A Rustic Retreat Nestled in the Cranborne Chase

The Old Forge has been in the same family since 1986. After 30 years of hosting, in 2024 Tim and Lucy retired. Now the next generation daughter Sophie with her husband Alex and their two young children Iris and Woody have now taken the reins and cannot wait to welcome you!

A small beautiful country B&B in a 18th century old Wheelwrights Forge full of character and history. We have two charming rooms, and you can enjoy a scrumptious local home cooked breakfast.

Nestled amongst the wildflowers are two charming shepherd's huts burrowed at the foot of Fontmell Down and Melbury Beacon.  The perfect family, couple and dog friendly retreat - glamping with your own hot tub, a quirky converted BBQ silo and fire pits under the stars. When you book, you are guaranteed the whole site to yourselves alongside your ‘neigh’bours Lily and Leya the horses, and chickens strutting the meadows.

Come and experience the slower pace of life in an idyllic setting!

Look out for the old enamel signs and petrol pumps that set the scene for a bygone era.  Classic cars have always been a part of the landscape here when dad started his restoration business over 30 years ago.  Enthusiasts will delight in Tim’s treasured 1934 Lagonda Rapier which he lovingly restored.  The Morris Minor pick up is the most wonderful work horse and is in use every day. Tim is now retired, but still likes to tinker in the workshop and still loves showing guests around.

Lagonda Rapier

The Old Forge is ideal for classic car enthusiasts, Tim owns a 1934 supercharged Lagonda Rapier which is kept in a nostalgic garage which still contains old automobilia to retain the pre war classic style

Glamping

  • Woody

    Woody

    Complete with private hot tub and BBQ grain silo

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  • Iris

    Iris

    Coming as a group? Add Iris to your stay

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Bed & Breakfast

  • Melbury Room

    Melbury Room

    King sized en suite room

    sleeps 1-4

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  • Courtyard Room

    Courtyard Room

    Double room with private bathroom

    sleeps 2

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Characterful B&B

Come and unwind and stay with us and take time to explore all that Dorset has to offer

Dog friendly glamping

A perfect dog friendly retreat. A safely fenced field for your four legged friend to bound around whilst you relax

Come together

Idyllic getaways for friends and family. Relax and have the whole place to yourself.

Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve

Cranborne Chase – Home of Outstanding Dark Night Skies as well as Natural Beauty.

In October 2019 Cranborne Chase AONB became the 14th International Dark Sky Reserve  in the world

Star gazing haven! 

Follow our journey.

Book your stay