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Cottages in Dorset
Our exclusive collection of holiday cottages in Dorset are perfectly placed for exploring this ancient and welcoming county. Dorset is a land steeped in history, from the fossils at Charmouth on the Jurassic Coast to The Cobb at Lyme Regis. Plus, dinosaurs once walked here! Venture to charming inland Dorset, with its hamlets of thatched cottages, beamed pubs and watermills, and you'll feel as though you've walked into a living, breathing Thomas Hardy novel, or soak up the idyllic wiles of Dorset's coast. If you need more temptation, try our Lyme Regis webcam for inspiration.Read more
About Dorset
Dorset is the ideal holiday choice for short breaks as well as longer escapes to the country, as it’s so accessible yet feels like another world. The majority of this county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which says it all, so expect some spectacular views. And not to forget, there's plenty of things to do to keep you entertained. Go coasteering, quad biking or kite surfing if you're feeling adventurous, or head out on a hot air balloon ride to get those unrivalled views! Dorset is also a great place for fishing and rockpooling, providing hours of fun for the young and old alike.
The coastline here is something special, with cliffs rippling up out of layers of centuries old sediment, bringing fossilised treasures for lucky beachcombers. You can walk for miles along the undulating clifftops between beaches and coves so bring your binoculars (and the dog) for spotting the seaside pub you’re aiming for. You’ll need good walking boots and perhaps your swimming gear to have a paddle around Lulworth Cove and swim through Durdle Door. Go on an adventure to the Isle of Purbeck, a region renowned for its wildlife, beauty and cliff top walks.
But don’t be entirely distracted by the deep blue, the green can be just as beguiling. Inland Dorset is leisurely drives through leafy lanes opening up to the best of British landscapes; rolling hills, fields and farmland fading away as far as the horizon, woodland colours changing with the seasons, and plenty of beautiful gardens. Pretty little villages with trickling streams to bustling market towns, Dorset is characterful and enchanting.
Holidays in Dorset
Whether you choose country or coast, a pretty village setting or somewhere along the Jurassic Coast, places of interest will always be within arm’s reach. A day trip to the Isle of Portland to visit the famous quarry museum, Chesil Beach for the photo opportunities and fossils and of course the stunning landforms around Lulworth and Durdle Door.
There are many historic and beautiful towns to explore; Sherborne with its Abbey and distinctive architecture, Cerne Abbas home of the famous giant, from Lyme Regis in the west, past Charmouth, Weymouth, to Corfe Castle near Swanage and Studland, and Bournemouth in the east of the county, you’ll need to keep coming back for more. Fill up your family holiday in Dorset with child friendly days out to the wonder that is Monkey World or better yet, the Marble Museum – we promise it’s more entertaining than it sounds. Take trips on the steam train or simply spend your days relaxing and eating - Dorset is a hub for good food with gems such as River Cottage in Axminster and Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis.
Where to stay in Dorset
Our collection of Dorset escapes range from country breaks to coastal houses, all handpicked and inspected by our local team. Dog friendly Dorset cottages welcome four-legged friends and this is definitely a good county to bring them to, with opportunities for walkies around every corner. Take them to a cottage by the sea for sandy paws and salty coats from running in the sand dunes. When the Jurassic Coast is calling, a beach cottage by the sea will make all your holiday dreams come true.
Or leave everyone else behind and take a romantic trip to Lyme Regis with a long weekend for two, our live stream Lyme Regis webcam will be all the temptation you need.
We have 59 self catering cottages in Dorset
7 nights from £694 *
Freshfields
57064 bedroom secluded cottage with large grounds near Dorchester, Dorset.
Freshfields is a truly outstanding property in a picturesque Dorset village. Recently renovated throughout, the house provides space and privacy for all the family. Just a short dr...
7 nights from £694 *
7 nights from £396 *
Spring View
56864 bedroom rural cottage near the sea and close to Dorchester, Dorset.
A family-friendly holiday home situated in a beautiful, rural Dorset hamlet, with countryside views galore. Recently renovated throughout, Spring View offers a peaceful escape from...
7 nights from £396 *
7 nights from £458
The Granary
56832 bedroom, dog friendly holiday cottage near Beaminster, Dorset.
Tucked away in a rural corner of west Dorset you will find The Granary; a single-storey cottage with a shared two acre woodland and wildflower meadow to while away holiday days in....
7 nights from £458
Whetley Farm
7 nights from £915
7 nights from £458
The Dairy
56822 bedroom, dog friendly holiday cottage near Beaminster, Dorset.
A cosy single-storey cottage, a secret wood and wildflower meadow, all available to you in a location only a short drive of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, are we tempting you y...
7 nights from £458
7 nights from £529
Bluebells
56242 bedroom, dog friendly cottage in walking distance of Bridport, Dorset.
Tucked away in a quiet location, yet just a stone's throw from bustling Bridport and the Jurassic Coast, you will find Bluebells. Situated at the end of a pretty row of cottages, t...
7 nights from £529
7 nights from £756
The Old Dairy
55512 bedroom, dog friendly cottage near Wimborne Minster, Dorset.
Situated within the southern neolithic ring of Knowlton Church and Earthworks and perfectly positioned under a Dark Sky Reserve, is The Old Dairy; a stylish and modern conversion t...
7 nights from £756
7 nights from £431
The Gardens
54062 bedroom, dog friendly cottage in historic Sherborne, Dorset.
From the rolling hills of the Dorset countryside to the beautiful historic streets of Sherborne and down to the Jurassic Coast, explore it all whilst staying at The Gardens. This c...
7 nights from £431
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7 nights from £486
Pippins
53603 bedroom, dog friendly character cottage near Beaminster, Somerset.
Pippins is a picture postcard country cottage nestled in the charming Somerset village of North Perrott - not far from the Dorset border. This cosy home can cater for all of the fa...
7 nights from £486
7 nights from £815
Seymour Barn
53142 bedroom, dog friendly barn conversion in Bridport, Dorset.
With the bustling market town of Bridport within striking distance, this beautiful barn conversion is the perfect home-away-from-home. A delightful spot to explore all the beauty a...
7 nights from £815