Our Guests

We had a fantastic stay at Brambles cottage, it was so cosy and peaceful. It had everything you needed, well equipped. The hosts were great and so helpful and friendly. There is a lovely garden, quiet and secluded. Plenty of parking.
Jane the host told us about walks in the area, there is a 3 mile circular walk from the cottage and takes you past the Fleet which is part of a nature reserve. This walk brings you back through the village which is beautiful.
There are coastal walks within 20 mins from the cottage. The Beach Hive café is great, situated on the beach with costal walks either side of it.

Been visiting Character Farm cottages for a number of years. We have stayed in most of the cottages and have always found them clean and well provisioned.
Well positioned for those wanting a break in beautiful countryside.
The Elm Tree pub is certainly worth a visit. (5 min walk from cottages). The food and staff are both excellent.

Another super stay in this gorgeous cottages. Well equipped for everything you might need. Lovely and cosy and so peaceful. Super views and the perfect location for visiting the county. See you again soon.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Swallows. The enclosed garden and the adjacent footpath and field was perfect for our two elderly dogs. The cottage was cosy and welcoming with excellent facilities. We enjoyed sitting in front of the open fire on New Years Eve. Thank you so much for the Prosecco and chocolates, a lovely surprise treat. We would certainly return.

The Elm Tree pub is superb. Friendly and welcoming with good food.
The Kings Arms was also great.
Both dog friendly.
The cottage is in a great location to explore the surrounding countryside and villages.

For once in my life I have nothing to complain about. Right from arriving my partner and labrador Meg and myself just totally relaxed. We did not need anything as the cottage catered for all situations including decorated up for Xmas. Location is fantastic. Great walks literally on your doorstep and all other tourist locations easily within half an hour to an hour by car. I did not want to come home. Would definitely recommend Character Farm Cottages and will definitely return. Thank you so much Jane and Jake.

The local pub (5 minutes walk) has the best burgers in the world and Daniels fish and chips takeaway, what can I say? The best haddock ever!!

A wonderful stay in a beautiful, well-equipped cottage. The location is extremely peaceful (no passing cars), the beds are superbly comfortable and the kitchen is a sociable space, with a table at one end, so we could chat and cook simultaneously. Altogether perfect. Highly recommended for dog owners, as the garden is secure and a security light enables you to see your dog even at night.

Thank you for a lovely week such beautiful surroundings and so close to so many places to visit. The cottage was much bigger than we expected and had everything we needed. It was very clean and comfortable.

Loved the walk down to Fleet lagoon. The tropical gardens at Abbotsbury were great with amazing views. Enjoyed spending time in Weymouth and Lyme Regis and cliffs at West Bay were huge and very atmospheric. We enjoyed the pub quiz at Kings Arms in Portisham. And walk to Elm Tree Pub though definitely needed a torch coming back !!!

Another lovely holiday in Bramble Cottage. Sitting on the terrace in the evening & listening to the birds, bliss.
Bramble Cottage comfortable as always & I love having the patio doors open all evening.

Explore Langton Herring & the footpaths down to the Fleet, it was magical watching the sun go down.

Wonderfully tranquil location and plenty of opportunities for walks and visits.
Very welcoming, friendly and helpful owners.
The cottage is comfortable, well-equipped and tastefully decorated.

The Elm Tree pub is within walking distance. Very good and varied food and well-kept drinks served by welcoming staff. Abbotsbury sub-tropical garden and Athelhampton House and gardens make for rewarding visits.
Splendid walks in all directions – the Fleet, South Dorset Ridgeway with its Neolithic remains.

Yet another fantastic stay. Since 2002 we`ve stayed at Character Farm`s various properties, sometimes 2 – 3 times a year. Log fires in the winter, always plenty of hot water and friendly, caring owners. Thanks to Jane for the loan of an additional frying pan!
The new owners at The Elm Tree pub have made great changes and the food is fabulous – only a short walk away or an even shorter drive if needed.

