Raleighs

Reviewed by David, 6th November 2024

Lovely historic cottage in a beautiful historic village.Spotlessly clean and situated perfectly in the High street. Parking good. Lovely walks and pubs nearby.

Reviewed by Michael, 7th October 2024

It was a very warm cosy cottage with lovely comfortable beds and we had a pleasant stay. We had our last holiday in Purbeck which had much of interest. Sadly nothing much seems to have happened at Cerne, so it was a journey to the south most days.

Reviewed by Catherine, 29th September 2024

Raleighs is a very comfortable and warm house with many interesting features, not least it's age and origin. The bed was very comfortable, the shower was good if a little tricky to use with my broken arm, the kitchen well stocked and the lovely welcome gifts very much appreciated. The secure back courtyard was great for peace of mind with the whiRead moreppets but the weather took a turn for the colder so we didn't manage to sit out with a drink and food, which is a shame. Parking was easy on Long Street if you don't fancy backing into the narrow drive. The further we ended up was less than 20 seconds walk away when parking. Very hand. This was in September so not fully peak time but CA seems to be visited by a fairy constant but not overwhelming stream of interesting visitors for the local attractions. Cerne Abbass is an interesting village, for obvious reasons, and the shops and pubs were all very friendly, useful and accommodating. We found a good place to let the dogs off for a run at the back of the church cemetery with paths round to the Giant and also for a circuit around the giant Hill. Stunning countryside views all around make this a real pleasure. The story of the Well is interesting and worth looking around what's left of the Abbey if the owners have left the open sign up. The village store is a great place to shop with lots of lovely treats, practical provisions including the extremely local unhomogneised, free range whole milk from a mile or so down the road, delivered by a handy machine into your own bottle (or you can buy one with the Giant on which is an entertaining souvenir). Also the pasties were delicious and people there were friendly and helpful. The Giant seems to be the locals pub, and very friendly, so a good place to go for a beer or two. We didn't have food there but it looked good, tasty, and seemed to be well appreciated. The Royal Oak is a classic, old pub; pleasantly unspoilt, with lots of character but perhaps needing a good clean and more careful management of the pipes and the drinks that they are supplying, but that didn't stop us from eating a very hearty game pie and vegan shepherds pie (yes catering for all tastes), with good, non-fussy cooked vegetables. The New Inn was very comfortable both in the beer garden in the sun, when warm, and also in the evening inside when cooler. Very friendly staff and very popular for groups staying in CA. A bit more upmarket for food and surroundings but none the worse for it in terms of the welcome and atmosphere. Book ahead for food though; we didn't, and ended up missing out on a meal there. The Greyhound at Sydling was great for lunch on a gradually wording weather day, on the way back from a walk round the amazing Maiden Castle. Weighmouth was characterful and interesting and that includes the weather. Studland was gorgeous as ever, even on a colder day and the Bankes Arms fish and chips were welcome. Beaminster, the cafe at the fancy gift shop was lovely for sandwiches and coffee in the sunny back court yard. Also the The Greyhound food was homemade, hearty and filling on a wet day. ALL of the above mentioned, it goes without saying, we're very welcoming of our two whippets. All in all a great week in a lovely old house in and interesting village in Dorset with some interesting weather to contend with and our two whippets with us. Hide

Reviewed by Andrew, 22nd September 2024

Reviewed by Markus, 29th July 2024

Raleigh's is a charming 16th century half-timbered house with a very tasteful interior with lots of old furniture and decorative items. The kitchen and lounge are very spacious, as are the bedrooms. The kitchen is well equipped with lots of cooking utensils, crockery and glasses. There is a modern hob next to the Aga. The kitchen opens onto the smaRead morell courtyard, which is beautifully planted and sheltered from view. You can feel that Raleigh's is also used by the owners themselves, many photographs show the family's life. The hot water supply works very well, although a hand shower would be desirable in one of the two bathrooms. Raleigh's is located in a picture-perfect village of Cerne Abbas with three pubs, a church and an excellent village shop, which is small but has pretty much everything, including many local products. We would highly recommend the house to all holidaymakers who appreciate a combination of old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. Hide

Reviewed by Katina, 17th February 2024

We felt so at home at the cottage, the exterior and interior are beautiful. The cottage is full of such interesting objects and is really well equipped, with easy instructions to follow in the book left for guests. The location is gorgeous and, during our stay, very peaceful, but it is so easy to reach places to explore. Sitting by the fire in the Read moreevening was a real treat and the house and it's history are wonderful to enjoy. Hide

Reviewed by Gordon, 30th January 2024

A beautifully furnished and comfortable cottage in an absolutely prime location, although perhaps a little over-furnished with the owners' (who use the cottage periodically themselves) family ornaments and childhood photos everywhere. One feels a bit inhibited from clearing what few free surfaces there are for one's own essentials. The downstairs sRead morehower needs refurbishing (important if you're a party of up to six with just the one family bathroom upstairs). Parking on the road outside is luckily free, since few modern cars are slender enough to park in the driveway alongside the cottage. In high season that might be a problem (we were there in January). In spite of drawbacks, an excellent base for exploring this part of Dorset and an exceptionally friendly village. Hide

Reviewed by J, 8th January 2024

Thank you so much for a very special stay. We loved every minute. Your house is wonderful - so many treasures. Thank you for your generosity.

