Priory Hotel

Rooted in history as well as peaceful scenery, The Priory has undergone a sympathetic conversion to a charming yet unpretentious hotel. Each bedroom is distinctively styled, with family antiques lending character; many rooms have commanding views of the Purbeck Hills. A 16th-century clay barn nearby has been transformed into the Boathouse, adding four spacious luxury suites at the river's edge. There are also moorings for guests arriving by boat. Tastefully furnished, the drawing room, residents' lounge and intimate bar together create a convivial atmosphere. The Garden Room is normally open for breakfast and lunch, while dinner and Sunday lunch are normally served in the stone vaulted Abbots Cellar Restaurant.

Dating back to the ninth century, the market town of Wareham has more than 200 listed buildings and is an ideal excursion for the curious. Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Poole and Swanage are all close by.