Key Features
- Property code: CHACTG
- Preferred changeover day: Saturday
- Check in: 4pm
- Check out: 10am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Access statement available
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Dishwasher
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Real fire
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
Chantry Cottage is a charming and characterful period home dating back over 200 years. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet in West Dorset, on the border with Somerset, within Hodgeditch Farm, its rural yet central location makes Chantry Cottage an ideal holiday base for exploring both Devon, Dorset and Somerset. The property itself provides glorious and uninterrupted countryside and river views and is less than a 5-minute drive from the local shop and pub, The Golden Fleece.
This fabulous property has been thoughtfully presented and beautifully refurbished throughout and is wonderfully well equipped to provide a real home from home, offering bright, stylish and generous accommodation for families and couples.
The cosy living room with log burner provides the perfect place to unwind all year round. A small private patio and peaceful lawned garden at the front of the property is the perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of countryside tranquillity, with a haven for local wildlife at all times of the year.
When you’re not being charmed by the chickens, sheep and resident pheasant, you’ll find lots of walks and places to visit in the immediate area, with plenty of delightful walks and bridleways on the doorstep to enjoy. Ford Abbey and Gardens is a short walk from the property which is well worth a visit and not to be missed is the daily spectacle of the highest powered fountain in the UK at 160m. Chantry Cottage also provides a fantastic base for trips to the coast such as Lyme Regis and Charmouth and into Somerset and East Devon, after which you will return home to the log burner, or a chance to see the sun set from the garden.
Key Features
- Property code: CHACTG
- Preferred changeover day: Saturday
- Check in: 4pm
- Check out: 10am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Access statement available
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Dishwasher
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Real fire
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
Chantry Cottage is a charming and characterful period home dating back over 200 years. Nestled in a tranquil hamlet in West Dorset, on the border with Somerset, within Hodgeditch Farm, its rural yet central location makes Chantry Cottage an ideal holiday base for exploring both Devon, Dorset and Somerset. The property itself provides glorious and uninterrupted countryside and river views and is less than a 5-minute drive from the local shop and pub, The Golden Fleece.
This fabulous property has been thoughtfully presented and beautifully refurbished throughout and is wonderfully well equipped to provide a real home from home, offering bright, stylish and generous accommodation for families and couples.
The cosy living room with log burner provides the perfect place to unwind all year round. A small private patio and peaceful lawned garden at the front of the property is the perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of countryside tranquillity, with a haven for local wildlife at all times of the year.
When you’re not being charmed by the chickens, sheep and resident pheasant, you’ll find lots of walks and places to visit in the immediate area, with plenty of delightful walks and bridleways on the doorstep to enjoy. Ford Abbey and Gardens is a short walk from the property which is well worth a visit and not to be missed is the daily spectacle of the highest powered fountain in the UK at 160m. Chantry Cottage also provides a fantastic base for trips to the coast such as Lyme Regis and Charmouth and into Somerset and East Devon, after which you will return home to the log burner, or a chance to see the sun set from the garden.
Front door to hallway and feature staircase.
Lounge with two sofas and armchair, Flatscreen Smart TV with Netflix (available to guests with their own subscription) and Woodburner.
Kitchen with flagstone floor and hand-built kitchen with impressive Rangemaster double oven and 6 ring ceramic hob, built in dishwasher, fridge, microwave, JVC music station and ipod connection, kitchen table and seating.
Garden/play room with board games and Flatscreen TV.
Utility area with tall fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer. French doors to a small courtyard seating area which is sheltered and catches the sun.
Bedroom 1 with 4ft 6inch double bed.
Master Bedroom 2 with King size bed and ensuite shower room with W.C. and wash basin.
Bedroom 3 with 4ft 6inch double bed.
Family bathroom with stylish bath and integrated shower, wash basin and W.C.
Front garden laid to lawn with wooden bench and picnic table and accompanying seats suitable for dining. Frecnh doors to the rear of the property lead to a sheltered courtyard seating area which catches the sun.
Parking for for two cars at the front of the property.
Electric Cars: - Please note that this property does not have suitable facilities for charging electric vehicles. https://www.zap-map.com
- Included: Bed linen and towels, WiFi, travel cot, highchair, stairgate, electricity and central heating (oil). Please bring your own beach towels.
- Telephone: Mobile reception fair to good depending upon network.
- Electric Cars: Please note that this property does not have suitable facilities for charging electric vehicles. https://www.zap-map.com
- Smoking/Vaping: Not permitted.
- Arrival time - 4pm and Departure time - 10am.
- Local Facilities: Beaches: Lyme Regis and Charmouth, 11 miles; Seaton, 13 miles. Village pub, 20 minutes’ walk or 1 mile in the car. Convenience store and post office 1.3 miles. Supermarkets and wider range of facilities in Chard, 4 miles.
The Tytherleigh Arms
(2 miles)
(3)
The former coaching Inn dates back to the 16th century, and it’s one of Axminster’s favourite places to dine out. Its cosy atmosphere, great quality food and service is a hit with everyone including our four legged, furry friends in the bar area. With a separate dining room and outside patio for the fresh air types among us there is something for everyone.
The Tytherleigh Arms Tytherleigh, Axminster EX13 7BE (T: 01460 220214)
Not open very often
June 2022
Pricey but great service and delicious food.