Reviewed by Ralph, 5th January 2024

Reviewed by Helena, 31st October 2023

We enjoyed a wonderful week at Raleighs and were so sorry that we forgot to write in the visitors book. A delightful home away from home: Picturesque, charming, quirky and cosy. The perfect village was a great spot for the local shop, pub food and dog walks. The quaint house an enchanting place to return to after each days activity, whether it be vRead moreisiting the towns or Dorchester (Maiden Castle is a must see), Sherborne and its castle, Weymouth and its beach, or the Hardy landscapes and Lulworth Cove and Durdle door. The dogs particularly enjoyed the hilly giant walk and the Puddletown Forest with its Roman road. Raleighs had a lovely wooden stove to warm us, a modern Aga to cook our casseroles and lovely hot showers and dreamily comfortable beds. We are looking forward to returning and would highly recommend. Hide

Reviewed by Jeremy, 10th October 2023

Wonderful house with masses of character in a really lovely village - that includes The Giant pub with old fashioned skittle alley!. Perfect kitchen dining area for preparing and sharing, and so many seating areas for numerous board games etc. Even managed to sit out in the charming garden until it got dark, playing Catan! All in all a really spRead moreecial place - up there with the best Landmark Trust properties. Hide

Reviewed by S, 21st September 2023

Very well equipped. Good village position. Had a fab four days. Good to have lovely soft towels and good bed linen. Lucky enough to have good weather and sit in the garden. Very unique house, Thank you for the hamper.

Reviewed by Stephanie, 31st August 2023

Reviewed by Jack, 22nd August 2023

We had a lovely week-long family holiday. The cottage was full of character and the village was beautiful.

Reviewed by Julia, 6th August 2023

Reviewed by M, 21st July 2023

Thank you for letting us enjoy your lovely home. We loved spending time by the fire and in the garden. Lovely town and scenic views - would love to stay again.

Reviewed by Janet, 18th July 2023

The cottage was full of excess furniture and trinkets/photos on surfaces. In the kitchen there was no cupboard or shelf to store food as all the unlocked cupboards were totally full. The extractor fan in the shower did not work and the drain needed clearing (needed a screwdriver to lift the cover which we hadnt got) so the floor flooded. There was Read moreno airer or line to dry clothes and the washer dryer was really poor at drying. The high chair and cot provided for the baby were excellent. The stairs are lovely to look at but a challenge to climb as the tread heights not only varied but sloped. We will go back to Cerne Abbas as the village is lovely but we will book a different cottage. Hide

Reviewed by Mr, 17th July 2023

Despite dire weather forecasts we were out everyday. A lovely family holiday , adults and baby

Reviewed by Ian, 12th July 2023

A truly unique property perfectly located in the beautiful village of Cerne Abbas. The Ralieghs is very comfortable, clean and well equipped we also loved the various sitting areas. The property also benefits from having a bathroom and shower room both with toilets. Which was really appreciated. Ralieghs is very well located to visit the counRead moreties of Dorset and Somerset. Lots of lovely walks in the area and a bus service. The property is easily accessible by road. Dorchester and Sherborne are both just a few miles away. The village itself has the giant plus lots of other amenities should you wish to stay local. The three friendly village pubs all have there own charms and serve good food and ales. We had a very relaxing week and would happily stay at Ralieghs again in the future. Hide

Reviewed by I, 10th July 2023

A lovely stay in a very unique property. Would love to stay again.

Reviewed by Alison, 17th June 2023

Raleigh's was the most amazing property, full of history & character, beautiful The location was perfect. Cerne Abbas is so lovely all year round

Reviewed by Lily, 6th June 2023

Reviewed by I, 22nd May 2023

Thank you for the nice cottage. A Thank you from a younger guest staying in Raleighs , enjoying the Dorset countryside Age 5 , France

Reviewed by Nina, 14th May 2023

We had a lovely weekend, mum and mum in law ( and us ) thought the village and cottage was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your 'home' with us and can't wait to come back !

Reviewed by Jackie, 1st May 2023

We have had a wonderful time at Raleigh's The house is well equipped and comfortable. Also in a fantastic location! We have been out exploring everyday - to Durdle door, Lulworth cove, Sherbourne, Abbotsbury, We had a brilliant tour of Max gate, Thomas hardys house - very informative volunteers, We enjoyed meals in the New Inn and The Giant. An allRead more round great holiday ! Thank you! Hide