fishing village on Dorset coast

Self-catering holiday cottages in Dorset

Popular with holiday makers and home to many wonderful holiday cottages, Dorset, situated on English Channel south west coast of England has a history of habitation stretching back to Neolithic times. Most of the county’s coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site, and features some superb and altogether rather famous landforms such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the Old Harry Rocks. The county also boasts one of the highest proportions of conservation areas (190) in England, together with no fewer than 12,850 listed buildings, 1,500 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and over 30 registered parks and gardens.

It’s a county well known for annual festivals and fairs such as the Great Dorset Steam Fair (Blandford), Bournemouth Air Festival, Spirit of the Seas (Weymouth and Portland) and the Dorset County Show to name but a few of the more major ones. The county also has some of the best family attractions, so a family taking a self catering cottage holiday will certainly not run short of things to see and do – The Keep Military, Tutankhamen, Dorchester’s famous Market and the Jurassic Skyline. Also, there is plenty of “celebrity” spotting to be done where Dorset has been the star of many famous films and TV productions.

Terrace | 5 Pine Rise, Poole

5 Pine Rise, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6JZ.

Independent six-berth caravan in Poole featuring a double bedroom with ensuite, fully equipped kitchen, cosy lounge with Smart TV, outdoor decking, and lawn area. Guests can access Park Dean...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
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Exterior | Jurassic House, Weymouth

Jurassic House, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4FS.

Jurassic House, a luxurious 5-bed holiday let near Weymouth offers comfort, landscaped garden, and easy access to the Jurassic Coast. Highlights include stunning beaches, the Fleet Lagoon,...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Living area | Beachcroft, Bournemouth

Beachcroft, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2AR.

We adore this charming cottage set just back from Southbourne’s, bustling high Street offering a wide range of bars and eateries and just 10 minutes stroll from the golden sands of...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Wimborne

Old Barn 2 - UK48478, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BQ.

Forming part of a stunning collection of holiday homes, Old Barn 2 is perfect for a multi generation stay and perfect for exploring The New Forest and stunning sand beaches at Bournemouth.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Hot Tub
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Wimborne Minster

Old Barn 1 - UK48477, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BQ.

Forming part of a stunning collection of holiday homes, Old Barn 1 is perfect for a multigenerational stay and for exploring the New Forest and the stunning sand beaches of Bournemouth.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Hot Tub
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Sun room | Hillside, Lyme Regis

Hillside, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PG.

Ideal holiday accommodation for up to eight guests near Lyme Regis beaches. Featuring a main house with three bedrooms, additional cabin with one bedroom, parking for three cars, garden, and...

  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Melbury Chalet - Stour Cross Farm, West Stour, near Gillingham

Melbury Chalet - UK47156, West Stour, near Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5SE.

Discover serenity at Stour Cross Farm, nestled in the scenic beauty of West Stour, Dorset—a peaceful haven on a working dairy farm.

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | The Roddy House, West Bay, Bridport

The Roddy House, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4SL.

The Roddy House is a charming three-bedroom thatched cottage in West Bay. With a fully equipped kitchen, bright conservatory, and private garden, it offers a cosy retreat just minutes from...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Seaside
View Property Details
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Staying in Dorset

Dorset, thanks to the slightly milder climate by British standards, is also a county well known for its fresh local produce, so either making your own tasty meals, or nipping out for a meal that someone else cooks for you in one of the many fine restaurants is simplicity itself. Perfect for self-caterers who want to sample local cuisine and have a holiday from the ktichen.

Some of the larger and well-known cities and towns in the county include Bournemouth (home to legendary comedian Tony Hancock), Poole, Weymouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Gillingham, Sherbourne and Blandford all offering their own unique perspective on life in Dorset. The largest city, Bournemouth, a coastal resort, boasts not only fine sandy beaches, but plenty of culture and history together with superb shopping. Holiday houses often get booked well in advance in Dorset - so if you wait for late availability - you risk properteis being fully booked.