Exceptional events
Browse our calendar of extraordinary experiences at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, from seasonal cocktails and menus using the finest local produce, to unique tasting journeys and extra-special events.
We go to great lengths to provide the very best experiences and welcome suggestions - please do feel free to let us know what may be of interest to you. We look forward to welcoming you in the coming months as we celebrate the changing seasons.
Our family
Led by General Managers Natalie Legg and Richard Legg, with over nine years of service, The Acorn Inn is a family of passionate people, with a warm, inclusive ethos that embraces everything we do. We are proud to be a part of the family-owned and run Red Carnation Hotel Collection, alongside our sister hotel Summer Lodge Country Hotel and Restaurant. Our warm and welcoming team provide the perfect introduction to genuine village charm, and every one of us is deeply committed to giving the very best in all we do.
A perfect location
Located in the picturesque village of Evershot, in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the Inn is an award-winning 16th-century property. During your visit, you will be transported to the pages of Tess of the d’Urbervilles, a Thomas Hardy novel that the Inn features in. With old beams, oak panelling, roaring fires and an original skittle alley, this is a beautiful rural escape with a spacious outdoor garden to relax in and ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Whether it’s horse-riding, fishing or a walk alongside the Jurassic coast, just a 25-minute drive away.
Award-winning cuisine
The Acorn Inn offers two bars and an award-winning restaurant serving a range of exceptional seasonal dishes, like our famous Ploughman’s lunch, which is popular with locals and guests alike. We are proud to have received the 'Best Country Dining Pub' award at The Good Pub Guide Awards 2021 and Robert Ndungu, was awarded Chef of the Year at the Dorset Magazine Food, Drink & Farming Awards.
Traditional interiors
Enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep in one of our ten individually decorated bedrooms adorned with period antiques. Each is named according to a Thomas Hardy theme - whether it’s a location featured in his novels, his favourite heroine or even after the author himself. As part of our generous hospitality, we offer special extras to enhance your stay such as, freshly cut bouquets or a candlelit turndown.
We care
We are committed to our community and to supporting local charities such as Yeovil Night Shelter and more globally, WE Charity. We are proud to reduce our food miles by working almost exclusively with local suppliers. To stop food waste, we sustain our own herb garden and process food waste in a biodigester, where it is turned into electricity, with the bi-product used as fertiliser by local farmers. We also work in partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, striving to #MakeTravelMatter.