The Old Forge
The Old Forge, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury SP7 0NQ, UK
View on Google MapsA gorgeous retreat in the Cranborne Chase AONB, with romantic shepherd's huts and campfires. Dog friendly.
About The Old Forge
Tucked into the rolling Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Shaftesbury, The Old Forge offers a genuinely gorgeous escape from the everyday. Romantic shepherd's huts provide cosy accommodation, while campfires add that essential outdoor atmosphere – perfect for starlit evenings with your four-legged friend, as dogs are warmly welcomed here.
Open year-round with all the essential facilities including showers, toilets and drinking water, it's a family-friendly site that strikes a lovely balance between rural seclusion and practicality. Just be aware there's no WiFi on site, which for many will be a feature rather than a drawback. A characterful base for exploring Dorset's northern reaches and the ancient landscapes of Cranborne Chase.
Good to know
Payment
- !Cash only
Details via Google — worth confirming with the site before you travel.
Photos
Photos via Google
Can I bring...?
Lodges & pods
- Iris the Shepherd's Hut
- Woody the Shepherd's Hut
Facilities
No takeaway delivery found for this location on Just Eat or Deliveroo — you'll likely need to bring or buy supplies before you arrive.
Nearest supermarkets
Handy if you're self-catering or need to stock up on arrival.
- Tesco, Shaftesbury 2.8 miles
- Lidl 2.8 miles
- Aldi 5.2 miles
- Co-op 5.7 miles
- Asda, Gillingham 6.1 miles
- Morrisons, Blandford Forum 7.7 miles
- Sainsbury's, Sherborne 14.2 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Opening hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Other hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
What visitors say
We had a wonderful stay at The Old Forge. Even though the rain barely let up during our visit, it was the perfect place to return to after exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. The rooms were spotlessly clean, warm, and incredibly comfortable, a real haven from the weather. Breakfast each morning was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. Sophie, Alex, Iris, and Woody made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived; their warmth and hospitality truly made our stay extra special. We wouldn’t hesitate to return.
· via Google
Staying in Woody at the Old Forge was amazing. Beautiful views, welcoming hosts, great shower, comfy bed and fluffy towels. The hut was really cosy. We would highly recommend.
· via Google
Lovely stay in a gorgeous location! The hosts were so kind and helpful. The check-in instructions, description of amenities, and tips for restaurants and things to do in the local area were extremely detailed. The hosts truly thought of everything with this stay!
· via Google
It is an idyllic place and Adam, Sophie, Woody, Iris and Bonnie are excellent hosts. It is quiet, quaint and high quality!! The breakfast is fabulous too!! Fresh yoghurt and apple juice and apple compote made my day!! We will return again!!
· via Google
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