Deep in the beautiful Dorset countryside, this inn offers excellent accommodation, food, and service in peaceful surroundings. The Fox Inn is perfect for walking tours and ideally placed to explore the county of Dorset including Dorchester, Poole, Weymouth, Sherbourne and Blandford.
The 11 en suite rooms, including 5 newly refurbished superior rooms offer comfort and peace. A full English breakfast is served in the Garden Room.
The main restaurant has a traditional and relaxing atmosphere, with soft lighting, oak paneled walls and low ceilings. You can also try the light and airy garden restaurant ? ideal for lunch. In the summer there is a large outside patio area in the beautifully landscaped garden.
Hotel Information
The Fox Inn was built over 250 years ago as the home of Charles Hall and was then known as Broadclose. In the last 90 years the pub has become one of Dorset's most famous hostelries. Now under the control of Abi and Ian the Fox has recently undergone a major refurbishment. This has included a new-build state-of-the-art kitchen, upgraded bedrooms, new landscaped gardens and extended bar areas.
Warm, welcoming and always a reflection of the rich, rural life found in the middle of Dorset, the Fox Bar and Lounge is popular with residents, visitors and locals.
Whether you are looking for a refreshing pint of Dorset's most famous Tanglefoot Ale, a glass of fine wine or a warming Scottish malt whisky, the quality and service combined with an air of informality will always be a feature of the Fox Bar.
The main restaurant provides a traditional and relaxing atmosphere in which to dine with soft lighting, oak panelled walls and low ceilings. For a more informal experience try the new light and airy garden restaurant ? ideal for lunch. In the summer there is a large outside patio area in the newly landscaped garden - a real sun-trap.
Surrounding Area
Although set deep in the Dorset countryside the Fox Inn is ideally situated within easy access of a host of diverse leisure activities, some of which are indicated below. However, if taking in the beauty of the surrounding area is more appealing then we have a number of ideas for interesting walks. Just ask for details.
There are of course many beautiful places to walk in the Dorset Countryside. There are 2 ?pub walks' you might like to try. Walk 1 is a fairly level walk mainly across the country. It can be a bit boggy in places so wellies are recommended. It should take approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Walk 2 is longer (approximately 2 hours) and more hilly, but with spectacular views from the Wessex Ridgeway. You can then return through the famous Dorset Gap.
The Tutankhamun Exhibition, the Tank Museum and the Dinosaur Museum are a more cultural option. You could also visit the Abbotsbury Swannery, Monkey World, Athelhampton Gardens, Sherborne Castle.
Outdoor activities include Henley Hillbillies, where you can experience the thrills of quad biking, clay pigeon shooting and even a hovercraft. In addition, Dorset is renowned for its fine array of golf courses, and sea fishing is available at Weymouth and freshwater fishing at nearby Milton Abbas. The towns of Poole, Bournemouth, Dorchester and Weymouth are all within 45 minutes' drive.
Transport
By Car
- From Blandford on the A354, turn right at the village of Milborne St Andrew, following the brown sign to The Fox.
- Turn left at the next brown sign (featuring just a spoon and fork) signposted to Ansty.
- The Fox is located opposite the local post office.
From the London area
- Take the M3 or M27 towards Southampton/ Portsmouth.
- From Ringwood, follow the A31 to Bere Regis, then the A35 to Dorchester.
- Exit the A35 at the Northbrook junction also sign posted Athelhampton House, and follow directions to Piddlehinton.
- Approximately 200 m from this junction, follow the signs for Cheselbourne.
- Drive through Cheselbourne then straight through Melcombe Bingham and into Ansty.
- The Fox is on the right-hand side, opposite the post office.
