Summer Lodge Country House Hotel  

Set in the tiny village of Evershot on Dorset's rolling countryside, this four-star deluxe country-house hotel is a classic rural escape. It sits close to Dorchester and within easy reach of Sherborne and Lyme Regis, with Yeovil Junction around a 15-minute drive. Pet-friendly and perfectly placed for exploring the landscapes that inspired Thomas Hardy's novels.

Housed in a handsome manor built in 1789, the hotel has 24 individually designed rooms and suites with rich fabrics and antique furniture. Rooms offer en suite bathrooms with bath and shower, hairdryer, TV/DVD or LCD, tea and coffee facilities, safes and some private balconies or terraces. The property feels intimate and curated, with fragrant landscaped gardens, a croquet lawn and an outdoor tennis court.

Dive into the heated indoor pool or sink into the spa's hot tub, sauna and steam room after a long walk. On-site spa treatments, a fitness room, bicycle hire, a library and concierge-run tour desk keep things lively. Free self-parking and a car park make arrivals easy — and you can wake up to garden views and early-morning country air.

Small meetings are covered with conference space and a meeting room (around 291 sq ft / 27 sqm). Complimentary Wi‑Fi, a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff and luggage storage add practical convenience for events and work stays.

Enjoy inventive menus and local Dorset flavours in the hotel restaurant, then finish the evening with a drink in the bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours for quieter nights in.