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 area | Orchard Cottage, Bradford Abbas

Orchard Cottage, Bradford Abbas, Dorset, DT9 6JX.

Stylish single-storey cottage with spacious open-plan living, three bedrooms and underfloor-heated bathrooms. Perfectly placed to explore Sherborne, the Jurassic Coast, beautiful beaches,...

  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Hurst Cottage, Sturminster Newton

Hurst Cottage, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2LX.

Nestled in a quaint country village, this charming and immaculate cottage has all you need for a relaxing break or as a base to explore rolling hills and the emerald countryside.

  • Golf nearby
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Blackthorn House, Blandford Forum

Blackthorn House, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PF.

A stylish countryside sanctuary with six serene bedrooms, games room and indulgent hot tub. Perfect for exploring Dorset’s breathtaking Jurassic Coast and tranquil rolling hills.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Lodge 5 - Pinewood Retreats, Lyme Regis

Lodge 5 - UK51086, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3RD.

Escape to this two bedroom wooden lodge at the peaceful haven of Pinewood Retreat, with indoor and outdoor pools and easy access to East Devon’s stunning coastline and charming seaside...

  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Lodge 6 - Pinewood Retreats, Lyme Regis

Lodge 6- UK51084, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3RD.

Two bedroom wooden lodge at peaceful Pinewood Retreat, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, and perfectly located just three miles from the Lyme Regis coast for tranquil seaside escapes all...

  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Lodge 1 - Pinewood Retreats, Lyme Regis

Lodge 1 - UK51077, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3RD.

Nestled within the serene grounds of Pinewood Retreat, this charming two bedroom wooden lodge offers the perfect escape, with an indoor and outdoor pool whilst just 3 miles from the Jurassic...

  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Lodge 8 - Pinewood Retreats, Lyme Regis

Lodge 8 - UK51076, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3RD.

Modern two bedroom lodge on a peaceful private park with indoor and outdoor pools, perfectly located just a short drive from the coastal towns of Lyme Regis and Seaton.

  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | The Old School, Ibberton, near Blandford Forum

The Old School, Ibberton, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EN.

This charming thatched bungalow in peaceful Ibberton offers cosy living with an open-plan kitchen, fireplace, en-suite master bedroom, and lovely secluded enclosed garden. Nearby, enjoy...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Portland, Poole

Portland, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6JZ.

We love the woodland setting, the stylish open-plan design perfect for families, the comfort of the private decking and the balance between nature, modern luxury and easy access to...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Seaside
View Property Details
View of the Needles and the Isle of Wight | The Swift House, Highcliffe, Christchurch

The Swift House, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5DR.

You will love this propery’s bright, airy interiors, king-size bedroom with en-suite, and versatile second bedroom. With lift access, it’s a stylish, comfortable base for exploring...

  • Golf nearby
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Living area | Alberts Cottage, Blandford Forum / Dorchester Dorset

Alberts Cottage, Blandford Forum / Dorchester Dorset, Dorset, DT11 7HY.

Guests will love Albert’s Cottage for its blend of luxury and comfort, stylish interiors, dog-friendly garden, and unbeatable location near the Trailway—perfect for scenic walks, local...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • 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.