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.

Coastal holiday in Weymouth with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 4 + 1 Baby. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Well presented

View | Harbourside Landing, Weymouth

Harbourside Landing, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8AW.

With gorgeous harbour views from the balcony and an enviable location in the heart of Weymouth, you won’t want to go home!. All on the first floor (with lift access). Open plan living...

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
  • Seaside
View Property Details

Pet friendly cottage in Chetnole, near Sherborne with 3 bedrooms, Sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Hot Tub, Short Breaks All Year, Hot Tub - Private.

Editors choice

Exterior | Barnyard, Chetnole, near Sherborne

Barnyard, Chetnole, near Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6NY.

Barnyard is a truly luxurious Dorset retreat and the perfect choice for your next getaway!. All on the ground floor. Level access throughout. Open plan living space. Living area: With Smart...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Bath/Shower Seat
View Property Details

Last minute break in Bournemouth with 3 bedrooms, Sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile.

Good choice!

Living room | Number 3, Bournemouth

Number 3, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9BW.

We adore this stylish ground floor apartment set in a peaceful suburban setting, yet just a couple of miles from the vibrant, bustling city of Bournemouth and suburbs of Southbourne and...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details

Cottage welcomes dogs in Stour Provost, near Gillingham with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 4. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Well equipped

Exterior | Church House Cottage, Stour Provost, near Gillingham

Church House Cottage, Stour Provost, near Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5RZ.

This charming stone cottage built in 1750, is located within a conservation area and is tucked away in the quiet village of Stour Provost, which is situated in the heart of Blackmore Vale.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

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.