This traditional thatched cottage - which used to be Cong Cinema, showing films on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the first place to show The Quiet Man even before it was shown in Hollywood - today provides a relaxed dining experience. With a casual dress code, enjoy international and local dishes inspired by our owner Beatrice Tollman, including our delicious signature dish 'Chicken Peri Peri'. It is slow cooked in our rotisserie oven in the main dining area, so mouth-watering aromas greet you as soon as you enter the restaurant.
At the front of the building you will now discover a beautifully manicured garden and extended patio area, proving a spectacular area to enjoy lunch, sip a cocktail and take in the magnificent views of Ashford Castle in the distance... The perfect place to watch the world go by after a walk through the gardens or a round of golf. Open seasonally, from March through to October, Cullen’s is just a short stroll over the bridge from the castle.
Booking in advance is advisable to avoid disappointment. This restaurant is open to guests and residents staying at the castle but it has limited capacity.
Travelling west from the hotel, head towards Beaminster, a town with a square of over 200 listed buildings. Continue to Forde Abbey, formerly a Cistercian monastery founded in 1141, renowned for its award-winning gardens and still privately owned. From there, travel to the quaint seaside town of Lyme Regis, former home of Jane Austen and the town where ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ was filmed. There you can visit the Harbour Inn, Town Mill (cheesemonger, micro-brewery, art galleries, pottery, knitwear studio and ancient working flour mill) and Dinosaurland. Lunch at the Mill Tea and Dining Room, or Lyme’s Fish Bar for the best fish and chips. Afternoon Tea at the Alexandra Hotel offers spectacular views over Lyme Bay.
Distance: 22.4 miles
Journey time: 46 minutes
T. E. Lawrence’s Cottage, Clouds Hill, was chosen by him because of its proximity to Bovington Camp where he was stationed. Bovington remains an army camp today and is home to the world’s largest Tank Museum. Lulworth is a short drive away, famous for its mock Jacobean Castle (where Emma Thompson’s ‘Nanny McPhee’ was filmed), horseshoe-shaped harbour created about 10 000 years ago and of course, Durdle Door. A motorboat service will take you to Durdle Door by sea from where you can best enjoy this beautiful coastline. Tyneham is also nearby – a deserted and perfectly preserved village in a hidden valley.
Distance: 23 miles
Journey time: 37 minutes
The largest coastal town in Dorset, Bournemouth is a popular holiday destination, and it has been voted one of the best coastal resorts in England. A family-friendly destination, its seven miles of golden beaches are perfect for activities or simply just relaxation. A major tourist spot, Bournemouth is home to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, just a couple of minutes from the beach. It’s a popular foodie destination too - enjoy award-winning fish and chips from Harry Ramsden as you watch the many surfers riding the waves.
Distance: 41.1 miles
Journey time: 1 hour
Known as Devon's cathedral city, Exeter has over 2,000 years of history. Exeter Cathedral, which lies at the heart of the city, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. A compact size, Exeter is a great shopping destination with both high street and independent stores to browse. Underneath the city's streets lies exciting underground passages, which you can explore on a tour - these passages date back to medieval times.
Distance: 57.1 miles
Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Call +44 (0) 1935 83228 or
From abbeys to courts, and manor houses to castles, there's no better selection of historic houses and beautiful gardens.
Discover more