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 Old Coach House, Bournemouth

The old Coach House, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 1JE.

We love The Old Coach House, a charming spacious pet friendly apartment set a short stroll from miles of golden sandy beaches and the vibrant Bournemouth suburb of Boscombe.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Summer Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Seaside
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Living area | Seagulls Lookout, Weymouth

Seagulls Lookout, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8DG.

This modern two-bedroom apartment on Weymouth’s Esplanade is perfect for a seaside escape, offering panoramic views of the beach and pier. It features a king-size master bedroom, flexible...

  • Golf nearby
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
  • Seaside
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Exterior | The Manor Stables - Sturminster Retreats, Sturminster Newton

The Manor Stables - UK48247, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1NA.

Charming two-bedroom stable conversion in Hinton St Mary, sleeping four. Recently refurbished with modern comforts, it features a stylish kitchen, modern bathroom, and options for chefs and...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
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Exterior | No 18 - Sturminster Retreats, Sturminster Newton

No.18 - UK48248, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1NA.

Escape to this cosy one-bedroom cottage in Hinton St Mary, perfect for a romantic getaway. Newly redecorated, it features a private garden, parking, and welcomes dogs. Enjoy nearby pub...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
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Exterior | The Lodge - Sturminster Retreats, Sturminster Newton

The Lodge - UK48246, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1NA.

Charming 1900 gatehouse in Hinton St Mary, blending period details with modern comforts. Sleeps four, features two bedrooms, a bathroom, and offers chef services. Stables available for...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
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.