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About this property

Comfortable Accommodations: The Benett Arms in Shaftesbury offers family rooms with private bathrooms, garden views, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, free toiletries, and a work desk. Dining Experience: Guests can enjoy a variety of meals at the on-site restaurant, including British, Indian, Italian, and American cuisines. The bar provides a relaxing atmosphere, while the breakfast options feature American, full English/Irish, vegetarian, and vegan selections. Leisure Facilities: The property features a beautiful garden, outdoor dining area, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a bar, lounge, and private parking. Location and Attractions: Located 26 mi from Bournemouth Airport, The Benett Arms is near attractions such as Longleat Safari Park (16 mi) and Stonehenge (22 mi). Highly rated for its bar, attentive staff, and delicious breakfast.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.1)

Breakfast Info

Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, American

  • Free Private Parking Available On Site


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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 queen bed
2 twin beds
1 twin bed
and
1 full bed
1 queen bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Valerie
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The Benett Arms is clean, comfortable, friendly and in a scenic and tranquil location. The food is excellent (our gluten free needs were catered for). We enjoyed the cosy bar with a wood burner fire. Our dog also enjoyed her stay as there were...
  • Graham
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Rooms, quiet and clean with an excellently cooked breakfast. Nice beers on tap too!
  • Neil
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    We were 3 friends looking for a traditional English pub in a small village to stay at near to a few local golf courses to try. The Benett Arms in Semley did not disappoint. Great staff, location and a lovey pub with very comfortable rooms/ The...
  • Kathy
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Lovely quiet location No mobile signal Friendly staff Fabulous food
  • Kathleen
    United States United States
    No frills local pub— I enjoyed it. Excellent breakfasts
  • Jane
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    i liked the friendly pub/dining room atmosphere, and the food was excellent. I found the landladies interesting and helpful. The building itself is very special and needs to be lived in and nurtured which they will do I am sure
  • Diana
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The lovely shepherd’s hut I stayed in and the friendliness of the place.
  • Sueb
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Friendly welcoming staff. Great location Great food
  • Alana
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Really sweet shepherd's hut - very comfortable.
  • John
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Lovely breakfast good hosts friendly atmosphere cosy place to stay will visit again

Managed by The Benett Arms

Company review score: 9.6Based on 218 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company info

Denyse & Deborah took over The Benett Arms 1 May 2025 and hit the ground running. Their backgrounds are rich in customer service, and ensuring the best possible experience for all guests. With upgrades to the rooms and menu, we look forward to welcoming you to The Benett Arms.

Property info

Erected in 1604, this 17th century free house is situated in the picturesque village of Semley, just outside of Shaftesbury located near the Dorset and Wiltshire county lines. In addition to the letting rooms (which include a charming Shepherd's Hut with private garden) enjoy a range of local ales and cider as well as our delicious home-cooked meals traditional pub food. The pub is both family and dog friendly. All our rooms are ensuite and have access to our Guest Garden, and a free full English breakfast is included each morning. Television with a variety of channels in all but the Shepherd's Hut. Each room has a minifridge, stocked with fresh milk and water, along with a coffee and tea station, complete with hospitality tray. The ensuites include bath and hand soaps, along with luxurious bath towels. There is an iron and ironing board available for those so inclined, and those staying longer may request laundry services at an additional charge, subject to availability. Our Sunday roasts are homecooked and fabulous, Fishy Friday is always a hit. We have a steak special on Wednesday nights, and entertainment includes Twice monthly Trivia, weekly Meat Raffles, and Open Mike events. Book our more private restaurant for an event - or use our Marquee for larger parties, including buffet or per plate parties, events, or conferences. Our beer garden is a nice place to sit when weather permits, and our boule court is available for your use. Local attractions are within short drives, and just across the road you'll Oysters Coppice Nature Reserve providing picturesque walks for the sturdy hiker, or the more casual stroll. Centrally located to many nearby attractions: Stonehenge, Avebury Henge and Stone Circles, Stourhead Gardens, Longleat, Old Wardour Castle, Old Sarum, Bath, and Salisbury Cathedral - all along with many other National Trust and British Heritage sites. A friendly staff will help guide you while serving you with a smile. Free parking onsi...

Neighborhood info

Step back in time with our Historic Accommodation with modern comforts. Nearby historical landmarks include Stonehenge, Avebury, Longleat, and Salisbury Cathedral. Footpaths and trails abound with options for leisurely walks or more challenging hikes.

Language Spoken

English

Area info

Restaurants

1 Restaurant On Site
  • Restaurant
    • Cuisine
      American • British • Indian • Irish • Italian • Steakhouse • Local • International • European
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Cocktail hour
    • Dietary options
      Halal • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free

House rules

The Benett Arms takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
Until 10:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.
Accepted payment methods
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubJCBDiscoverCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Please inform The Benett Arms of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.