The best walks and hikes around Poxwell

The Smugglers Inn is a historic, 13th-century thatched country pub and boutique hotel nestled on the clifftops of Osmington Mills, Dorset. Boasting sweeping views of the English Channel and the Isle of Portland, this Hall & Woodhouse coastal gem sits steps away from the rugged Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path. Steeped in local lore, the inn served as a notorious 17th-century smuggling landing site and was once the headquarters for the French smuggler Pierre Latour and the infamous Emmanuel Charles. Inside, the building retains its authentic, centuries-old character with low oak-beamed ceilings, original flagstone floors, and a historic central chimney. Today, it operates as a cozy retreat featuring eight en-suite bedrooms, EV charging bays, and a large tiered outdoor terrace complete with a natural stream. The restaurant serves seasonal British pub classics, hearty Sunday roasts, and locally brewed Badger Beers. Known for its warm hospitality, the inn remains highly popular with hikers, families, and dog owners looking for a scenic countryside escape.

Cut right into the limestone of Osmington Hill, the Osmington White Horse is a massive, 280-foot-long hill figure that has been watching over the Dorset coast since 1808. Unlike most chalk horses, this one features a rider: King George III on his favorite charger, Adonis. The King loved vacationing in nearby Weymouth, so local residents carved it to honor him. However, local legend says the design backfired. Because the horse is depicted riding away from the town, the King supposedly took it as a passive-aggressive hint that he wasn't welcome and never came back.

The shut-down property near Bowleaze Cove is the iconic Riviera Hotel, a Grade II listed art deco landmark. Built between 1936 and 1937 by architect Lionel Stewart Smith, its striking white-and-blue modernist design features two long, curved accommodation arcs flanking a central square tower. The 98-room hotel has a rich history, serving as a wartime hospital for US forces in WWII before operating as a popular Pontins holiday camp from 1958 until 2000. After decades of changing ownership, it fell into severe neglect and was added to the Twentieth Century Society’s "Buildings at Risk" register in 2023. The site is currently closed to the public and fenced off. While hit by structural issues—including severe storm damage to its ballroom roof—its current owners, the Diyafa Group, have been undertaking a long-term refurbishment project to rescue the historic coastal venue from decay.

The Spice Ship is a historic, Grade II listed pub dating back to circa 1840, located in the coastal village of Preston near Osmington. The pub uniquely features a centrally located double-sided bar that creates distinct zones: a casual, dog-friendly front bar area perfect for watching sports, and a separate, family-friendly restaurant to the rear. Known for serving hearty British pub classics—ranging from mixed grills to their highly popular Sunday roasts with homemade Yorkshire puddings—it caters effortlessly to both locals and holidaymakers. Outside, visitors can enjoy a large, sun-trap beer garden complete with a children's play area. Local lore adds to its charm, with the pub famously rumoured to be home to the 200-year-old ghost of a Portuguese sailor. It serves as a fantastic, welcoming stop-off just a 20-minute stroll from Bowleaze Cove.

The Victorian Water Pump in Osmington, Dorset, is a charming cast-iron relic that offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century village life. During the mid-1800s, Osmington relied heavily on a localized water network. Fresh water was piped directly into the village from a pumping station located in the nearby neighbouring hamlet of Sutton Poyntz. To serve the local community, three public water pumps were originally erected along the village squares and roadsides. Residents would walk to these communal hubs to fetch their daily supply. Today, this particular structure is the only surviving pump of the original trio, making it a rare and historically significant landmark. Thanks to dedicated local preservation efforts, the historic artefact was beautifully restored by residents. Situated right at the start of a scenic footpath leading toward Sutton Poyntz, it stands as a proud testament to rural Victorian engineering.

While Osmington’s parish church is actually dedicated to St Osmund, the neighboring village of Preston features the closely linked St Andrew's Church. Both churches serve the local community as active members of the Weymouth Ridgeway Benefice. Tucked quietly behind the historic Spice Ship pub, St Andrew's is central to the area's spiritual and social life. It serves as a prominent focal point for community events, including the popular Preston Village Market and Coffee Morning. Architecturally, the building is notable for its beautiful stained glass windows and its role as a sanctuary for reflection. Inside, the church houses a deeply moving War Memorial that honours 42 local lives lost during both World Wars, alongside historical memorial plaques dedicated to prominent local figures like the Reverend Octavius Piers. It stands as a peaceful, living testament to the shared heritage of the Dorset coast.

The Springhead is a traditional country pub nestled in Sutton Poyntz near Osmington. It features a large orchard beer garden with scenic views of the Osmington White Horse. Known for its Sunday carvery, log fires, and wood-fired pizzas, this dog-friendly retreat is perfect for walkers exploring the Jurassic Coast.

Very nice picnic spot with toilets. Not a big detour.