"Excellent food even though it was almost the closed season."
Peter from United Kingdom
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"We also enjoyed the home made food she had cooked herself."
Vivien from United Kingdom
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"An amazing little place for me and the doggoes to stay while walking bits of the SWCP and ridgeway :)"
Christopher from United Kingdom
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"Best steak pie we have had for a very long time."
Gwyn from United Kingdom
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"And awesome food ?."
Voyager38602021277 from United Kingdom
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Historical Coaching Inn with Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Abbotsbury
Dining and Entertainment
The on-site pub hosts live entertainment regularly, offering an informal and engaging dining experience. The restaurant serves British cuisine prepared with local ingredients, including generous portions for Sunday lunch. Guests can enjoy meals in the cozy bar area or the garden conservatory, with scenic views toward St Catherine's Chapel.
Accommodations
The hotel offers recently renovated rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and garden views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries, with carpeted floors and seating areas. Select rooms feature large baths and views of St Catherine's Chapel.
Location and Activities
The hotel is situated directly on the South West Coast Path, within walking distance of Chesil Beach and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Guests can borrow bicycles free of charge to explore the surrounding countryside and coastal paths. Nearby attractions include St Catherine's Chapel, Weymouth Harbour (16 km), and Portland Castle (19 km).
Hotel Amenities
Free parking is available at the rear of the hotel, with accessible parking spaces for disabled guests. The property has a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a shared lounge/TV area. A picnic area in the garden provides outdoor seating, and full-day security with CCTV operates around the building.
Pet-Friendly Hotel
The Ilchester Arms welcomes pets throughout the hotel, including the pub and garden areas. The resident dogs often greet guests, creating a homey atmosphere for animal lovers. Pet owners can enjoy walking routes directly from the hotel to the coast and countryside without a car.
Highlights
Location: On the South West Coast Path, 2.7 km from Chesil Beach
Dining: Pub with live entertainment and local-ingredient British cuisine
Rooms: Renovated with private bathrooms and garden views
Activities: Free bicycle rental for coastal exploration
Pet-Friendly: Pets welcome in all areas, resident dogs on site
Parking: Free on-site parking with accessible spaces
Must-do experiences
Visit the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens for a serene stroll.
Taste the homemade ice cream at the famous Abbotsbury Ice Cream.
Explore the stunning St Catherine's Chapel for breathtaking views.
Don't miss the Swannery to see nesting mute swans in spring.
Savor fresh seafood at the Crustacean seafood restaurant nearby.
Select your room type
The Ilchester Arms features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
13 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Large Double Room
2 persons
1 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Fireplace
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
Facilities
The Ilchester Arms provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Nice
6.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Darts
Fishing
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Air conditioning
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
CD player
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
The Ilchester Arms: Location in England
9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JR,
Map view
City landmarks
Nature reserve
Abbotsbury Swannery
920 m
Garden
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
1.46 km
Church
St Catherine's Chapel
740 m
Landmark
Abbotsbury
790 m
Landmark
Abbotsbury Castle
2.4 km
Landmark
The Grey Mare and her Colts
2.52 km
Landmark
Kingston Russell Stone Circle
2.49 km
Landmark
St.Luke's Chapel
2.98 km
Landmark
Hell Stone
3.21 km
Landmark
Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve
3.33 km
Landmark
Dorset AONB
4.24 km
Landmark
Littlebredy Walled Gardens
3.87 km
Landmark
Black Down
4.18 km
Art object
Hardy Monument
4.27 km
Landmark
The Village Blacksmith
4.78 km
Nearby
Church Street
Abbotsbury Abbey
250 m
Gallery
Dansel Gallery
160 m
Farm
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
220 m
Church
St Nicholas Church
580 m
Restaurants
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
30 m
9 Market Street
The Old School House Tea Rooms
50 m
1 Back Street
The Bellenie's Bakehouse
30 m
11 Market Street
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights
120 m
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights 14 Rodden Row
Explore Abbotsbury
Explore Abbotsbury
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Abbotsbury Swannery
12 minutes' walk
Home to over 600 swans, the Swannery offers observation opportunities, feeding sessions, and family-friendly activities.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
18 minutes' walk
A botanical paradise featuring exotic plants, unique landscapes, and an award-winning café. Guided tours available.
St Catherine's Chapel
9 minutes' walk
A stunning medieval chapel with panoramic views of the countryside, ideal for photographers and history enthusiasts.
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
3 minutes' walk
A fun-filled farm where children can interact with animals, enjoy play areas, and participate in seasonal events.
Chesil Beach
15 minutes' drive
Perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, or enjoying water sports. Rentals available for kayaking and paddleboarding year-round.
Yoga Classes
10 minutes' drive
Local studios offer relaxing yoga sessions suitable for all levels. Classes available throughout the week; inquire at reception.
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
1 minute's walk
A cozy atmosphere featuring classic British cuisine. Signature dishes include locally sourced lamb and fresh seasonal vegetables.
The Old School House Tea Rooms
1 minute's walk
Charming tea room serving homemade cakes and traditional afternoon tea. Offers vegetarian options; reservations recommended.
Dansel Gallery
2 minutes' walk
A local art gallery exhibiting works from regional artists. Frequent exhibitions and events, including art workshops.
Abbotsbury Village Hall
10 minutes' walk
Hosts community events and entertainment ranging from film screenings to live performances, suitable for all ages.
Getting around England
City Centre
Abbotsbury 2 min · 100 m
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 101 min · 66.8 km
Exeter International (EXT) 107 min · 71.2 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
8
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Ilchester Arms.
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
7.5/10
Comfort
7.3/10
Facilities
6.8/10
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.0/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.3/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Delicious meals
Charming decor
Cons
Maintenance issues
Noise disturbances
Shower problems
Inconsistent service
Guest reviews
based on 566 reviews
7.6/10
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.
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