Beggar's Knap
Beggar's Knap descritpion
Originally built in 1881, Beggar’s Knap Guest House offers 4-star accommodation in the centre of historic Dorchester. It is just 3 miles from Hardy’s Cottage, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy.
The rooms at Beggar’s Knap have carpeted floors, with flat-screen TVs and hospitality trays. Free Wi-Fi is available, and guests can make use of free private parking on site.
A full English breakfast is served in the morning, and there is also a continental menu available. The building is non-smoking throughout.
Dorchester West Rail Station is a 5-minute walk from Beggar’s Knap. The shops and amenities of central Dorchester are just a few minutes’ walk away.
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Facilities of Beggar's Knap
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not possible).
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Beggar's Knap
Review 1：The towels in the bathroom were well worn.
Review 2：It had a good atmosphere, and lots of interesting things to look at. Lovely furniture. The windows offered good town centre views.
Review 3：Not wanting to really complain, as we were perfectly happy there, and after all, it is a b and b. It served the purpose for us of being somewhere to get our head down, leave our clothes, and have breakfast.( all of which it did ) Our room was spacious, but looked a little tired, and the wardrobe door didn't close properly, without the aid of the bin to lean against it! As other reviewers have commented, the 'bath' towels were small, and really looked as though they needed replacing. The car park is somewhat tight, on a quite steep slope, and with a gravel surface. Not the easiest to negotiate, especially if you have to back out on to a quite busy road. Nonetheless, it was a b and b with parking, right near the centre of town, so that in itself is a bonus.
Review 4：Friendly owner (Mark) who couldn't do enough for us. Good central location, within a couple of minutes walk from the centre of town, lovely park, and the new Brewery complex. Nice breakfast and comfortable bed. Interesting old period house. We would stay there again, if in Dorchester.
Review 5：We found no fault, though we did not Have breakfast. We. would stay again if in this area.
Review 6：It's spacious charm. It was lovely and warm. Wonderfully comfortable bed. Quiet.
Review 7：There wasn't anything I didn't like.
Review 8：Lovely old house. Friendly helpful owner. Lots of lovely things to look at. Huge comfy bed and bed room.
Review 9：The owner was friendly the location was very good & the room was comfortable with lots of interesting items in it. We would definitely recommend this bed & breakfast.
Review 10：Room had about dozen large moths when we returned in the evening.. Towels were slightly damp/'musty' and bathroom shelf was loose (unusable)
Review 11：Central location, offoroad parking, sylish decor, spotlessly clean, friendly welcome
Review 12：My only minor nitpick would be that I would prefer a larger towel as well as my bath towel for my hair. I have quite long hair and so when washing it I like to dry it with another towel. This is a very minor issue, and really did not affect our stay enough for me to rate anything down, but worth mentioning if you have long hair too, you might want to bring a hair towel :)
Review 13：Right in the centre of Dorchester, with great access to eateries, shops and the train station. Mark could not have been more helpful! Friendly, nothing is too much trouble. We didn't have breakfast as I am Coeliac, but this wasn't an issue and he did offer to provide milk and a bowl if I wanted my own cereal (but we decided not to in the end). The room was beautifully furnished, decorated and had everything we could possibly need for a comfortable holiday. Free wifi which we had great signal with, a TV, chairs and a sofa to sit on as well as a lovely four poster bed.
Review 14：small parking area....damaged my car . Assumed it was b&b from initial advert. Assumed from contract that ...no meal arranged ...referred to evening meal not breakfast. Noise on 1st night was horrendous.
Review 15：pleasant owner..good breakfast at extra cost
Review 16：nothing to say here, we stay for one night only but i didnt see anything bad
Review 17：I loved the lights they have on the trees in front the house, that gives a cute first impression for me, he scored us to our room and he was very polite and nice with us, the house has like about 7 rooms i think and we were on the first floor, with no noise outside at all, first time there and probably we will come back :)
Review 18：nothing.
Review 19：Our host Mark gave us both a warm welcome and introduction to the Beggars Knap. Huge bright clean room with new shower in bathroom. Very comfortable. A stones throw from (partial) new development of shops and restaurants.
