Dorset is crammed with great places to eat and drink, many of which are very happy to welcome families. We’ve scoured the county to bring you a real mix of fab places. Whether you’re looking for a glorious beachside view or a traditional pub with a convenient play area for kids who can’t sit still, or just a nice bit of homemade cake, we’ve found four of the best from right around Dorset.
The Weld Arms
East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QQ
Lunch or dinner at the Weld Arms is a great way to round off a day out at Lulworth Castle or a lovely amble along the many great walks around Lulworth Cove. The generous portions and excellent food will leave you full and happy and they have a good mix of children’s food and are very helpful if you’re looking for something for the baby (they put together a plate of veg and mash for our baby!). The traditional pub is lovely inside if you’re unlucky with the weather or you can enjoy the garden and play area outside if you get some jolly summer sunshine. Baby changing and high chairs available.
Tel: 01929 400211 www.weldarms.co.uk
Hive Beach Cafe
Beach Road, Burton Bradstock, Nr Bridport, DT6 4RF
This has to be quite simply one of the best located cafes in Britain. Right by the gorgeous beach, with acres of room for the kids to play and a fantastic view from the outdoor tables, we know you’ll love this place! The seafood is worth coming for alone; spider crabs straight from their own beach, shellfish, and hand dived scallops. If you’re just in the mood just for a nice cake then you’ll love their cake selection. The Ice cream parlour is open throughout the summer. Plenty of highchairs and they welcome children.
Tel: 01308 897070 www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk
The Town Mill Bakery
Coombe Street, Lyme Regis
This is just so different from anywhere we’ve ever eaten that we were bowled over by it and we’re sure you’ll be too! Big rustic benches fill the open plan bakery, complete with eartherware jugs of water and cups overhead to help yourselves, with great sacks of flour, wooden platters and the happy hum of industry. Our kids tucked into their foccacia, the baby cheerfully chomped on big chunks of bread and salad and we all loved it! Bread making is craft here; it’s a bread heaven and the cakes are to die for!
Tel: 01297 444035 www.twonmillbakery.com
Pear Tree Deli and Cafe
Half Moon Street, Sherborne
This lovely bright café and deli in pretty Sherborne serves delicious local produce and does superb sandwiches and a great ‘Dorset Platter’! They welcome families, have a children’s menu, highchairs and baby changing. They’ve got toys for little ones and are happy to heat up baby food!
Tel: 01935 812828
