Shires Rest in Dorset. Book This Hot Tub Cottage For Less

About Shires Rest

Escape to the serene Shires Rest, a charming cottage nestled in the Dorset countryside, offering a tranquil retreat for up to four guests. This delightful accommodation boasts two cosy bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and comfort during your stay.

Indulge in the luxury of a private hot tub, where you can unwind under the stars after a day of exploring the local area.

The cottage's ground floor layout makes it accessible and convenient for all guests, with a garden and patio area perfect for alfresco dining or simply soaking up the peaceful farm atmosphere.

Shires Rest is not just a haven for relaxation; it's also pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the fun. With its blend of modern amenities and rustic charm, this cottage promises a memorable getaway in the heart of the countryside.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Ground-source underfloor heating
✓ Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher
✓ TV (no terrestrial available but Netflix is available), WiFi
✓ Fuel and power included in rent
✓ Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓ Designated parking
✓ Graveled garden with hot tub, furniture and barbecue
✓ One well-behaved pet welcome
✓ The garden is fenced but not secure
✓ Sorry, no smoking
✓ Shop 1.8 miles, pub 1.4 miles
✓ Please note: Sunday changeovers not accepted
✓ Please note: Bookings can only start from a Friday
✓ Note: This property accepts Holiday bookings only and can not accept worker or local authority bookings

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Helpful Info To Get More From Your Stay

What do guests love about this accommodation?

Guests adore the peaceful location of Shires Rest, the luxury of soaking in the hot tub, and the exceptional hospitality provided by the hosts. The presence of friendly alpacas in the adjacent field adds a unique and enjoyable aspect to their stay.

Getting there

To get to Shires Rest, if travelling by car, take the A357 to access the area. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Gillingham (Dorset), from where a short taxi ride will bring you to the cottage.

Nearby Essentials

During your stay, you'll have convenient access to a selection of nearby amenities, including some of the area's tastiest takeout options. Click any of the postcodes for a map along with handy driving instructions and the fastest route from your accommodation.

Service	Distance (miles)	Postcode
Pharmacy (Boots)	1.8 miles	DT10 1AR
Train station	Gillingham	Dorset
Pub (The White Hart)	1.4 miles	DT10 2LL
Dog walk	Sturminster Newton Trail	1.7 miles
Supermarket (Co-op Food)	1.8 miles	DT10 1AR
Indian takeaway (The Rajpoot)	1.7 miles	DT10 1AR
Chinese takeaway (New Dragon)	1.7 miles	DT10 1AR
Italian takeaway (Pizzeria Via Roma)	1.7 miles	DT10 1AR

For families with Kids

With its spacious accommodation and proximity to local attractions, this destination is ideal for families. Children will enjoy the on-site presence of alpacas and the nearby adventure at Sturminster Newton Mill, offering engaging experiences for young explorers.

Is Shires Rest A good location for couples?

This destination is a romantic haven for couples, offering intimate hot tub evenings and nearby idyllic walks. For a day out, couples can explore the historic Corfe Castle or the scenic Dorset coastline, perfect for creating cherished memories.

Dining and Cafes

The nearby town of Sturminster Newton offers a variety of dining options, including the cosy Plumber Manor (01258 472507) and the inviting Stur of the Moment café (01258 472011), both just a short drive from the cottage.

Within walking distance of your cottage

A short walk away you'll find the charming town of Sturminster Newton, offering local shops, inns, and picturesque countryside walks.

Quickfire FAQs

Does the accommodation include a hot tub?

Yes, the property features a private hot tub, offering guests the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenic countryside views.

Is the accommodation pet-friendly?

Yes, the property welcomes pets, making it an ideal choice for guests who wish to bring along their well-behaved furry companions.

How many bedrooms does the accommodation have?

The accommodation has two bedrooms, one king-size with an en-suite and one ground-floor twin, also with an en-suite, comfortably sleeping four guests.

Is there parking available at the property?

Yes, guests will have access to designated parking, ensuring convenience and security for their vehicles during their stay.

Are there any outdoor spaces included with the property?

The property boasts a gravelled garden complete with outdoor furniture and a barbecue, perfect for dining outdoors and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

What kind of heating is available at the property?

The property is equipped with ground-source underfloor heating, providing a warm and cosy environment throughout your stay.

Shires Rest Reviews

Such a peaceful place to stay. We had everything we needed to relax and even the weather was lovely!

