Park Lodge, Dorset

With detailed directions in hand, supplied by the extremely helpful and friendly hostess Hennie, I easily found the secluded entrance to the estate. Driving up passed a farm with its resident calves, cats and partridges I soon found the well-hidden abode, as a rather grand and imposing-looking lodge loomed up before me. Built in the 1600s, the lodge is said to have originally been used as a Dower House for the nearby Lulworth Castle, and certainly makes for an impressive place to rest one's head.

 

The mullioned windows and internal features have all been sympathetically modernised to offer cosy accommodation. Situated on the top floor, the room was larger than most hotel rooms and benefitted from beautiful exposed wooden beams, well-chosen furniture, a mammoth bed (which provided an excellent night's sleep) and lovely views over the charming garden, with its fruit trees and chirping birds.

 

 

A day of exploration began well with a hearty home-cooked breakfast, served up in the cosy country-kitchen-style dining room. Cooked to order, the eggs were perfectly runny and the bread homemade and still warm from the oven. Fresh fruit, cereals and a steaming jug of just-brewed coffee adorned the table – everything of the highest quality and benefitting from a fresh-from-the-farm feel. In fact, what makes the Park Lodge a cut above other bed and breakfasts is the attention to detail and the quality of products used.

 

Surrounded by countryside, and the many attractions of the World Heritage Coastline just a short drive away, the lodge is perfectly situated for both a relaxing break or action-filled adventure. Within easy walking distance is the Lulworth Castle and Park, with its stunningly pretty parkland and lake, animal farm for youngsters and regal Jacobean hunting lodge for exploring.

 

Lulworth Cove is 15 minutes away by car and offers stunning views, tea rooms and the quintessential English coastal village appeal that had me wanting to pack up life in London and buy my very own thatched cottage. Take a walk around the cove at sunset for a truly spectacular view, before heading to a nearby pub for a pint of local ale.

 

 

A slightly longer drive will bring you to the cheeky chimp capers of Monkey World, where stars of the Animal Planet show Monkey Life can be seen hanging about. One of the most scenic drives in the area is down to the gloriously sandy sands of Studland Bay, where even on an overcast day it is hard to be unimpressed by the majestic cliffs and soft, rolling dunes. Don’t miss a climb up to the crumbling fortifications of Corfe Castle, the view from which is one of the best in Dorset.

 

Whilst there are a few good pubs to choose from in the local village to Park Lodge, we opted to head back towards our lodgings and dined in The Weld Arms (www.weldarms.co.uk), which had been thoughtfully booked in advance by our wonderful hostess Hennie. I recommend booking on a Friday or Saturday night as the pub is extremely popular, and judging by our delicious food it’s easy to see why. Definitely one of the best pub dinners I have ever had and portions so hefty that two courses had me stuffed to the brim.

 

With a full belly and several local ales later, it was time to toddle off back down the country lane, passed the impossible-cute calves munching on their hay and back into one of the comfiest beds I have ever slept in.

 

Although there are an abundance of bed and breakfasts and moderately priced hotels in the area, none can beat the fantastic setting, quirky exterior and friendly service of Park Lodge.

 

East Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5QS

Tel: 01929 400546.

Website: www.park-lodge.co.uk

Prices for a double room including breakfast start from £60 per night (two sharing).