Review 20：We didn't like that our room wasn't serviced so tea/coffee /towels etc weren't topped up. Couldn't switch off the heating so it was too hot. Didn't like paying cash and not receiving a receipt. As we have no proof of payment. We also were very concerned that the proprietor cooked our breakfast whilst suffering from food poisoning. A big no no from someone who works in the catering industry.
Review 21：We liked the location. The room was lovely and welcoming.
Review 22：Would have preferred shower to just a bath.
Review 23：The extreme helpfulness of the manager who didn't seem to recognise the word 'No', as nothing was too much trouble. Very nicely placed in the middle of the town. Limited parking spaces but OK if you don't mind a squeeze.
Review 24：Bit more parking room wud be nice but still we had no issues.
Review 25：I loved this place and its authenticity. Definitely recommend it and I don't write reviews often.
Review 26：We would have liked a shower but totally understand that the layout and age of the property doesn't lend itself to doing this.
Review 27：Everything. Excellent atmosphere. Lovely room. Beautifully decorated and thoughtfully arranged.
Review 28：Mark, the owner's care for his guests is second to none. I loved staying here. Can thoroughly recommend the four poster room for fun and frolics and before anyone frowns, not everyone is away on business or a tourist.
Review 29：Mark the owner was so friendly and warm. You feel like you're apart of the family. The four poster bedrooms are to die for. And Mark cooks up a wonderful fresh breakfast in the morning for you to enjoy in the amazingly opulent breakfast room. Simply the only place to stay in Dorchester!
Review 30：Tired and fussy but it's a historical building so to be expected - towels seen far better days and no standing shower - overall needs refurbishing
Review 31：Location excellent , mark is friendly and enthusiastic Bed very comfortable Breakfast ( which is not included in price) was delicious
Review 32：I am not sure I disliked anything really; if pushed to give a totally unbiased viewpoint, I suppose I would have to say the bathroom has a very low level modern style bath which feels at odds with the antique style ambience of the main room, personally I would have liked to have seen a larger, more romantic perhaps, much deeper maybe victorian style bath and a couple of much, much bigger towels but that's aesthetics. The bathroom is utterly fine in reality, bath and fittings perfectly fit for purpose, there are the ubiquitous toiletries and really,this is me being totally pedantic. There really is nothing that warrants any negative comment.
Review 33：Stayed in the four poster room... which was large, spacious and comfortable. The room not only had the obvious four poster tester style bed but also a small table flanked by two sitting room chairs opposite a large comfy couch which allowed one to lounge without having to use the bed. The room also ample storage provided by an armoire and drawers etc. The host Mark is utterly charming and more importantly extremely helpful; a perfect host. The hotel is perfectly positioned for a trip to Dorchester or the surrounding area. People in previous reviews have pointed out that it is on main junction and it is but I actually had no issues with noise despite coming from a house where there is almost total silence at night. The bed is big and luxuriousy appointed and by the time I sank into the mountain of pillows, I slept like a log, it was wonderful. The price of the room was not unreasonable I thought, not in comparison to many others I have stayed at and I was quite happy with it. Overall: The room was lovely, the host was lovely and I had a wonderfully lovely overnight sojourn at The Beggars Knap and if the proof of the pudding is in the eating and I was asked if I would stay there again?... the answer would be and is yes... looking forward to next time!
Review 34：Nothing...
Review 35：From the outset, Mark's communication was very good, we stayed for 1 night (28th Dec) and was very pleased with our choice.... The location, bedroom and atmosphere was perfect and exactly what we were looking for. We didn't have breakfast so can't comment on that although we were pleased that there was on-site parking for us, we will certainly be staying again next time we visit Dorchester
Review 36：The house has been decorated in keeping with the era it was built making it a real place you can relax and smile. Our host is friendly and professional. This is total value for money. Other 'hotels' should follow suit!
Review 37：The house is on a very noisy corner, opposite a pub and with the traffic and pub-goers coming out late we found it hard to get to sleep. We were on the front of tyhe house however.
Review 38：Mark's welcome, the comfort of room and bathroom. The accessability to the town and all the amenities and shops,
Review 39：Room was very cold due to central heating not being set properly. Came on at 4am but was cold at 8am and in evening. Booking.com did not make it lt clear that breakfast want was not Included In the price so had to make other arrangements.
