Enjoy a unique getaway in a charming, historic 3-bedroom railway house in Dorset, next to Hinton Admiral Station. Perfect for exploring the region, the house offers easy train access to Bournemouth and is close to the New Forest, beaches, and family attractions. Relax in the cosy outdoor hot tub after a day of adventure. This property combines historical charm with modern comforts and convenient access to a variety of activities.
Strongate Orchard is a single static home situated on a small working beef farm, a 10 minute drive north of Bridport, Dorset. Secluded location at the bottom of a long winding lane with no passing traffic. A great base and ideal location for either a family farm stay or adults, you will likely see our animals in the field next door, birds in the Orchard, and there is also plenty of outside space for ball games. We are located within Dorset's Natural Landscape and the World Heritage Jurassic coastline along with Bridport, famous for it's twice weekly street market and antiques quarter, is a 10 minute drive away. The coastal village of Charmouth is ideal for fossil hunting and we offer short breaks as well as 7 night stays.
Strongate View Apartment, our 4* Visit England rated apartment is located in the village of Salway Ash, 4 miles from the vibrant market town of Bridport with it's popular antiques quarter and the world famous Jurassic coastline & the South West coastal path. Lyme Regis & Charmouth, famous for fossil hunting, are a 20/25 minute drive away. The Apartment is first floor and whilst attached to our home it's private with it's own entrance. Idyllic view of Marshwood Vale, rural and quiet location. The Apartment has one bedroom with king size bed, it's a perfect choice for a couple and an ideal location to explore any time of the year. A comfy fold out day bed is available if adults would prefer separate beds, or if you have a child. Highchair and travel cot also available. Pet friendly too
Strongate Cottage is a welcoming 17th-century thatched Cottage, full of character, charm, and original features. Rated 4★ by Visit England, it offers a comfortable retreat. Set in the peaceful village of Salway Ash, the cottage sits at the end of a long, winding lane on a small working farm with its own spring water. Surrounded by unspoilt countryside, it provides a wonderfully tranquil escape—an ideal base for exploring everything Dorset has to offer. Inside, the cottage sleeps four and includes all modern conveniences. The well-equipped galley kitchen features an oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine with tumble dryer, fridge with freezer compartment, and traditional flagstone flooring. One step leads down into a cosy open-plan lounge and dining area with two comfy sofas, a smart TV, and a dining table perfect for relaxed meals after a day of adventuring. Upstairs are two bedrooms: one with twin beds and a chest of drawers, the other with a brass double bed and a large fitted wardrobe. Both rooms overlook the pretty garden. The modern bathroom offers a bath with shower attachment, toilet, sink, and ceramic tiled floor. Outside, the garden is a delightful sanctuary with a wooden table and chairs, colourful flower borders, and a grassed area. Birds visit regularly, along with the occasional pheasant, duck, and chicken. Parking for two cars is available. A travel cot and highchair are provided, and the Cottage includes free WiFi, night storage heating, and all linen and towels. Well-behaved dogs are welcome (£20 per dog per week, usually up to two depending on size/breed). Non-smokers only, please. The Cottage is just 10 minutes from the Jurassic Coast at West Bay, known for its dramatic cliffs, harbour, and role in ITV’s Broadchurch. The seaside town of Lyme Regis, with its historic Cobb and charming shops, is 25 minutes away. Fossil hunting at Charmouth is highly recommended, and walkers will love the panoramic views from Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. The nearest town, Bridport, offers independent shops, a vibrant twice-weekly street market, arts venues, cafés, and a lively vintage quarter. A scenic drive or bus ride along the coast road to Weymouth provides sweeping views across the coastline to Portland on clear days. With coastal paths, countryside trails, historic villages, and plenty of welcoming pubs, cafés, and restaurants, Dorset is a wonderful area to explore and we look forward to welcoming you to our little gem . For more details, visit: www.strongate.co.ukFor enquiries, please contact Tess on 07792 609617.