Sharon

Lovely cottage stunning location with Bruno, Carlos and Pedro outside each morning, very cute Alpacas

Rolanda

Beautiful. Well equipped. Peaceful. lovely hoast. One of the best Wi Fi and TV packages ever , would definately recommend 100

A beautiful property that is peaceful and tranquil in a perfect setting. Sitting in the hot tub over looking at the Alpacas and the fields beyond is a unique experience. The property is clean and well equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Location is great for surrounding area for Weymouth, Blandford Forum, Dorchester all well worth a visit. Or for a more local trip Gold Hill or Sturminster Newton. Definitely try the local fish and chips. In summary a fantastic property. A great place to relax, walk the dogs and generally unwind. Would definitely recommend.

This is the 2nd visit to Shires rest. Revisited because everything was perfect and Nici & Steve are great hosts. Will probably go back again.

Alaina

Fantastic place and spotless

What a beautiful place Shires Rest is a listed barn conversion with history, and now all new and up to date. Everything there that you ever need. Its so peaceful, looking out to countryside and watching the 3 alpacas outside, they are so quiet, so no bother at all. Nici and Steve the hosts were there on our arrival, and live nearby so any problems can be sorted such a lovely dedicated couple. The hot tub was very welcome after our days out. We visited Sherborne Castle and garden centre adjoining it. Athelhampton House was beautiful and the gardens too.Would definitely recommend and its 1010 from us both.

We 2 adults, 2 kiddos had a lovely stay at this property. It was clean, well equipped and the hosts were brilliant nothing was too much trouble and they even helped with my request to see the cows being milked....because that's what you do when you're staying on a dairy farm! We received a lovely welcome tray with cake and Prosecco and the jacuzzi was ready to go. Its very peaceful on the farm and the 3 alpacas are as good to watch as people! It's in a great location, being 3040 minutes from lots of attractions such as National Trust properties, Corfe Castle, Bovington etc and just over an hour to get to Mudeford Nr. Bournemouth for the No. 1 Crabbing spot in the UK....would definitely recommend!

We went in May. Beautiful setting, and high standard accommodation. Hosts were very helpful and friendly, and being on site were available if required. There was everything you would need, both for laundry and cooking. In the adjacent field were three friendly alpacas, lovely to watch them as we sat on the patio or in the hot tub. Next to us was another accommodation, but set in a way that offered privacy to both. Would we book both for the larger family in the future, yes we would. We took Maggie our 3yr old Cavapoo, no problem at all,

Jennifer

We returned to Shires Rest for our second Easter running. This time we brought Grandma and she stayed in Swallows Nest. What could be better than sitting in the hot tub, looking at beautiful peaceful scenery and watching the three alpacas! A wonderful place to unwind. A great base to explore Dorset too. The cottage was very clean and provided everything we could have needed or wanted. Comfy beds too. And a warm welcome.

We loved the location and the hot tub and Steve and Nici were great hosts. The only issue we had unfortunately were there were lots of flies and you couldnt really spray fly killer with our dog , and furniture was a bit low for us , but overall we would come again and recommend to anyone to visit and stay.

Everything was perfect, such a peaceful location and beautiful barn conversion which has been done to a very high standard. We enjoyed the hot tub and watching the alpacas in the field directly opposite. It's a good location for seeing the countryside and attractions. Nici and Steve were both fantastic hosts...we will be back at some point. Thankyou

Property exceeded our expectations. Very clean, everything we needed was available. View and hot tub was fantastic. Will be going back at some time. Owners couldn't do enough for us. Not holidayed in this country for over 10yrs. Had a great time , with excellent weather.

We had a wonderful time at Shires Rest. The cottage was extremely well equipped, clean and comfortable. Lovely welcome tray on arrival with Prosecco, flowers and a delicious cake which was a nice surprise. The location is beautiful and so quiet we spent most of our time relaxing in the hot tub and looking at the view and the gorgeous alpacas.

Fabulous accommodation, perfect for our stay.

We had a lovely half term in shires rest. Perfect location for getting to local villages and the coast. We visited lots of places inc. durdle door, Poole, Weymouth and Lyme Regis plus lots more The cottage was a cosy base to return to with the added bonus of a hot tub and three alpaca boys! We would recommend the cottage and area Thank you for the welcome cake and Prosecco

Beautiful countryside location. Lovely hosts. We certainly highly recommend.

