It was so easy to add a few days onto a trip to Dorset and call it a mini break. Whilst it seemed excessive to be holidaying so soon after Christmas, I can highly recommend it as the perfect way to ease yourself into the New Year. And the boys couldn’t believe their luck either.

Our first port of call was a pub - it makes sense after all. The Beckford Arms is situated in Fonthill Gifford, Tisbury, Wiltshire (ok so not Dorset but very nearly). In November Reg&Bob took a stand at Clem’s Fair - the most charming event and held in the sprawling home of Compton Marbling - the oldest studio in the U.K producing hand marbled papers and products.

Clem’s fair alone is a good reason to visit Tisbury but a trip to the Beckford Arms is another. Set in the beautiful countryside of the Fonthill Estate, the Beckford Arms is just the place you want to pile into after a dog walk - and of course dogs are very welcome. What you need in a country pub is fabulous locally sourced food and friendly staff and that’s exactly what you get. The teenager’s burger was delicious and they happily made the deductions and additions to suit his food whims! It’s a comfortable, friendly place to relax and there are 8 rooms too - a highly recommended place for a stopover.

So next stop Sherborne, a pretty historic market town with the stunning abbey at its centre. Dating back to 705AD a visit inside is an absolute must and do listen out for the ringing bells. The town is pretty with honey coloured stone buildings and steeped in history. It’s easy to navigate and there’s much to see just by wandering along the main drag - Cheap Street and the many side roads. The range of independent shops is fabulous - I have all the shops one could hope for in London but never enjoy shopping - but here it’s a delight.

And there’s a huge array of places to stay and eat too. I stayed in The Old Dairy a pretty, beautifully furnished, self contained cottage set in the gardens of a Georgian house just off Long Street. I couldn’t recommended it highly enough.

Our first outing to The Cross Keys for supper. This is a really welcoming pub - and the owner is always friendly and keen for a chat. There’s lots of space between tables for Reg and Bob to settle and for my companion to feel Covid safe before her flight home. We both had gin & beetroot cured salmon and Dorset crab & king prawn linguine - absolutely delicious. And a lovely night time stroll back to our accommodation - so pretty and quiet and so unLondon.

Reg and Bob were well catered for with lots of dog walking opportunities. A favourite was a walk by Sherborne Castle - hilly, windy, muddy but oh so invigorating and with stunning views to the town. If there’s one thing Reg and Bob love it’s a muddy walk - but we’re travel savvy with our SoggyDoggy drying kit and a change of collar - so even away from home the muddy dog clean up is a breeze. And what could be better than finishing a walk at the Castle Gardens garden centre situated in the original walled kitchen garden of Sherborne Castle. The Walled Garden Restaurant has the thumbs up for a post-walk slice of coffee cake and the boys loved their bone shaped snacks - but its an outside table if you have dogs.

When you’re in Sherborne you’re not far from the sea and there are so many fabulous beaches to visit all within 30 miles or abouts - Lyme Regis, Chesil Beach, Durdle Door, Weymouth. But a particular favourite is Hive beach situated on the Jurassic Coast road at Burton Bradstock and totally feasible in a day. Managed by The National Trust the beach is shingly but it’s fabulous walking and there ‘s always the non beach option of walking up the headland with its stunning views. After the boys have feasted on dead fish on the beach, the highlight is the Hive Beach Cafe - a fabulously casual but delicious seafood restaurant overlooking the beach. I absolutely love a venue where you can wear your wellies, sit with your dogs and eat great food - this popular cafe is always a winner but get there early!

My youngest teenager joined me for supper at The Plume . A 16th century pub opposite the abbey. This is a spacious but cosy pub restaurant with the unusual concept of Italian mezze style small plates. One happy boy who could order three full-on meat plates with not a vegetable in sight. However the menu for normal folk is varied and balanced and very tasty indeed. Infact we went back again!

And no trip would be complete without meeting an Instagram friend in real life. So it was off to D’Urbervilles for a coffee get together. A lovely cafe with delicious homemade cakes situated within the lifestyle store full of modern and antique homeware.

So after three thoroughly enjoyable days of walks, delicious meals and light shopping (more window than anything else) the boys and I packed our bags and headed back to the smoke - ready to take on the New Year.

If you are thinking of heading this way - I couldn’t recommend it enough. Dorset is a beautiful county and there’s so much to see. In three days we barely scratched the surface but we had a fabulous time and we’ll be back to explore some more.

If you have any Dorset recommendations please let us know in the comments below.

Also not to be missed

Look Like a Right Lemon -designer and Vintage preloved clothing

Tamburinos - the best pizzas!

Digby Tap - a traditional freehouse selling a wide range of ales including local brews

Bramble Restaurant - not visited (currently only open Friday and Saturdays) but definitely on our list for next time

Watch out for

Cross Keys - opening pet friendly rooms - end March. More details to follow

Reg and Bob have fun in Dorset

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