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King John Inn

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Overview

This refurbished Victorian inn, surrounded by the thatched cottages and flower gardens of Wiltshire's picturesque Tollard Royal, strikes the ideal balance between rustic hideaway and relaxing village pub. The award-winning restaurant, which has earned 2 AA Rosettes, produces an impressive best-of-British menu featuring fresh fish, game, meat and vegetables, all sourced locally. And in the warmer months, a large terraced garden complete with outdoor kitchen, offers the chance for relaxed alfresco dining.

Guests can stay overnight in one of eight beautifully appointed bedrooms, each of which features antique furnishings, a king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with roll-top bath or rain shower. The King John Inn is located in the heart of the Cranborne Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers wonderful walking, cycling and riding opportunities. Shooting and fishing are a way of life here and you can try your hand at both on nearby estates and rivers. Or for a cultural day out, head to the cathedral city of Salisbury to explore its shops, museums and fine historic houses.

Rooms from

Classic: 80
Feature: 100
Indulgent: 120


Good to know

  • Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted

  • Parking available

  • Disabled access

  • £15 dog stay charge

A touch of culture
For a cultural day out, head to the nearby cathedral city of Salisbury to explore its shops, museums and fine historic houses.

Outdoor adventures
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's an excellent base for walking, cycling and riding activities, as well as shooting and fishing opportunities.

Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in all the rooms and dog bowls can be provided on request.

Crown collection
Part of the original Epicurean Collection, you can earn and redeem Crowns here if you are one of our Crown members.

Rooms

Each of the eight country bedrooms - five in the main Victorian building and three in a renovated coaching house - are comfortable, rustic sanctuaries, all featuring fine antique furnishings, en-suite bathrooms with roll-top tubs or rain showers, and king-size beds draped in feather bedding.

Walls are decorated with historical maps and etchings, while bold floral curtains and gingham cushions add a touch of colour. To keep you connected, there are flat screen digital televisions, direct dial telephones and wifi, or for some quiet downtime, there's a selection of books to read. All rooms come with Bramley bath products, fine Newby teas and homemade shortbread.

Restaurant & bar

Tucked away on the borders of Wiltshire and Dorset's deepest countryside and with fine shooting estates and the Cranbourne Chase on the doorstep, naturally the menu is rich in game and features fresh ingredients straight from field-to-fork. And because it's are close to the coast, the kitchen can source the finest in British seafood as well.

Working with a number of small farms and local suppliers, the King John Inn chefs create inspired, relaxed versions of the traditional British classics that reflect the flavours and ingredients of each season - an approach that has won 2 AA Rosettes. Behind the bar you'll find a fine selection of imported drafts and local beers, a wide range of wines and champagne (available by the glass), along with fine whiskies, gins and cognacs.

Private dining

In the summer, the beautiful terraced Victorian garden, surrounded by lush countryside, is the ideal place to host a party, private lunch or reception. If you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, The Lounge is an intimate hideaway perfect for shooting parties or private get-togethers. It combines heritage furnishings with modern facilities including a flatscreen TV (ideal for watching rugby with a group of friends), a private bar and discreet fridges stocked with the finest wines, whiskies and cognacs - ideal for pre-dinner drinks.

Experiences
Things to do

Tucked away in the pretty village of Tollard Royal, just one of the many historic villages that are dotted throughout Cranborne Chase, this was once an ancient hunting ground for King John. This part of the world is renowned for its rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, chalk escarpments, downland hillsides and chalk river valleys.

The Larmer Tree Gardens, the first private gardens in the UK to be opened to the public, are a short walk away, but if you fancy something a little wilder, head to Ashmore Wood, a mix of ancient semi-natural woodland, plantation conifers and hazel coppice, which has ample walking trails to follow.

For heritage and culture buffs, don't miss Badbury Rings, an Iron Age hill fort; Hambledon Hill, a prehistoric hill fort in North Dorset, which dates from the Neolithic period; and the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury, with its magnificent 13th century cathedral, which is a 30-minute drive away.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Tisbury
Taxi from station: about 20min
Drive: 20min from Shaftesbury, 30min from Salisbury, 2hr 50min from London

Address

Tollard Royal, Wiltshire SP5 5PS

Prices & availability