Name: The Ilchester Arms
Address: 9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JR
Price range: US$102+
Rating: 8.3

The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Exterior photo

The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Room photo

The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Amenities photo

Key details

About the Hotel

9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JR

Near Chesil Beach

Very good

7.6

/10

4.0

Loved by The Ilchester Arms guests

Comfortable beds

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Delicious food

Great location

"Location is ideal for the beautiful sub tropical gardens, as they are literally walking distance from hotel."

Burke from United Kingdom

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"We also enjoyed the home made food she had cooked herself."

Vivien from United Kingdom

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"The building is ancient, so everything is bent, floors and ceilings, and full of character."

Philip M from United Kingdom

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4-Star Historic Hotel in Abbotsbury with On-site Dining

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.

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.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningGreat Food

The generous ploughman's lunch was so good that we returned for it again! The food is fairly priced and tasty.

Oliver Smith from England

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Guest ParkingEasy Parking

There's plenty of parking available through an archway between buildings, leading to a wide gravelled area at the back.

Marie Dubois from France

Review on

BedroomComfy Bedroom

The bedroom was very clean, pleasant and comfortable. The beds are comfy for a great night's sleep.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

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BathroomHot Showers

It is easy to have lovely hot showers. Hot water eventually!

Antonio Rossi from Italy

Review on

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

Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
140 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Large Double Room
2 persons
15 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Fireplace
room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

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

Facilities: Nice

6.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Darts
Fishing

Services

Room service
Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

CD player

Room decor

Carpeted floor

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

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, DT3 4JR

Map view

City landmarks

Nature reserve

Abbotsbury Swannery

3100 ft

Garden

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

4800 ft

Church

St Catherine's Chapel

2500 ft

Landmark

Abbotsbury

2600 ft

Landmark

Abbotsbury Castle

1.5 mi

Landmark

The Grey Mare and her Colts

1.6 mi

Landmark

Kingston Russell Stone Circle

1.5 mi

Landmark

St.Luke's Chapel

1.9 mi

Landmark

Hell Stone

2.0 mi

Landmark

Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve

2.1 mi

Landmark

Dorset AONB

2.6 mi

Landmark

Littlebredy Walled Gardens

2.4 mi

Landmark

Black Down

2.6 mi

Art object

Hardy Monument

2.7 mi

Landmark

The Village Blacksmith

3.0 mi

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

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
Abbotsbury 2 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

Internet

High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ilchester Arms from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

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.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

8.3 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.1/10

Staff

8.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.0/10

Facilities

6.8/10

Pros

Comfortable bed

Friendly staff

Delicious breakfast

Picturesque village

Good night's sleep

Cons

Dated decor

Overpriced rooms

Building condition

Christopher from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 13, 2026

7/10

convenient location proper home cooking friendly staff outdated room decor outdated bathroom faulty 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 bed local ingredients dietary requirements building 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

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 breakfast parking room home 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

Reese from United States

Single

Twin Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: November 11, 2025

7/10

home cooked home-cooked items private bathroom village center no reply shower inconvenience handwritten 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 2026

Reviewed: October 08, 2025

9.0/10

a delightfully friendly stay

warm welcome delicious food good breakfast easy 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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