Local Area
The Dog House, Mere is a small, but perfectly formed, converted holiday cottage in Wiltshire.
Read on to find out more about the local area and places to eat, drink and explore - whether on two feet, four paws or two wheels!
There is plenty to do, whether it's raining or shining; with a variety of dog walks from the front door and three pubs within walking distance.
For an easy to refer to Google Map list (on any device), click here:
In Mere
Mere is a small, historic town in Wiltshire, located close to the borders of Somerset and Dorset.
Easily accessible within 5 minutes of the A303, you will see the beautiful South West Wiltshire Downs (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) as you enter the Town. The Dog House provides a perfect overnight stop if you are driving between London and Devon or Cornwall.
Mere Town Centre is within a 5 minute walk of the Dog House. Facilities include a Co-op, post office, tea room, museum, three takeaways, pharmacy, antiques dealer and other shops.
You will find the nearest GP surgery on Dark Lane and Southill Vets on Manor Road.
Highly recommended are visits to:
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Sprout & Flower (in the main square), a deli and florist, serving takeaway coffee
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MillyMoo's vending machine, including local brownies, cheese and butter (off Dark Lane, a short walk from the Dog House)
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One of three pubs; The Walnut Tree (closest to the Dog House), The George or The Butt of Sherry
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Yapp Brothers wine merchants (just East of the main square)
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Mere Trout, who have a trout farm and shop at Ivy Mead, a short walk away
Further Afield
Within 2 miles, you will find the beautiful National Trust Stourhead House and Garden. There is also a walk up to King Alfred's Tower, where you can grab a coffee and cake at The Alpine Coffee Co.
If you are an avid golfer, there is a driving range at Two Counties Farm, on the Southern edge of Mere.
Other lovely days out include Longleat, Old Wardour Castle (English Heritage) and towns such as Frome (the monthly Sunday Frome Independent market is worth a visit), Bruton, Warminster and Shaftesbury (with the famous Gold Hill).
Art galleries can be found at Messums Wiltshire and Hauser & Wirth, whilst excellent value outlet shopping is available at Clarks Village, Street.
Slightly further afield, don't miss out on visiting Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral, Wookey Hole, the lost village of Imber and Glastonbury Tor.
You can also find a list of local secure dog fields on the British Dog Fields website. Our local favourite is charity-run Rescue Runners just South of Wincanton.
Food Paradise
Sitting in Wiltshire, but close to the borders of Somerset and Dorset, Mere is in the middle of a food paradise!
We recommend checking out the Somerset Food Trail, as well as some of our favourite gems below:
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Bruton - both fine and casual dining at Osip (with one Michelin star), Roth Bar & Grill and At the Chapel
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Tisbury - Pythouse Kitchen Garden, for a fabulous lunch in the middle of a beautiful kitchen garden
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Farm shops at Compton McRae in Semley, Stourhead, Teals (to the West of Mere off the A303), Durslade Farm Shop in Bruton and the Udder Farm Shop in East Stour
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Zeals - The Bell & Crown is a perfect for a Sunday lunch, only 5 minutes from Mere
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Palette and Pasture in Trudoxhill, for locally made gelato in a relaxed setting (and ideal for a cycling pitstop!)
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Excellent local pubs, including The Bradley Hare (Maiden Bradley), The Talbot Inn (Mells), The Bath Arms (Longleat/Horningsham), The Beckford Arms (Fonthill Gifford), The Red Lion Inn (Babcary) and The Queens Arms (Corton Denham)
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The Newt, near Castle Cary
On Two Feet or Four Paws
We love walking and we love dogs, even better when the two are combined! In the Dog House, you will find a variety of maps and walking ideas in the local area and slightly further afield. The Monarch's Way long distance path also runs through Mere so we are a perfectly located overnight stay.
If you are a golfer, then there are good local courses, as well as an indoor golf facility for those rainy days at Smash Factor in Longbridge Deverill.
If you would like any specific recommendations, then please just drop us an email.
Cycling Heaven
For us, Mere is cycling paradise. It is right in the middle of a fantastic landscape for cycling, whether you prefer riding on the road, trails or gravel.
Jen is very happy to provide recommendations and GPX routes for local rides, just drop us an email with your requirements. You can also read more about local route recommendations on the Visit Wiltshire website.
Two excellent local bike shops are Pronto in Frome and Wheels of Dorset in Gillingham. If you want to work out whilst you are away, we would recommend signing up for a day pass at Marvel Fitness in Wincanton or Hawkers Hill Gym in Shaftesbury.
There are also two local downhill mountain bike parks at Okeford Hill Bike Park and Wind Hill B1ke Park (Longleat).
