Melplash is only a short distance away from Plumber Manor, considered to be one of the finest country house hotels near Melplash.
Melplash is most well-known for its Melplash Agricultural Show. One of the leading agricultural shows in the West Country, it is held at The West Bay Showgrounds in Bridport, Dorset on the last Thursday before the August Bank holiday every year.
There are horse and pony competitions and livestock competitions as well as rural crafts, local produce, trade stands, agricultural machinery and much more to entertain all ages.
Melplash is also noted for an escapade of one of its more notorious sons, Sir Thomas More, Sheriff of Dorset in the time of Henry VIII.
After a night on the town when he became ‘over-refreshed’, he set free all the prisoners in Dorchester Gaol. The highwaymen, sheep stealers and pickpockets streamed out into the streets and quickly got lost in the crowds.
On sobering up, he had to beg a pardon from the King and that pardon was won for him by Lord Paulet who demanded in return one of the Sheriff's daughters, richly dowered, for one of his sons. That is how the Manor passed from the Mores into the hands of the Paulets, and over a fireplace is their motto Aimez Loyaulte, dated 1604.
Melplash Court Gardens are sometimes open to the public. The lovely 17th century house is reached via an avenue of chestnut trees, and in the grounds are a fine barn and a circular pigeon house.
Other places well worth a visit whilst staying with us:
Lulworth,
Studland,
Wincanton Racecourse,
Mapperton,
Wilton House,
Longleat House and Safari Park,
Bovington Tank Museum, Athelhampton House,
Milton Abbey, Parnham,
Larmer Tree Gardens and
Salisbury International Arts Festival.
Plumber Manor is recommended by:
Michelin,
The Good Food Guide,
The Good Hotel Guide, the
Best Loved Hotels and
Johansens guides and is a member of the
Pride of Britain consortium.