Owl's Nest Cottage
29426.2 miles E of Sherborne | Sleeps 2 (no children under 2)
7 Nights from £366
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
In the heart of Stourton Caundle you'll find this lovely village pub offering award-winning ales, traditional ciders and home cooked meals. With extensive outside seating, courtyard and beer garden this is a great place for al fresco dining.
Nearby beach
Bowleaze Cove Beach nestles into Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast, sitting at the far end of the sandy arch stretching from Weymouth. A sand and pebble mix, Bowleaze Beach is dog-friendly year-round and there are facilities nearby. It is popular amongst families in the summer, as well as anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
November 2024
Not very picturesque
I feel there are better, more scenic beaches in the area. Good views when facing out to sea, but otherwise the buildings and attractions are not very picturesque.
Nearby walk
A circular walk around Sherborne of approximately six and a half miles. The going is fairly easy on country lanes, footpaths and tracks, although there are nine stiles. Park on the road by the church at Haydon village and follow the directions on the Web site.
Nearby town
Deep in the heart of Blackmore Vale, the quaint village of Marnhull can be found just three miles north of Sturminster Newton. There's an assortment of architectural sytles including some houses dating as far back as Tudor times and a variety of small shops.
Also nearby
Visit the world-famous gardens at Stourhead and sit amongst tranquil scenes. Described as ‘a living work of art’, the gardens lead visitors on a breath-taking journey. Spend a while in the 18th Century Palladian villa and Hoare family home, before wending your way around the grounds, falling in love with the beautifully thought out landscapes and classical architecture.
November 2021
Beautiful landscapes to explore
A short drive away and you're in the impressive landscape of Stourhead, with its magnificent trees, lake and iconic garden structures. We visited early November when the autumn colours were blazing. A perfect morning out, whether for a lazy amble round the lake or exploring the footpaths to viewpoints and monuments. Good National Trust cafe and shop too.
June 2021
A highlight of our 5 night stay
We stayed in nearby Nunney for 5 nights. Stourhead was definitely our top pick. On a sunny day it was absolutely beautiful. The scenery is stunning and it was nice to have a well-earned ice-cream in the pretty courtyard of the pub after a good walk. There are plenty of spots for taking beautiful pictures. We'd be interested to return one Autumn or see it covered in snow too.
October 2014
Magical!
This is the most beautiful place you can imagine - the walk around the lake, dropping into the various buildings and grottoes, is breathtaking. All I can say is you really must visit.
September 2013
Superb
A wonderful must in Dorset. Great gardens and interesting house. Well worth a visit.
Crisp white table linen, impeccable service and fabulous food.
September 2020
Amazing Food
If you are looking for something a bit more than pub food you can't beat Plumber Manor - the food is outstanding, very relaxed and in the present difficult circumstances excellent safety measures! Well worth a visit
July 2011
Excellent food in beautiful country house. In all guides. Welcoming atmosphere. A special night out.
A fabulous castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh, so well preserved it remains a family home to this day. There are walks around the lake and gardens and a tea room for refreshments. A tour inside the castle reveals wonderful paintings, porcelain and furniture before going down into the cellars where Raleigh’s original kitchen, family artefacts and archaeological finds from the old medieval castle are on show.
August 2020
Beautiful
The house was closed but the grounds open. How beautiful and tranquil they were. We walked around the beautiful lake then sat under a shady tree with a picnic. We were there approx 5 hours. Stunning scenery and so peaceful. Will go back next year when house re opens.
September 2013
Wonderful
We have had a rare old time visiting locations we have missed in previous years as well as some old friends. This one was new to us and another beautiful location and building. Again we were met with attentive and helpful staff who helped make the visit even more enjoyable.
An exceptional Elizabethan house filled with treasures, including 17th Century textile samplers and Elizabethan art. This house featured in the 1995 film ‘Sense and Sensibility’.
May 2018
Marvellous Montacute
Absolutely wonderful in every way. We enjoyed many hours here. A must visit property.
May 2016
Shame.
A lovely house and location . It was a pity it was spoilt by a very heavy handed and hard sell approach in the ticket office to join the N.T. I had to be very persistent to get into the house and gardens without joining up .
Once we had managed to get in we had another issue with an officious lady in the long room who basically told us off for taking the wrong staircase up . It turned out that a rope had not been put in place . How were we to know! Other staff members tried to make up for this and were excellent but the impression overall was poor.
September 2013
Very interesting
Another West Country gem to consider when in the Somerset or Dorset areas. Although the house was endowed to NT as an empty shell much work has been done by introducing surplus items from other properties and there is a current fascinating exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery which is a must.
A fantastic 13th Century building with 14 acres of exquisite, tranquil gardens.
November 2021
Bishop Palace Gardens and Wells
These are just the most beautiful gardens to wander around, even if you are not an avid garden enthusiast! The bubbling springs feeding the wells and river, the tranquility, the ramparts and the setting adjacent to the Bishops Palace, plus the imaginative planting make it a great place to visit any time of the year - November for us. Right in the centre of Wells too, so lots to explore.
October 2021
A great place to visit
A beautiful garden to walk around with great views of the cathedral.
Wells is a lovely small city to spend the day in.
Make sure you go to the cathedral and Vicars Close as well.
Articles | From around the area
Things to do
Miracle Theatre
Places to Go
Gardens in Dorset
Food and Drink