The Old Forge is the perfect family, couple and dog friendly peaceful retreat - glamping with your own hot tub, BBQ and fire pits under the stars. Come and experience the slower life in an idyllic setting! Nestled between meadows strewn with buttercups are two sweet shepherd's huts which are sure to charm you. You'll explore Dorset's Hardy Country and be less than 10 minutes from Shaftesbury.
About The Old Forge
Glorious West Country living starts right here in between patchwork fields and over country stiles. Here you'll forget the race of commuters and swap them instead for the gentle clucking of free range chickens. Mabel and Sam are let together to groups and families. Snuggle down in two lovely shepherd's huts, each set under starry skies and both including a comfortable 4 foot by 6 foot bed for two weary travellers. It's the perfect place to relax inside, soak up the nostalgic atmosphere from the wood fired hot tub, and then BBQ outside in the open air, with a nod to the friendly resident donkey nearby. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the holiday too.
Open all year
Glampers have access to a beautifully kitted out kitchen and just a short walk from your accommodation is an antique composting loo, plus an electric shower, sink and a heated towel rail. A vintage tuck shop on site sells delicious sweets by weight.
Adult only
Allow commercial vans
Allow pets
Bike hire
Café / restaurant
Communal BBQ
Disabled facilities
Drinking water
Electric hookups
Entertainment
Family friendly
Fires allowed
Fishing
Games room
Glamping
Golf
Horse riding
Hot tub
Internet access
Kids club
Kids playground
Laundry
Near beach
Near pub
Open year round
Peaceful
RV pitches
Shop
Showers
Swimming pool
Toilets
TV room
Vineyard
Water hookups
Watersports
W.C. disposal
There are 2 accommodation options on-site
Sam the Shepherd's Hut
Max 2 people
Cast your eyes across the buttercups and you will find this beauty sitting comfortably in the meadow. Purchased from a retired Dorset shepherd, this is fully restored, with a bed, cosy furnishings and even a shepherd's crook!
Mabel the Shepherd's Hut
Max 2 people
Set between the buttercups and daisies, Mabel has plenty of unique and nostalgic furnishings and a comfortable bed, to welcome you.
Site tariff
Interested in staying at The Old Forge?
Call 01747 811881 to book.
Unfortunately The Old Forge doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
Site rules and policies
Dogs are welcome at The Old Forge in Sam and Mabel the shepherd's huts - please advise the team in advance, and please be aware that there are on site animals, a donkey, horses, dogs and a cat! No dogs on the furniture, and please bring your own bowls and bedding if you're glamping. Please clear up after your four legged friend!
Things to do on site and in the Shaftesbury area
The family are likely to fall in love with not only this lovely setting, but its most important resident - Scrumpy Jack the donkey. He can be found relaxing at the farm and is friendly, so the little ones can feed him apples.
Walks across the downland are unmissable and start right from your glamping doorway. Come and explore the landscape that inspired Thomas Hardy with its patchwork fields. By walking towards Melbury Hill you can catch the stunning glimmer of glow-worms during June and July in good weather.
Love the thought of being above the clouds? You can watch daily flight demos at Compton Abbas Airfield and have a tasty lunch as you see them soar. From there, explore Dorset's breathtaking towns and villages, taking in Shaftesbury's Gold Hill and pretty Sherborne's old world charm.
From there, why not keep going to Salisbury and uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge?
Other great things to see and do:
- Monkey World
- Longleat Safari and Adventure Park
- Bovington Tank Museum
- Larmer Tree Gardens
Interested in staying at The Old Forge?
Call 01747 811881 to book.
Unfortunately The Old Forge doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
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