Looking for a family holiday that's more about campfires than screens, wildlife than Wi-Fi, and making memories together than rushing from place to place? At The Old Forge, families can enjoy exclusive use of our shepherd's hut and Tipi, meet the animals, explore the countryside, and spend their days discovering some of Dorset's best family attractions. From fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast to stargazing from the hot tub, there's plenty to keep little adventurers and grown-ups happy alike.

Looking for a great day out during your stay in Dorset? Just 40 minutes from The Old Forge, Longleat offers the perfect combination of history, wildlife and adventure. From its world-famous safari park and magnificent Elizabethan house to beautiful gardens and woodland walks, it's one of our favourite attractions to recommend to guests and a wonderful day out for couples, families and animal lovers alike.

Not many people know this, but just a short walk from The Old Forge is one of the country’s best butterfly spots. Our chalk downland is home to incredible species including the rare Glanville Fritillary, alongside Adonis Blues, Chalk Hill Blues and many more. 🦋

Every May, the historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury comes alive for its wonderful annual Food Festival — a celebration of local food, community and countryside traditions, just a 10-minute drive from The Old Forge.

From the famous Gold Hill cheese race to maypole dancing, country dancing and the beautiful town parade, it’s a fantastic day out for all ages and a lovely way to experience the heart and history of Dorset.

There is something deeply satisfying about making your own bread — the slow, patient, living kind that takes time and a little faith. Here at The Old Forge we are always looking for ways to be more self-sufficient and connected to what we eat, and sourdough felt like a natural next step. It hasn't always been straightforward, but when it works, there is nothing quite like pulling a warm loaf out of the AGA on a Sunday morning.

The cowslips are out, the lambs are in the fields, and the hills smell of wild garlic and warm grass. Spring has properly arrived at The Old Forge.

Rain stops play? Not here it doesn't. We're in Dorset — we're well used to the odd grey day, and over the years we've got rather good at making the most of them. From pottering around in Sophie's ceramics café to tank museums, luxury spas and proper old-fashioned board games by the fire, there's no shortage of ways to fill a rainy day. So put the kettle on, watch the clouds roll in over the downs, and take your pick.

Witness the magic! We spotted the Northern Lights from our Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve location. Discover world-class stargazing at The Old Forge, Dorset.

Brisk 40-min walk across the Downs to Lore of the Sky, Guy Ritchie’s airfield smokehouse. Oak-smoked food, vintage planes & Dorset scenery.

Ever wondered what happens to all those apples in our orchard? Join me as I share how we press our own juice, make my mum Lucy's famous chutney, and why our free-range eggs glow orange-gold on your breakfast plate. It's autumn preserving at its finest—and it all ends up on your table throughout winter.

Discover the magic of December’s night skies from the heart of the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve. From meteor showers to the winter solstice, explore what to look for in December and why our beautifully dark Dorset skies offer some of the best stargazing in the country.

Take a look at some of our favourite walks — particularly beautiful in the autumn, when the countryside glows with golden leaves and crisp fresh air. Whether you’re exploring with or without your dog, these trails are perfect for soaking up the best of Dorset’s scenery. From National Trust gems to peaceful walks straight from The Old Forge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

We’re absolutely delighted to be featured in the Daily Mail’s list of top B&Bs!

Sustainability has always been close to my heart, I can’t bear to see wastage and there is far too much of it in the world.

We are passionate about soil heath, wildlife, flora and fauna here at The Old Forge. Which is why we are trying to help our ‘horse sick’ pastures as much as possible to thrive with great biodiversity to benefit the soil and wildlife organically and sustainably.

An area of natural beauty, were Thomas Hardy's novels are set. Learn more about why the Downs are so special, and the flora and fauna that thrives here.

Shaftesbury, a charming hilltop town just 5 minutes away, it is famous for its cobbled streets, breathtaking views, and rich history dating back to Saxon times. Well worth a visit!

One of our favourite times of year — the annual visit from our dear friend Tim, a moth expert from Guernsey. So often mistaken for mere fluttering nuisances, moths are in fact creatures of quiet wonder — patterned like tapestries, drawn to the moon, and vital to our nighttime ecosystems. Tim helps us see what the night hides in plain sight: the delicate beauty of these misunderstood visitors