A beautifully rural ceremonial county in the south west, well-known for its maritime activity, Dorset is a quintessentially English holiday spot. An area steeped in history and with wonderfully varied landscapes, Dorset is an ideal location to enjoy rest, relaxation and recreation. Dorsets' landscape comprises vast elevated chalk downs, towering limestone cliffs and low clay valleys, as well a stunning coastline and lush forests, making it a superb area for walking, hiking and cycling. Read more
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 base for exploring the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
With world class attractions like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door just a few miles away and incredible walking on the doorstep, this stylish contemporary holiday apartment just for two provides a superb base for relaxing and exploring. Sitting on the Isle of Purbeck, the Jurassic Coast, Poole and Wareham are all within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Do beach destinations get much better than this? Just four hundred yards from the natural wonder that is Chesil Beach on the Dorset World Heritage Coastline, this stylish dog-friendly seaside cottage is surrounded by National Trust land and provides the perfect getaway for you and your four legged friend. Beautifully presented, guests can enjoy stunning sea views (from the moment you open your eyes until the sun drops over the sea), lovely walks and lazy days on the beach.
A detached, two bedroom, beautifully maintained 5* cottage with ground level accommodation, en-suite and family bathroom. Situated on the border of the New Forest / East Dorset, with rural views and a wealth of local country and coastal pursuits for every age and interest. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
A detached 4* cottage, two bedrooms both en-suite with ground level accommodation, maintained to a high standard. Superb location with rural aspect on the border of the New Forest / East Dorset, 4 miles from Ringwood, ideal for coast and countryside. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
With a ground floor en-suite bedroom and nursery with cot on the first floor, Pheasants Cottage is a perfect choice for families. Sleeping six guests in comfort and style, this beautifully presented flexible cottage sits in a superb position just a mile from Ringstead beach on Dorset's stunning World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Fabulous walking with the South West Coastal Path easily accessible, an abundance of attractions close by including Lulworth, Durdle Door, Weymouth and Poole, and a beach for lazy days. All the right ingredients for a seaside holiday. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A stylish luxurious holiday cottage just for two sitting in a superb position in the village of Morcombelake on the Jurassic Coast Dorset. An excellent choice for couples who enjoy walking with the South West Coastal Path nearby, and who want to discover the beauty of Dorset.
Sitting on the Jurassic Coast in the Dorset village of Morcombelake, this stylish modern holiday home is just perfect for couples who enjoy walking with the South West Coastal Path nearby. An abundance of attractions and lovely beaches for day trips out and a luxurious retreat to return home to at the end of the day.
On the Hampshire/Dorset borders, sitting on the edge of Cranborne Chase, this comfortable home is within easy driving distance of many attractions including the New Forest National Park, Salisbury, Stonehenge and the Jurassic coastline. Enjoy miles of forest tracks and trails (great for walkers, cyclists and horse riders); iconic world class attractions, some of the country's finest beaches and lots of rest and relaxation.
Sitting right in the heart of the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage on Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast, this first floor holiday apartment is perfect for those wanting a break by the sea with an abundance of attractions, pubs, restaurants and shops on the doorstep. Opposite the railway station (great for steam train enthusiasts) and three minutes from the beach, there is plenty to keep those with or without a car occupied.
A large manor house within easy reach of Studland on the Dorset coast ideal for big parties of up to twenty one guests. Flexible sleeping arrangement, games room, hot tub, tennis court and only a fifteen minute drive to the beach are just some of this properties highlights. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion (hens and stags welcome!).
Russell Hollow Annexe enjoys a secluded location in the Isle of Purbeck countryside, yet it is only a short walk from the centre of Church Knowle and the village's award winning pub, The New Inn. The one bedroom bungalow is ideal for couples who want the space and time to sit and enjoy beautiful country views after a happy day spent exploring. There are wonderful footpaths to explore, spectacular natural sights like Durdle Door, Wareham Forest and the Jurassic coast, and places of interest that include Corfe Castle, Monkey World, Bovington Tank Museum, and Clouds Hill. The cottage has fantastic far-reaching views across lush fields from the garden and courtyard, or from a comfortable spot in front of the wood burning stove in the sitting room.
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.
Full of historic charm, this delightful thatched cottage offers everything you would hope for in a holiday retreat and is perfect for family get togethers. An excellent position just two miles from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, a very good village pub a short stroll away, access onto the South West Coastal Path, log burner, hot tub, beaches for lazy days and attractions for adventure days.
A romantic retreat for two in Dorset sitting on the edge of the attractive farming village of Hazelbury Bryan in the Blackmore Vale. Within easy reach of the Dorset Jurassic Coast, Sturminster Newton, Blandford Forum, Sherborne, Dorchester and Shaftesbury, this welcoming first floor apartment has a balcony where you can sit and soak up the fabulous countryside views. Lovely walks from the front door and dog-friendly.
River View sits in a peaceful location next to a meadow, within stepping distance of the Kings Arms in Stoborough, a ten-minute walk from the Saxon market town of Wareham. There is room for up to seven guests plus a cot, making it popular with families and friends who want to be close to Isle of Purbeck attractions like Corfe Castle, Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World. Beautiful beaches including Swanage and Kimmerage Bay are nearby, and there is a good variety of walking trails and nature reserves where you can enjoy getting close to nature. Poole and Bournemouth are both an easy drive, or there is a train station in Wareham if you want to leave the car. With so much to offer visitors, it is no wonder that River View is a favourite with holidaymakers who fall in love with the natural beauty of the Isle of Purbeck.
Located on the Puncknowle Estate amongst 3,000 acres of rolling Dorset countryside, Carriage House sleeps up to 6 guests and provides a good base for exploring Dorset's many attractions. World famous Chesil Beach is within walking distance, as is the village pub for a local pint or meal out. This beautiful part of the South West offers a taste of country life and good opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Wareham's Barn is the newest holiday home on the Puncknowle Estate and enjoys a private position on the estate, amongst 3,000 acres of farmland. With incredible 360 degree views which take in the World Heritage Jurassic coast, this welcoming holiday home is within walking distance of Chesil Beach, the village pub and has plenty of attractions within easy reach. Enjoy a taste of country life and escape away from it all at Wareham's Barn. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A delightful cosy holiday cottage on the Dorset/Hampshire borders, providing the best of both worlds and the opportunity to visit both the coastline and the New Forest National Park which are both a short distance away. Sitting in the little Dorset village of Winkton, Coral Cottage is ideal for those who enjoy walking, cycling or lazy days with the beaches of Christchurch and Mudeford close by, and miles of forest tracks and trails just waiting to be explored.
A delightful 19th century self catering stone holiday cottage located in a quiet position off the High Street in Langton Matravers, close to Swanage in Dorset. Providing comfortable and relaxing accommodation close to the Dorset and East Devon coastline.
More than half of Dorset has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and three quarters of the coastline has been designated 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.
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 Dorset has that now stands as an iconic eerie ruin.
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 trip to Dorset 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!
A superbly scenic location makes Dorset a great choice for a UK holiday to suit all tastes and ages.