September 2021
Pricey but great service & absolutely delicious food.
September 2021
Fairwater Head Hotel
(4 miles)
Award winning restaurant not far from Lyme Regis with a reputation and awards for culinary excellence and a pleasing atmosphere and ambience to match its lovely views.
Fairwater Head Hotel Scouse Lane, Hawkchurch EX13 5TX (T: 01297 678349)
Barleymow's Farm Shop
(4 miles)
Run by the Burrough Family, Barleymow’s offers a comprehensive, well stocked shop with a wide choice of fresh meats from the farm and locally sourced products along with a fully licensed restaurant . The menu offers delicious traditional home cooked meals including all day breakfasts, hot and cold lunches, snacks and cakes. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.
Barleymow's Farm Shop Snowdon Hill Farm, Chard, Somerset TA20 3PS (T:01460 62130)
Axminster Inn
(6 miles)
The Axminster Inn is a friendly, traditional pub near the town centre with a real log fire for the winter months, and a lovely enclosed beer garden to enjoy in the warmer weather. Offering a good range of real ales and good-value home-cooked food including breakfasts, lunchtime and evening meals and Sunday roasts.
Axminster Inn, Silver St, Axminster EX13 5AH (T: 01297 34947)
The Ale Way
(6 miles)
We love The Ale Way, an independent micropub in Axminster station. Cool, quirky, compact! Dog friendly too.
The Ale Way Station Yard, Axminster EX13 5PF (T: 07488277251)
Forde Abbey House and Gardens
(Less than a mile)
(7)
Dating back more than 900 years, Forde Abbey House and Gardens is a family home as well as a working estate that welcomes visitors all year round. In more than 30 acres of grounds including lakes, the age and beauty of the property is something to experience in itself, with features including the famous Mortlake tapestries created from the cartoons Raphael painted for the Sistine Chapel. You can have lunch or tea in the Monastic Undercroft Tearoom, there’s a gift shop and plant centre for gifts to take home. The property also hosts guided tours and activities for families and children, and seasonal events are organized, so do keep an eye on the website before you visit. Prices start at £12.50 for adults while children under 15 go free.
We did a circular walk via here and was expecting to be able to purchase a cup of tea and cake from their cafe but you couldn’t, you had to pay admission! The long driveway in gave us a good view of the abbey…just a shame we couldn’t buy tea!
October 2023
Beautiful gardens and spectacular fountain.
July 2023
We had a wonderful day at Forde Abbey the children really enjoyed the holiday quiz they had put on and the fountain was amazing!
August 2022
The gardens were beautiful and the fountain was breathtaking. The cloistered cafe served good quality food using produce from the garden.
August 2022
Entrance fees over the top.
June 2022
Visited the gardens. Absolutely beautiful.
September 2021
Beautiful to visit!
May 2019
Chard Museum
(3 miles)
A small local musuem housing collections of exhibits about local history and displays related to the lives of notable local residents. Highlights include an exhibition on the work of John Stringfellow, a pioneer of powered flight.
Click here for further details
Wood House Riding Stables
(4 miles)
(1)
A friendly family-run riding stables offering riding for all abilities including children and complete novices. What better way to explore some of Devon and Dorset’s most beautiful countryside?
Lee & Sarah, help put you at ease with any questions you may have with regards to their horses and suitability.
May 2019
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
(5 miles)
(1)
Caring for unwanted and abandoned animals for over 75 years, Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset hosts activities and events that contribute towards the charitable running costs of this wonderful facility. Set in 51 acres, you can visit the ever changing menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, birds, chinchillas and more and have coffee and lunch while you’re there. The Sanctuary is open seven days a week and all donations are welcome.
Click Here for further information
A lovely family day out at a very reasonable price. Our Grandchildren loved it! Although we loved all the animals, the only slight disappointment was not being able to see all the cats and dogs without a prior appointment with an intention to adopt.
April 2019
Axminster Heritage Centre
(6 miles)
The Axminster Heritage Centre is all about illustrating the history and heritage of the area across the ages, from original Axminster carpets from 1755 to portraits of prominent citizens, farming, industry and commerce. A proactive and interactive organization that thrives on events as well as information, they host everything from workshops to afternoon teas at their little spot at Thomas Whitty House (the founder of the area’s original carpet magnates). From craft days to sing-alongs and guided tours of the centre, there’s something for all ages.
Click here for further details
Charmouth Beach
(8 miles)
(7)
Perfect for family days out, Charmouth Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, fossils (for which the area is famous), good swimming and good surf. It is divided into two distinct areas (East and West) by the mouth of the River Char, which often forms a lagoon suitable for boating or watching the ducks swim past. To get to the beach, simply find the centre of the village and follow Lower Sea Lane. There are ample car parks close to the beach as well as another one half way down Lower Sea Lane if those are full. Dogs are allowed on the West beach as long as they are on leads from 1st May and 30th September between the sea defenses and Lyme Regis but not on the area of beach in front of the beach huts and the Heritage Centre. From 1st July to 31st August dogs are not allowed on East Beach between 10:00am and 6:00pm, but are welcome outside these hours. At East Beach there is a beach café and picnic tables close by, and in the summer months there is a bouncy castle. There are also lots of beautiful walks close by to enjoy. West Beach meanwhile is about a mile and a half long and is a haven for fossil hunters and avid rock-poolers.
