The Swan Inn

There's a lot of beautiful restaurants around, but Clockspire might be one of the most strikingly attractive spots you'll find. Housed within a converted 19th-century school, its high ceiling and exposed rafters provide plenty of ecclesiastical 'wow factor', while the lavishness of the refurbishment is mightily impressive. As you may expect, the dishes are impeccably presented and the polished cooking makes good use of its British ingredients. The slick service comes with a personal touch that feels as though the team really care about your experience.

The kind of place where you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face, this ivy-clad 19th-century pub has been lovingly restored with a quirky touch. The inviting bar leads through to the equally characterful restaurant, where cooking over fire is focus. Expect the likes of oyster mushroom skewers with wild garlic and gochujang, bavette with kale and romesco, or fire-licked pork belly with lightly charred hispi cabbage. To finish, the on-trend Basque cheesecake is a generous treat. Friendly, enthusiastic service and fairly priced wines are the icing on the cake.

A pretty, listed stone property with an enclosed garden terrace, this restaurant is a perfect fit for the picturesque market town of Sherborne. The charming interior features antique furniture, fresh flowers on every table and regularly changing artwork. Dishes are based on tried-and-tested combinations, with desserts like crème d'amande tart being a highlight. The friendly, caring team run the restaurant with pride and a smile.

There’s always something going on at this hub-of-the-village pub, which comes with a modern look and immaculately furnished bedrooms. Country cooking evolves with the seasons and focuses on sustainable ingredients: veg is supplied by a villager, pork is reared locally and seafood is from the Jurassic Coast.