The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Room photoThe Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Exterior photoThe Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Exterior photo
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From107US$ /night
Check-in
07May2026Select date
Check-out
08May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, United Kingdom, DT3 4JR
-
Near Chesil Beach
Very good
7.6
/10
4.0
4.0
/5

Dining

The Ilchester Arms offers an authentic dining experience at the award-winning restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced produce. Guests can enjoy seasonal menus highlighting the best ingredients from the surrounding area, paired with a selection of fine wines. The inviting bar provides a variety of beverages, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Rooms

The hotel features a range of accommodations, including classic double, twin, and family rooms. Each room comes equipped with en-suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs to ensure a comfortable stay. Signature touches include tasteful decor that reflects the local heritage of Abbotsbury.

Location

The Ilchester Arms is situated in the picturesque village of Abbotsbury, just minutes from the stunning Jurassic Coast. This prime location allows guests to explore the nearby Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and the popular Swannery. The hotel is also a short drive from Weymouth and its beautiful beaches.

Accessibility

The Ilchester Arms offers accessible rooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs. The hotel features ramps and accessible entrances, ensuring ease of movement throughout the property. Staff members are trained to assist with any specific requirements.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The hotel provides child-friendly services and facilities to enhance the family experience. Kids can enjoy a designated play area while parents relax at the bar or restaurant. The nearby attractions offer fun and educational experiences suitable for all ages.

Highlights

Dining: award-winning restaurant

Rooms: family rooms with tasteful decor

Location: Jurassic Coast and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Accessibility: accessible rooms for mobility needs

“The Ilchester Arms stands out as a piece of Abbotsbury history, a former coaching inn offering a cozy base for exploring the Jurassic Coast. I think its charm lies in the social heart of the hotel; the pub buzzes with local life and regular entertainment. For those prioritizing value and a genuinely British experience, the Ilchester Arms delivers, especially with its hearty meals and pet-friendly welcome.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The Ilchester Arms offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Large Double Room
2 persons
15 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Fireplace

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Ilchester Arms offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Internet access
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Dining

  • Outdoor dining area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • CD player

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Ilchester Arms Hotel invites guests to indulge in exceptional culinary delights, ranging from comforting British classics to fresh seafood. Each meal can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere, whether it's a cozy afternoon tea or a satisfying dinner after a day of exploring.
The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Restaurant photo
The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Restaurant photo
The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British cuisine
Ambiance
A warm and inviting space that caters to leisurely meals or informal gatherings, perfect for enjoying good company.
Key Offerings
Choose from home-made afternoon tea after a scenic country walk, or opt for a rustic a la carte menu featuring freshly caught sea bass and hearty favorites. The bar/lounge offers a great selection of drinks to complement any meal.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Offers breakfast and a variety of dining options throughout the day.

The Ilchester Arms Location

9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, United Kingdom, DT3 4JR
Map view
9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, United Kingdom, DT3 4JR
Nearby
Church Street
Abbotsbury Abbey
900 ft
Gallery
Dansel Gallery
600 ft
Farm
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
800 ft
Church
St Nicholas Church
2000 ft
Restaurants
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
100 ft
9 Market Street
The Old School House Tea Rooms
200 ft
1 Back Street
The Bellenie's Bakehouse
100 ft
11 Market Street
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights
400 ft
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights 14 Rodden Row
Explore Abbotsbury
Your Local Guide
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Abbotsbury Swannery
12 minutes' walk
Home to over 600 swans, the Abbotsbury Swannery offers unique birdwatching and family-friendly activities during the spring.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
5-minute drive
This 30-acre garden features exotic plants amidst stunning landscaping. Perfect for leisurely strolls, with a café on-site.
St Catherine's Chapel
9 minutes' walk
A historic chapel with striking architecture and scenic views of the countryside. Ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
Abbotsbury Castle
4-minute drive
An ancient hillfort with panoramic views, it presents a great hiking opportunity along with a dive into the area's history.
Chesil Beach
12-minute drive
Offering breathtaking coastal views, Chesil Beach is great for walking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Fun for the whole family.
Abbotsbury Children's Farm
3 minutes' walk
A delightful farm experience for families featuring petting animals and play areas. Perfect for a relaxing, sunny afternoon.
Guided Nature Walks
5-minute drive
Local experts lead engaging nature walks through stunning landscapes. Check for booking availability for unique insights.
Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve
9-minute drive
This thrill-seeker's paradise offers dramatic rock formations and stunning views. Great for hiking and adventure.
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Offers local dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Cozy atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a day of activities.
The Old School House Tea Rooms
1 minute' walk
Charming tea rooms serving delicious homemade cakes and local teas. Perfect for a light lunch or afternoon snack.
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights
2 minutes' walk
Quaint dining spot with hearty British fare. Reservations recommended during peak times for spa-cious seating.
The Bellenie's Bakehouse
1 minute' walk
A delightful bakery offering fresh pastries and bread, perfect for takeaway or a quick breakfast before adventures.
Dansel Gallery
2 minutes' walk
A local art gallery showcasing works from regional artists; often hosts exhibitions and events for all ages.
Abbotsbury Village Hall
10 minutes' walk
Host to various events, including film screenings and community gatherings. Check their schedule for family-friendly shows.
St. Nicholas Church
7 minutes' walk
Regular music events and community activities occur in this historic church, making it a great spot for cultural exposure.
Local Pubs
5 minutes' walk
Charming pubs nearby offer live music and quiz nights. Perfect for a casual evening out with friends or fellow travelers.
Getting around
City Centre
Abbotsbury2 min  ·  400 ft
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH)101 min  ·  41.5 mi
Exeter International (EXT)107 min  ·  44.3 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Ilchester Arms provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
7

