Find pubs in and near Dorset
See and do it all before you enjoy one of the best pubs in Dorset. Warm, welcoming and cosy, Chef & Brewer country pubs are the perfect place to hang your hat after an expedition into Dorchester, Bournemouth or anywhere else in the region.
Whether you’re here for a countryside getaway or simply want a local pub to enjoy near your home, our staff will get you settled in and serve you traditional food, fine wines and real ale. Relax by the heat of a flickering fire or in the warmth of the sun out in our beer gardens. A little bird told me that you’re ready to experience the rustic feeling of the best pubs near Dorset – so read on to discover the best!
Find a pub in and near Dorset
The best pubs in and near Dorset
Our country pubs in Dorset are dotted throughout the green belt and make for the perfect spot to enjoy an ice-cold beer or a glass of fine wine as you tuck into one of our seasonal specials or enjoy our fresh take on pub classics. If you’re joining us earlier, order one of our delicious breakfasts. Or if you’re coming somewhere in between, don’t miss our lunch menu.Our pubs in Dorset and the surrounding area are a hop, skip and a jump away from all the attractions you could think of. Here are some of our favourites.
A riverside favourite
Visit the Fox & Hounds in Wimborne for a cosy cottage meal in a Grade II-listed inn. Perched on the bank of the River Stour, our pub has a charming rural quality and is a popular stop-off for walkers and cyclists on the way to the nearby village of Canford Magna.
Whether you’re bringing your family, catching up with friends or going it alone, this pub will have you in good stead. With a menu of pub favourites sure to leave you delighted, you can't go wrong with this country pub in Dorset.
Strike while the iron is hot
Originally a blacksmiths in the 1600s, the Queens Head in Burley is a short drive from Dorset but offers an environment that’s just as peaceful and verdant. And if you opt to sit out in our dog-friendly beer garden, you might even see wild horses and ponies galloping past.
Book a table at the Queens HeadVenturing further afield
The hills have pies
Though a little further out of the Dorset countryside, the Cross Keys in Norton Fitzwarren has just as much charm as its neighbouring country pubs. Once the coach house of the Somerset village, this pub has retained much of its 18th-century iconography and overlooks the picturesque Quantock Hills.Settle into a cosy seat and let us wine and dine you with hearty pies, perfectly cooked steaks and more after a day of local exploration and sightseeing.
Charm and tradition
Come and dine with us at the White Rabbit in Hampshire. Browse the charming Lyndhurst village antique shops and independent chocolatiers or take a stroll through the historic New Forest before enjoying traditional pub food – including roast dinners and fish and chips, as well as a plethora of refreshing drinks!
Tucked away in the countryside close to the A337, you can quickly get back into Dorset and explore an array of neighbouring towns and villages.
Your next haunt
Said to be haunted by the ghost of Viscount John Baptiste Du Barre, a foreign noble, who died in the last legal duel fought in Britain, the George Inn is the perfect spot for a relaxing visit. Here you can tuck into pub classics while telling spooky stories by the fire and raise a glass to the rest of the storied history of the region.
Though a little out of the way of Dorset, our pub is located on the Kennet and Avon Canal. So you can enjoy a perfect pint while watching the boats ebb by in our riverside beer garden.
More about Dorset
It doesn’t matter if you’re coming to Dorset for its rich and vibrant history, its natural and local attractions or its towns and cities. There’s so much to see and do, both in the county and around it.
From the prehistoric sights of the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast, the famous Durdle door or Lulworth cove to Brownsea Island, a wildlife sanctuary famous for its red squirrels, Dorset is packed full of nature to explore.
And when it comes to culture, you can enjoy the age-old Corfe Castle or birthplace of the famous author Thomas Hardy. Getting around is easy too, with walks, bike trails and roads weaving throughout the greenery.
Are you ready to plan your next adventure? You’ll need to know the best country pubs in Dorset to better explore this storied county. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our countryside pubs and serving you with freshly prepared food and delicious drinks.