"Old pub with atmosphere and great staff, food, room and brilliant value deal on Sunday night."
1445Club from United Kingdom
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"What a find! King John Inn is hidden away in what seems like the middle of nowhere."
Rob_Breeds from United Kingdom
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"Our visit to the King John was absolutely fantastic."
Oliver H from United Kingdom
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"The pub full of charm and character."
Susan from United Kingdom
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Award-winning restaurant and boutique bedrooms in Wiltshire's Cranborne Chase
Pub & Garden Amenities
The King John Inn occupies a country pub setting within the Cranborne Chase on the borders of Wiltshire and Dorset. The property has a multi-tiered Victorian garden with a pavilion bar and kitchen, large oak dining tables, and a petanque pitch. The bar stocks cask ales, craft beers, local cider, and a selection of wine.
Boutique Accommodations
Eight boutique bedrooms and the King Room suite are available, each with antique furnishings and kingsize beds with feather bedding. Each ensuite bathroom has a roll-top tub or a rain shower. All rooms are dog friendly, and dog bowls and beds are provided on request.
On-Site Dining
The on-site award-winning restaurant cooks traditional pub food from seasonal, local produce, with game from nearby estates and fresh British seafood. Ingredients come from suppliers including Walter Rose Butchers, Kingfisher of Brixham, and Hobbs House Bakery. Breakfast is made to order with a creative menu, and Sunday roasts are served regularly.
Surrounding Area & Activities
The inn is a 30-minute drive from Salisbury and its cathedral, and 46 minutes from Longleat Safari Park. Rushmore Golf Club, with an 18-hole championship course split over Wiltshire and Dorset, is a seven-minute drive away. The Wessex Ridgeway trail runs nearby, and shooting is available at the Crichel Estate and Prescombe Estate.
Family Travel & Private Events
The restaurant, Victorian garden, and private lounge are available for private hire for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Kids' meals are offered on the menu, and family rooms are available. Seasonal packages including pre-Christmas getaways and festive menus are offered during the holiday period.
Highlights
Location: Borders of Wiltshire and Dorset within Cranborne Chase
Rooms: 8 boutique bedrooms plus The King Room suite
Dining: Award-winning restaurant with local game and seafood
Dogs: Dog-friendly rooms with beds and bowls provided
Garden: Multi-tiered Victorian garden with petanque pitch
Activities: Near Rushmore Golf Club, Longleat, Salisbury
“The King John Inn strikes a fine balance, offering a truly welcoming atmosphere where staff are genuinely attentive to guest needs, from thoughtful touches like welcome drinks to accommodating early departures. Evenings here are a delight, with well-executed meals enjoyed in a convivial pub setting, complementing comfortable, thoughtfully decorated rooms that feel both refined and homely. It's a place that understands hospitality, making it a sound choice for those exploring the Dorset and Salisbury region.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukwiltshire
Select your room type
King John Inn features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, each offering breakfast options, flexible cancellation terms, and special rates
Superior Double Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
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Room Rates & Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your Wiltshire stay now!
Facilities
King John Inn provides a range of amenities to help make your stay comfortable and your visit memorable
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Concierge desk
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Board games
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
Nestled between the picturesque borders of Wiltshire and Dorset, the dining options at King John Inn immerse guests in the essence of British cuisine. With a commitment to seasonal, local produce, every meal is a celebration of authenticity and rich flavors, perfectly complemented by a warm, traditional pub atmosphere.
Restaurant #1
Traditional British
Ambiance
Set in a charming locale amidst the deepest countryside, the restaurant features a cozy, traditional atmosphere perfect for any gathering.
Key Offerings
Highlights include classic pub fare made from the freshest seasonal ingredients, with exceptional Sunday roasts and the option for bespoke menus crafted by the Head Chef. A stunning Victorian pavilion bar offers a delightful space to enjoy seafood platters while sipping Champagne and rosé.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended for private luncheons and dinners.
Hours vary.
