Family friendly holiday cottages in Dorset
[Region] is the perfect family holiday destination for short breaks or longer time away with the kids; it's a county packed full of things to do with the children and a foodie angle for you. Take the little ones on the best family holidays by finding your perfect place to stay in Dorset.Read more
In Dorset, the short break is king because it's easily accessible so there are no long journeys with children asking if you're there yet. This makes it the perfect family holiday destination in its own right, but there are lots of reasons this beautiful English county is so good for families.
Dorset is very child-friendly, with the Jurassic Coast providing beautiful beaches for sunny day's out; but they're not just for bucket and spade days. These beaches keep on giving with the prospect of finding fossils. Children will always remember the first fossil they find, and hot spots such as Charmouth and West Bay are chock full of treasures hiding in plain sight. While the little ones tire themselves out searching for dinosaurs, the older family members can enjoy the simple pleasure of the beautiful surroundings. That's if you're not attempting the family record for crabbing off one of Dorset's many piers and harbour walls.
Stray away from this world-renowned coastline and you'll find child-friendly holiday cottages tucked down leafy lanes where there is space to run free, play games and settle back to the comfort of the cottage to barbecue the local delicacies a leisurely shopping trip provided. It's a county well-known for the quality of its edible offerings, so tuck in. Our family-friendly holiday cottages come fully equipped with everything you need to cook up a feast.
The best family holidays are relaxed and filled with simple pleasures; the first sweet strawberry picked from the field, everyone gathered around a farmhouse table tucking in, that deep happy sleep after an exciting day out. [Region] has the best uk family holidays and we've winkled out 36 cottages that welcome all ages.
Family holidays in [Region]
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 £332
The Dairy
26631 bedroom, rural cottage near the beach near Bridport, Dorset.
The Dairy is another extremely comfortable single-storey cottage in this small and friendly farm development. This property has French doors to its own enclosed outside space – the...
7 nights from £332
7 nights from £332
The Linhay
26611 bedroom cottage near the beach near Bridport, Dorset.
The Linhay is a tucked away single-storey retreat – and an ideal base for exploring the wonderful coastline. The cottage nestles alongside the barns, with a fully enclosed gravel c...
7 nights from £332
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 £337
The Stables
19651 bedroom, rural holiday cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast is close to this comfortably furnished, single-storey, spacious cottage. Set within the grounds of the owner’s home, The Stables is self-cont...
7 nights from £337
7 nights from £345
Badgers Cottage
30141 bedroom, dog friendly self catering cottage near Bridport, Dorset.
Badgers Cottage, a snug semi-detached cottage for two, is set in a farmyard, beautifully converted from an 18th Century stone barn. All on one level, the open plan design gives a w...
7 nights from £345
7 nights from £410 *
Poacher's Cottage
45222 bedroom self catering cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Buckland Newton, Poacher's Cottage is one of four gorgeous properties making up Dominey's Yard. Situated perfectly for exploring the beaut...
7 nights from £410 *
7 nights from £410 *
Woodcutter's Cottage
45242 bedroom self catering cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
Rolling hills, bustling market towns, rich history and stunning beaches - have we persuaded you to holiday in Dorset yet? Finding a lovely cottage to stay in is the only thing you ...
7 nights from £410 *
7 nights from £410 *
Gamekeeper's Cottage
45232 bedroom self catering cottage near Dorchester, Dorset.
Second in a row of pretty terraced cottages, this stylish property has been newly renovated to a very high standard. Gamekeeper's Cottage is one of four at Dominey's Yard, nestled ...
7 nights from £410 *
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
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.
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