Charmouth Beach is just wonderful, lovely walks with no cars or road noise. Heaven!
April 2024
Walking this beach from Lyme Regis
October 2023
Great beach, Its busy by the shops but plenty of places to walk to find space away from others. The toilets are bad, so with a few wipes and wash you hands after. Get there early for parking. It is sand, shingle and rock pools, so great for a non commercialised beach day. Follow the tide out if you are fossil hunting but best to have a guided tour first from the museum so you know what you are looking for. One of our favourite sea sides in Britain.
June 2022
This is a beautiful area. Gets very busy and there are about four car parks and on street parking. The museum was very fascinating. Toilet queue was horrendous. This is a great area for inflatables as you can go down the stream if you want instead of the sea. There is also a large grass bank to picnic on instead of the beach cobbles.
August 2021
Great beach if but a bit stony where we went, good facilities for food and drinks and no where near as many seagulls as Lyme Regis.
August 2021
Lovely quaint beach.
May 2019
Lovely spot to sit, relax and look for fossils.
October 2018
Church Cliff Beach, Lyme Regis
(8 miles)
(3)
Famous for its picturesque Jurassic coastline, as well as its array of fossils, Church Cliff Beach is on the edge of Lyme Regis town. Sandy in places, at low tide there is an extensive rock ledge with hundreds of rock pools where you can catch shrimp. The River Lym flows into the bay, so paddling is a necessity if you want to stroll on the sand. The beach is flanked by rock armour which protects the promenade, and the sand is covered at high tide. There’s paid parking close by, so don’t forget your change. There are facilities, restaurants and cafes in the town. There’s no lifeguard cover on this beach, and dogs are permitted all year round, which is great news for walkers as it also makes up part of the West Dorset Heritage Coast and its accompanying footpaths.
Plenty of parking with a moderate walk down many steps to the beach. Worth the walk though with plenty of fossils around if your prepared to look.
September 2023
Lovely beach but spoilt by the amount of broken bits of glass and rusty metal components that have fallen from the cliff (believe there was some form of rubbish dump at the top of the cliff many years ago) - not a problem for most people but was worried about our dog getting injured.
May 2023
A lovely stretch of beach with rock pools and a chance to find fossils. Get there as the tide is going out and get there early. Take provisions as it is just a beach, of shingle and sand, there are some rocks to clamber over and rock pools to explore. One of our favourite beaches in the UK.
June 2022
Town Beach, Lyme Regis
(8 miles)
(9)
In the picturesque harbour town of Lyme Regis, Town Beach is covered in pebbles at one end thanks to the coastal protection scheme that placed them there to provide essential care for the Marine Parade and the buildings along it. At the other end the beach has been built up with sand, no longer gets covered at high tide and provides an extensive beach area manned by RNLI lifeguards in the summer. There are kiosks, cafes, shops and restaurants bordering the beach, so it’s ideal for visiting with family and spending the whole day on the sand if the weather allows. The main sandy beach in the area, it’s a delight and easy to get to when on holiday in Dorset. There is paid parking nearby, so don’t forget your change, and remember that dogs are not permitted from 1st April to 31st October, while from 1st November to 31st March they must be on leads.
Nice clean beach with plenty of clean WCs and cafes. The sandy bit at the harbour is good for dogs to run around (out of season) and kids to dig in.
April 2024
Nice beach but very busy and did not like the swooping seagulls!
August 2023
Wonderful location and so much to do, we didn't use our car once for a week, unheard of!! The parking in the town not good but for a town of that age, it was adequate and the other car parks further out were very good.
May 2022
Booked a beach hut from Town Council! Great fun and provided welcome shade on v hot day! Appreciated the two chairs provided but would have liked a small table for food / coffee
September 2021
Great beach on the sandy side was really busy and made use of the boat hire on the beach which was great fun, seagulls are a real issue when it comes to food and we ate ours in our tent after my daughter lost a sandwich to one right out of her mouth.
August 2021
We loved the seafront and that in October it was full of people. We liked the beach bit, seeing families enjoying the sand, and it was great to see open loos, nice ice-cream and lots of different places to eat and drink.
October 2020
We had a lovely dog walk along the beach, very pleasant.
September 2018
A lovely family friendly beach. Pebbled at one end and sandy at the other. Plenty of eateries and ice cream places. A good place for fossil hunting.
August 2018
Excellent area and beach although extremely busy if the sun makes an appearance. I go to Lyme Regis whilst dogs are allowed on the beach (I do use it with my dog) and would like to see more policing re dogs off leads.
April 2017
Cobb Gate Beach, Lyme Regis
(9 miles)
(8)
This pretty harbour town dates back to the 14th century, and is sheltered by a curving harbour wall, The Cobb, as its known contains a small sandy beach made famous in the opening shot of the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman. You reach the beach between the RNLI station and the slipway, and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months. Activities nearby include fishing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, surfing and water skiing, while facilities close to the beach include cafes and restaurants and toilets. There are lots of walks in the area including guided tours of the famous fossil bearing cliffs. There is paid parking nearby, Axminster train station is five minutes away as the crow flies and buses are available to the town centre. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 1st November to 30th March as long as they’re on the lead, but they are not permitted in the summer months.
