Local Sight Seeing
Being at the heart of the British countryside allows you to live like a local with plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep you entertained. The Crown is in the Blackmore Vale, a stunning area bordered by the Cranborne Chase AONB to the East & the Dorset AONB to the South.
Marnhull is a beautiful, ancient village with many fabulous, rambling walks into the countryside. On the county borders of Dorset, Somerset & Wiltshire, all famed for their natural beauty & world class produce, we are surrounded by numerous attractions & activities.
Back at our pub, we welcome walkers, cyclists & motor enthusiasts with drinks & food served daily. There is plenty of indoor & outdoor seating & a designated place to store bikes.
Stourhead & Kingston Lacy
We are very lucky to have several fantastic National Trust properties in the area.
Very close by is Stourhead. It’s all rather grand and a truly lovely place for a gander. With a garden that features the iconic Palladian house, a large lake flanked by mature rare trees & plenty of secluded picnic spots, Stourhead brings all of the magic.
Half an hour the other way is the stunning Kingston Lacy, an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in extensive parkland & attractive formal gardens, the Japanese garden is particularly lovely.
H&W Brewery
Almost on our doorstep, visit Hall & Woodhouse’ Victorian maltings & modern brewery nestled by the River Stour. From the very first moment you’re surrounded by the rich aroma of brewing beer, & they’ll happily explain the brewery’s inner workings. Hear about it from the horse’s mouth (also known as a Brewery Tour Guide). You get to taste the beer too - only metres from where it was brewed.
Jurassic Coast – Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door
Explore the Jurassic Coast, a thirty-five-minute drive away from the pub & discover its ancient fossils & outstanding beauty. Formed by the combined forces of the sea & a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology & landforms including the Lulworth Crumple & Stair Hole. Durdle Door is probably the most famous stone arch anywhere in the world. It was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago.
Longleat
If lions, tigers & elephants are your thing, the stunning Longleat Estate is on our doorstep. Watch out for the monkeys if driving through, they’re partial to a windscreen wiper or two! Longleat also gives guests the chance to explore a fantastic Elizabethan house & Capability Brown landscaped gardens. A day out for the entire family – the safari park is first class!
Stonehenge
Take in the unforgettable atmosphere of this World Heritage Site & best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Visit the world-class exhibition to discover how the Stonehenge builders worked & walk amongst the Neolithic houses to experience how they lived. Why not grab a picnic from the café to enjoy with the best view in the world!
Sherborne, Shaftesbury & Bruton
Perhaps explore the market towns of Sherborne, Shaftesbury or trendy Bruton.
Nestled in green valley & wooded hills, Sherborne is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in England. This Dorset gem has a well-deserved reputation for art, antiques & world-famous schools. With two castles & a spectacular abbey, a visit to Sherborne is an absolute must!
Shaftesbury is a small market town in Dorset with a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The town is the home of Gold Hill (made famous by the “Hovis” advert) & has magnificent views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale. The stunning landscapes around Shaftesbury remain accessible & offer the chance to blow away the stresses of the city.
Bruton is well known for its rolling countryside, excellent selection of antiques shops & eclectic mix of independent traders. But perhaps more recently, is now firmly on the map as a hub for art & contemporary design & incredible food, boasting award winning restaurants, shops & galleries.
Bath/Salisbury
Explore the city of Salisbury, a forty-five-minute drive away from the pub. A Cathedral city of ageless beauty & captivating history, Salisbury has been welcoming travellers since 1227. At the city’s heart is Salisbury Cathedral, with the tallest spire in the country, a beacon that has attracted visitors for centuries. Gathered around the Cathedral is a modern medieval city, full of buildings crafted with the care of another age. Here history is brought to life by modern & original events, culture & activities.
Further afield, yet still within an hour is the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. An elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces & a few surprises. Built for pleasure & relaxation, beautiful Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. You can still bathe in the Thermae Bath Spa - the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain. In December Bath is home to a world-famous Christmas Market – well worth a mooch!
Hiking Trails / Hardy Way
There are many great walking trails here from romantic walks around the village to riverside paths, woodland walks or steep hikes to take in the views from nearby Hambledon Hill, Hod Hill or Duncliffe Woods for the more advanced explorers. Be sure to bring your wellies or hiking boots!