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.

Romantic getaway near Beaminster with 1 bedroom, Sleeps 2 + 1 Baby. Pets welcome. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Very comfortable

Blackberie Cottage (far left) Strawberie Cottage (right) | Strawberie Cottage, Nr. Beaminster

Strawberie Cottage - E2390, Near Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3JT.

The views from Strawberie Cottage’s conservatory will keep you sweet for a week; enjoy nothing but peace and quiet other than the birdsong.

  • 3 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Hoseasons Cottages
View Property Details

Dogs welcome to stay near Beaminster with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 4 + 1 Baby. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Very comfortable

Exterior | Blackberie Cottage, Nr. Beaminster

Blackberie Cottage - E2389, Near Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3JT.

Why not enjoy a romantic stroll through the 60-acres of farmland that surround Blackberie Cottage? You might also want to take your dogs along.

  • 3 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Hoseasons Cottages
View Property Details

Holiday cottage to rent in Broadwindsor with 3 bedrooms, Sleeps 6 + 1 Baby. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Delightful holiday home | Meadow Cottage, Broadwindsor

Meadow Cottage-E1793, Broadwindsor, Dorset, DT8 3ST.

You may just have to prise the children from the meadow before you can explore the dramatic Jurassic coastline not far from this charming cottage.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Hoseasons Cottages
View Property Details

Pet friendly accommodation in Chideock, near Bridport with 4 bedrooms, Sleeps 6 + 1 Baby. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Good choice!

Charming, Grade II listed, thatched cottage | Swiss Cottage, Chideock, near Bridport

Swiss Cottage, Chideock, near Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6JR.

Swiss Cottage is Grade II listed and simply oozes character. The open fire truly adds to the ambiance.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • 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.