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.

Artists impression | New Sea Breeze, Southbourne, near Bournemouth

New Sea Breeze, Southbourne, near Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 4DL.

We simply adore this modern, stylish apartment with stunning sea views, all just a short stroll to the beach, Hengistbury Head and Southbourne.

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Sea View
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
  • Seaside
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Exterior | September Cottage, Weymouth

September Cottage, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4DY.

We love this cottage set just a few miles from the stunning sandy bay at Weymouth, in a quiet village setting with 2 pubs!. Ground Floor:Living/dining room: With gas wood burner and Freeview...

  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
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Exterior | Cliff House, Swanage

Cliff House, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LX.

A beautiful and spacious home located within walking distance to the beaches and the high street, making it the perfect place to stay near the coast.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
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Exterior | Woodside, Mudeford near Christchurch

Woodside, Mudeford near Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3EU.

A wonderful comfortable home suitable for a family or a small group of friends and situated close to the coast, shops and restaurants.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Living room/dining room | The Duck House, Wool, near West Lulworth

The Duck House, Wool, near West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 6BU.

A fantastic location on the edge of the village of Wool, with an easy drive to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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.