Location – The Hollies, Dorset

The Hollies, Dorset

It was warm, cosy and quiet, located in a small village a stones throw (or short drive) from the Jurassic Coast. We used it as a base from which to explore the beautiful areas of South Dorset, enjoying walks along the beaches and food in a number of fantastic local pubs. There’s so much to do in the area.

Huw, February 2024

The Village

Chaldon Herring is a tranquil farming community full of pretty thatched cottages. The Hollies is on Chydyok Road, just off the village green, and only a few steps beyond that is the excellent local pub, The Sailor’s Return. Surrounding the village are miles of beautiful countryside and great walks.

There are two farm shops just outside the village, Kate’s Farm Shop and Jurassic Coast Farm Shop, both selling a range of delicious local produce. There’s also an excellent village shop in the next village over where you can buy newspapers and freshly made pastries, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.

Chaldon Herring - a tranquil Dorset Village

Chaldon Herring’s village green

Chaldon Herring village green and the road leading to The Hollies

The Hollies is a on a quiet no through road in the pretty village of Chaldon Herring

The charmingly named ‘God’s Pocket’ – the small playing field just off the village green

The pretty Dorset cottages of Chaldon Herring, just opposite The Hollies

The pretty Dorset village of Chaldon Herring

Typical thatched cottages, Chaldon Herring

The Coast

The Hollies is the perfect base to explore the world famous Jurassic Coast; the path at the end of the road leads straight up onto the South West Coast Path towards Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

A little further up the coast, you can spend the morning fossil hunting at Kimmeridge then call in on the Etches Collection fossil museum to see the newly discovered ‘Sea Rex’ pliosaur. Enjoy paddle boarding on the sandy shores of Studland Beach and take a tour out to Old Harry’s Rocks. Keen bird watchers shouldn’t miss a trip RSPB Arne or a cruise of Poole Harbour, where you can see Puffins, Ospreys, and White Tailed Eagles.

Or keep things simple and wander along the coastal path for a pint at the Smuggler’s Inn Pub at Osmington Mills, taking in the spectacular views or Weymouth harbour and the Isle of Portland along the way.

Nearby Attractions

There’s so much to do in the local area, whether you’re into food, history, monkeys, tanks or all of the above!

The picturesque county town of Dorchester is home to a fantastic local museum and art gallery. Wareham is an ancient town where you can still walk the walls built in Saxon times to defend from Viking invaders. The ruins of Corfe Castle occupy a dramatic position in the Purbeck hills, best appreciated from the steam trains which run right past and on to the seaside town of Swanage.

Rainy days are an excellent excuse to visit the world famous Tank Museum or explore the fascinating primate rescue centre, Monkey World. Step into the literary world with a visit to Thomas Hardy’s birthplace or his later home, Max Gate. Venture inland to catch sight of the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant or spend a relaxing day admiring the peacocks at Lulworth Castle. Treat yourself to a wine tasting experience at our award-winning local vineyard Langham Estate or visit Weymouth’s pretty quay for local fine dining at Catch.