Friendly family run immaculate cottages. Over the years we have been six times and never have we been disappointed. Looking forward to visit number seven already.
Good local friendly pubs for food plus the gardens at Abbotsbury have a decent menu. Various points on the road from Abbotsbury to Lyme Regis worth a visit.

Get together for 2 families, one with a “special” birthday, in Chestnut and Chelsea cottages – which is a stones throw away. Plenty of room for 12 adults, 6 children and 3 dogs!!
Jake and the family were extremely helpful and we couldn’t have asked any more of them. Fresh flowers were left in the cottages plus a bottle of Prosecco for the birthday girl – a lovely touch!
We will definitely be making a return visit. Many thanks!!
Swan Sanctuary a bit of a disappointment and rather expensive entrance fee.
Great day in Weymouth – a lovely clean seaside town and beach, where dogs are welcome.  Sunday roast in The Kings Arms, two minutes away from cottages, was exceptionally good.

We had a really enjoyable week in Chelsea Cottage. It was well furnished & spacious with comfortable beds. to the scenic We also enjoyed the garden and the quiet location, so peaceful at night. The cottage is well placed for excursions to the scenic Jurassic Coast and we enjoyed some really lovely long coastal walks (from Lulworth Cove to Ringstead Bay and from West Bay to Golden Cap & back.
Lovely coastal walks (see above) and Bridport market (Saturdays and Wednesdays). Also enjoyed visits to the Abbotsbury Swannery and the Abbotsbury Tropical Gardens. Durdle Dorr is also very scenic & worth a visit but is exceptionally crowded.

What can I say that I haven’t said for the last 27 years of staying in Langton at the Farm Cottages. It is so relaxing, great scenery, well looked after by the owners of the cottages. Popped in to see all is well and any problems sorted out immediately, not that there are problems. Fresh flowers in the cottage when you arrive, tea, milk, biscuits and even a few chocolates when you arrive as well. The gardens are beautiful and well kept. Even more home from home. I love it here and would recommend it to all.
We tend to use the Turks Head in Chickerell. Good food, plenty of it and not too expensive. The Elm Tree Inn, in Langton, was recommended but at the time we went there they didn’t have several things we asked for, but the owners are relatively new people running the Elm Tree so things should improve. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are well worth visiting as is Monkey World. Just love it there. There is plenty of literature in the cottages to give you a full and wonderful holiday. Priceless.

We had a wonderful time at Chelsea Cottage! The kids loved the garden, the games, the toys, the walks, the fields, the cows – and we loved the peace and quiet. The cottage itself was very comfortable and spotlessly clean, the beds wonderful, and the kitchen well equipped. We would love to come back some time!

My friend and I , plus our two small dogs, stayed for a week in Sycamores cottage and had a lovely time. The cottage had everything required and although in a lovely, quiet setting, was only 15 mins drive from Weymouth for food shopping.
Well placed for visiting sites up and down the coast we didn’t miss being nearer the sea.
The garden was well kept and secure which was great for the dogs and the house is very homely and welcoming.
All in all,we enjoyed our stay very much and would definitely stay here again if in the area.
Would recommend.
Tips for other travelers.
If interested in sea fishing , try Trad Casey on the Gypsy 2 from Weymouth. His trips are excellent, a very knowledgeable and nice man.
The Bell Cliff Restaurant did a lovely Cream Tea in Lyme Regis.
And at the Quayside Bar & Kitchen in Weymouth we had an outstanding evening meal of Scallops and Mixed Fish dish. Both delicious.

We loved our stay at Sycamores. We chose Character Farm for its location and it was perfect-lovely to feel deep in the countryside but near to all of Dorset’s attractions. We also loved that there were footpaths straight from the door. The cottage was very comfortable, with a beautiful garden and the booking went very smoothly. We accidentally left my daughter’s cuddly toy behind and it was quickly found and sent on to us, which was appreciated. We would definitely recommend.
We enjoyed taking an evening walk right from the door to the Fleet and stopping at the Elm Tree Inn for a drink.  We spotted a deer on the way!

