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The Gatehouse, Beaminster

Dorset » Beaminster
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The Gatehouse is a spacious bungalow in Dorset, perfect for larger groups seeking countryside peace. This single-storey property sits in West Dorset, offering easy access for all ages and mobility levels. The open-plan layout creates ideal spaces for group gatherings.

The property sits in rural West Dorset, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The area offers quiet country lanes and traditional English countryside views. Local villages provide authentic rural experiences.

The bungalow provides generous accommodation across one level. Sleeping up to 8 guests, your entire party will be comfortable. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge spaces.

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About The Gatehouse

The Gatehouse is a spacious bungalow in Dorset, perfect for larger groups seeking countryside peace. This single-storey property sits in West Dorset, offering easy access for all ages and mobility levels. The open-plan layout creates ideal spaces for group gatherings.

The property sits in rural West Dorset, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The area offers quiet country lanes and traditional English countryside views. Local villages provide authentic rural experiences.

The bungalow provides generous accommodation across one level. Sleeping up to 8 guests, your entire party will be comfortable. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge spaces. Social spaces flow naturally for group interaction.

Lyme Regis beach sits 4 miles away (10 minutes drive). The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site lies 4 miles south (12 minutes). Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is 2 miles away (6 minutes). Forde Abbey and Gardens sits 8 miles north (15 minutes). These attractions suit all group ages.

The Gatehouse delivers single-level living in stunning Dorset countryside. Groups wanting coastal access and rural tranquillity will love this base. Book now for your West Dorset escape.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Gatehouse

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Beaminster, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

12°C

Light drizzle

Updated: 27 Oct 2026, 5:15am

🌡️
12.00°C
Temperature
💨
21 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
93%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Gatehouse sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

145m

(476 feet above sea level)

The Gatehouse sits in a peaceful Dorset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
145m
Elevation
📍
Beaminster
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Beaminster are typical Dorset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.8019190° N | Longitude: 2.666263° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Beaminster (Tuesday, 27 October 2026):

6:53am

Sunrise

3:55pm

Golden Hour

4:55pm

Sunset

🌅
6:53am
Sunrise
🌇
4:55pm
Sunset
📸
3:55pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (3:55pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Beaminster, you have approximately 10.02 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Gatehouse.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Dorset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 27 Oct 2026 | Location: 50.8019190, -2.6662630

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Gatehouse

Single-Level Layout

The bungalow design means everyone can move around easily without stairs, perfect for mixed-age groups and families with young children or elderly relatives.

Spacious Open-Plan Living

The combined kitchen, dining and lounge area keeps your whole group together for meals, games nights and socialising throughout your stay.

Peaceful Rural Setting

Surrounded by West Dorset countryside, the property offers tranquil views and quiet surroundings whilst remaining close to coastal attractions and market towns.

Close to Jurassic Coast

Just minutes from the World Heritage coastline, your group can explore fossil beaches, coastal walks and seaside towns without lengthy travel times.

Group-Friendly Accommodation

Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms mean larger families and friend groups have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy privacy when needed.

Excellent Location Base

Positioned perfectly between Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Axminster, the property gives your group easy access to beaches, gardens and historic sites.

Getting To The Gatehouse

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Gatehouse by car, take the A35 towards Axminster, then follow signs to Raymonds Hill. The bungalow sits in rural West Dorset with straightforward access from main roads and parking available on site.

By Train

Axminster station lies 3 miles away with regular services from London Waterloo, Exeter and the South West. Taxis and local buses connect the station to the property within 10 minutes.

Off-road parking for multiple vehicles
Axminster station (3 miles)
Accessible from A35 and A358

