The Coppleridge Inn

The Coppleridge Inn – The Coppleridge Inn

Overview

Set among rolling North Dorset farmland just outside Shaftesbury, The Coppleridge Inn is a country inn and hotel with rustic charm and warm-hearted hospitality. This converted 18th-century farmstead in Motcombe makes a relaxed base for couples and families after a rural retreat, with the lure of home-cooked food and dog-friendly walks right from the door. The Coppleridge Inn strikes a gentle balance—a working pub and restaurant for locals and weekenders, with comfortable rooms looking out over meadows and woodland.

Eat

The restaurant at The Coppleridge Inn prides itself on classic British pub dining with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. Menus showcase West Country produce across wholesome favourites—think Wiltshire ham, West Country steaks and hearty pies, alongside lighter salads and vegetarian options. Sundays bring a well-loved traditional roast. The wood-beamed bar and dining room feel unfussy and welcoming, with attentive staff and an easy-going village pace. Diners are drawn by the freshly prepared plates and a real sense of countryside generosity; it’s the sort of place where comfort food meets careful cooking in a truly rural setting.

Sleep

Accommodation at The Coppleridge Inn centres on a collection of simple, spacious en-suite rooms set around a courtyard. Each room blends rustic beams and classic furnishings with plenty of space to unwind, countryside views, and touches like flat-screen TVs and tea-making kits. Family rooms and dog-friendly options are available. It’s a comfortable, unpretentious environment—well-suited for ramblers, food-loving couples and guests seeking an authentic, homey country stay rather than boutique stylings.

Retreat

A two-night break here is ideal for those wanting both rest and rambling. The inn’s grounds are expansive, with garden seating, tennis courts, walking paths, and a play area for younger families. Guests will spot chickens and can watch the sun set over open fields with a pint in hand. Coppleridge is placed for splendid walks and forays into the Blackmore Vale, as well as visits to the historic market town of Shaftesbury just 3 miles away. Gillingham’s mainline rail station is a 10-minute drive, connecting to London in just over 2 hours; by car from Bath takes about an hour. Days could easily slip between hearty meals, bracing walks, and the contented quiet of rural Dorset.