The holiday property was amazing,from the hot tub to the lovely alpacas. Beautiful walks in the local area,you can get all local walks from streminster Newton from any shops. The owners were lovely we had homemade cake,flowers and prosecco on arrival which was a lovely touch. The property was immaculately clean. No negatives at all and I have already recommended to family and friends.

Valerie

The barn was beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there and Steve and Nici were kind and friendly. We loved the alpacas and have no hesitation in recommending Shires Rest.

Kathryn

Friendly, courteous, helpful owners. Lovely property. Peaceful and quiet location.

Great property and location.

Absolutely wonderful stay! Nici & Steve were amazing & nothing was too much trouble. Hot tub was great after long days out & the alpacas were an absolute treat to wake up to everyday! Hope to visit again soon!

Fantastic short break thanks to Nici and Steve. Great accommodation and such a warm welcome. We will be back to explore more and say hello again to the boys who greeted us at the back door each morning. Who knew Alpaca were so friendly?! Thanks so much.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Shires Rest. Property exceeded our expectations and our hosts were very friendly and accommodating, always on hand for any requests etc. Would highly recommend this dog friendly property.

Lovely location. Good base for days out. Exactly as described on the website. Hosts were great.

Deborah

The hosts were very helpful, were on hand always very approachable lovely

Shires rest was absolutely wonderful and the hosts did a fabulous job of looking after us. The boys out back were good company and kept an eye on us when in the tub!! Sturminster Newton is a nice town and we especially enjoyed the mill and watching the kingfishers in various locations. I have no hesitation in recommending Shires rest to anyone wanting a break away from it all.

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Attractions Near Shires Rest

While there'll be plenty to keep you entertained an Shires Rest itself, if you plan to get out and about and see some of what Dorset has to offer, here are some of the nearby attractions you can enjoy during your stay. Please note that some of these activities and days out are paid and it's always a good idea to book in advance to secure your place where applicable.

Found a special day out near your cottage? Please let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too!

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park - DT2 8PY

about 13 Miles

Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park is a magical place to visit with grand gardens and plenty of animals to meet. From goats and ponies to alpacas and pot bellied pigs this attraction is excellent value for money. You can feel free to explore the grounds too which are especially lovely on sunny days. You will see majestic floral displays, stone terraces, a temple and even a lake.

Dorset Teddy Bear Museum - DT1 1JU

about 14 Miles

This family orientated museum is dedicated to Teddy Bears both old and new Edward Bear and his family of people sized bears are one of the main attractions. You can buy teddy bear gifts from the quaint shop including top notch brands. The Steiff Teddy Bear and Merrythought bears are very popular. Open 7 days a week all year round (except 25th and 26th December) this is a perfect all weather place to visit.

Monkey World - BH20 6HH

about 15 Miles

Monkey World is not only a local attraction but the work they carry out is amazing. Rescuing and rehabilitating monkeys and assisting governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates are just some of the purposes of the centre. You get to see the primates themselves many of which have become famous from appearing on the TV show Monkey World - a documentary about this place. Open year round we think this is one of best attractions in Dorset and you even get the chance to adopt a monkey if you choose.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park - BA12 7NW

about 19 Miles

You may have seen this amazing attraction on the BBC1 Animal Park programme. This is actually the first safari park outside of Africa where you can get close to the animals from the comfort of your own car. Some of the highlights include the zebras, the wallabies in wallaby wood and the sea lion escorted cruise to Gorilla Island. And of course the magnificent lions and tigers are a must see. This really is an animal experience with a difference and you can save money by booking your tickets online. This attraction is open until the end of October. Check out their website to see some fantastic video podcasts of the park.

Loch Lomond Sealife Centre - G83 8QL

about 20 Miles

The perfect place to visit on a rainy day this large Sealife Centre is currently offering 2 tickets for £15.00 when you book online. Top attractions include the amazing shark tunnel, the rock pools and the otter enclosure. This year Loch Lomond Sealife Centre is also home to Cammy - the only Giant Sea Turtle in Scotland! The centre also offers visitors an educational experience with talks and hands on events taking place daily.

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum - SP1 2EN

about 25 Miles

The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum is located in the Salisbury area of Wiltshire and will appeal to those looking for an educational and cultural day out. The exhibits are centred around the history of Salisbury and South Wiltshire from prehistoric times to now. There are plenty of activities on for families and children during school holidays so don't forget to check ahead to see the latest events. There are a gift shop and a cafe on site.