Acorn Inn review: Stay at a 16th-century coaching inn in Dorset, England

This 16th-century coaching inn, which novelist Thomas Hardy named The Sow & Acorn in his novel Tess Of The D’Ubervilles, comes utterly drenched in history.

Overview Set in the picturesque surrounds of Dorset’s small and quaint Evershot village – from which you can enjoy such gentle English pursuits as countryside walking, clay pigeon shooting and discovering the stunning World Heritage Site that is the Jurassic Coast – it is beautiful, intimate, and boasts a barrel-load of rustic, rural charm.

Wow factor While the cosy dining room and bar takes you back in time with its large fireplaces and low-hanging, wood-striped ceilings (not to mention its menu delights; it was a finalist at last year’s Taste of Dorset Awards), the single lane skittle alley at the inn’s rear makes for a unique and charming distraction.

Rooms There are 10 ensuite rooms each with their own quirky style, design and personality. We stayed in the ‘Tess’, which has a luxurious four-poster bed in the centre of the room, a stylish and spacious mirrored bathroom, as well as a bay window at the front with views out over the village street below, perfect for people-watching.

Bills please Double rooms from £99pn, including breakfast.

28 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset, DT2 0JW
Station | Chetnole
acorn-inn.co.uk