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 holiday in Farnham, near Blandford Forum with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Charming thatched cottage with mature gardens | Yew Tree Cottage, Farnham, near Blandford Forum

Very comfortable

Yew Tree Cottage, Blandford Forum

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
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Large house to rent in Rousdon, near Lyme Regis with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8. Pets welcome. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Hot Tubs, Short Breaks All Year, Hot Tubs - Private.

Private hot tub | Sea View Lodge, Rousdon, near Lyme Regis

Super

Sea View Lodge, Lyme Regis

Located between Seaton and Lyme Regis, this spacious property has a hot tub, a wonderful dining/sun room, and lies within large shared woodland grounds.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Hot Tubs
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tubs - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Cottage on the coast in Christchurch, near Bournemouth with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Exterior | The Old Thatch, Christchurch, nr. Bournemouth

Well presented

The Old Thatch, Bournemouth

With many period features, this thatched cottage lies just 5 minutes’ drive from a stretch of golden sands.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Last minute self catering holiday in Portland Bill, near Portland with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Pub within 1 mile, Hot Tubs, Winter Short Breaks, Hot Tubs - Private.

Hot tub with fantastic sea views | Lloyds Cottage, Portland Bill, near Portland

Well presented

Lloyds Cottage, Weymouth

This fantastic property is ideal for families looking to explore this wonderful part of Dorset with so much to do close by.

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tubs
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Hot Tubs - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Dog friendly weekend break in Sturminster Marshall, near Wimborne with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Living room | West View, Sturminster Marshall, nr. Wimborne

Well presented

West View, Wimborne

Perfectly located to tour the area’s many attractions, as well as bridleways from the door and a games room for those fun nights in!. 4 steps to entrance. All on the ground floor. Living...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Cottage to rent in Milton Abbas with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio.

Living room | Middletun House, Milton Abbas

High standard

Middletun House, Blandford Forum

A spacious and luxurious thatched cottage nestled in the heart of a historic village in the stunning Dorset countryside. A classic English country retreat that will leave you longing to...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • 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.