Love the stroll along the Cobb beach and area so clean plenty of places to eat and drink. The locals are so warm and welcoming, can’t beat Lyme regis
November 2021
Perfect sandy beach for everyone. Loved the Marine Parade with food and drink and ice creams.
October 2021
excellent, safe beach
September 2021
Always raked and cleaned. Pretty safe, excellent lifeguards. Restaurants and cafes need to be open later. Toilets very clean but not enough of them so long queues. Watch out for seagulls stealing food from your hands!
August 2021
Lovely harbour and great places to grab a bite to eat. But it is extremely busy. Every inch of the small patch of sand by the cobb was taken up but beach shelters, feet deck chairs etc. If your kids are not fussed about sand avoid the area if you want quite and relaxing. The other side of the cobb is quite and so are the toilets (which are clean)
August 2021
We walked here from Seaton along the muddy coastal path and Lyme Regis is lovely . We took a boat out from the cob .
July 2021
The cob was lovely to walk on and all you needed was near by
September 2020
Lovely to see this in sunshine for the first time in several visits. Worth going early to see it uncrowded.
June 2018
Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis
(9 miles)
(7)
Named after the Duke of Monmouth who landed here in 1685 in an attempt to take the crown from King James II, Monmouth Beach is a large pebble and sand beach that stretches over a kilometer southwest from the Cobb wall. There are beach huts, a bowling green, the Lyme Regis Power Boat Club and paid car parks close by. Meanwhile, for those wishing to have their own exploratory adventures, you can find a layer of limestone called the ammonite graveyard at Monmouth Beach, containing a large number of (you guessed it) ammonites. There are numerous walks close by and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. There is lifeguard cover in the summer, and all the town’s cafés, restaurants and amenities are within easy reach.
A very lovely beach if you like stones! But great when the tide is right out and you can fossil hunting.
October 2023
My dog Luna and I really enjoy walking and playing ball along the beach keeping eyes down to see if we can find a fossil!!! very clean and looked after Love it!!!
June 2022
Stunning, quiet and picture perfect ideal place to relax and paint ?
November 2021
Stayed here in The Little Sea House right on the beach. Amazing sunrises. Beautiful and peaceful but tricky to walk on in places.
October 2021
We had a lovely holiday staying in the little sea house. Perfect location on the beach. Was very warm & cosy inside. Was generally clean on arrival but think it could do a intensive deep clean occasionally to clean racks /hard to reach places ( plug holes) but this did not effect our stay ( I’m just bit OCD with cleaning) I would recommend this to anyone wanting a relaxing tranquil break. Also the out hours staff from toadhall cottages were very helpful. Would book again
May 2021
Just beautiful
September 2020
Great for fossil hunting and dog friendly!
September 2017
March 2024
Had a lovely week, lovely cottage
October 2023
Peaceful and relaxing. Loved the wood burner. Thanks
September 2023
We very much enjoyed our stay. Thank you
September 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay thank you & loved the welcome pack.
July 2023
We enjoyed our stay it was a lovely cottage very well appointed in a very peaceful location , handy for the coast and other attractions . Minor comment Also no dishwasher or laundry detergent which I did not bring because it was stated that these would be provided because of need for eco stuff for the septic tank
May 2023
Loved our stay and the cottage.
March 2023
Our fourth visit so that speaks volumes in itself. The "Toad Hall" welcome pack was, indeed, very welcome - a nice touch!
September 2022
Yes, we really enjoyed our stay! :)
August 2022
We really enjoyed our stay and the cottage met all our requirements. The service we received from Toad Hall Cottages was excellent.
June 2022
We enjoyed a wonderful week in this very well appointed spacious cottage. All the finishes are of a very high standard , we especially loved the Ercol bedroom furniture and lovely bedlinen. The service from Toad Cottages was VERY good and prompt. Thank You
May 2022
Lovely cottage and views, very peaceful. Really enjoyed our stay.
April 2022
Very much; the cottage was warm,clean, comfortable, and very peaceful. Lovely imaginative decor.
Thank you for your feedback. We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay at Chantry Cottage.
- The Toad Hall Team
September 2021
Charming , sparkling , spacious , and cosy cottage . Easiest and best behaved log fire . Enjoyed the wildlife on bird table and feeders Forde Abbey ,and Tytherleigh Arms both so close ,and both so good .We also had wonderful meals at The Millside ( Lyme Regis ) and Candelight Inn (Bishopswood , Chard )
September 2021
Lovely cottage in idyllic location, very well equipped. Ideally placed for exploring the surrounding area.
September 2021
We had a lovely stay at Chantry Cottage. It was lovely and clean, very well decorated and the kitchen was well stocked. The neighbours were very friendly, including the local chickens, cows and sheep! We had a great time and will definitely be visiting again!
July 2021
Well equipped cottage in peaceful surroundings easy access to many inland and coastal sites
June 2021
We all very much enjoyed at Chantry Cottage. The peace and quiet and the excellent accommodation was just what we all needed after a very fraught time. Will definitely be back
June 2021
We had a problem with the hot water on the Bank Holiday Monday and your representative (Ithink she was from your Lyme Regis office) came out within an hour and fixed the problem, she was very friendly and a credit to your company.
June 2021
The bedding and bedroom furniture was all good. Lovely setting and nice to watch the birds on the bird feeder .
