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.

Pet friendly cottage in Mudeford, near Christchurch with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Delightful holiday home | Bosuns Retreat, Mudeford, near Christchurch

Well equipped

Bosun Retreat, Bournemouth

Enjoying a picturesque coastal location in the charming fishing town of Mudeford, this lovely detached bungalow offers a peaceful retreat, with much to explore nearby.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Big houses to rent in Bournemouth with 6 bedrooms, sleeps 11. No pets allowed. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Delightful Edwardian holiday property | Stourcliffe House, Bournemouth

Good choice!

Stourcliffe House, Bournemouth

This well-appointed detached, Edwardian holiday property has its own games room and lies just 300 yards from the sands of Southbourne Beach.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
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Cottage for two near Blandford Forum with 1 bedroom, sleeps 2. Pets welcome. Golf nearby, Hot Tubs, Short Breaks All Year, Hot Tubs - Private.

Charming property | Art Studio - Downwood, Near Blandford Forum

Well presented

The Art Studio Ukc, Blandford Forum

The Art Studio is in an ideal location to explore the wonders of Dorset and return in the evenings to relax in your hot tub and admire the night sky.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Hot Tubs
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tubs - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Grouped Properties
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
View Property Details

Cottage near the beach in Bothenhampton, near Bridport with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 3. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Exterior | Sweet Briar, Bothenhampton, nr. Bridport

Well presented

Sweet Briar, Bridport

Set in an AONB perfect for a relaxing holiday and also for walking and spotting wildlife in abundance in this area.

  • 3 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Grouped Properties
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • 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.