The Ilchester Arms in Abbotsbury at golden hour, honey-coloured stone walls and hanging lanterns

Est. in the heart of Abbotsbury

Eat with us,
drink with us,
stay with us.

A centuries-old village pub and inn on the Dorset coast — log fires, proper pints and honest cooking, ten minutes from Chesil Beach.

Our Story

More than a pub — the village’s front room.

Set in the heart of the historic village of Abbotsbury, The Ilchester Arms is a place where locals gather, visitors unwind, and the Dorset coastline feels right on your doorstep. With centuries of history behind its walls, it has long been a meeting point for the community.

Today we’re proud to be bringing new energy to this much-loved destination while respecting everything that makes it special — whether you’re joining us for a hearty meal after exploring Chesil Beach, stopping in for a pint with friends, or settling into one of our rooms for a countryside stay.

Our menus focus on honest pub classics and quality ingredients, served in a space that blends traditional character with a fresh, modern feel.

A village pub, reimagined for today — built on tradition.

The Ilchester Arms Hotel on Market Street, Abbotsbury, with its balcony and hanging lantern
Friends raising a pint and a cider over pub food at The Ilchester Arms

Eat & Drink

Pub classics, done properly.

Lunch and dinner served Tuesday to Sunday, with a Sunday roast worth walking the coast path for. Real ales at the bar, local ciders, and a short, well-chosen wine list.

Sunday Roast
Served from noon until it’s gone.
Real Ales
Rotating local casks and Dorset ciders.
Kitchen Classics
Beer-battered fish, pies, steaks, puddings.
Dogs Welcome
Muddy paws very much allowed in the bar.

Stay With Us

Rooms above the bar, coast on the doorstep.

Comfortable, characterful rooms in the middle of the village — the Swannery, the Subtropical Gardens and Chesil Beach are all within easy reach. Wake to breakfast downstairs and the whole Jurassic Coast to explore.

Check availability
Guest bedroom with white linen bed, bay window and chandelier at The Ilchester Arms

Opening Times

When the doors are open.

Bar

Monday
12:00 – 20:00
Tuesday
12:00 – 23:00
Wednesday
12:00 – 23:00
Thursday
12:00 – 23:00
Friday
12:00 – 23:00
Saturday
12:00 – 23:00
Sunday
12:00 – 19:00

Kitchen

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 – 15:00 · 18:00 – 21:00
Wednesday
12:00 – 15:00 · 18:00 – 21:00
Thursday
12:00 – 15:00 · 18:00 – 21:00
Friday
12:00 – 15:00 · 18:00 – 21:00
Saturday
12:00 – 15:00 · 18:00 – 21:00
Sunday
12:00 – 19:00

Times can vary on bank holidays — give us a ring on 01305 375118 if you’re unsure.

Where We Are

A pub, restaurant and B&B between Weymouth and Dorchester.

Abbotsbury

We’re on Market Street in the middle of the village, a short walk from the Swannery, St Catherine’s Chapel and the Subtropical Gardens, and ten minutes from Chesil Beach. The bar, dining room and our bed and breakfast rooms are all under one roof.

Weymouth — 20 minutes

An easy drive along the coast from Weymouth, so we’re a favourite for a Sunday roast out of town or a quieter alternative to seafront hotels when you need a room for the night.

Dorchester — 25 minutes

Straight down from Dorchester through the Dorset countryside — lunch, dinner or a night’s bed and breakfast on the Jurassic Coast, with plenty of parking nearby in the village.

Explore the area

Attractions around Abbotsbury, Weymouth and Dorchester, with driving routes from our door.

Looking for hotels, inns or B&Bs near Abbotsbury, Weymouth and Dorchester? We combine all three: a proper Dorset village pub, a restaurant serving pub classics and Sunday roasts, and comfortable rooms upstairs with breakfast in the morning.

Guest Reviews

What visitors are saying.

Recent Google reviews from guests who have stayed, eaten and drunk with us in Abbotsbury.

Google

Lovely country hotel. Friendly staff. Abbotsbury is well worth a visit.

Rooms
4/5
Service
5/5
Location
5/5
Food and drinks
Lovely menu and lovely food
Hotel highlights
Quiet

Nigel Talman

Holiday · Friends

3 days ago

Google

Great little countryside pub, good drinks selection and very reasonable prices! The staff were all so friendly and accommodated us very last minute for a big group of friends and family to meet the night before our wedding, they reserved us a space and made us feel very welcome!

Laura Tyas

3 days ago

Google

Arrived just before 3pm on 31/8/26, lovely warm greeting by the manager, she was fabulous, and she managed to provide us with lunch even though the kitchen closed at 3pm. Delicious lunch and great staff.

Service
5/5

Denise

5 days ago

Find Us

9 Market Street, Abbotsbury.

Address
9 Market Street, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, DT3 4JR
Telephone
01305 375118
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