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Foxdown Childrens Farm
Distance: 10.9 miles (24 min drive)
DT6 5FN
Cerne Abbas Giant
Distance: 11.8 miles (28 min drive)
DT2 7LA
Maumbury Rings
Distance: 14.6 miles (28 min drive)
DT1 1PW
Wessex Ridgeway
Distance: 0.1 miles (2 min walk)
Hooke Park
Distance: 0.9 miles (5 min drive)
DT8 3PH
Lewesdon Hill
Distance: 7.7 miles (19 min drive)
DT8 3JZ
Fruit and Two Veg
Distance: 3.8 miles (11 min drive)
DT8 3AU
Beaminster Books
Distance: 3.9 miles (12 min drive)
DT8 3AS
Lidl
Distance: 9 miles (20 min drive)
DT6 3DJ
Maiden Newton Station
Distance: 6.3 miles (14 min drive)
DT2 0AF
Crewkerne Station
Distance: 9.1 miles (19 min drive)
TA18 8AU
Exeter Airport
Distance: 40.7 miles (1 hr 5 min drive)
EX5 2BD
Foxdown Childrens Farm
Distance: 10.9 miles (24 min drive)
DT6 5FN
Cerne Abbas Giant
Distance: 11.8 miles (28 min drive)
DT2 7LA
Maumbury Rings
Distance: 14.6 miles (28 min drive)
DT1 1PW
Wessex Ridgeway
Distance: 0.1 miles (2 min walk)
Hooke Park
Distance: 0.9 miles (5 min drive)
DT8 3PH
Lewesdon Hill
Distance: 7.7 miles (19 min drive)
DT8 3JZ
Fruit and Two Veg
Distance: 3.8 miles (11 min drive)
DT8 3AU
Beaminster Books
Distance: 3.9 miles (12 min drive)
DT8 3AS
Lidl
Distance: 9 miles (20 min drive)
DT6 3DJ
Maiden Newton Station
Distance: 6.3 miles (14 min drive)
DT2 0AF
Crewkerne Station
Distance: 9.1 miles (19 min drive)
TA18 8AU
Exeter Airport
Distance: 40.7 miles (1 hr 5 min drive)
EX5 2BD

Is The Gatehouse Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will love exploring Lyme Regis beach and harbour just 10 minutes away. Fossil hunting at Charmouth beach provides educational fun for all ages. The Dinosaurland Fossil Museum in Lyme Regis fascinates young minds. The single-level bungalow layout means kids can play safely without stairs. Forde Abbey gardens offer space to run around. Local ice cream shops and fish and chip restaurants make seaside treats easy.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living space at The Gatehouse brings your entire group together in one flowing area. Kitchen, dining and lounge zones connect seamlessly for shared meals and evening entertainment. Large windows frame countryside views whilst you cook, eat and relax. The single-level layout means everyone stays connected throughout the day. Multiple seating areas let smaller conversations happen whilst maintaining group cohesion. This design works perfectly for multi-generational gatherings.
Pet Friendly
Pet policies at The Gatehouse should be confirmed before booking your stay. West Dorset offers excellent dog walking opportunities with coastal paths and countryside trails nearby. Charmouth beach welcomes dogs year-round on certain sections. The South West Coast Path provides miles of scenic routes. Local pubs often accept well-behaved dogs. The rural setting means plenty of outdoor space for exercise. Always check current restrictions and any additional charges.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Gatehouse

The Anchor Inn, Seatown

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT6 6JU

The Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT7 3JF

Hix Oyster & Fish House

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT7 3QF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Gatehouse

How many people does The Gatehouse sleep?
The property accommodates larger groups comfortably across multiple bedrooms in the single-storey bungalow layout. Specific sleeping arrangements provide flexibility for different group configurations.
Is The Gatehouse pet friendly?
Pet policies should be confirmed directly with the property owner before booking. Some restrictions may apply regarding the number and size of dogs allowed.
What kitchen facilities are available?
The open-plan kitchen comes fully equipped for group catering with modern appliances, ample worktop space and dining areas. You'll find everything needed to prepare meals for your entire party.
How far is the nearest beach?
Lyme Regis beach sits just 4 miles away, taking approximately 10 minutes by car. Charmouth beach is even closer at 2 miles, offering fossil hunting opportunities and coastal walks.
Is there parking at the property?
Off-road parking is available at The Gatehouse for multiple vehicles. The level access from parking to entrance makes unloading luggage straightforward for groups.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Forde Abbey and Gardens (8 miles), the Jurassic Coast Heritage Site (4 miles) and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (2 miles) all offer excellent group activities. Lyme Regis town provides shops, restaurants and harbour walks.
Are there good walking routes nearby?
The South West Coast Path runs along the nearby coastline offering spectacular walks. Inland routes through West Dorset countryside start directly from the property with quiet country lanes.
What facilities are in the local area?
Axminster town (3 miles) provides supermarkets, shops and services for your stay. Lyme Regis and Charmouth offer restaurants, cafes, pubs and independent shops within easy driving distance.

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