Winning Gold at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026 was a pretty special moment for us. But alongside the award itself, reading the judges' feedback was just as rewarding.
We're a small, family-run business, and so much of what we do comes from simply caring about this place, its history, the surrounding countryside and the experience we create for our guests. To hear those things recognised by the judges meant a great deal.
We've picked out a few of their comments that particularly stood out to us.
A truly authentic experience
One of the things the judges highlighted was the character and individuality of The Old Forge, describing it as:
“A truly authentic and distinctive experience... deeply connected to its heritage.”
They also recognised the peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere and the way the site encourages guests to slow down, disconnect and enjoy life's simpler pleasures.
We've never wanted to create somewhere that could be picked up and replicated anywhere else. The Old Forge has its own history, quirks and connection to this corner of Dorset, and we hope that comes across in every stay.
Regenerative tourism at its heart
Perhaps the comments that meant the most were those recognising our approach to sustainability and regenerative tourism.
The judges described The Old Forge as:
“An exemplary and inspiring model of regenerative tourism.”
They recognised our commitment to reusing and repurposing materials, supporting local suppliers, improving biodiversity and caring for the land.
For us, this isn't a marketing exercise or something we've added to tick a box. It's simply how we believe a place should be looked after. We want to leave things a little better than we found them, while helping our guests feel more connected to the landscape around them.
A little sense of place
Another comment that really resonated with us was the judges' description of The Old Forge as:
“A memorable, restorative experience that reconnects guests with nature, simplicity and the stories of the Dorset landscape.”
That pretty much sums up what we hope people take away from a stay here.
Whether it's a soak in the hot tub beneath the dark skies at Woody the Hut, a quiet morning in Wheelwrights Cottage or simply watching the wildlife go about its day, it's the little things that often make a stay memorable.
A huge thank you
The judges' feedback has been a lovely reminder of why we do what we do. We're proud to be continuing the story of The Old Forge, building on the foundations laid by our family over the years, while staying true to the things that make this place special.
Thank you to everyone who has stayed with us, recommended us, left a review or supported us along the way. This Gold award is something we'll treasure, and we're so pleased to share it with you.
Sophie & Alex
The Old Forge Dorset
