Dorset Cottages
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. 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 41 luxury self catering cottages in Dorset.
New bookings can be placed for any holiday arriving on or after the 12th April for cottages in England and we are accepting Easter bookings at our properties in Wales, for those that can legally travel. COVID-19
7 nights from £395
Wayside Cottage
44842 bedroom thatched, dog friendly cottage near Beaminster, Dorset.
A gorgeous, chocolate-box cottage that is the ideal escape, nestled in the heart of one of Dorset's picturesque villages. Just a stone's throw from the lovely local pub, Wayside Co...
7 nights from £395
7 nights from £359
The Old School Gables
24902 bedroom dog friendly holiday cottage near Bridport, Dorset.
The pretty Dorset village of Drimpton is set in lovely countryside a short drive inland from the stunning Jurassic Coast. This original school house has been converted into extreme...
7 nights from £359
7 nights from £389
Old Sandpitts Cottage
45042 bedroom thatched self catering cottage near Bridport, Dorset.
Tucked away down its own private track, this picture-perfect thatched cottage is a little gem. Surrounded by its own private garden, the cottage is very peaceful and offers space f...
7 nights from £389
7 nights from £409
Beehive Cottage
40732 bedroom thatched, dog friendly cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
Beehive Cottage is a charming and cosy cottage on a quiet lane opposite St Mary's church in the village of Puddletown. Surrounded by farmland, the pretty village is nestled in the ...
7 nights from £409
Need more time? Reserve any cottage for up to 24 hours before booking.
24hr no commitment reservations
You can reserve your holiday dates on your favourite cottage for up to 24 hours. You might need to check with other guests in your party or simply consider whether this cottage is right for your holiday, either way we’re happy to give you the time to step away and mull over your options before paying a penny.
We’ll send you a reminder to see if you want it or not so you won’t lose out. Take time to think it over, you don’t have to rush your decision. Have a cup of tea and when you’re ready, hit the button to book your holiday and start looking forward to it.
7 nights from £414
Cedar Lodge
40142 bedroom, dog friendly holiday cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
Cedar Lodge is a cosy cottage in a quiet rural location. All on one level, the open plan living-room with kitchen and dining areas create a very sociable space for a couple or smal...
7 nights from £414
7 nights from £415
Celtic Blessing
22562 bedroom holiday cottage near Bridport, Dorset.
Close to Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast, the popular market town of Bridport and the harbour and beach at West Bay, this cottage has stunning views of the gentle Dorset countr...
7 nights from £415
7 nights from £424
The Old Coach House
13862 bedroom, dog friendly holiday cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
This pretty, detached former coach house is in beautiful rural Dorset, and within easy reach of the stunning World Heritage Jurassic coastline. The Old Coach House has a spaciou...
7 nights from £424
7 nights from £449
Ivy Cottage
41222 bedroom, dog friendly holiday cottage in Cattistock near Dorchester, Dorset.
Imagine life in a tranquil Dorset village and Ivy Cottage is just the sort of place you may picture in your mind. Set in the midst of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cot...
7 nights from £449
7 nights from £463
September Cottage
29482 bedroom self catering cottage near the sea near Weymouth, Dorset.
This comfortable semi-detached family home is on the edge of the countryside, yet only three miles from Weymouth with its sandy beaches and historic quay. A 20 minute walk takes yo...
7 nights from £463
7 nights from £496 *
Sturthill Stable
28293 bedroom, dog friendly self catering cottage near Bridport, Dorset.
This beautiful barn conversion at the heart of a working dairy farm is just inland from Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast and its beaches. The rural setting will please all the f...
7 nights from £496 *
Our property managers are local experts who handpick perfect places to stay.
Local experts
We scour the coast and country to winkle out bits worth sharing with you, the best properties in lovely locations. While we’re out and about, we gather together the best things to do so that you can start planning your holiday as soon as you’ve booked.
The ‘Explore Nearby’ tab on our cottage pages show what’s nearby along with relevant articles from our holiday guides from Notes and Stories, where you’ll find hand-written experiences of outings across the South and West, from dog-friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight to free things to do in south Devon and everything in between.