"There are areas in the back garden where you can relax and have a bite to eat, as well as guest parking."
Эльвира from Ukraine
read full review
"The room and staff were amazing, great evening meal and company in the bar for the rest of our evening."
Roy from United Kingdom
read full review
"Came in today .march 11th . fabulous service. just been taken over and what fabulous people, friendliest owners and most of all , beautifulist of dogs that they own ❤️❤️."
Voyager38602021277 from United Kingdom
read full review
"We all enjoyed our roast dinners and when we left we were given the Mother's Day bouquet on the table to take home with us."
Matthew C from United Kingdom
read full review
4-star traditional inn in Abbotsbury with coastal views
Rooms
The Ilchester Arms offers a selection of 20 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, combining classic decor with modern comforts. Each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and features amenities such as a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms provide direct access to outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Dining
The hotel boasts an on-site restaurant, the Ilchester Arms Restaurant, which serves a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor a variety of dishes from classic pub favorites to seasonal specials, ensuring a memorable dining experience. An extensive selection of wines and craft beers complement the menu, allowing patrons to enjoy a drink while overlooking the picturesque village.
Location
Situated in the heart of Abbotsbury, the hotel provides easy access to the stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is within walking distance of the Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens and the Swannery, making it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel also serves as a gateway to explore the nearby towns of Weymouth and Dorchester.
Entertainment
The Ilchester Arms organizes regular live music events, enriching the guest experience with local talent and vibrant performances. Guests can also enjoy familiar games at the pub, fostering a friendly social atmosphere. The hotel's proximity to the coast provides opportunities for scenic walks and local attractions.
Wellness
While The Ilchester Arms does not have a dedicated spa, it promotes wellness through its inviting garden space, ideal for relaxation and reflection. Guests can take leisurely strolls along the coastal paths, encouraging active engagement with the beautiful environment. The local area offers various outdoor activities, including cycling and hiking.
Highlights
Location: in the heart of Abbotsbury, easy access to the Jurassic Coast
Rooms: 20 thoughtfully designed guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Entertainment: regular live music events and pub games
“The Ilchester Arms truly shines with its wonderful village setting, making it an excellent base for exploring local landmarks. The staff, particularly the chef, are frequently noted for their genuine friendliness and exceptional service, elevating the dining experience with home-cooked meals that receive high praise. A comfortable bed and the convenience of parking round out the appeal of this charming stay.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukdorset
Select your room type
The Ilchester Arms offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
13 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Large Double Room
2 persons
1 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Fireplace
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
July 2026 - July 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
July 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Ilchester Arms offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
No smoking on site
Internet access
Parking
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Darts
Fishing
Dining
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Air conditioning
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
CD player
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
The Ilchester Arms offers a delightful range of dining experiences, where traditional British cuisine meets rustic charm. Whether enjoying a homemade afternoon tea after a countryside stroll or a hearty steak dinner, the inviting atmosphere and carefully crafted menus promise a satisfying culinary retreat for all guests.
Restaurant #1
British cuisine
Ambiance
A warm and welcoming setting, perfect for casual gatherings or intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Menus include lighter homemade bar snacks and heartier favorites such as freshly caught sea bass. Indulge in informal a la carte dining, with options ranging from rustic seafood dishes to succulent steak dinners. Don't miss the homemade afternoon tea.
Reservation
No
Breakfast available every morning; open for lunch and dinner hours may vary.
The Ilchester Arms Location
9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JR,
Explore Abbotsbury
Local Activities & Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Abbotsbury Swannery
12 minutes' walk
Home to hundreds of mute swans, this unique swannery allows visitors to observe their feeding and nesting habits.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
18 minutes' walk
A stunning garden featuring exotic plants from around the world, ideal for leisurely strolls and photography.
St Catherine's Chapel
9 minutes' walk
A historic chapel with remarkable architecture, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
3 minutes' walk
A family-friendly farm where children can interact with animals and enjoy playgrounds and various activities.
Chesil Beach
10-minute drive
A beautiful pebble beach perfect for walking and beachcombing, with breathtaking views and local wildlife.
Biking at Dorset AONB
10-minute drive
Bike rentals available for scenic trails in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, suitable for all levels.
Relaxing Spa Day
10-minute drive
Local spas offer massages and wellness packages that provide the perfect way to unwind during your stay.
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Offers traditional British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
The Old School House Tea Rooms
1 minute' walk
Charming tea rooms with homemade cakes and light bites, perfect for a delightful afternoon break.
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights
2 minutes' walk
A pub serving hearty meals and local ales in a rustic setting, catering to various dietary needs.
Local Live Music Venue
10-minute drive
Featuring weekly performances from local bands and artists, a perfect spot for music lovers of all ages.
Abbotsbury Theatre
10-minute drive
Hosts a variety of performances, from plays to comedy shows, offering engaging entertainment for everyone.
Getting around
City Centre
Abbotsbury 2 min · 100 m
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 101 min · 66.8 km
Exeter International (EXT) 107 min · 71.2 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Ilchester Arms provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
8
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Ilchester Arms from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 159 verified reviews
7.1 /10
Very good
67 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.6/10
Comfort
6.4/10
Facilities
6.3/10
Location
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Staff
8.6/10
Value for money
7.1/10
Pros
Authentic charm
Peaceful atmosphere
Delicious breakfast
Friendly staff
Guest parking
Cons
Dated facilities
Slow service
Inconsistent hot water
Guest reviews
based on 566 reviews
7.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Seascape Guest House
Oxbridge Farm
West Compton Manor
Cleve Cottage
Dolphin Cottage Lyme Regis
Timrick Lodge
Spurwing Guest House
Massive New 8 Bedroom House Sleeps Up To 21 - Accepts Groups - Great Location - Free Parking - Fast Wifi - Smart Tvs - Sleeps Up To 21 People - Close To Bournemouth & Poole Town Centre & Sandbanks
Wolf Cottage
Panorama House - 400M From Sandbanks Beach
Clare Cottage
Harbour Hotel & Spa Christchurch
Intown Suites