Delightful well equipped cottage in a location ideally suited for walking and visiting the nearby villages, where there are many good places to eat. Abbotsbury and Upwey stood out for some of the best dining we’ve experienced anywhere.

A very enjoyable holiday in all respects. Great walking area and some exceptional places to eat. We all agreed this was an occasion to remember. Thank you for making it so.

Fantastic holiday in a wonderful cottage, we’ll certainly try to rebook for next year! The kids loved playing in the garden, which along with the awesome Easter weather, made it a very relaxing holiday. Thanks very much!

“This is the most beautiful place to stay in the most idyllic location – utterly quiet and peaceful with the most stunning views. The patio got the sun in time for breakfast and right in to the evening and the whole place was just lovely, with any numbers of fantastic walks and views in all directions.”

Cottage perfectly furnished, comfortable and warm with plenty of kitchen ware. Bed especially comfortable. Very dog friendly. Warm welcome on arrival
Walking very good from cottage. Plenty of eating facilities nearby. Nearby Weymouth has many attractions to visit

Easy to use website and booking was very straightforward. Cottage was exactly as described and as expected. Major plus point was the fact that the garden was fully secure for both dog and escapologist toddler!
Lovely touch to have left brand new DVD Peter Rabbit which was watched multiple times and also well equipped toy box. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your beautiful cottage.
Found two fairly local takeaways – Balti and Thai – phoned through the order and collected half an hour later – worked really well.
Great pub at Seatown – The Anchor Inn – right on the beach and very welcoming staff.
Loads of walks and beaches plus delightful villages to explore all with in very easy reach.

Such a lovely place to stay and owners so helpful. This is my third stay at the cottages once in summer and twice in winter, every time it has been such a lovely time. Open fires, walks on your doorstep and sea views a 5 min walk away we love it here. The village is charming with a pub with great food a short walk away. The cottages are tastefully finished and so clean and comfortable. Great for couples, singles and families and dog friendly too! The owners very kindly extended our check out time so we could have a more relaxed last day – thank you.

The Elm Tree pub in the village has lovely food and fresh fish dishes. We walked along moon fleet water side from the cottage which is a picturesque walk on a cold sunny day. Beautiful places to visit nearby walk to Abbotsbury, short drive Burton Bradstock with its Hive beach seafood cafe and a little further we drove to Lyme Regis stopping off at The Golden cap with views to Devon.

Lovely cottage with everything you need for a break whether it be a week or weekend – there was even scales in the kitchen for cooking/baking which I was most taken with. The cottage was spotless when we arrived and we settled in very quickly.

Owners are friendly and attentive, only a phone call or email away and a visitors guide is provided holding contact details for them and useful numbers including doctors surgery.

Lots to see and do but be aware that these are not right on your doorstep, which is perfect if you enjoy and make time for a long walk. Great walks can be found in all directions from the cottage and there are pubs to walk to such as the Kings Arms . We recommend this one due to great friendly staff. The Elm Tree Inn is also close but opening times are traditional so vary.

Would recommend doing a food shop on the way to the cottage depending what time you arrive or make a point of visiting one of the large supermarkets. Details of supermarkets and walks arw provided at the cottage in the visitors guide as well as a drawer full of ideas of places to visit.

On our arrival at The Willows we found the Christmas tree lights switched on, so welcoming, it’s the small finishing touches that mean so much, this cosy cottage was nicely decorated for the festive season. We loved the log fire ! The property is very well equipped and extremely clean.
The owners are helpful and friendly but not intrusive, we can’t wait to return for another break in the future.
Wonderful walks in the local area.
Great breakfast available at Ducks Farm Shop in nearby Portesham.

We loved our stay at Lower Farm. It was peaceful, uncluttered, and relaxed…and the walks all around were breathtaking.  The children enjoyed the games room and one considerably improved his table tennis skills.

Everything worked well…for example, the shower, which often is a nightmare to learn to use.  So highly recommend the cottages to other families.

