The Kitchen at Kingcombe cafe is open Wednesday to Friday between 10:30am - 3pm, and Saturday to Sunday between 10:30am - 3:30pm, and offers the perfect spot for coffee and cake or a light lunch.

Open every Saturday and Sunday in January 2025 (weather permitting). 

The delicious menu includes snacks and light bites such as eggs benedict or sandwiches as well as more substantial lunches such as homity pie with salad or thick cut ham, eggs and bubble & squeak. Alternatively, you can enjoy a coffee or tea with homemade scones and cakes. Come and visit the Kitchen at Kingcombe soon!

Here's the Kitchen at Kingcombe Menu - please note that the menu is subject to change depending on what is in season.

Please note that occasionally the Kitchen at Kingcombe will be closed due to severe weather conditions. You can visit the Kitchen at Kingcombe Facebook page for up to date opening times. 

Are you looking to learn a new skill alongside like-minded people, whilst reconnecting with nature? We have a fantastic range of courses and workshops held at the Kingcombe Visitor Centre, perfect for nature enthusiasts aged 18 and over. Running throughout the year, you can choose from a range of activities including botanical and wildlife identification, nature-themed crafts and practical conservation skills in a relaxed, fun atmosphere led by knowledgeable tutors and guides. Browse our full list of courses and workshops here. 

Would you like to get outside more, connect with nature, meet new friends and learn new skills? Why not join our volunteer team helping with our wildlife and kitchen gardens here at Kingcombe? 

Although gardening knowledge is welcomed, it doesn’t matter if you're not an experienced gardener.  The main thing is that you enjoy being outside and are willing to give it a go. There’s always a variety of seasonal activities for all abilities such seed sowing, weeding, harvesting and working as a team to develop the centre grounds to encourage visitors to learn about the amazing wildlife on our doorstep. 

Volunteering can help you to towards an active lifestyle, make new friends, learn new skills and feel satisfied in the knowledge that you're providing an invaluable service for the centre and the Dorset Wildlife Trust as a whole. 

If you are interested in volunteering at Kingcombe please register centrally via volunteering@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Find out more about volunteering opportunities for Dorset Wildlife Trust 

Looking for a unique, comfortable and well equipped venue for your meeting, event, course or class? Kingcombe is the perfect place! The Kingcombe Visitor Centre, as the gateway to the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, incorporating Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common, is surrounded by beautiful orchards, meadows and woodland. As well as the Visitor Centre, the grounds boast a bird hide, boardwalk, wildlife gardens and a cafe, where your delegates, participants or students can work, create and learn in a tranquil and relaxed environment. The reserves beyond the grounds offer a variety of wildlife habitats, perfect to explore as part of your visit or at the end of a busy day.

Within the grounds you'll find Swallow Barn, a bright an airy space that can accommodate up to 30 people in either a meeting, audience or classroom set up. Hire of Swallow Barn includes the use of all tables and chairs, use of our projector and av facilities, Wi-Fi access and wash stations as well as tea and coffee making facilities. The space is flexible and comfortable, with bi-fold doors that open up onto a small patio area with seating, perfect for sharing refreshments or as a small break out space in good weather. 

Our on-site cafe - The Kitchen at Kingcombe - can supply refreshments for the whole day including mid-morning and afternoon snacks, lunch and supper, or if you prefer, just tea, coffee and cake.

Wanting to stay overnight or host a residential course? Our on-site lodge, The Cowshed, can accommodate up to 13 people in 11 rooms (single occupancy) or up to 21 people when sharing. The cafe can also provide on-site catering for your group for the duration of your stay (minimum group size of eight people).

Who can we host? We also look to welcome a variety of different groups here at Kingcombe, including schools, universities and colleges; special interest groups; walking and wildlife groups; creative societies; Scout, Guides and youth groups and corporate partners, as well as family and friend groups. 

Whether you visit for work, for a course or for a private event, your contribution will go towards funding vital conservation work to protect Dorset's wildlife.

If you would like more information or to discuss a booking, please call us on 01300 320684 or email kingcombe@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Snuggle up in the Living Van with its cosy woodburner for a taste of the outdoors while you drift off to sleep to the gentle sounds of the night. Tucked away in the heart of the Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve in west Dorset, our Living Van offers a truly special getaway. Once providing shelter for road workers, this stunning van has had a makeover, providing a cosy double/twin bed, log stove and electricity to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep before waking to the sound of birdsong. 

Guests have use of their own bathroom in a nearby building, a private deck area and a firepit to roast some marshmallows! Pets are welcome too and there’s space for a tent outside.

Prices from £75 per night. 

Book the Living Van on Airbnb

If you would like to speak to someone before you book, please phone 01300 320684.

Please note the Living Van is open seasonally between April and September. 

Originally the pound keeper's cottage on the local estate, Pound Cottage is now a perfect retreat for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle. Situated near to the Kingcombe Visitor Centre, the cottage sleeps up to 3 and is a warm and cosy base from which to explore the acres of the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve and the surrounding area.

This characterful cottage boasts a log burner, exposed brickwork and original flagstone flooring and has been recently refurbished throughout.

To see more photos and book via Sykes Cottages:

Book now 

Recharge with a good night's sleep in our comfortable rooms in the Cowshed. This group accommodation, located on the Kingcombe Visitor Centre site, is perfect for special interest, social, friends and family groups, education or training.  

To see more photos and book via Sykes Cottages:

Book now

Beech Cottage is the perfect place to get away from it all, with a private garden, fully fitted kitchen, large lounge with woodburner, conservatory and five bedrooms (sleeps up to nine).

This self-contained cottage in Lower Kingcombe is set back from Kingcombe Road, at the end of a private drive. It has its own car park and with five bedrooms (four with ensuite bathroom) including a ground floor bedroom and separate bathroom suitable for disabled access. Dogs are welcome. Short breaks available.

Beech Cottage is part of the Kingcombe Visitor Centre run by Dorset Wildlife and is located in the heart of Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve. Staying at Beech Cottage offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in wildlife and the countryside and enjoy access to a variety of nature trails that explore this unique corner of Dorset. There are also opportunities to take part in self-led walks (maps provided!) and activities at the Kingcombe Visitor Centre.

To book or enquire about availability, visit Classic Cottages using the link below. 

Book through Classic Cottages now