The Old and Little Cheesehouse together sleep 8 comfortably, ideal for larger groups
The Old and Little Cheesehouse together sleep 8 comfortably, ideal for larger groups
The Cheesehouses sit on the edge of Beaminster, an historic Georgian market town in the Dorset hills, with the Jurassic Coast about 20 minutes away. You are surrounded by an AONB and next to an SSSI, up the hill from the accommodation. Here are our favourite walks, pubs, beaches and days out, and what's happening through the year.
ON YOUR DOORSTEP
WALKS
There are more circular walks around Beaminster on the Beaminster Ramblers site.
All dog-friendly, though some beaches restrict dogs on certain stretches in summer, so check the signs.
SPRING (MARCH–MAY)
Mapperton and the Swannery reopen in March, and cygnets hatch from May. The bluebell woods around Beaminster are at their best in late April and May. Abbotsbury Gardens holds a food fair at Easter. In even years, Dorset Art Weeks opens studios across the county in late May and early June (next in 2028).
SUMMER (JUNE–AUGUST)
The Beaminster Festival of music and arts runs in late June and early July. Buckham Fair is in early August and the Melplash Agricultural Show in late August. There are village fêtes and coastal events all summer, as well as the World Nettle Eating Championship at The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, in June.
AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER)
Early September brings the Bridport Hat Festival and the Dorset County Show, then Heritage Open Days. Mapperton's gardens show autumn colour until they close at the end of October. The Bridport Literary Festival is in November, along with bonfire nights.
WINTER (DECEMBER–FEBRUARY)
The Illuminate light trail runs at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens from late November into the New Year. Bridport's Christmas Cheer late-night shopping is in early December, and the West Bay Wallow charity swim is on Boxing Day. Snowdrops arrive in February. Expect empty beaches and pubs with log fires.
APPROXIMATE DRIVE TIMES FROM THE COTTAGES
Beaminster centre – 5 min walk
Bridport – 15 min
West Bay – 20 min
Lyme Regis – 30 min
Dorchester – 30 min
Abbotsbury – 30 min
Sherborne – 35 min
Weymouth – 45 min
Event dates change, so please check individual websites before you go. Enjoy your stay at The Cheesehouses.