The nearby walk to the foreshore of the Fleet was short enough to become a constitutional..but at the same time was varied and challenging.  The food at the local pub was disappointing, but the atmosphere was warm and friendly. We advise shopping at Portisham’s farm shop and we could rave about the Wood Shop in Abbotsbury, it does not look much from the road, but is a long gallery of superb woodwork, some are works of art.

The cottage was a fabulous slice of old world charm mixed with modern facilities like a dishwasher.
It was wonderfully warm for a big place and the beds were very comfortable. The huge lounge allowed us all to sit comfortably and to play parlour games.
We ate at the Elm Tree in Langton Herring on the Friday night and the menu was classic with lots of fish dishes.
On our 10 mile walk on Saturday we stopped for coffee at the quirky family friendly Moonfleet Manor Hotel. There were 3 salons and fires burning and the coffee and homemade biscuit were lovely.
Visited Abbotsbury on Sunday where we had coffee in The Old School House.

The Willows was a fantastic Cottage for the two of us and our Labrador Fin. It was truly a home from home and we had everything we needed and more than we expected. All three of us enjoyed being surrounded by the farm’s fields, Fin enjoyed retrieving his balls just outside the front door. We also enjoyed watching the Belted Galloways coming close to the Cottage. Although there was no internet connection in the Cottage itself, it was no big deal going across to the Stables and enjoy a Wifi hotspot there. A huge bonus is also the fact that there is a washing machine and a dryer in the Stables for general use. It all worked extremely well and we have no doubt that we shall return to Character Farm Cottages another year.
We found eating out expensive and ended up cooking most meals in the Cottage. We needed our meals out to be dog-friendly and certainly enjoyed our meals at the Elm Tree and the Turks Head – although it was expensive. We would have liked to have eaten at the Crab House Cafe -looking forward to a fresh whole crab – unfortunately they don’t allow dogs inside and in October it is just not reliably warm enough to eat outside.
Amongst many other things to do close by, we would also recommend Corfe Village and Castle and we had a fantastic day out in Lulworth, walking to the Durdle Door (exhausting but hugely rewarding), having refreshments at the local Pub which was extremely nice and then walking the other way to Lulworth Cove.

Lovely cottage in beautiful area. Welcoming, comfortable and so clean. Lots of interesting history in the area and places to visit. Thoughtful items provided in preparation for guests.

Enjoyed our visit and booked to come again.

Enjoyed Portland Bill, walking on West Bay beach, walking to the Fleet, the Swannery at Abbotsbury and the wonderful fossil museum -Etches – at Kimmeridge. Found wee fossils on the beach and had an excellent meal at the Clavells cafe and restaurant opposite the museum. Saw interesting, birds, deer and a large school of Dolphins during our week. All much enjoyed.

Another lovely holiday in our favourite cottage. It never disappoints. It is always clean,comfortable and cosy and feels like our second home. We can’t recommend these cottages highly enough.
Fantastic walks from the cottages and beyond. There is an abundance of things to see and do. This part of Dorset is a hidden gem.

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay at Chelsea Cottage. The amazing scenery was matched by a truly delightful cottage with every need catered for. We came with high expectations having seen the online pictures and read the reviews and I have to say that these expectations were met and much more.

I can’t recommend this gorgeous cottage enough . Spotlessly clean, spacious, lovingly decorated and fully equipped kitchen. Lovely garden that enjoys sun from morning until late in the afternoon. Peaceful. Lovely walk through the farm opposite and up the hill for views of the sea. We were a bit worried it would be too remote but two pubs within a slow 28 min amble down quiet country lanes and loads of shop options between 8 and 20 mins drive (Waitrose at Dorchester 20 mins!) . We even found a co-op store 10 mins drive away on a Sunday night closed 11pm. A very public thank you to the family who own the cottages, we were sad to leave and can’t wait to return.