Review 40：Room good size.
Review 41：Wi-Fi didn't connect in the evening but ok in the morning.
Review 42：The excellent communications, my welcome, the size of my room, the warm atmosphere, and the delicious breakfast
Review 43：Four poster bed!. All fittings, furniture, fixings, look antique. If you want away from plastic perfect modern hotels, this is for you, it has an old feel to the place , but still has tv, wifi etc, abig old bath, a few creaks and groans among the nooks and crannys of a large old house! Loved it!
Review 44：only thing is that the driveway was tiny and hard to find in the dark.
Review 45：everything! loved the decoration of this beautiful home. seriously cant get enough of the furnishings. Mark was friendly and welcoming and he is definitely an artist! :D
Review 46：Sadly we feel that the accommodation was let down by pillows which need to be replaced and some new bedding (sheets and pillow cases would do much to enhance the comfort and overall feel.
Review 47：Lovely house with many interesting items around. Lovely room in which breakfast was served and location was perfect for exploring Dorchester and in particular the refurbished brewery area.
Review 48：Nothing negative to say in the slightest
Review 49：Aside from the fact itself that this is a beautiful building, with huge rooms and great services, it is located so near to the centre of the town that everything is very accessible, and the owners are incredibly friendly!
Review 50：Sadly Mark missed the note on the booking form about a vegetarian breakfast but managed to cope.
Review 51：Well placed for a visit to Dorchester and the Brewery Square development.A house filled with antiques and a lovely host means you will not find a better place to stay in the middle of town too. A classic British B&B run professionally.
Review 52：Booking over priced the Inn, I paid 80GBP for something worth half. I don't like taking a bath without a curtain, there was no floor mat in thew bath room, the noise from the road was terrible. Only after complaining - the heater was turned on. the house is old and needs some better maintenance! the TV is so small that you cannot watch it from bed. It's my first time staying at a B&B - too bad it was not a good experience.
Review 53：The owner is a really nice guy, very kind and helpful. Breakfast was fine. good location, just near all the city best restaurants.
Review 54：Beautiful old house with plenty of history. Mark was an excellent host and went out of his way to make everybody feel welcome and at home. Breakfast was well cooked and tasty.
Review 55：Difficult to locate initially as on a corner and not clearly labelled from a car. Limited parking space
Review 56：The welcome. The atmosphere. The comfort of the room and bed. Big choice for breakfast. Catered with no problem with my coeliac diet - I took my own lactofree milk, gluten-free bread and lactofree spread (my preference)
Review 57：Shabby towels, poor lighting in room - always worried looked like pantomime dame. Shower very poor. No drawers only wardrobe that could be tricky to shut. Kettle was a bad pourer!
Review 58：Mark, location was quiet even though B and B was central, communal dining table
Review 59：Towels and bedding could have been of a better quality considering the cost of the room.
Review 60：Mark was charming and friendly. The house was delightful and full of character. Our room was an excellent size and clean.
Review 61：The parking area is quite small.
Review 62：The house is full of interesting old curiosities. The location is great for walking into the town. The full English breakfast was one of the best I have ever had. Our big four poster bed was very comfy and we slept very well.
Review 63：as with some of the other reviewers the car parking was a little stressful and getting out of the car park. however this is not something the owner can resolve. No top bed sheet in such hot weather made it a little too warm for us at night thus affecting our sleep.
Review 64：The owner was welcoming and very helpful. The room was wonderful loved the four poster bed and the decor. Owner recommended locations to eat dinner which was very good of him. Owner allowed us to leave our luggage safely for a few hours. So so kind and helpful. Many thanks
Review 65：Mark is an excellent host, attentive but not intrusive. He has made the most of this victorian town house's dramatic potential, but it is also homely and personal. I really enjoyed staying here.
Review 66：Nothing.
Review 67：The room was large and very sumptuously decorated. Mark, the owner, was very attentive and very knowledgable about the area. He couldn't do enough for us,but at the same time, was very unobtrusive. The breakfast was fabulous. Would definitely go back. It was fabulous. Location was excellent.
