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.

Living room | The Riding House, Wimborne St Giles, near Ringwood

The Riding House, Wimborne St Giles, near Ringwood, Dorset, BH21 5NA.

A super stylish holiday home that in 2018 underwent an award-winning restoration, with 8 individually designed, kingsize bedrooms, all en-suite.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
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Exterior | Shepherds Knapp Lodge - Shepherds Knapp Cottages, Axminster

Shepherds Knapp Lodge-UK13284, Axminster, Dorset, EX13 5SQ.

Set in the Devon countryside yet only 2 miles from Axminster, this beautiful lodge sleeps four in the heart of River Cottage country.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Charming thatched cottage with mature gardens | Yew Tree Cottage, Farnham, near Blandford Forum

Yew Tree Cottage, Farnham, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DE.

This lovely thatched property is full of character and is ideally located for a family wishing to explore Dorset and its many attractions.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • 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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Delightful holiday home | Bosuns Retreat, Mudeford, near Christchurch

Bosun Retreat, Mudeford, near Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3JJ.

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
  • Pets – no charge
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Cosy bungalow | The Stables at Green View, Winsham, near Chard

The Stables at Greenview, Winsham, near Chard, Dorset, TA20 4PA.

Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, this cosy bungalow is a perfect retreat for a couple.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Living area | Bramble Cottage, Ulwell, near Swanage

Bramble Cottage, Ulwell, near Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3DG.

This charming cottage has a secluded garden which is perfect for relaxing in. It’s also near the beach, pub and restaurant.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Attractive holiday home | Stars Cottage, Moreton, near Wareham

Stars Cottage, Moreton, near Wareham, Dorset, DT2 8RL.

Stars Cottage is a charming holiday cottage, ideally located next to a food serving pub and enjoying a peaceful village location. Ideal for small families. . Ground Floor:Living room: With...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Gorgeous stone cottage | Mill Cottage, Hawkchurch, near Lyme Regis

Mill Cottage, Hawkchurch, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, EX13 5XQ.

This cosy stone cottage nestled in the valley is perfectly situated to explore both East Devon and Dorset countryside, and the Jurassic coastline.

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • 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.