We stayed in the Willows for 3 nights and had a fantastic stay. The location is perfect especially if you have dogs. Lots of walks from the cottage. The cottage itself was spotless with everything we needed for our stay. The pint of milk in the fridge was a thoughtful touch as we could enjoy a well needed cup of tea on arrival after our long journey.
The circular walk to the Fleet Lagoon is great, you finish off at the Elm Tree Pub which serves a lovely Sunday carvery.

Wonderful stay in the Brambles cottage (for 2). Very clean and cosy. Wood provided and fire ready to be lit! Very peaceful site and well located for local walks. The owners were very responsive if we needed anything (which we didn’t really). They also just leave you alone, which actually adds to the restful atmosphere.
Tips for other travellers
Local pub (5 min walk) – good food, but shut on Monday.

Wesy Bay was excellent for views. Lulworth Cove not too far (30 mins).

Aldi very close by for bare essentials.

This was our 5th visit to Character Farm Cottages – and they never disappoint – we have stayed in 3 different ones. It is lovely to anticipate our holiday knowing that we can always depend on everything being just as we know it will be – excellent.
Tips for other travelers –
We have a small rescue terrier so our recommendations are going to be dog friendly eateries. The Anchor at Burton Bradstock. The Smugglers Inn at Osmington, The Crown at Puncknowle, ‘Swim’ Restaurant and all the pubs in Lyme Regis harbour. Our personal favourite Quiddles Café, Chisel Cove Beach Promenade – over causeway towards Portland and right at second roundabout – Brandy Row – hairdressers on right – walk up slipway to promenade and Quiddles is signed.

Cottage has a very homely and friendly feeling. Everything you could wish for to make it a relaxing holiday. A personal touch with fresh flowers was most welcoming. As always, Ann, Jane and Jake are only too pleased to make our stay a happy one.
Tips for other travelers:
Ford Abbey makes an excellent day out.
Lyme Regis is a must.
Excellent walks especially from Osmington Mills. Dorchester Museum is very interesting.Turks Head Chickerell is nice for meals. Rajpoot Dorchester if you enjoy Indian Cuisine.

One of the best appointed self-catering cottages we have ever stayed at. Great to have ample cutlery, crockery, glasses etc. The kitchen/diner and living room were both excellent spaces.
Super cream teas to be had at the Abbotsbury Tea Rooms. They even had gluten-free scones which was a great surprise for me.

Well equipped cosy cottage, ideal for 1 or 2 but other larger cottages on the complex suitable for families and bigger groups. The latter part of my stay caught the Big Freeze of 2018 but a plentiful supply of logs supplemented the central heating particularly when West Dorset was hit by power cuts on the worst day of Storm Emma. Hopefully not a problem for summer visitors! Welcoming owners. Friendly visiting farm dog!
I didn’t do much but read and walk as it was February + cold. But the quarry stone sculptures in the nature reserve at the top of the Isle of Portland was an interesting visit that is not always on the tourist trail and the Coast Road west via Abbotsbury has stunning views and sandy beaches unlike the access to Chesil Beach closest to the Farm Cottages which is just high shingle.

We had a great stay at The Brambles. The cottage was perfect for us….really cosy and in such a peaceful location. I would certainly recommend staying here to anyone and will definitely put it on our list of “places to stay”.
We ate at The Elm Tree, which is a short walk from the cottage, and also at the Kings Arms which is a short drive into the next village. Both pubs serve excellent food. We also did so many coastal walks….the scenery is stunning.

Excellent communication from start to finish and lovely warm welcome on arrival. Cottage was absolutely beautiful, comfortable, clean and so well equipped. Location was great. Have already recommended to friends and we plan on coming back!
We only ate once and went to the Lugger Inn at Chickerell, which was close by. Extensive menu including vegetarian options and live band on from 9pm (Saturday night). We also went to Chesil beach, monkey world (well worth a visit), Dorchester and Weymouth.

Had a super stay at this cottage. So nice to know that everything you needed was there, even down to the last detail.. and all we had to do was take ourselves, clothes, food & drink!

