The Benett Arms

If your ideal getaway involves a pint of local ale, a hearty homemade dinner and a countryside walk straight from the pub, The Benett Arms could be just the ticket.

Dating back to the 17th century, this characterful free house sits in the village of Semley, around three miles north of Shaftesbury and close to the Dorset-Wiltshire border. It’s a proper community pub rather than a hotel that happens to have a bar, with a friendly atmosphere, local ales and cider, home-cooked food and four comfortable guest rooms upstairs.

Dogs are very much part of the welcome. The pub describes itself as family and dog friendly, so there’s no need to leave your best friend behind while you enjoy a meal or a drink. The surrounding countryside is ideal for stretching four legs, with rolling hills, quiet lanes and protected landscapes providing plenty of opportunities to get out and explore.

Staying overnight gives you the chance to make the most of the pub’s relaxed pace. There are four bookable rooms accommodating up to nine guests in total, all with en-suite facilities, while the Shepherd’s Hut offers something a little different for anyone fancying a cosy glamping-style escape. Guests also have access to the garden, free private parking and Wi-Fi, with a full English or Irish breakfast included each morning.

Food is a big part of the experience. Everything is homemade, with the kitchen using local suppliers wherever possible. Depending on when you visit, you might find a traditional Sunday roast, freshly battered haddock and homemade chips on Fish Fryday, or the Wednesday steak night. There’s also a regularly changing specials board, so there should be plenty of reason to linger over dinner rather than heading straight back to your room.

The location is particularly handy for exploring some of Wiltshire and Dorset’s best-known attractions. Wander the famous cobbles of Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill, explore the gardens at Stourhead, discover the ruins of Wardour Castle or make a day of it at Longleat Safari Park. Stonehenge is also within easy reach, while the Jurassic Coast provides a spectacular coastal day out when you fancy swapping rolling countryside for sea views.

For walkers, the surrounding countryside is arguably the biggest attraction. Semley sits in a wonderfully rural part of the country, away from the bustle of the larger tourist towns. It’s the sort of place where a morning walk can turn into a leisurely afternoon, particularly when there’s a welcoming pub waiting at the end of it.

There’s plenty happening at the Benett Arms too, from quiz nights and folk music sessions to regular food specials and community events. The pub also has an event space, marquee, beer garden and private dining area, making it a useful option for celebrations and gatherings as well as overnight stays.