Review 68：I actually had the misfortune to break my ankle in Dorchester town following a wedding and a member of guest house staff kindly brought all my belongings to me in the hospital!
Review 69：Made to feel very welcome at all times and recommended places to eat locally. The room was extremely comfortable with a large super king bed and the added bonus of tea/coffee, bottled water, fruit and biscuits. Shower room spotlessly clean and shower worked efficiently. Breakfast was cooked to order, delicious and served at a large shared table. A wonderful overnight stay.
Review 70：Having no shower curtain when a notice on the wall specifically asked for no water to be allowed to go on the floor of the old house. Parking can be complicated but the owner is very helpful to arrange parking as well as possible.
Review 71：Comfortable bed, elegant room, helpful owner, good breakfast
Review 72：Parking was tight, though nice to have. Could have used nicer towels and a wash cloth
Review 73：Beautiful home and lovely, interesting furnishings. Breakfast was yummy! Good to have parking on site.
Review 74：Fantastic view from bedroom - lovely dining room
Review 75：Great property, excellent host - Mark. Breakfast was superb; butchers cuts of bacon! Very central location in the lovely town of dorchester.
Review 76：Premier Inn less than 200 m away at half the price
Review 77：Convenient for centre of Dorchester
Review 78：Loved the ambience, decor, quietness, location. Free parking. Mark and family were great. Will stay again
Review 79：Beautiful building and contents, charming,clean with lovely facilities. Host fabulous and breakfast brilliant
Review 80：Bathroom slightly old fashioned but perfectly adequate
Review 81：Friendly, good location, good facilities.
Review 82：The water available for tea and coffee in the room room tasted awful. Steep, deep-gravelled car park.
Review 83：Decor, furnishings.
Review 84：Perfect setting for our birthday celebrations
Review 85：Lovely location, good service, and so, a good place to stay. Thank you.
Review 86：Mark is very friendly, really helpful and il definitely be staying there again
Review 87：the car park was not the best for access with motor cycles
Review 88：it was like staying with a friend
Review 89：Nothing
Review 90：Lovely room and host.
Review 91：no shower gel, and towels were a lot to be desired.
Review 92：Just great big room - so much space Host was freindly Off street parking
Review 93：Small TV was difficult to see from the four poster bed.
Review 94：Room, decoration and period features and facilities.
Review 95：Excellent location and mark the owner was very helpful. Room was spotless and although in centre it was quiet.
Review 96：Welcoming host and great breakfast
Review 97：The breakfast we had was very disappointing.
Review 98：Good sized room. Comfortable bed. Very pleasant and helpful owner.
Review 99：Great decorations in the house!
Review 100：Possibly towels and shower mat could be updated.
Review 101：Great central location. Very helpful staff. Good broadband coverage.
Review 102：Car parking is restricted and would be difficult with a big car.
Review 103：Owner (Mark) is hospitable and sorts out any problems. Breakfast is excellent
Review 104：no a thing
Review 105：breakfast, room, staff I could go on forever
Review 106：Very helpful owner, especially accommodating my gluten free dietary needs.
Review 107：Mark was very accommodating especially when it came to providing secure parking for my bicycle.
Review 108：The ambience of the the house coupled to kind and caring staff.
Review 109：Friendly atmosphere
Review 110：Excellent facilities for the price, breakfast was fab and the host very attentive.
Review 111：Mark is a brilliant host; quirky decor
Review 112：No teapot for tea at breakfast
Review 113：Lovely room, perfect for our stay.
Review 114：Service was excellent, lovely breakfast, free parking & wifi
Review 115：Convenient for central Dorchester. Very pleasant staff. Reasonably priced
Review 116：The feeling of being in an Edwardian dining room
Review 117：Super very understanding host and all the above, sadly had to cut our visit short due to family emergency.
The Fine Print
As there is no 24-hour reception, guests are required to contact the hotel on day of arrival to inform of their estimated time of arrival.Guests are requested to inform the property of their expected arrival time. This can be noted in the Special Request box when booking.Payments by can be made by electronic transfer, BACS, cash or cheque.Personal or business cheques are acceptable. Company bookings can be invoiced by prior arrangement.Access to car park is via Great Western Road.Please inform Beggar's Knap 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 provided in your confirmation.