Following the recent birth of our 2nd child, we fancied (needed) a couple of nights away from the chaos of family life for a bit of time together and with our new baby. Especially as we were coming into winter, we didn’t need to look any further than a couple of market towns in Somerset & Dorset, the perfect distance of an hour’s drive from base. So we packed our toddler off to her grandparents, and packed the car with … not very much – travelling with a baby can be quite straightforward, actually.
Stop 1: White Hart Somerton
Arriving with enough time on a Sunday evening for a drink in the bar ahead of a sumptuous roast was non negotiable. The White Hart Somerton has all the hallmarks of the 16th century pub that it is. This includes open fires, locals and travellers, characterful features and furniture, but with the touch of a well thought-out and run eatery. Its size and configuration seamlessly creates several spaces with cosy corners, sofas & arm chairs, and a dining area with informal bar stools and high tables (that goes hand-in-hand with the massive wood-fired pizza oven). There’s also an additional vaulted section, beer garden and a festoon-laden courtyard that I image is very popular in the warmer months amongst its olive trees.
Our supper featured a lovely example of everything the menu has to offer; buttermilk calamari, a pork belly roast, merguez spiced aubergine with a crispy chickpea fritter and a dark chocolate bread and butter pudding. Although it’s thankfully becoming more commonplace, there’s a key focus on a lot of the ingredients’ provenance which includes its baked-on-site bread using Shipton Mill flour.
And all the while that we chatted, ate and drank, our baby peacefully slept in his Moses basket beside us, waking for the occasional feed and coos from fellow diners. Our pub-break was already working as we were reminded of relaxation and each other’s company.
We were lucky enough to stay in the White Hart’s showstopper room, aptly named the ‘Super’ Double. With dark wooden beams, a claw-foot bath, a grand four-poster bed, and views over the marketplace, it had enough eccentricity to compliment the original features. The remaining seven rooms vary in size and character—some with charming architectural quirks—but all offer good value and are a fine example of the growing “pub with rooms” trend done right.
Our exploration of Somerton was brief but sweet. The town is steeped in history, with the pub itself sitting proudly in the heart of the marketplace. Even on a cold, foggy day, Somerton’s charm shone through, with pretty lanes and a distinct sense of place. Had we arrived on a different day, we’d have loved to visit the town’s arts centre (conveniently located opposite the pub), its tea rooms, and the enticing Craft House Chocolate shop. Alas, the quieter pace of a Monday meant these treasures were closed, so we set off for our next destination. A scenic detour via Sherborne, another honey-hued market town with plenty of charm, rounded off our stay in Somerset perfectly. (And gave us a chance to stop and feed the baby in a picturesque setting.)
Stop 2: The Grosvenor Arms
After a restful night in Somerton, we made our way to Shaftesbury and checked into The Grosvenor Arms, a stylish and larger sister property to The White Hart. Like its counterpart, it strikes a balance between comfort and character, offering modern interiors that respect its coaching-inn heritage. Situated in the heart of this historic hilltop town, it also represents fantastic value—especially in the quieter winter months.
The open-plan ground floor is warm and inviting, with a bright bar area, cozy armchairs, and an informal dining space that doubles as a lively hub. Dinner was a relaxed one with a very good wood-roasted garlic mushroom pizza and red wine poached pear that hit the spot without being fussy. Meanwhile, our son snoozed happily nearby—a perk of travelling with a baby who can seemingly sleep anywhere.
Upstairs, our room was thoughtfully designed (the largest in the hotel) and with the biggest shower ‘room’ I’ve ever seen. Rooms vary in size, with some larger options for families, but all are well-priced for the comfort and location they provide.
Shaftesbury itself is a compact, charming town, best known for Gold Hill, a cobbled lane with panoramic countryside views. With our baby in a carrier, we explored its streets with ease, enjoying the mix of small shops and historic sites. Back at the hotel, a drink by the fire rounded off the day perfectly—proof that even a short winter escape can feel like a well-needed break.
These two sister properties made for an ideal getaway: understated, well-run, and refreshingly good value. We’re already eyeing up a return visit—next time, perhaps, with both kids in tow.