Frequently asked questions
The Cottage
Q: Is the cottage suitable for wedding guests?
A: Blackbird Cottage is ideally located near two popular wedding venues. Mapperton House is a 7-minute taxi journey away and Hope Farm is just 5 minutes, making it a perfect base for wedding guests. The cottage is well suited for getting ready, with a spacious walk-in shower, luxury organic toiletries, fluffy towels, hairdryers and a full-length mirror. Hairdressers and beauty salons are within walking distance, in-house treatments can be arranged, and both venues are a short taxi ride away.
Q: How many guests does Blackbird Cottage sleep?
A: Blackbird Cottage sleeps up to five guests across three comfortable bedrooms, ideal for a group of friends, a family, or a combination of both. Although we have ample sleeping space, there is one bathroom and limited seating in the sitting room, which is why we keep our maximum at five guests to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Q: How many bathrooms does the cottage have?
A: We have one large shower room with double sinks, located on the ground floor. It features a spacious walk-in shower, luxury organic toiletries, fluffy towels, hairdryers and a full-length mirror, everything you need to feel at home
Q: Does Blackbird Cottage have low ceilings?
A: Yes. Blackbird Cottage is nearly 300 years old and full of character, with original beams and low ceiling heights in the sitting room and kitchen. It’s part of what makes the cottage so charming, but worth knowing if anyone in your group is particularly tall.
Q: Does Blackbird Cottage have a wood burner?
A: It does, and it’s one of our guests’ favourite things about the cottage. The wood-burning stove in the sitting room is perfect for cosy evenings in, especially on crisp autumn and winter nights. Between November and March we provide enough logs, kindling and fire lighters for one or two fires. After that, additional logs can be purchased locally. All you need to do is light it, settle in and enjoy.
Q: Does Blackbird Cottage have a garden?
A: It does, and it’s rather lovely. The private, enclosed garden is a real suntrap, with a magnolia tree, flower borders and a table and seating for outdoor dining. Several guests have told us they had breakfast out there every single morning. In spring and summer it’s at its most magical, but even in autumn it’s a beautiful spot for a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, entirely yours for the duration of your stay. Please note there is a small pond in the garden, so young children will need supervision.
Q: What is included in the welcome hamper?
A: A welcome hamper will be waiting for you on the dinning table when you book 5 or more nights, a little something to make you feel instantly at home. Sue also leaves tea, coffee, hot chocolate, herbal teas and biscuits for that all important first cuppa.
Q: What are the beds like?
A: We take beds seriously at Blackbird Cottage. Guests mention them in almost every single review, the dreamy mattresses, the sumptuous feather and down duvets and the quality pillows. A restorative night’s sleep is practically guaranteed. As one guest put it: “I’ve never slept so well away from my own bed.” We can also supply hypo- allergenic bedding please let use know when you book.
Q: Is the cottage suitable for children?
A: We welcome children of all ages. However, very young children will need supervision due to uneven flooring, steps between rooms and a small pond in the garden. A travel cot, stair gate and fire guard are all available on request. Just let us know when you book.
Q: Is there WiFi?
A: Yes, reliable WiFi is provided throughout the cottage.
Parking and getting there
Q: Is there parking at the cottage?
A: Parking is generally available on the unrestricted streets around Blackbird Cottage. There is also a long-stay car park at Yarn Barton, just a 3-minute walk away. Parking in the square and the long-stay car park is free between 6pm and 8am, and free all day on Sundays. The good news? Once you’ve parked up, you won’t need your car again until you leave.
Q: Can I charge my electric vehicle at the cottage?
A: There is no EV charging facility at the cottage. However, public charging is available nearby at Yarn Barton car park (Type 2, 22kW), with faster charging available in Bridport. Please note that due to insurance restrictions, we are unable to accommodate the charging of other electric vehicles, including e-bikes and mobility scooters.
Local area
Q: Are there shops nearby?
A: Yes. Beaminster is wonderfully well equipped for a small market town. There is a Co-op open daily from 7am to 10pm for everyday essentials, and a lovely selection of independent shops within walking distance, including a bakery, butcher, greengrocer and deli. Larger supermarkets are available in Crewkerne and Bridport if needed.
Q: Are there places to eat and drink nearby?
A: Beaminster punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Within a short stroll of the cottage you’ll find two award-winning restaurants, three cafés and two pubs, all independently owned and genuinely excellent. Our guests consistently recommend The Ollerod for a special dinner, Brassica for coffee and evening meals, Cilla and Camilla for a wonderful breakfast or lunch, and The Red Lion for a proper pub evening, sometimes with live music. Sue’s detailed guest guide covers all of this and more.
Q: Are there good walks from the cottage?
A: Wonderful ones. Countryside walks start right from the doorstep, including the ridgeway, the fields surrounding the town and the green lanes of the Vale of Marshwood. The stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short drive away, with Eype Beach, Seatown, Charmouth and Lyme Regis all easily reached for coastal walks, fossil hunting and extraordinary views. Sue’s guest guide includes her personal favourite routes.
Q: You're close to the church. Do the bells ring during the night?
A: The church clock does chime through the day and night. Most guests find it relaxing and a lovely part of the cottage’s character, a proper Hardy country backdrop. That said, if you’re a light sleeper it’s worth knowing in advance, and a pair of earplugs packed just in case is no bad thing. We’d rather you come prepared and love it than be caught off guard.
Booking and practicalities
Q: What is the minimum stay?
A: We welcome bookings with a minimum stay of two nights. A five-night minimum applies at certain times of the year. Please check availability for specific dates.
Q: What time is check-in?
A: Check-in is from 4pm. We may be able to accommodate an earlier check-in depending on our schedule. Just get in touch and we’ll do our best.
Q: What time is check-in?
A: Check-in is from 4pm. We may be able to accommodate an earlier check-in depending on our schedule. Just get in touch and we’ll do our best.
Q: What time is check-out?
A: Check-out is at 10am. If you’d like a later check-out, just ask. We’re always happy to help where we can.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: While we love dogs, we currently don’t have the facilities to accommodate them at Blackbird Cottage. We hope to be able to welcome four-legged guests in the future.
