The Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Room photoThe Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Exterior photoThe Ilchester Arms Abbotsbury Exterior photo
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From107US$ /night
Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, United Kingdom, DT3 4JR
-
Steps from St Catherine's Chapel
Very good
7.6
/10
4.0
4.0
/5

The Ilchester Arms - A 3-star inn with a restaurant, bar, and water sports facilities near Dorset's natural landmarks

The Ilchester Arms features a restaurant serving British cuisine, a bar, and a shared lounge, along with water sports facilities. Rooms include a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom, with select units offering seating areas or garden views. Guests can enjoy homemade bar snacks, seafood, and steak dinners at the restaurant, or a continental breakfast each morning at The Ilchester Arms. The inn provides free WiFi in public areas and has a garden and terrace. Nearby attractions include St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury Swannery (1 km), and Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (4 km). Activities like darts, mini-golf, cycling, and horse riding are available.

Pros

The restaurant serves homemade bar snacks and rustic seafood and steak dinners.

The inn offers water sports facilities and outdoor activities like cycling and horse riding.

Select rooms feature garden views or seating areas.

Cons

The nearest airport (Bournemouth) is 70 km away.

No air conditioning in rooms.

“The Ilchester Arms, nestled in Abbotsbury, struck me as a genuinely comfortable and welcoming place. The staff clearly prioritize guest experience, and the home-cooked food is a real draw. I especially appreciate the quiet village location and the surprise of a hidden car park; it's these details that make a stay truly memorable.”
Hotel logo
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type

The Ilchester Arms offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
13 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
12 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Large Double Room
2 persons
1 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Fireplace

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Ilchester Arms offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Internet access
  • Free parking
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Dining

  • Outdoor dining area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • CD player

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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The Ilchester Arms Location

9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, United Kingdom, DT3 4JR
Map view
9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, United Kingdom, DT3 4JR
Nearby
Church Street
Abbotsbury Abbey
250 m
Gallery
Dansel Gallery
160 m
Farm
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
220 m
Church
St Nicholas Church
580 m
Restaurants
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
30 m
9 Market Street
The Old School House Tea Rooms
50 m
1 Back Street
The Bellenie's Bakehouse
30 m
11 Market Street
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights
120 m
Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights 14 Rodden Row
Explore Abbotsbury
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Abbotsbury Swannery
12 minutes' walk
The only managed breeding colony of swans in the world, featuring scenic walks and daily feedings.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
18 minutes' walk
A beautiful 30-acre garden showcasing diverse tropical plants, ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics.
St Catherine's Chapel
9 minutes' walk
A 14th-century chapel with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, representing historical architecture.
Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
3 minutes' walk
A family-friendly farm with hands-on experiences and friendly animals, perfect for children to learn and play.
Hiking at Chesil Beach
10 minutes' drive
A sandy beach ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration with breathtaking coastal views.
Yoga Classes at Abbotsbury
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions in a tranquil environment, perfect for wellness seekers. Book in advance.
The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant
1 minute walking
Contemporary British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, featuring local specialties and farm-to-table options.
The Old School House Tea Rooms
1 minute walking
Charming tea room known for delicious homemade cakes and light lunches in a rustic setting.
Dansel Gallery
2 minutes' walk
Local art gallery showcasing works from regional artists, often hosting exhibitions and community events.
The Village Blacksmith
11 minutes' drive
A classic pub with a lively atmosphere, serving ales and hearty meals, perfect for an evening unwind.
Getting around
City Centre
Abbotsbury2 min  ·  100 m
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH)101 min  ·  66.8 km
Exeter International (EXT)107 min  ·  71.2 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Ilchester Arms provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
7

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ilchester Arms from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 118 verified reviews
7.2/10
Very good
70%
Recommend
Pros
Spacious room
Delicious breakfast
Warm welcome
Cons
Dated facilities
Poor communication
Rude staff
Guest reviews
based on 566 reviews
7.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About The Ilchester Arms
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ilchester Arms?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from The Ilchester Arms to Chesil Beach?
The Ilchester Arms is located 3 km from Chesil Beach.
What amenities does The Ilchester Arms provide for guests?
Amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, free private parking, a bar, and luggage storage.
Which nearby restaurants can guests visit from The Ilchester Arms?
Nearby restaurants include The Bellenie's Bakehouse (0.5 km), Sue & Nigel Melville Wheelwrights (0.5 km), and The Abbey House Tea Rooms (0.5 km).
What recreational activities are available at The Ilchester Arms?
Guests can engage in activities like fishing, mini-golf, darts, and cycling.
What room features can guests expect at The Ilchester Arms?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with toiletries, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Is there an on-site restaurant at The Ilchester Arms?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving British cuisine with options for lighter snacks to hearty meals.
What is the nearest airport to The Ilchester Arms?
The nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport, located 62 km away.
Can guests enjoy views from their rooms at The Ilchester Arms?
Some units at The Ilchester Arms provide garden views.
Does The Ilchester Arms offer any special dining experiences?
The hotel offers homemade afternoon tea and rustic a la carte dining options.
What historical attractions are located near The Ilchester Arms?
Attractions such as St Catherine's Chapel and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are in close proximity.
Is there a social lounge area available at The Ilchester Arms?
The hotel features a shared lounge area for guests to relax.

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Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
05May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room