Cumberland House

Top choice in Dorset


Artistry emanates from these history-rich rooms – bright scatter rugs sit on flagstone floors; lemon and oatmeal walls undulate between wonderfully wonky beams. Gourmet breakfasts include freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit compote and homemade granola.

The terraced garden overflows with flowers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dorset attractions

1. Gold Hill

14.56 MILES

The often-photographed, painfully steep, quaint cobbled slope, lined by chocolate-box cottages, that starred in a famous TV advert for Hovis bread.

2. White Spring

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One of Glastonbury's sacred wells, said to have healing powers.

3. Lucetta's House

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Some say this grand Georgian house with ornate doorposts was an inspiration for Thomas Hardy as he imagined the home of the character Lucetta Templeman in…

4. Mayor Of Casterbridge's House

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5. Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

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The centre has engaging displays about the Jurassic Coast and also runs between one and seven fossil-hunting walks a week (adult/child £8/4). They're…

6. Jurassic Skyline

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A 53m tower which rotates to reveal expansive Jurassic Coast views.

7. St Martin's on the Walls

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This 11th-century church features a 12th-century fresco on the northern wall, and a marble effigy of TE Lawrence. If it's locked during normal shop hours,…

8. Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre

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Excellent displays outline how geology and erosion have combined to shape the area's remarkable shoreline. Staff can advise about walks, too.