The Old Forge

The Old Forge is well placed for hill walks with stunning Dorset views, and it's only 15 minutes from Shaftesbury. My fiancé and I booked the Shepherd's Hut at the last minute for New Year's and had a fantastic, relaxing couple of days. Sophie and Alex made sure we had everything we needed; somehow our two days felt much longer. The hut stayed incredibly warm despite the cold outside. The stove is cosy and very effective, so at one point we had to sit with the windows and doors open for a while. It's very well equipped, with a pizza oven, a grain silo converted into a cool covered fire pit area, and a great wood-fired hot tub. The separate kitchen with breakfast bar is also a great set-up. We can't wait to return, hopefully with friends to make use of the camping space. If glamping is your thing, we can't recommend it enough.

The hosts were incredibly kind and helpful, and had thought of everything for our lovely stay in a gorgeous location. We got detailed check-in instructions, a clear description of the amenities, and tips for local restaurants and things to do.

Quiet, quaint and high quality, this is an idyllic place to stay. Adam, Sophie, Woody, Iris and Bonnie were excellent hosts, and breakfast was fabulous. The fresh yoghurt, apple juice and apple compote made my day. We'll be back!

The fire pit under the stars was mesmerizing, and we had such fun making our own pizzas in the oven before eating outside. We booked the glamping for our 20th wedding anniversary, and it turned out to be a brilliant choice. Sophie and her family are lovely and happy to help with anything. The place feels completely private, with Lily and Shortie, the horses, as your neighbors. Everything has been thought through, the facilities are exceptional, and there’s so much space. Loved the hot tub too. Such a beautiful hidden gem!