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.

Exterior | The Loft, Boys Hill, near Sherborne

The Loft, Boys Hill, near Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5PJ.

We love the picturesque, rural location of this modern renovated barn conversion, perfectly located to explore this stunning part of North Dorset.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | The Willows - Hambledon Cottage Holidays, Child Okeford, near Blandford Forum

The Willows - UK34000, Child Okeford, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HT.

The Willows is an excellent choice for your break away together with a number of days out to choose from and enjoy exploring the outdoors.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Hambledon Cottage Holidays - The Firs - Hambledon Cottages Holidays, Child Okeford, near Blandford Forum

The Firs - UK33999, Child Okeford, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HT.

With a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to do nearby this is an excellent place to come home to and relax. All on the ground floor. Open plan living space. Living area: With Freeview...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Living area | The Oaks - Hambledon Cottage Holidays, Child Okeford, near Blandford Forum

The Oaks - UK33998, Child Okeford, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8HT.

The Oaks makes an excellent place to stay and explore the surrounding area with an abundance of walks nearby to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | The Haybarn, Ibberton, near Blandford Forum

The Haybarn, Ibberton, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EN.

A fantastic property with a luxury feel throughout, your stay here will be comfortable and relaxing with a variety of fun days out nearby.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Downwood- Meadow Cottage - Downwood, Near Blandford Forum

Meadow Cottage- UK32276, Near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9HN.

Meadow Cottage enjoys the perfect location for exploring the wonders of Dorset. Return in the evenings to relax in your private hot tub.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
View Property Details
Living area | Fernhill Retreat, Charmouth

Fernhill Retreat, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6AU.

Fernhill Retreat is a cosy bolthole from which you can explore the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Living area | Coach House - Bradstock Cottages, Burton Bradstock, near Bridport

Coach House Retreat - UK32202, Burton Bradstock, near Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PY.

A stylish and sympathetically refurbished home nestled at the heart of a traditional Dorset village.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • 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.