May 2021
Excellent holiday cottage in beautiful rural setting. Impossible to think of anything missing from the lovely kitchen and the rest of the house was all of a very high standard. The cottage was warm welcoming and comfortable....important during a wet week like we just experienced
May 2021
We had a problem with the heating and hot water the first night. Once we informed Toad Hall, someone visited the property and it was all sorted within a couple of hours. Great service!
October 2020
It's a great location for getting around the area. We had a wonderful family holiday, and the cottage is excellent and equipped to a very high standard.
August 2020
Really lovely house, perfect for a family getaway. Close to Lyme Regis beach which we loved and Forde Abbey which we enjoyed on a grey day.
September 2019
Lovely location and very comfortable accommodation if, as we did, enjoyed a sofa day when the weather wasn't so good. Forde Abbey is just 2 miles away and well worth a visit albeit a little pricey on snacks/meals. Montacute House (NT), a few miles furher on is another place worth visiting and easier on the purse.. A word of advice, however, to anyone not so good on their legs - avoid Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door as the climb back up is hard going and at a minimum £4 for the car park it's a price to pay if you cannot enjoy seeing the sights.
September 2019
Loved Forde Abbey
September 2019
Lovely holiday.beautiful location, great handbook all family happy!
September 2019
Had an excellent week
August 2019
We had a fabulous holiday and the cottage was perfect.
May 2019
We loved the cottages and the area!
April 2019
Beautifully furnished and equipped Cottage in a delightful setting. Well situated for days out in Lyme Regis and the Blackdown hills AONB
October 2018
We had a lovely holiday, the cottage is beautiful and exceeded expectations.
September 2018
It was a fantastic cottage in a fantastic spot. It was very classy and clean. There was a lot of attention to detail. We usually stay in the Lake District but decided, for a change to stay in Dorset. This property in the lake district would have been double the price! We were very impressed with Toad Hall Cottages too. Such cheerful friendly staff. There was one thing above all others that really took our breath away - a bottle of champagne was left for us because my partner mentioned it was our wedding anniversary and my husbands birthday during our stay. This gesture was unbelievable!! So a massive thank you to yourselves for your part in this surprise. We will send a thank you card to the owners! So all in all, and wonderful experience! MANY THANKS!! Dawn & Richard xx
July 2018
Yes, absolutely no complaints, we loved the cottage itself, the location, the local activities.
June 2018
Great cottage, superbly equipped, friendly neighbours!!
March 2024
Had a lovely week, lovely cottage
October 2023
Peaceful and relaxing. Loved the wood burner. Thanks
September 2023
We very much enjoyed our stay. Thank you
September 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay thank you & loved the welcome pack.
July 2023
We enjoyed our stay it was a lovely cottage very well appointed in a very peaceful location , handy for the coast and other attractions . Minor comment Also no dishwasher or laundry detergent which I did not bring because it was stated that these would be provided because of need for eco stuff for the septic tank
May 2023
Loved our stay and the cottage.
March 2023
Our fourth visit so that speaks volumes in itself. The "Toad Hall" welcome pack was, indeed, very welcome - a nice touch!
September 2022
Yes, we really enjoyed our stay! :)
August 2022
We really enjoyed our stay and the cottage met all our requirements. The service we received from Toad Hall Cottages was excellent.
June 2022
We enjoyed a wonderful week in this very well appointed spacious cottage. All the finishes are of a very high standard , we especially loved the Ercol bedroom furniture and lovely bedlinen. The service from Toad Cottages was VERY good and prompt. Thank You
May 2022
Lovely cottage and views, very peaceful. Really enjoyed our stay.
April 2022
Very much; the cottage was warm,clean, comfortable, and very peaceful. Lovely imaginative decor.
Thank you for your feedback. We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay at Chantry Cottage.
- The Toad Hall Team
September 2021
Charming , sparkling , spacious , and cosy cottage . Easiest and best behaved log fire . Enjoyed the wildlife on bird table and feeders Forde Abbey ,and Tytherleigh Arms both so close ,and both so good .We also had wonderful meals at The Millside ( Lyme Regis ) and Candelight Inn (Bishopswood , Chard )
September 2021
Lovely cottage in idyllic location, very well equipped. Ideally placed for exploring the surrounding area.
September 2021
We had a lovely stay at Chantry Cottage. It was lovely and clean, very well decorated and the kitchen was well stocked. The neighbours were very friendly, including the local chickens, cows and sheep! We had a great time and will definitely be visiting again!
July 2021
Well equipped cottage in peaceful surroundings easy access to many inland and coastal sites
June 2021
We all very much enjoyed at Chantry Cottage. The peace and quiet and the excellent accommodation was just what we all needed after a very fraught time. Will definitely be back
June 2021
We had a problem with the hot water on the Bank Holiday Monday and your representative (Ithink she was from your Lyme Regis office) came out within an hour and fixed the problem, she was very friendly and a credit to your company.
June 2021
The bedding and bedroom furniture was all good. Lovely setting and nice to watch the birds on the bird feeder .
May 2021
Excellent holiday cottage in beautiful rural setting. Impossible to think of anything missing from the lovely kitchen and the rest of the house was all of a very high standard. The cottage was warm welcoming and comfortable....important during a wet week like we just experienced
May 2021
We had a problem with the heating and hot water the first night. Once we informed Toad Hall, someone visited the property and it was all sorted within a couple of hours. Great service!
