Tea & stay

It would be remiss when visiting The Old Government House Hotel not to sample our sumptuous, classic afternoon tea, including assorted teas, delicious freshly- baked scones and pastries. Begin the following morning with a hearty, traditional Full English or Continental breakfast – and find some time in between to visit our Spa for a deeply relaxing and restorative treatment.

  • Full English breakfast
  • Deluxe Afternoon Tea

Call +44 (0) 1481 724 921 or

Book
Skeleton and archaeological tools. Training for dig fossil.Simulated same as real digging

Environmental studies centre

Toller Porcorum, Dorchester DT2 0EQ

Natural history, wildlife, archaeology and art & craft courses run all year at Kingcombe Environmental Studies Centre.

Bookings are essential.

Distance: 3 miles
Journey time: 5 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 1300 320684

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Truffle hunting

Truffle hunting

Secret location near Dorchester

Join The English Truffle Company and their truffle hounds at a location in search of this edible treasure. Their truffle hunting experience days include an introductory talk, a pub lunch, 2 hours of hunting and afternoon tea including a sampling of a truffle dish.

Distance: 20 miles
Journey time: 25 minutes

Tel: + 44 (0) 330 1 330 805

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Peony flowers Background
irish craftmsan carving wood

Woodworking

Yonder Hill, Chard TA20 4NL

Attend a green woodworking course at Guy Mallinson’s Woodland Workshop in Lyme Regis, about 15 miles south-west of Evershot. Their green woodworking courses are suitable for everyone: novices and experienced woodworkers; interested amateurs or anyone just keen to try out something new.

Distance: 17 miles
Journey time: 34 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 1460 477771

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Willow Sculpture of a Cow in a Garden in Rural Devon, England

Creative country workshops

West Road, Bridport DT6 6AE

Local artists and craftspeople share their skills at Highway Farm in Bridport, a 25-minute drive from Summer Lodge. One and two-day workshops are available including willow sculptures, hazelwood garden furniture and watercolour painting. These sessions are done in small groups and booking is essential.

Distance: 14 miles
Journey time: 25 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 1308 424321

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bamboo brush on abstract watercolor painting

Watercolour painting

Briantspuddle, Dorchester DT2 7HJ

Marilyn Allis is a watercolour artist working in a loose and impressionistic style, using strong vibrant colours capturing movement, and the energy of a scene. Marilyn hosts studio workshops and tuition close to Summer Lodge and she has exhibited at the RI in the Mall galleries.

Distance: 26 miles
Journey time: 33 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 7789026546

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Colour landsape photograph of carpet of wild Bluebells in flower in ancient hazel and ash coppice with fallen dead wood in foreground. Dorset, UK

Dorset Wildlife Trust

Lorton Lane, Upwey DT3 5QH

The Dorset Wildlife Trust runs a programme of walks, talks, workshops, work parties and other wildlife events. 

Distance: 20 miles
Journey time: 30 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 1300 321329

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Monkton Wyld Court

Monkton Wyld Court

Elsdon's Ln, Bridport DT6 6DQ

Monkton Wyld Court is a one hour drive from Summer Lodge and runs a programme of walks, talks, workshops and courses, and other countryside events.

Distance: 20 miles
Journey time: 36 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 1297 560342

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Plan your adventure

Call +44 (0) 1935 48 2000 or

Enquire now
Children Shed

Family experiences

Fun for all the family at Summer Lodge and in the local area.

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We are proud to be part of a number of select and exclusive collections and memberships that share our values of outstanding service, exceptional guest experiences and generous hospitality.

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London

  • Hotel 41
  • The Milestone Hotel & Residences
  • The Rubens at the Palace
  • The Egerton House Hotel
  • The Chesterfield Mayfair
  • The Montague on the Gardens

Dorset

  • Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
  • The Acorn inn

Ireland

  • Ashford Castle
  • The Lodge at Ashford Castle
  • Hatch Hall

Edinburgh

  • 100 Princes Street

Guernsey

  • The Old Government House Hotel & Spa
  • The Duke of Richmond Hotel

South Africa

  • Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
  • The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
  • The Oyster Box

Botswana

  • Xigera Safari Lodge

Geneva

  • Hotel d'Angleterre

Florida

  • The Chesterfield Palm Beach

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