Are you looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway on the Dorset Jurassic Coast? Discover the charm of our 19th-century cottage situated down a quiet lane in the centre of Chideock. The country cottage is complemented by lots of modern amenities and just a short 15 minute walk to the beach at Seatown. Chideock Cottage is the perfect place to stay. The cottage accommodates up to 3 people sleeping in two bedrooms and is an ideal location to escape to all year round. Chideock is a lovely coastal village with endless opportunities to explore. You can enjoy a delicious meal at any of the two walkable pubs or shop in the local convenience store which is a 5 minute walk away. Take a short trip to the neighboring towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis by car or bus (handy bus stop just up the lane from the cottage) and explore the best of what the Dorset Jurassic Coast has to offer. Unleash your inner archaeologist at Seatown beach while hunting for fossils and get ready to make lastin
Located on a tree lined road this 8 bedroom detached property, with off road parking, is ideal for family get togethers with something for everyone. Superfast 1GB broadband and 2 x 55-inch smart flat-screen TV’s, Sky TV and TV apps with 100’s of shows and films to suit every age. The property is less than a 1-minute walk to 100’s of square meters of grassy woodlands, with a children’s play area and a purpose-built athletics track. The property has a well-equipt kitchen with an American Fridge Freezer, Microwave, 2 hobs, 2 high spec ovens and a belfast sink. All the bedrooms contain beds with pocket sprung mattresses, white 100% cotton bed linen for the perfect nights sleep. ***Minimum nights stays apply. For a quote please contact owner.***
Dolphin Cottage is a charming thatched holiday home on Marine Parade in Lyme Regis. Built around 1800, it has many original features and sleeps four people in two bedrooms with two bathrooms. You'll love falling asleep to the sound of the waves and having breakfast on the private waterfront terrace, being just steps from the sand and around 100 yards from shops, bars, and restaurants. The UNESCO Jurassic Coast and South West Coast Path are literally outside the door, making this self-catering cottage a firm favourite with families and couples in all seasons.
With its two beautiful beaches, lively harbour and marina, and a fantastic array of places to eat and drink, it is no surprise that West Bay is a favourite Jurassic Coast holiday destination with people who appreciate that it offers so much while remaining relatively peaceful even in the height of summer. West Bay Cottage is a charming Grade II listed property within walking distance of it all, and only a mile and a half from bustling Bridport. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is a favourite with both couples and small families.
The Old Rectory is the perfect Georgian country house. The Grade II listed property sits close to the centre of Symondsbury, just a mile and a half from the coast and 100 metres from the Ilchester Arms pub. Eleven double bedrooms comfortably sleep up to twenty two adults, while several rooms also have single beds so that the house can accommodate large parties of up to twenty nine people. Four reception rooms, a large verandah and two acres of gardens means there is ample space, while proximity to country walks, the beaches of the Jurassic Coast and pretty towns and villages make it easy to arrange a stay that everyone will love whether you are there for a family celebration or a team building weekend with colleagues.
A detached, delightful ground level cottage, no stairs. Visit England rated 4* Stars and 100% awarded for cleanliness. Cosy gas central heating and all utilities, broadband, quality linen and towels included. Two bedrooms - a kingsize double and a twin bedroom, sleeps 4 plus a cot for an infant. Each bedroom has an en-suite shower room with wc and hand basin. Open plan living, dining and fitted kitchen maintained to a high standard, Games room and furnished garden with barbecue ideal for alfresco dining. Rural aspect, superb location on New Forest / East Dorset border, perfect for a variety of sites and pursuits. Walking or cycle route into Moors Valley Country Park activities. Easy access to all areas of the New Forest National Park, Dorset heathland and your choice of beaches. Ringwood Market Town and New Forest tour bus. Children and Pets welcome. EV Charger by arrangement. Safe Direct Booking with the on-site owner - no booking fees, vat, or security deposit. Enquiries welcome. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The perfect retreat just for two within easy reach of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door on Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coastline. Right in the heart of Purbeck, this stylish holiday home provides all the right ingredients for a relaxing break and a great self-catering base for exploring the areas many attractions. The RSPB Nature Reserve at Arne, from where the BBC Springwatch is broadcast, is very close by.
A 17th Century character cottage located in an enviable position on a quiet foopath leading down to the Abbotsbury's Swannery and Chesil beach. Overlooking St Catherine's chapel. Own parking bay. Abbotsbury has excellent amenities including a village shop, pubs, farm shop, tea rooms, fishing tackle shop, artisan studios, pick your own flowers are all a short stroll away. The award winning Sub-Tropical gardens are a must. A walkers paradise. SW coast path, Macmillan Way and the Ridgeway on your doorstep or find your own way along the many local footpaths.The beaches of Weymouth and West Bay are within 9 miles and Lyme Regis and Bournemouth a little further afield. Bridport and Dorchester are within twenty minutes by car. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Whether you're travelling with your kids, extended family or a group of friends, everyone will love Gould's Farmhouse. Four large bedrooms, three bathrooms and three sitting rooms, together with a spacious country kitchen and fantastic garden mean you can enjoy being together while still having your own space. It's on a quiet lane in Milborne St Andrew, within walking distance of a great pub (The Royal Oak), the village shop and a kids playground, and close to the vibrant market towns of Dorchester and Blandford. The Jurassic Coast, Weymouth and Poole are all a short drive away, and there are beautiful National Trust properties like Hardy's Cottage to enjoy. Footpaths, including the South West Coast Path, bridle ways and cycle paths are plentiful so you can be as active as you like, or simply recline on a lounger in the garden with a good book and enjoy not having to please anyone but yourself.