October 2020
It's a great location for getting around the area. We had a wonderful family holiday, and the cottage is excellent and equipped to a very high standard.
August 2020
Really lovely house, perfect for a family getaway. Close to Lyme Regis beach which we loved and Forde Abbey which we enjoyed on a grey day.
September 2019
Lovely location and very comfortable accommodation if, as we did, enjoyed a sofa day when the weather wasn't so good. Forde Abbey is just 2 miles away and well worth a visit albeit a little pricey on snacks/meals. Montacute House (NT), a few miles furher on is another place worth visiting and easier on the purse.. A word of advice, however, to anyone not so good on their legs - avoid Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door as the climb back up is hard going and at a minimum £4 for the car park it's a price to pay if you cannot enjoy seeing the sights.
September 2019
Loved Forde Abbey
September 2019
Lovely holiday.beautiful location, great handbook all family happy!
September 2019
Had an excellent week
August 2019
We had a fabulous holiday and the cottage was perfect.
May 2019
We loved the cottages and the area!
April 2019
Beautifully furnished and equipped Cottage in a delightful setting. Well situated for days out in Lyme Regis and the Blackdown hills AONB
October 2018
We had a lovely holiday, the cottage is beautiful and exceeded expectations.
September 2018
It was a fantastic cottage in a fantastic spot. It was very classy and clean. There was a lot of attention to detail. We usually stay in the Lake District but decided, for a change to stay in Dorset. This property in the lake district would have been double the price! We were very impressed with Toad Hall Cottages too. Such cheerful friendly staff. There was one thing above all others that really took our breath away - a bottle of champagne was left for us because my partner mentioned it was our wedding anniversary and my husbands birthday during our stay. This gesture was unbelievable!! So a massive thank you to yourselves for your part in this surprise. We will send a thank you card to the owners! So all in all, and wonderful experience! MANY THANKS!! Dawn & Richard xx
July 2018
Yes, absolutely no complaints, we loved the cottage itself, the location, the local activities.
June 2018
Great cottage, superbly equipped, friendly neighbours!!
The Tytherleigh Arms
(2 miles)
(3)
The former coaching Inn dates back to the 16th century, and it’s one of Axminster’s favourite places to dine out. Its cosy atmosphere, great quality food and service is a hit with everyone including our four legged, furry friends in the bar area. With a separate dining room and outside patio for the fresh air types among us there is something for everyone.
The Tytherleigh Arms Tytherleigh, Axminster EX13 7BE (T: 01460 220214)
Not open very often
June 2022
Pricey but great service and delicious food.
September 2021
Pricey but great service & absolutely delicious food.
September 2021
Fairwater Head Hotel
(4 miles)
Award winning restaurant not far from Lyme Regis with a reputation and awards for culinary excellence and a pleasing atmosphere and ambience to match its lovely views.
Fairwater Head Hotel Scouse Lane, Hawkchurch EX13 5TX (T: 01297 678349)
Barleymow's Farm Shop
(4 miles)
Run by the Burrough Family, Barleymow’s offers a comprehensive, well stocked shop with a wide choice of fresh meats from the farm and locally sourced products along with a fully licensed restaurant . The menu offers delicious traditional home cooked meals including all day breakfasts, hot and cold lunches, snacks and cakes. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.
Barleymow's Farm Shop Snowdon Hill Farm, Chard, Somerset TA20 3PS (T:01460 62130)
Axminster Inn
(6 miles)
The Axminster Inn is a friendly, traditional pub near the town centre with a real log fire for the winter months, and a lovely enclosed beer garden to enjoy in the warmer weather. Offering a good range of real ales and good-value home-cooked food including breakfasts, lunchtime and evening meals and Sunday roasts.
Axminster Inn, Silver St, Axminster EX13 5AH (T: 01297 34947)
The Ale Way
(6 miles)
We love The Ale Way, an independent micropub in Axminster station. Cool, quirky, compact! Dog friendly too.
The Ale Way Station Yard, Axminster EX13 5PF (T: 07488277251)
Forde Abbey House and Gardens
(Less than a mile)
(7)
Dating back more than 900 years, Forde Abbey House and Gardens is a family home as well as a working estate that welcomes visitors all year round. In more than 30 acres of grounds including lakes, the age and beauty of the property is something to experience in itself, with features including the famous Mortlake tapestries created from the cartoons Raphael painted for the Sistine Chapel. You can have lunch or tea in the Monastic Undercroft Tearoom, there’s a gift shop and plant centre for gifts to take home. The property also hosts guided tours and activities for families and children, and seasonal events are organized, so do keep an eye on the website before you visit. Prices start at £12.50 for adults while children under 15 go free.
We did a circular walk via here and was expecting to be able to purchase a cup of tea and cake from their cafe but you couldn’t, you had to pay admission! The long driveway in gave us a good view of the abbey…just a shame we couldn’t buy tea!
October 2023
Beautiful gardens and spectacular fountain.
July 2023
We had a wonderful day at Forde Abbey the children really enjoyed the holiday quiz they had put on and the fountain was amazing!
August 2022
The gardens were beautiful and the fountain was breathtaking. The cloistered cafe served good quality food using produce from the garden.
August 2022
Entrance fees over the top.
