Yalbury Cottage
Lower Bockhampton is in Thomas Hardy country, and what could be more Hardyesque than this ‘pretty cottage hotel’ in the former home of a local shepherd? More
Good Hotel Guide Review
Lower Bockhampton is in Thomas Hardy country, and what could be more Hardyesque than this ‘pretty cottage hotel’ in the former home of a local shepherd? ‘We have been there several times since Jamie and Ariane Jones bought it, and it remains a favourite,’ say recent guests. Ariane is ‘a warm and skilful front-of-house’ manager while chef Jamie produces ‘unfussy but attractively presented’ dishes, such as Portland crab fritter and Lyme Bay scallop and beef brisket with Dorset black garlic crumb. A ‘very good wine list offers at least three red and three white wines by the glass’, and several ‘special occasion’ wines. Bedrooms, in the modern part of the building, are decorated in simple cottage style and have bucolic views over sheep-scattered fields or the hotel gardens. There’s plenty of choice at breakfast – smoked haddock with poached egg and chive butter sauce, perhaps, or a grilled Bridport kipper. The winning combination of ‘people, food and location make Yalbury Cottage outstanding’, comments one regular reviewer. (David Birnie, Michael and Betty Hill)
Hotel details
Address
Lower Bockhampton
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8PZ
England
Telephone
01305 262382
Bedrooms
8. 6 on ground floor.
Open
all year except 23 Dec–21 Jan.
Facilities
lounge, restaurant, in-room TV (Freeview), garden with outdoor seating.
Background music
‘easy listening’ in lounge in evening.
Children
all ages welcomed, no under-12s in restaurant after 8 pm.
Dogs
allowed in bedrooms, lounge, not in restaurant.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B single £75–£85, double £99–£125, D,B&B single £105– £120, double £175–£195. À la carte £42.50.
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