TARRANT MONKTON.

The Langton Arms, an attractive 17th century thatched Inn, occupies a peaceful spot in the village centre close to the church. It is a free house run with real care and offers a good selection of drinks, and an ever changing selection of real ales. Beers on at time were: Ash Vine Piggin 4.5%, Ash Vine Stocking Filler 4.0% and Joules Priory Bitter 4.8%, plus there own Langton Arms Bitter brewed by Ringwood 3.8%. This pub is situated in a beautiful village with its own ford (during high rains, you need a large vehicle to get through the rushing waters). The Inn is also well known for it's excellent food and offers a good selection of interesting dishes, including a choice of home-made vegetarian dishes. A separate Bistro Restaurant is situated in the comfortable surroundings of an old converted stable and conservatory, the atmosphere making an ideal place for a relaxing evening. The Bistro is open Wednesday to Saturday evenings. A skittle alley can also be found here. There is accommodation here. The six guest rooms are built in rustic brick, around an attractive courtyard. All are on ground floor level, each having it's own private entrance and a bay window looking out onto the Dorset countryside. They are all furnished to a high standard and have full en-suite bathrooms, colour television and tea/coffee making facilities. Prices start from £45 single, £60 double, £70 family. Special breaks are available all year round: 2 nights £55, 3 nights £80, 4 nights £105. Tarrant Monkton is a small thatched Dorset village nestling in the heart of the unspoilt Tarrant Valley surrounded by some of the most spectacular countryside in England, which has changed little since it was immortalised in the novels of Thomas Hardy at the turn of the century. The village itself is peaceful, charming place to wander and makes a perfect base to explore and discover the surrounding area. The towns of Blanford Forum, Wimborne Minster, Shaftesbury and Sherborne are all nearby. The surrounding areas are famous for walks and a book entitled 100 Walks in Dorset is available from: The Tourist Information Centre, Marsh & Ham Car Park, West Street, Blandford, DT11 7AW, (01258) 454770. Children welcome.