HORTON.

Horton Inn stands on the edge of Cranborne Chase, within easy reach of the New Forest, Blackmore Vale, Poole Harbour and the beautiful Dorset coast. The Horton Inn was built in the 18th century as part of Lord Shaftesbury's Estate. It's surrounded by ancient oak forests and beech woods, the Inn is situated in the beautiful and spacious downlands of Southern Dorset. Although the Inn is fully centrally heated there is a log fire during the winter. There are two small ledges, but not for sitting on as the charred skull wouldn't like it! The atmosphere is cheerful and friendly in the single bar. A second room is the candlelit restaurant - the prices in here for food are quite high, so be warned. The bar also offers a menu, though again the prices are quite high (over £5) and the portions not so large. However, the food is cooked well and there are some imaginative choices. The bar is a long thin room and can get busy at weekends, but there are plenty of chairs and round/square tables. The decor is very much old country estate pub, with wooden bar and fittings. Beers on are from Ringwood True Glory and Best Bitter. Both served with sparkler unless you ask. Again prices are a little high, but there are not many pubs (0) near here. Access for the disabled is not good as there are steps and the toilets are through two narrow doors. There is also a beer garden for the summer and the great views are very relaxing. There are also rooms available with great views of the ruins of Knowlton, an early Norman church and Badbury Rings an Iron Age Hill Fort. There are so many Country Houses and Estates nearby you will be spoilt for choice! Kingston Lacy, Braemore, Chettle, Athelhampton, etc. Nearest railway stations are Salisbury and Bournemouth - miles away.