakfast
Portland Outdoor Centre Hostel
The Grange Hotel Brent Knoll
The Crooked Swan
Langport Arms Hotel
The Kings Arms
Lodge House B&B
The Mitre Inn