June 2022
Visited the gardens. Absolutely beautiful.
September 2021
Beautiful to visit!
May 2019
Chard Museum
(3 miles)
A small local musuem housing collections of exhibits about local history and displays related to the lives of notable local residents. Highlights include an exhibition on the work of John Stringfellow, a pioneer of powered flight.
Click here for further details
Wood House Riding Stables
(4 miles)
(1)
A friendly family-run riding stables offering riding for all abilities including children and complete novices. What better way to explore some of Devon and Dorset’s most beautiful countryside?
Lee & Sarah, help put you at ease with any questions you may have with regards to their horses and suitability.
May 2019
Ferne Animal Sanctuary
(5 miles)
(1)
Caring for unwanted and abandoned animals for over 75 years, Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset hosts activities and events that contribute towards the charitable running costs of this wonderful facility. Set in 51 acres, you can visit the ever changing menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, birds, chinchillas and more and have coffee and lunch while you’re there. The Sanctuary is open seven days a week and all donations are welcome.
Click Here for further information
A lovely family day out at a very reasonable price. Our Grandchildren loved it! Although we loved all the animals, the only slight disappointment was not being able to see all the cats and dogs without a prior appointment with an intention to adopt.
April 2019
Axminster Heritage Centre
(6 miles)
The Axminster Heritage Centre is all about illustrating the history and heritage of the area across the ages, from original Axminster carpets from 1755 to portraits of prominent citizens, farming, industry and commerce. A proactive and interactive organization that thrives on events as well as information, they host everything from workshops to afternoon teas at their little spot at Thomas Whitty House (the founder of the area’s original carpet magnates). From craft days to sing-alongs and guided tours of the centre, there’s something for all ages.
Click here for further details
Charmouth Beach
(8 miles)
(7)
Perfect for family days out, Charmouth Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, fossils (for which the area is famous), good swimming and good surf. It is divided into two distinct areas (East and West) by the mouth of the River Char, which often forms a lagoon suitable for boating or watching the ducks swim past. To get to the beach, simply find the centre of the village and follow Lower Sea Lane. There are ample car parks close to the beach as well as another one half way down Lower Sea Lane if those are full. Dogs are allowed on the West beach as long as they are on leads from 1st May and 30th September between the sea defenses and Lyme Regis but not on the area of beach in front of the beach huts and the Heritage Centre. From 1st July to 31st August dogs are not allowed on East Beach between 10:00am and 6:00pm, but are welcome outside these hours. At East Beach there is a beach café and picnic tables close by, and in the summer months there is a bouncy castle. There are also lots of beautiful walks close by to enjoy. West Beach meanwhile is about a mile and a half long and is a haven for fossil hunters and avid rock-poolers.
Charmouth Beach is just wonderful, lovely walks with no cars or road noise. Heaven!
April 2024
Walking this beach from Lyme Regis
October 2023
Great beach, Its busy by the shops but plenty of places to walk to find space away from others. The toilets are bad, so with a few wipes and wash you hands after. Get there early for parking. It is sand, shingle and rock pools, so great for a non commercialised beach day. Follow the tide out if you are fossil hunting but best to have a guided tour first from the museum so you know what you are looking for. One of our favourite sea sides in Britain.
June 2022
This is a beautiful area. Gets very busy and there are about four car parks and on street parking. The museum was very fascinating. Toilet queue was horrendous. This is a great area for inflatables as you can go down the stream if you want instead of the sea. There is also a large grass bank to picnic on instead of the beach cobbles.
August 2021
Great beach if but a bit stony where we went, good facilities for food and drinks and no where near as many seagulls as Lyme Regis.
August 2021
Lovely quaint beach.
May 2019
Lovely spot to sit, relax and look for fossils.
October 2018
Church Cliff Beach, Lyme Regis
(8 miles)
(3)
Famous for its picturesque Jurassic coastline, as well as its array of fossils, Church Cliff Beach is on the edge of Lyme Regis town. Sandy in places, at low tide there is an extensive rock ledge with hundreds of rock pools where you can catch shrimp. The River Lym flows into the bay, so paddling is a necessity if you want to stroll on the sand. The beach is flanked by rock armour which protects the promenade, and the sand is covered at high tide. There’s paid parking close by, so don’t forget your change. There are facilities, restaurants and cafes in the town. There’s no lifeguard cover on this beach, and dogs are permitted all year round, which is great news for walkers as it also makes up part of the West Dorset Heritage Coast and its accompanying footpaths.
Plenty of parking with a moderate walk down many steps to the beach. Worth the walk though with plenty of fossils around if your prepared to look.
September 2023
Lovely beach but spoilt by the amount of broken bits of glass and rusty metal components that have fallen from the cliff (believe there was some form of rubbish dump at the top of the cliff many years ago) - not a problem for most people but was worried about our dog getting injured.
May 2023
A lovely stretch of beach with rock pools and a chance to find fossils. Get there as the tide is going out and get there early. Take provisions as it is just a beach, of shingle and sand, there are some rocks to clamber over and rock pools to explore. One of our favourite beaches in the UK.