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ilchester Arms from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Ilchester Arms is often praised for its location right in the Town Centre of the picturesque Abbotsbury, making it easy to explore the village. Many guests have found the rooms spacious and well-equipped for a comfortable stay. While some have noted that the rooms are simple, the hotel offers a good breakfast. You can also have dinner in the pub.
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Review score
Based on 118 verified reviews
7.2/10
Very good
70%
Recommend
Pros
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast
Picturesque village
Good night's sleep
Cons
Dated decor
Overpriced rooms
Building condition
Guest reviews
based on 118 reviews
7.2/10
based on 566 reviews
7.6/10
Christopher from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 13, 2026
7/10
convenient locationproper home cookingfriendly staffoutdated room decoroutdated bathroomfaulty heating
The location was really convenient. I found proper home cooking that tasted amazing!!! The staff were also very friendly. It created a comfortable and cute atmosphere.
The room decor seemed a bit outdated to me. The bathroom also needed some updating. I found that the heating wasn't working properly. I received an electric heater.
0 Helpful
Christopher from United Kingdom
Single
Large Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 05, 2026
9.5/10

Historic charm and friendly service

comfortable bedlocal ingredientsdietary requirementsbuilding character
I found the bed to be comfortable! the breakfast included locally sourced ingredients, something i always appreciate. the staff addressed my dietary requirements with care and attention. the building's character added to the overall experience. I liked the layout.
the shower temperature was slightly variable.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel features a bike storage area. This was convenient for me as i enjoy cycling. the staff was friendly and helpful, and they readily accommodated special requests. the building has a quirky layout. This adds to its unique character.
Location
10/10
The location is central, i easily accessed local attractions. It was very nice! the hotel is located in a quiet village. This ensured a peaceful stay. the setting offered opportunities for walks in the surrounding area. the environment has picturesque scenery.
0 Helpful
|
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emma from united kingdom
Family with children
large double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 24, 2025
9.0/10

charming hotel

good breakfastparking roomhome made food
the staff provided a very good breakfast and were friendly. i was pleased to find there was plenty of room to park. i also enjoyed the home made food the owner had cooked.
the facilities seemed a little tired, and i thought they needed some upgrading.
Rooms
9/10
the large double room was very spacious. it included everything i needed for a lovely stay, and it was clean and tidy. the view overlooked st catherine's chapel.
Facilities
8/10
there was safe storage for my bike, which i considered very convenient. parking was available, and i noted there seemed to be plenty of spaces. the interior was lovely and very clean.
Location
9/10
the hotel is centrally located. the building itself is historic and full of character. this provides easy access to the charming village and the surrounding area, though the parking was expensive.
Service
10/10
the staff were friendly and cute. steve, the chef, was really good and looked after me like family. the bar staff were very attentive, and nothing was too much trouble!
0 Helpful
|
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Reese from United States
Single
Twin Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:November 11, 2025
7/10
home cookedhome-cooked itemsprivate bathroomvillage centerno replyshower inconveniencehandwritten signs
The breakfast included home cooked items. It was a good start to the day. a twin room with a private bathroom met my needs well. the location was in the village center, close to everything.
Communication was not great. Messages sent beforehand received no reply. the shower took a long time to warm up, a definite inconvenience. i noticed some handwritten signs that looked rather poor.
0 Helpful
Mason from Canada
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 08, 2025
9.0/10

a delightfully friendly stay

warm welcomedelicious foodgood breakfasteasy parking
the owner welcomed us with immense warmth. she clearly puts MUCH effort into home cooking delicious food. breakfast was good, and they accommodated food intolerances. parking was easy with plenty of space.
the rooms are simple. our shower pressure was slightly low.
Dining
9/10
the pub features home cooking. roast dinners pleased many. the breakfast included good options. a mother's day bouquet added a personal touch.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel dates back to the 15th century. its historic character has been preserved. the hotel offers parking behind THE building through a stone archway.
Rooms
8/10
rooms were clean and tidy . the double room had a private bathroom. a room upgrade was available. our bed was comfortable.
Service
10/10
the staff seemed very friendly. they were amenable and accommodating. the owner worked so hard. the hotel provided a warm welcome upon arrival.
Location
10/10
the location allows easy VILLAGE exploration. st Catherine's Chapel views were amazing. its central location provides easy access to local attractions. everything is nearby.
0 Helpful
|
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Luna from Spain
Family with children
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:September 07, 2025
7/10
amazing mealgreat companyclean roomlong warmupdated bathroomloud dogs
I found the evening meal amazing. The staff provided great company in the bar all evening. The room was clean and well kept.
The shower took a long time to heat up. I felt the bathroom looked very dated. Loud dogs greeted us on the back entrance.
0 Helpful
Rosie from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:August 16, 2025
6/10
friendly staffdated bathroomyappy dogs
The staff were friendly.
The shower took a long time to warm up. The bathroom seemed unclean because it was dated.. I was met by 3 loud and yappy dogs when I came back in the evening via the back.
0 Helpful

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room