Lovely location, with lots to do and see nearby. Really pet friendly too with great walks for you and dogs right on your doorstep.

We went in a party of 9 over New Year weekend and had a great time. Ann the owner popped round to welcome us not long after we had arrived which made it nice and personal. Would definitely go back and recommend to anyone else looking for a laid back, clean, warm and homely place to stay.

The cottages are maintained to a very high standard the owners are very kind and helpful to ensure you have everything you need. You can really relax here enjoying the peace and quiet. We would highly recommend these holiday cottages.
We received a very warm welcome at The Kings Arms in Portesham the food and service was
excellent .

Fantastic cottage, comfortable, clean, homely. Amazing location (but we do love Langton Herring as we have visited the area many times before.) Great to be able to park car safely nearby. Everything we needed and we will most definitely be back.

Walk to the Fleet, it’s so peaceful & tranquil. Eat at the Kings Arms in Portesham – great food and a lovely atmosphere. Portland is a must, the wildness and ferocity of the sea is amazing (storm Ophelia had passed and storm Brian was making its way)
Go to Tyneham and walk to Worbarrow Bay, loads of Portugese Man o War had been washed up there. West Bay is great for walking the dogs on the beach. Dorchester is a nice day out and if you want a nice meal out try The Sun Inn – great food. Corfe Castle & the model village is excellent, great cream tea in the Courtyard Cafe next to the model village – very dog friendly area.

Well equipped cosy cottage, ideal for 1 or 2 but other larger cottages on the complex suitable for families and bigger groups. The latter part of my stay caught the Big Freeze of 2018 but a plentiful supply of logs supplemented the central heating particularly when West Dorset was hit by power cuts on the worst day of Storm Emma. Hopefully not a problem for summer visitors! Welcoming owners. Friendly visiting farm dog!

I didn’t do much but read and walk as it was February + cold. But the quarry stone sculptures in the nature reserve at the top of the Isle of Portland was an interesting visit that is not always on the tourist trail and the coast road west via Abbotsbury has stunning views and sandy beaches unlike the access to Chesil Beach closest to the Farm Cottages which is just high shingle.

Fantastic cottage, comfortable, clean, homely. Amazing location (but we do love Langton Herring as we have visited the area many times before.) Great to be able to park car safely nearby. Everything we needed and we will most definitely be back.
Tips for other travellers
Walk to the Fleet, it’s so peaceful & tranquil. Eat at the Kings Arms in Portesham – great food and a lovely atmosphere. Portland is a must, the wildness and ferocity of the sea is amazing (storm Ophelia had passed and storm Brian was making its way)
Go to Tyneham and walk to Worbarrow Bay, loads of Portugese Man o War had been washed up there. West Bay is great for walking the dogs on the beach. Dorchester is a nice day out and if you want a nice meal out try The Sun Inn – great food. Corfe Castle & the model village is excellent, great cream tea in the Courtyard Cafe next to the model village – very dog friendly area.

The cottage is wonderful, it has a huge farmhouse kitchen and large lounge yet it feels homely and welcoming. The decor is of quality, and the attention to detail is impressive. Ann the owner called by to ensure that we had everything we needed. We had direct access to the field at the back of the cottage and access to the adjoining fields, so it was the perfect retreat for us and our dog.
Tip:
Situated in a small hamlet, just a farm and a couple of cottages it is in a perfect position to visit Weymouth to the east and Abbotsbury, Burton Bradstock and Charmouth to the west. There are lots of books, maps and information leaflets and walking routes at the cottage. You can walk to Chesil Beach from the cottage, although the route will take a few hours in total.
Recommend:
A walk along the beach and a coffee at the Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock.
A walk around St Catherines Chapel and tea back at the Abbey House, beautiful scenery and a tranquil setting.

It is very pleasant to be able to relax and enjoy everything about the cottage and scenery . To be trusted on arrival to let oneself in the cottage and to be left to enjoy everything including tea and biscuits .
We enjoyed the Lugger in good service good food dogs welcome. Portesham is a very pretty village to visit.