June 2022
Town Beach, Lyme Regis
(8 miles)
(9)
In the picturesque harbour town of Lyme Regis, Town Beach is covered in pebbles at one end thanks to the coastal protection scheme that placed them there to provide essential care for the Marine Parade and the buildings along it. At the other end the beach has been built up with sand, no longer gets covered at high tide and provides an extensive beach area manned by RNLI lifeguards in the summer. There are kiosks, cafes, shops and restaurants bordering the beach, so it’s ideal for visiting with family and spending the whole day on the sand if the weather allows. The main sandy beach in the area, it’s a delight and easy to get to when on holiday in Dorset. There is paid parking nearby, so don’t forget your change, and remember that dogs are not permitted from 1st April to 31st October, while from 1st November to 31st March they must be on leads.
Nice clean beach with plenty of clean WCs and cafes. The sandy bit at the harbour is good for dogs to run around (out of season) and kids to dig in.
April 2024
Nice beach but very busy and did not like the swooping seagulls!
August 2023
Wonderful location and so much to do, we didn't use our car once for a week, unheard of!! The parking in the town not good but for a town of that age, it was adequate and the other car parks further out were very good.
May 2022
Booked a beach hut from Town Council! Great fun and provided welcome shade on v hot day! Appreciated the two chairs provided but would have liked a small table for food / coffee
September 2021
Great beach on the sandy side was really busy and made use of the boat hire on the beach which was great fun, seagulls are a real issue when it comes to food and we ate ours in our tent after my daughter lost a sandwich to one right out of her mouth.
August 2021
We loved the seafront and that in October it was full of people. We liked the beach bit, seeing families enjoying the sand, and it was great to see open loos, nice ice-cream and lots of different places to eat and drink.
October 2020
We had a lovely dog walk along the beach, very pleasant.
September 2018
A lovely family friendly beach. Pebbled at one end and sandy at the other. Plenty of eateries and ice cream places. A good place for fossil hunting.
August 2018
Excellent area and beach although extremely busy if the sun makes an appearance. I go to Lyme Regis whilst dogs are allowed on the beach (I do use it with my dog) and would like to see more policing re dogs off leads.
April 2017
Cobb Gate Beach, Lyme Regis
(9 miles)
(8)
This pretty harbour town dates back to the 14th century, and is sheltered by a curving harbour wall, The Cobb, as its known contains a small sandy beach made famous in the opening shot of the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman. You reach the beach between the RNLI station and the slipway, and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months. Activities nearby include fishing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, surfing and water skiing, while facilities close to the beach include cafes and restaurants and toilets. There are lots of walks in the area including guided tours of the famous fossil bearing cliffs. There is paid parking nearby, Axminster train station is five minutes away as the crow flies and buses are available to the town centre. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 1st November to 30th March as long as they’re on the lead, but they are not permitted in the summer months.
Love the stroll along the Cobb beach and area so clean plenty of places to eat and drink. The locals are so warm and welcoming, can’t beat Lyme regis
November 2021
Perfect sandy beach for everyone. Loved the Marine Parade with food and drink and ice creams.
October 2021
excellent, safe beach
September 2021
Always raked and cleaned. Pretty safe, excellent lifeguards. Restaurants and cafes need to be open later. Toilets very clean but not enough of them so long queues. Watch out for seagulls stealing food from your hands!
August 2021
Lovely harbour and great places to grab a bite to eat. But it is extremely busy. Every inch of the small patch of sand by the cobb was taken up but beach shelters, feet deck chairs etc. If your kids are not fussed about sand avoid the area if you want quite and relaxing. The other side of the cobb is quite and so are the toilets (which are clean)
August 2021
We walked here from Seaton along the muddy coastal path and Lyme Regis is lovely . We took a boat out from the cob .
July 2021
The cob was lovely to walk on and all you needed was near by
September 2020
Lovely to see this in sunshine for the first time in several visits. Worth going early to see it uncrowded.
June 2018
Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis
(9 miles)
(7)
Named after the Duke of Monmouth who landed here in 1685 in an attempt to take the crown from King James II, Monmouth Beach is a large pebble and sand beach that stretches over a kilometer southwest from the Cobb wall. There are beach huts, a bowling green, the Lyme Regis Power Boat Club and paid car parks close by. Meanwhile, for those wishing to have their own exploratory adventures, you can find a layer of limestone called the ammonite graveyard at Monmouth Beach, containing a large number of (you guessed it) ammonites. There are numerous walks close by and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. There is lifeguard cover in the summer, and all the town’s cafés, restaurants and amenities are within easy reach.
A very lovely beach if you like stones! But great when the tide is right out and you can fossil hunting.
October 2023
My dog Luna and I really enjoy walking and playing ball along the beach keeping eyes down to see if we can find a fossil!!! very clean and looked after Love it!!!
June 2022
Stunning, quiet and picture perfect ideal place to relax and paint ?
November 2021
Stayed here in The Little Sea House right on the beach. Amazing sunrises. Beautiful and peaceful but tricky to walk on in places.
October 2021
We had a lovely holiday staying in the little sea house. Perfect location on the beach. Was very warm & cosy inside. Was generally clean on arrival but think it could do a intensive deep clean occasionally to clean racks /hard to reach places ( plug holes) but this did not effect our stay ( I’m just bit OCD with cleaning) I would recommend this to anyone wanting a relaxing tranquil break. Also the out hours staff from toadhall cottages were very helpful. Would book again
May 2021
Just beautiful
September 2020
Great for fossil hunting and dog friendly!
September 2017
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