The Willows
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The Willows

5 Blandford Road, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum DT11 0SG England
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Avg. £90 /night, 3/27 - 3/28
£91
per night
£91
per night
£90
per night

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About

#1 of 1 inn in Shillingstone
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
The Willows B & & is an 18th Century Licensed Restaurant and Elegant Tearoom and offers year round Bed and Breakfast. Situated in Shillingstone, with Blandford Forum to the South, Sturminster Newton and Sherborne to the North with Hambledon Hill as a backdrop. The Willows specialises in: • Delicious Homemade Fayre • Locally sourced and mostly Organic Produce • Private Dinners, Functions, Outside Events & Picnics • Corporate Functions (please contact to discuss) • Lunches • Sunday Roasts – Bookings only • Traditional Afternoon Teas
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Wine / champagne
Board games / puzzles
Books, DVDs, music for children
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Paid wifi
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, French

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Lesley W wrote a review Aug 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were walking the trail at Shillingstone and decided to pop by the willows for a cup of tea. Unfortunately on arriving it was closed for an afternoon function in the tea rooms. The Willows daughter who was outside said that they could do tea and cake outside in the garden and are so glad we took them up on their offer.

We sat in the small garden and enjoyed a lovely pot of tea and raspberry sponge. Both were lovely and served on lovely china. Thank you both for being so accommodating it was much appreciated! Will definitely be back
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Phone ahead and check they are open and book a table
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara M wrote a review Jun 2021
Poole, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited today for an afternoon tea for 4 people, we left our booking a bit late and were accomodated on the same day to such a high standard. The lady who runs the willows is lovely and really cannot do enough to make sure your visit is amazing. The afternoon tea itself was very generous and tasted beatuiful with a large selection of sandwiches, cakes a scone each and a lovely meringue dessert. The whole dining area is beautifully themed, clean tidy and relaxing. Overall we had a fantastic experience and we will definatley be booking to.come back again soon! Thankyou so much!
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher D wrote a review May 2021
Stevenage, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We used a Afternoon Tea For Two gift voucher and was not disappointed. The tea room had only just reopened as the lockdown rules had eased and we pre-booked. It seemed like a new experience to eat out indoors after more than a year unable to do so. The tea, the salmon and egg sandwiches, the selection of cakes, homemade biscuit and scones were delicious. We really enjoyed it and had a long chat with the owner which made for a very enjoyable break from everything. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: May 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn B wrote a review May 2021
Wallington, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was our lucky day! Passing The Willows on the way to Blandford Forum, we decided to pop in for an afternoon tea on our return journey. Wow, we both enjoyed every mouthful; the sandwiches were fresh and tasty, the scones warm with plenty of jam and clotted cream and the homemade cakes were light and full of flavour. A beautiful pot of tea (which was replenished for us) completed the feast, simply perfect. Our host, Carol, was very welcoming and we spent time after the tea chatting with her as if we were old friends. We will definitely be back next time we're in the area, the b&b bedrooms looked lovely too!
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Date of stay: May 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gilllittle2017 wrote a review Sept 2020
Sparkford, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was a BuyaGift afternoon tea experience . Our host was extremely welcoming. The Willows is an attractive period cottage situated in pretty gardens. The tearoom inside was full of character with Welsh dresser displaying pretty bone china, another with beautiful linen. The tea was eagerly anticipated and certainly did not disappoint. The sandwiches freshly made included smoked salmon and egg. Huge scones with clotted cream. Possibly the best score I have ever eaten, Eaton s mess and other cakes too. We couldn’t eat another morsel!! 😊

I would highly recommend Afternoon Tea at The Willows.
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Date of stay: September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheresaC wrote a review Nov 2024
Shaftesbury, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A place like this is very rare these days.Carol was very welcoming,friendly and accommodating. We had to cancel a previous booking due to bad weather and illness. Carol was very helpful in rescheduling and arranging food choices. A place with real charm. Delicious meal for my husbands 80th we both very much enjoyed the food and the environment.
Thank you
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VivWestbrook wrote a review Jun 2021
London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Quintessentially English tea-room who served the perfect cream tea. The scones were fresh, light and warm, the cake was moist and light and delicious, and the sandwiches were fresh and tasty (especially the smoked salmon), and to top it off there was an Eton mess. We had been given a voucher as a present so we also had a glass of cold Prosecco. Everything was served in and on bone China with personal and friendly service. A lovely experience after a 3 1/2 hour drive.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz O wrote a review Mar 2020
Dorset, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What a perfect little place, gloriously decor, full of all things quintessentially English made me feel so proud of my country and hoped as many foreign tourists as possible will visit here to see what is the "Best of British" , The owner Carol is a warm, welcoming host and has great skills in baking. We both thought her scones were the best we had ever tasted and the cakes and sandwiches were as equally delicious, as was the meringue pudding to finish off. Wonderful value so would highly recommend this place to all. Now cannot wait to return for her Sunday lunch as the starter selection is to dream of!
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Date of stay: March 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly N wrote a review Sept 2020
United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What a gem of a place! Collected our afternoon tea to enjoy in the sunshine. We had everything we needed in the box, cutlery, plates, napkins and the most delicious sandwiches, cake scones,and our favourite Eton mess. Looking forward to another visit very soon. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy E wrote a review Feb 2020
Blandford Forum, United Kingdom
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Actual specks of dirt, ether coal dust or soil, on the tablecloth, two tea stains already on it. Dried jam on the edge of the cake tier, dirty spoons and a dirty mat for the teapot, with dried tea stains on it. The food was lovely, fresh and delicious, with a super range ge of savoury and sweet. Lovely to see a local business packed out on a weekday afternoon, so give it a try.
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Lesley W wrote a tip Aug 2021
332 contributions25 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Phone ahead and check they are open and book a table"
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WantItGood wrote a tip Oct 2019
Ferndown, United Kingdom75 contributions52 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Nice ground floor room at the back - didn't notice any noise from the main road"
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DAVIDMS20050 wrote a tip Sept 2019
Emsworth, United Kingdom1,315 contribution201 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"The room off the front door has a pleasant view over the countryside."
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Gina B wrote a tip Dec 2017
Leeds, United Kingdom3 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We had a downstairs room"
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BSHRoW wrote a tip May 2016
Ross on Wye18 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The cottage has very efficient secondary glazing - no road noise wherever you are."
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Shillingstone area.
PRICE RANGE
£88 - £91 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDorsetBlandford ForumShillingstone
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE WILLOWS - Updated 2025 Prices, Reviews, and Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about The Willows
Which popular attractions are close to The Willows?
Nearby attractions include Sturminster Newton Mill (3.5 miles), Blandford Forum Town Museum (4.3 miles), and Blandford Fashion Museum (4.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Willows?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and books, DVDs and music available for children.
Is parking available at The Willows?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Willows?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Baker Arms, The White Horse Inn, and The White Horse Inn.
Is The Willows located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the centre of Shillingstone.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Willows?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and French.
Are there any historical sites close to The Willows?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Blandford Forum Old Station (4.4 miles).
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