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. Located on the Isle of Purbeck, the Jurassic Coast, Poole and Wareham are all within easy reach. The RSPB Nature Reserve at Arne, from where the BBC Springwatch is broadcast, is very close by.
Stay in this charming period cottage in the heart of West Dorset's beautiful countryside. Foxglove Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples or families who love walking and cycling. It's at the end of a peaceful rural lane in North Chideock, close to the fantastic Hell Lane Holloway that leads through stunning scenery to Symonsbury and Seatown. The South West Coast Path is another favourite footpath, but there is such a wide variety that you'll never run out of options. Guests enjoy exploring West Dorset and the Jurassic Coast, mixing days at the seaside with sightseeing, fossil hunting and visiting local attractions like the Bovington Tank Museum and Abbotsbury Swannery.
This charming holiday cottage is at the end of a quiet country lane in North Chideock, two miles from the Jurassic Coast and within easy reach of Seatown, Bridport and Symondsbury. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is the sort of place where couples and families can enjoy fantastic walks and bike rides from the door, fun days finding fossils, and spectacular views from the South West Coast Path. Walk or cycle along a historic holloway to Colmer's Hill, visit specialist museums and shops in Dorchester, or pay a visit to Portland Bill. There is always something wonderful to see and fun to do when you stay at Maple Cottage at Chideock Grange Holiday Cottages.
A 17th Century character holiday cottage located in a lovely elevated position within the village of Abbotsbury amongst Dorset's coastal hills. Excellent amenities including pubs, tea rooms and craft shops a short stroll away and within walking distance of Chesil Beach (just twenty minutes) makes this a perfect choice for a seaside holiday. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Settle down for a week in the country in this welcoming holiday rental. Jasmine Cottage is over two hundred years old, having started life as a character stone barn before being renovated into a stylish cottage sleeping six people in two bedrooms. It's perfect for families who enjoy countryside walks, mountain bike riding, sailing, fishing, golf, and lazy days at the seaside. Jasmine Cottage is in the quiet village of North Chiddock, two miles from Seatown and close to Bridport, West Bay, Charmouth and Lyme Regis. It's a fantastic place to switch off and spend time with your loved ones.
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.
This pretty holiday cottage is in the heart of Lyme Regis, close to cafes, shops, pubs and attractions, including the beach and historic harbour known as The Cobb. It's ideal for couples, families or friends at any time of the year, not only in the summer. Lyme Regis is part of the Jurassic Coast and is one of the best places in Britain to see fossils. It is also the perfect base for exploring Dorset and visiting places like the English Riviera. Lavender Cottage sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms, and has a private courtyard garden.
A Grade Listed Self Catering Cottage located in the village of Nether Compton. Private, peaceful and off-grid but with all modern inconveniences including Wifi. Within walking distance to the nearest pub and easily accessible to busy areas. Located in woodland with a lake view. Nature lovers, keen walkers and cyclists retreat. Sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms and a den room with a pull out bed. Dog friendly with an enclosed garden. EV Charger.
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.
Our 4* Visit England Apartment is located in 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 couples and an ideal location to explore any time of the year. A fold out day bed is available if required (best suited to a young child) and a highchair and travel cot also available. Pet friendly too
Strongate Cottage is a traditional thatched cosy chocolate box cottage with pretty garden located on a small working beef farm, rural secluded village location with unspoilt countryside, it's a perfect base for relaxing, recharging batteries and exploring, pet friendly too. We are located within Dorset's Natural Landscape and the World Heritage Jurassic coastline, SW coastal path. The vibrant flourishing market town of Bridport and the harbour of West Bay is a 10 minute drive away. The coastal village of Charmouth is ideal for fossil hunting and Lyme Regis is beautiful too and well worth a visit during your stay.
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 style 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 three nearby pubs, including one just across the road, 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 lasting memories at Chideock Cottage.
Up the stairs and under the eaves, is a wonderfully secluded master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. The view from the smaller upper window shows Lyme Bay from a different perspective.The very comfortable bed (6') can be arranged either as a superking or as twin singles
Accommodating up to 6 guests, the pink thatched cottage has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The house is attractively and comfortably furnished with a mixture of pieces made by local craftsmen and antiques. The modern kitchen has been recently refitted and does not detract from the original charm of this 19th Century cottage. The bedrooms each have excellent beds and their own private bathroom or ensuite. Newly installed heating, broadband internet and other modern features all contribute to a high level of homely comfort. Bedroom One This bedroom has a truly Victorian feel to it, with antique furniture and paintings of Lyme by local artists. Fabulous views of sea and sky without even having to get out of bed. All bedrooms have their own bathroom and w.c. Bedroom Two With its seafaring theme, this bedroom (with two single beds) has two additional and separate “study” areas; the views from the desk, however, challenge the m
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.
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.
Sitting in the pretty seaside village of Eype on Dorset's beautiful West Coast, Clematis Cottage is everything you could wish for in a coastal holiday cottage. With cosy yet stylish accommodation including a log burner, and garden with fabulous views, the cottage is perfect all year round and within walking distance of the village pub and beach. Coastal walks on the doorstep, along with an abundance of attractions for day trips out.
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.
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.
Popular towns in and around Dorset:
BeaminsterBournemouthBridportCharmouthChristchurchCranborneDorchesterLitton CheneyLyme RegisPooleRingwoodSherborneSwanageThree Legged CrossWarehamWeymouthSome local suggestions:
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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.