White Horse Farm

For a countryside escape where dogs are genuinely welcome and there’s plenty of space to explore, White Horse Farm makes a lovely base in rural Dorset.

Set in Middlemarsh, around six miles south of Sherborne, White Horse Farm is surrounded by two acres of gardens, paddock and natural woodland. The setting is peaceful and rural, with plenty of green space to enjoy without being completely cut off from the attractions, beaches and historic towns of Dorset.

The accommodation includes four traditional barn-conversion cottages and Otter’s Holt, a four-star, three-bedroom lodge cabin. The cottages provide flexible accommodation for couples and families, while Otter’s Holt sleeps up to six guests and offers a little more space for larger groups. All the properties have Wi-Fi, with facilities varying between the individual cottages and lodge. Otter’s Holt has its own garden ares, while other cottages have patio or decked areas and access to the larger paddock.

Dogs are very much part of the welcome at White Horse Farm. Up to two well-behaved and supervised dogs can stay per accommodation at no extra charge, making this an especially appealing option for a dog-friendly holiday in Dorset. There’s a large fenced paddock where dogs can enjoy some off-lead exercise, along with plenty of walking opportunities in the surrounding countryside. Walking books featuring dog-friendly routes and beaches are also available for guests to borrow.

There’s plenty for families to enjoy on site too. The recreation room has table football, books, games and a large collection of DVDs, while outside there’s a table tennis table, natural paddock and a duck pond. A dedicated BBQ hut can accommodate groups of up to 15 people, making it a useful spot for relaxed family meals even when the British weather isn’t cooperating.

The location is particularly useful for exploring Dorset. Sherborne is around six miles away, while Dorchester is approximately 12 miles away and the village of Cerne Abbas is around four miles from the farm. The famous Cerne Giant can be seen on the hillside above the village, while further afield you’ll find attractions, gardens, historic sites and the Jurassic Coast.

For dog owners, the area offers plenty of possibilities for days out. White Horse Farm’s own tourist information highlights numerous local walks, beaches and dog-friendly attractions. The surrounding area includes destinations such as Durdle Door, where dogs are allowed, and Maiden Castle, where dogs are permitted on leads.

There’s also flexibility beyond the traditional week-long holiday. White Horse Farm offers short breaks when availability allows, while its barn cottages can be available for longer winter lets of up to five months. This makes the property suitable not just for a summer Dorset getaway but also for a quieter autumn or winter escape. Be sure to check out White Horse Farm’s special offers.

A thoughtful welcome awaits on arrival, with tea, coffee, sugar, local free-range eggs, milk and homemade cake provided in the kitchen. It’s a small touch, but exactly the sort of thing that makes a self-catering stay feel more personal.