Here are a few ideas for places to visit around Golden Acre. Almost all locations are dog friendly but please check the websites for confirmation.
Downhouse Farm Cafe
Just a 20 minute stroll across Eype downs this farm cafe serves freshly produced organic food from lunch through to early evenings. We can vouch from personnal experience that Downhouse Cafe serve one of the best if not the best Cream Teas you will ever have the pleasure of. But don't take our word for it, stroll across the valley and relax with the paper for a few minutes.....and of course your dogs are welcome!!
Downhouse Farm
The New Inn
Within 200 meters of Golden Acre is the Eype village pub. Dogs are always welcome and with a good selection of food and ale this is a great place to eat and relax of an evening.
The New Inn
The Eypes Mouth Hotel
200 metres towards the beach is The Eypes Mouth hotel which contains the 'Smugglers Bar'. Here good bar food is served with a patio area looking out across Lyme Bay. Dogs are welcomed of course. They also have a restaurant open to non residents provided you book in advance although your dogs cannot accompany you here.
The Eypes Mouth Hotel
Bridport Market
Less than a mile from Golden Acre, the town of Bridport has a large out-door street market on Saturdays and Wednesdays which has been active in the town centre since 1253. With crafts, antiques, bric a brac, clothes, household goods and lots of local produce on over 100 stalls there is something for everybody at this famous market.
Bridport Outdoor Market
The Hive Beach Cafe
An award winning and dog friendly seafood restaurant located on Chesil Beach near Bridport, offering some of the best views of Lyme bay. The cafe offers a vast range of local fish. The fish counter is on view as soon as you walk into the cafe and the chefs are at hand to answer any questions regarding the fish on display.
The Hive Beach Cafe
Palmers Brewery Tour
For connesuirs of fine ale take a tour of Britains oldest thatched brewery. Less than a mile from Golden Acre the tour takes you behind the scenes of the processes involved in creating the distinctive Palmers taste. The tour covers all aspects of the brewing including the production of Palmers 'Golden Cap' whiskey.
Palmers Brewery
Broadwindsor Craft & Design Centre
With great shopping for traditional toys, country wines, jewellery and much more Broadwindsor also offers a restaurant and individual craft studios.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Based near Sidmouth about 20 minutes drive from Golden Acre. The Sanctuary is set in tranquil, unspoilt farmland and countryside. There are around 400 donkeys at the site which also has a picnic area, restaurant and fantastic walks along the fields and down to the sea. You are welcome to ramble along with your dog but please keep them on a lead. For more information call 01395 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
The Donkey Sanctuary
Abbotsbury, Subtropical Gardens
A 20 acre site a short drive along the coast from Golden Acre filled with rare and exotic plants. This dog friendly site (on leads please) also has a Jurassic Coast viewpoint, Garden Gift shop and the 'Colonial Restaurant'. Described by Alan Titchmarsh as ''One of the finest Gardens I have ever visited''.
Abbotsbury Gardens
Mangerton Mill
This 17th Century working Water Mill and museum only a short drive from Golden Acre is set in a peaceful rural valley ideal for dog owners. You can take a fabulous walk around the lake and along the river, fish for trout or sit outside and enjoy a Dorset Cream Tea while watching the water wheel turn. Please call (01308) 485224 for more information. Open 1100hrs to 1730hrs Tuesday to Sunday from Good Friday to October.
The Melplash Show 26th August 2010
The Melplash Show is the premier agricultural show in the South West and is a great day out for the whole family. One child is admitted free for each adult ticket purchased. This year's show welcomes celebrity Guest Valentine Warner who amongst other things will be signing copies of his popular What to Eat Now books.
The Melplash Show
Some other events or locations you may also like to visit around the local area.
Bovington Tank Museum, Wareham
The Tank MuseumMonkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Nr Wareham
Monkey WorldForde Abbey & Gardens, Chard, Somerset
Forde Abbey
