Who are The Pig Hotels?
Preferring to call themselves a restaurant with rooms, over a fixed stiff title of hotel, The Pig Hotels ooze a feeling of laid‑back country house meets eclectic vintage charm. Food is the main focus. With the kitchen garden and restaurants at the heart of the house and a 25-mile menu ethos. They are open to everyone whether a staying guest, or a visiting explorer, and rooms are casual yet cosy.
There’s something unmistakably special about a stay at The Pig Hotels.
Perhaps it’s the kitchen gardens overflowing with ready-to-pick produce, the cosy corners that feel homely, or the way each hotel blends effortlessly into its landscape.
It could also be down to guests finding wellness in their small rustic treatment huts. Tucked out the way where guests can be treated to massages, facials, and simple relaxation using natural products.
Whatever the magic is, it’s woven through every one of their properties. Three of them are on the South West 660, each with its own irresistible personality and adventures on their doorstep.
Whether you’re dreaming of golden beaches, rolling Devon hills, or Cornwall’s wild Atlantic edge. Here are three PIG stays that deserve a spot on your South West 660 slow-travel list. Plus some top tips for things to do nearby if the mood takes you.
THE PIG‑on the Beach, Dorset – A Golden Seaside Escape on Route 1
Perched above Studland Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, THE PIG‑on the Beach is a mellow yellow clifftop hideaway with sweeping sea views and hints to a nostalgic, Famous Five thread (author Enid Blyton loved holidaying here).
Guests can wander straight from the house to golden sands and salty air. Explore the gardens. Or simply soak up the deeply English charm of this 1825 Gothic Revival retreat.
Food is rooted in the Kitchen Garden. With seasonal dishes served in the conservatory overlooking Old Harry Rocks . For laid‑back afternoons, the Garden Oven dishes up wood‑fired pizzas topped with zero‑mile ingredients. No booking needed, just wander over and tuck in. Inside, the bar and lounges are made for slow evenings, shared plates and good company, very much the heart of the PIG experience.
Rooms are cosy, characterful and full of Dorset texture, with unique spaces overlooking the sea or sheep‑dotted fields . Special stays include the romantic shepherds huts, Harry’s Hut & The Pig Hut, each with a log burner, freestanding bath and private terrace with the best bay views in the house.
Three things to do nearby The Pig on the beach on Route 1
- Ride on a steam or diesel engine train with Swanage Railway. Adventure inland to the beautiful Corfe Castle on a regular journey or book one of their exciting events.
- Explore Studland Bay and South Beach. Just a short stroll from their front door, you can enjoy four miles of golden sand and sheltered swimming.
- Hop on the Sandbanks Ferry. A scenic shortcut to Poole Harbour and the chic Sandbanks peninsula.
THE PIG at Combe, Devon – a Hidden Valley Haven on Route 3
THE PIG at Combe sits tucked into the folds of the Otter Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient woodland, and a sense of deep countryside calm. This honey‑stone this Grade I-listed Elizabethan country house has plenty of spacious bedrooms to cosy up in with heaps of homely charm. Including five Stream Wagons and three cosy cottages, near a babbling brook in their leafy grounds.
It is one of the most secluded PIGs. A true “secret escape”. Yet it’s only a short drive from the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path.
Guests can have a mooch around their kitchen gardens. A living larder that shapes the menu daily and enjoy the smells of vegetables, flowers and herbs. Dive into delicious cuisine in the gorgeous panelled country house style dining room. Or perch on the terrace overlooking the rolling hills with a drink.
The Folly is a rustic, semi‑outdoor bar and dining space. It is perfect for relaxed gatherings. And the house is often chosen, private dining and special occasions, thanks to its private dining spaces including their wine cellar!
Three things to do nearby The PIG at Combe on Route 3
- Visit Beer Village & Beer Quarry Caves – explore historic caverns and a charming fishing village with photogenic fishing boats, where film-makers shot the latest He-man movie.
- Walk the South West Coast Path at Branscombe – a stunning stretch of Jurassic Coast scenery.
- Explore a local vineyard or winery – join a tour and enjoy some tastings too.
THE PIG at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall – Coastal Cool on the Atlantic Edge on Route 9
Set just above one of Cornwall’s most beloved beaches, THE PIG at Harlyn Bay blends historic character with laid‑back coastal style. The house is moments from the sand, where you can wander down to the beach in minutes. Enjoy the South West Coast Path which runs right past the drive, offering instant access to some of the most dramatic scenery in North Cornwall.
This PIG is known for its surf‑meets‑country‑house vibe. With cosy lounges, sea‑view corners, and a kitchen garden that thrives in the salty Atlantic air. Head outside and ‘under canvas’, where you‘ll find the The Lobster Shed. A laid‑back, outdoor eatery where they serve locally sourced seafood, wood‑roasted meats, and garden-grown sides.
A paw-fect bonus here is that along with selected rooms which are dog‑friendly, is that Harlyn Beach has dog‑friendly areas year‑round.
Three things to do nearby The Pig at Harlyn Bay on Route 9
- Walk the coast path loop around Trevone Head – dramatic scenery, wildlife spotting, a historic 1874 lighthouse and unforgettable views.
- Visit Padstow – if you’re up for more reasons to eat, then this is a foodie haven with harbourside restaurants (some belonging to well-known names) plus boat trips for that touch of adventure.
- Sauna, surf or paddleboard at Harlyn Bay – find warmth and wellness in the beachside sauna, or have get on the water in one of Cornwall’s most sheltered, beginner‑friendly beaches.
Why stay at The Pig Hotels on the South West 660?
In an age of packed itineraries and bucket-list goals, The Pig hotels offer something refreshingly different. They invite guests to slow down and engage more deeply with the places they visit.
Which PIG Will You Choose?
