About The Spyway Inn
A traditional, friendly family run country inn set in Askerswell, the unspoilt and picturesque part of Dorset.
Situated above the village of Askerswell, Dorset on an old road called Spyway, this
interesting old smuggler's inn, said to be haunted, dates back to 1745 when it was
first licensed. Nestling in beautiful countryside, the rear beer garden provides
magnificent views, stunning scenery and a beautiful family area to relax in the
sun. We have a large parking area and are open 7 days a week. We have a no smoking
restaurant and we accept all major credit cards. We are very near to Eggardon Hill
if you fancy a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
The public bar is cosy and quaint, in keeping with the rest of this charming old
inn. Along with Traditional Real Ales, the oak beams and log fires create a warm
and friendly atmosphere full of old English character. We also provide food in our
restaurant which is in keeping with the beauty of our bar. Our food is always
cooked to the highest quality and we are committed to using suppliers from the local and
south-west region.
History Of
The Spyway Inn
This free house was, until 1975, named "The Three Horseshoes"
Inn, Spyway, because the village blacksmith's forge operated at its west end when
it was first licensed in 1745. At the time all functions of the forge were carried
out at ground level but, following its closure, the Inn's accommodation was increased
to provide a second storey. The auction notice of WM. Morey & Sons dated April
18th 1905 for the sales of the blacksmith's stock in trade still hangs on the wall
of the quaint and cosy public bar.
It is understood that the Inn's change of name was partly due to the proximity of
a "Three Horseshoes" in the next village and partly to historic smuggling undertones.
For this Inn is reputed to have been much used by Isaac Gulliver, a notorious and
clever leader of a large band of smugglers some fifty strong during the late 18th
Century.
Gulliver had owned Eggardon Hill Fort and North Eggardon Farm together with many
other properties in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. North Eggardon Farm,
being the nearest to the hill, is reputed to have been used as his headquarters
from time to time.
By the time of his death in 1822 Gulliver had become a wealthy and respected
citizen of Wimborne.