Welcome aboard our Classic Yacht Nadine, including a Hot Tub Jacuzzi on the upper deck, a Master Double Cabin with ensuite Bathroom, a Twin Bed Cabin with ensuite Shower Room, a spacious soulful Lounge, a Kitchen Galley, an Alfresco Dining Deck, a Sun Deck and a beautiful waterside sea view across the bay. There is also SuperFast BT Broadband, WiFi and SKY TV.
This elegant holiday home has five bedrooms and can accommodate up to 12 people with ease, providing a quiet base that is within walking distance of the beach, shops, pubs and attractions in Weymouth. It's a fantastic choice for families or friends who love not only its convenient location but also its huge garden with a deck for entertaining, original features that include an open fireplace, and high quality of furnishings that make it feel like a welcoming second home.
Indulge your country cottage dreams in this 16th Century thatched holiday retreat. The Blue Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms. It is ideal for couples or families and has a modern kitchen and bathroom sitting harmoniously beside thick cobb walls and original oak beams. The detached holiday home has a wonderfully rustic charm and is surrounded by fields and gardens and only 300 metres from the welcoming Horseshoe Inn in Ebbesbourne Wake. It's part of the Cranbourne Chase AONB, and beautiful walks lead in all directions from the village. Shaftesbury and Salisbury are 10 miles away. Stonehenge is half an hour's drive, with Bath, Glastonbury, Longleat and the Dorset Coast also within reach for days out.
Situated just 5 miles from the New Forest, and within a 10 minute walk of the beach at Highcliffe, this is an ideal base for a holiday exploring this lovely area. You can catch a bus to Lymington or Christchurch if you prefer to leave the car parked.
Those searching for large group accommodation in Dorset will fall in love with Symondsbury Manor. The beautiful home boasts 11 bedrooms that sleep up to 22 people, expansive living areas that include a ballroom and games room, and lots of original features such as oak panelling and inglenook fireplaces. The owners have updated and modernised the 17th Century building without losing its unique charm or character, making it ideal for family celebrations, wedding receptions, and holidays with friends. There is a pub and a village shop within walking distance, and the Jurassic Coast is only a mile from the door.
Set back from a quiet country lane in the peaceful village of Chaldon Herring, and only a few minutes walk from the popular Sailor's Return pub, Rex Officio is a charming holiday home designed with couples in mind. Previously a store building, it has been transformed into a romantic retreat with a very comfortable open-plan living area and kitchen downstairs, and a spacious bedroom with ensuite upstairs. All of Dorset's favourite attractions are on your doorstep. You can easily reach Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the Jurassic Coast footpath, as well as drive to charming towns and villages including Dorchester, Moreton and Weymouth. Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World are also nearby, as are many walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities.
This popular cottage is on a quiet road in the peaceful hamlet of Chaldon Herring, within walking distance of the village pub and the coastal footpath that leads to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, part of the Jurassic coast. Dorchester, Weymouth and Moreton area are all within a short drive, as are favourite Dorset attractions such as the Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World. The Jurassic Coast makes an excellent holiday destination at any time of the year and this comfortable cottage, which sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms, is the perfect base for couples, families and friends from which to explore it.
Popular towns in and around Dorset:
BeaminsterBlandfordBlandford ForumBournemouthBridportBurton BradstockCharmouthChristchurchCorfe CastleCranborneDevon BordersDorchesterEast ChaldonGillinghamLitton CheneyLulworth CoveLyme RegisMaiden NewtonMudefordNew ForestOsmingtonPiddlehintonPoolePortlandRingwoodShaftesburySherborneSturminster NewtonSwanageTauntonThree Legged CrossWarehamWest LulworthWeymouthWimborneYeovilSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Dorset cottagesLuxury Dorset holiday cottagesDorset cottages with a hot tubDorset cottages by the seaOr search further afield:
Search within South West England
More than half of Dorset has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and three-quarters of the coastline has been appointed a World Heritage Site. There are many well-known scenic spots along the coast that are worth a visit, such as Lulworth Cove, the Isle of Portland and Durdle Door. Alternatively, enjoy some seaside fun and visit the popular coastal towns of Weymouth, Lyme Regis and cosmopolitan Bournemouth.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Dorset, you can find all the information you need for your trip. For more tips, check out our complete Dorset Guide.