Where to Find King John Inn
Tollard Royal, Tollard Royal, SP5 5PS,
Map view
City landmarks
Park
Larmer Tree Gardens
1.68 km
Landmark
Aerosaurus Balloons
1.17 km
Landmark
Rushmore Park Golf Club
3.26 km
Landmark
Rushmore Estate
3.75 km
Landmark
Church of St Nicholas
3.08 km
Landmark
Church of St Lawrence
3.15 km
Landmark
Win Green Down
3.45 km
Landmark
Church Of St John
4.58 km
Church
Church Of St Mary
4.61 km
Landmark
Church of St Andrew
4.89 km
Nearby
Church
Church Of St Peter Ad Vincula
230 m
Restaurants
King John Inn
10 m
King Johns Cottage B3081
Explore Tollard Royal
Nearby Activities and Dining
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Larmer Tree Gardens
20 minutes' walk
Victorian gardens featuring art displays, live performances, and diverse flora. Family-friendly with seasonal events.
Aerosaurus Balloons
14 minutes' walk
Hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking aerial views of the countryside, great for romance and thrill seekers.
Rushmore Park Golf Club
10 minutes' drive
An 18-hole golf course set in a scenic landscape, ideal for both amateur and seasoned golfers. Clubhouse available for refreshments.
Rushmore Estate
10 minutes' drive
Historic estate showcasing beautiful grounds and architecture, often hosting events and exhibitions perfect for history enthusiasts.
Hiking at Win Green Down
35 minutes' drive
Stunning hikes with panoramic views, perfect for nature lovers and those looking for adventure.
Relaxation at Local Spas
10 minutes' drive
Wellness spas offering rejuvenating treatments and massages. Reservations recommended for guaranteed slots.
King John Inn
1 minute' walk
Cozy pub with classic British cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for families and casual dining.
The Talbot
12 minutes' drive
Elegant dining offering a mix of classic and contemporary dishes. Vegetarian options available; reservations recommended.
Local Live Music Venues
10 minutes' drive
Various spots hosting live music events, great for a night out. Family-friendly afternoons often feature local artists.
The Exchange Theatre
25 minutes' drive
Intimate theatre offering a range of performances from drama to comedy. Check the schedule for family shows.
Travel & transport
City Centre
Tollard Royal 2 min · 100 m
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 61 min · 40.4 km
Southampton (SOU) 97 min · 64.4 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:30
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 15.75 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
8
Guest Reviews & Ratings
Guest feedback for King John Inn, shared by travelers who have stayed there.
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Location
9.0/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Comfortable rooms
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Cons
Limited lighting
Inconsistent WiFi signal
Guest reviews
based on 495 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About King John Inn
Can a healthy breakfast option that's gluten and dairy free be arranged?
12 November 2024
Multiple items from the menu can indeed be combined to offer a breakfast that is both gluten and dairy free.
Are pets allowed at the property for those traveling with dogs?
5 January 2025
All rooms are dog-friendly with a charge of £20 per dog per stay.
What type of location is the King John Inn situated in?
21 February 2025
The King John Inn is nestled in the small and remote village of Tollard Royal.
Is there a facility for secure bicycle storage available?
13 March 2025
Yes, there is a locked area for secure bicycle storage.
Is the pub and dining area accommodating for dogs?
3 April 2025
The pub is dog friendly, welcoming pets in both the dining and bar areas.
Does the property have designated areas for motorcycle parking?
15 April 2025
There is a parking area available for motorcycles on site.
Are any dining options available throughout the day?
27 May 2025
Yes, a restaurant is available at the King John Inn, serving classic British pub food.
What types of cuisine can guests expect at the restaurant?
10 June 2025
The menu focuses on traditional British dishes crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Can visitors inquire about nearby attractions and local activities?
22 July 2025
Currently, the property setting offers various nearby attractions and local transportation options.
Is breakfast included when booking a stay?
30 August 2025
Breakfast options can be selected when viewing available rooms during the booking process.