The superbly scenic location makes Dorset a great choice for a UK holiday to suit all tastes and ages. The beautiful surroundings that the county has to offer also help to make it a great year-round destination.
Summer in Dorset presents a mix of warm, sunny days with some hotter than others. The temperatures are between 19°C and 21°C and with longer days and lots of sunshine, so summer here is a great time to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Spring in Dorset is mild and comfortable with average temperatures of around 10°C to 17°C. During this time, Dorset is generally pretty quiete as the majority of visitors stay during summer, making it a great time to visit if you seek fewer crowds.
Winter in Dorset means shorter days and cooler temperatures of around 6°C to 8°C. During this time the days tend to be clear, cold and crisp, making for a great time to visit the multiple Christmas markets scattered around the towns.
A history that stretches back to the Neolithic era, Dorset is a fascinating place for those interested in exploring the intriguing backstories of Viking raids, Roman invasions and Saxon conquests. There are many well-preserved historic sites in the area, such as Lulworth Castle and Park, built in 1608, Sherborne Abbey, the 'Cathedral of Dorset' dating back to 705AD and the 1000 year old Corfe Castle – one of the most famous landmarks in Dorset that now stands as an iconic, eerie ruin.
Dorset is also a great holiday spot for children. There are plenty of exciting attractions to keep younger visitors amused and entertained, such as the internationally acclaimed Monkey World – an important rescue centre where you can meet the apes and Honeybrook Farm. There are also a variety of water sports thanks to the maritime background of the area.
Of course, a stay in a Dorset holiday cottage would not be complete without fossil hunting along The Jurassic Coast and following in the footsteps of dinosaurs - England's first natural World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the natural world rated, up there alongside the Grand Canyon!
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to Dorset, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 123 miles
Birmingham: 175 miles
Glasgow: 458 miles
Liverpool: 267 miles
Bristol: 66 miles
Manchester: 254 miles
Leeds: 289 miles
Edinburgh: 461 miles
Newcastle: 378 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Dorset, its excellent public transport means you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
Dorset is a sublime blend of beach and countryside, laid back sand-between-your-toes and a chic seaside resort. Independent boutiques sit beside surf shops stocking seaside essentials and gourmet cafes serving homemade ice cream and fish caught within sight of your table.
Most guides for a holiday in Dorset will point you in the direction of Bournemouth and Weymouth. While these are great places to visit, there is far more to this great county.
One of the most popular places to visit in Dorset is Wareham, as this is where the renowned tourist attraction Durdle Door is situated. The natural limestone arch sits on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth and is a free outdoor attraction that brings visitors here year-round.
However, there are many more great places to visit in Dorset such as Lulworth Cove, Sherborne Castles and Gardens plus many more. All of these places in Dorset have much to offer from stunning beaches to historic towns and lots of countryside to explore.
Dorset is most famous for the limestone arch, Durdle Door. The attraction is featured on numerous postcards and is a beautiful sight to see that attracts people from all over the country.
Being situated on the Jurassic Coast is another reason why Dorset is favoured among tourists. The stunning coastline and countryside that surrounds the county creates a beautiful setting to enjoy a holiday here.
A trip to Dorset can be done on a budget and can be as expensive as you choose it to be. With free attractions such as Durdle Door and other great walking routes around the county, you don’t have to spend a lot when visiting here.
There are a number of pretty towns situated in Dorset, all of which have their own unique attractions and surroundings.
The quaint village of Shaftesbury is situated on the Hovis Hill. This hilltop settlement is located on the south coast and is encompassed by rolling hills and lush greenery. With old cottages lined up and down the hill, it is a very pretty town that offers an old English feel, which is why it is considered one of the prettiest places in Dorset.
If you are seeking a stunning town on the coast in Dorset, you will want to go to Lyme Regis. The quaint seaside settlement sits along the Jurassic Coast and offers a long stretch of golden sand for visitors to enjoy, making it a particularly pretty town to visit.