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.

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
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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
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Exterior | The Stables, Plush, near Piddletrenthide

The Stables, Plush, near Piddletrenthide, Dorset, DT2 7RN.

This pet friendly property is surrounded by countryside and is great for larger parties holidaying together.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Delightful holiday home | Higher Checkridge Farm- Cider House - Higher Checkridge Farm, Hawkchurch, near Lyme Regis

Cider House, Hawkchurch, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, EX13 5UD.

Cider House is a paradise for families, friends and couples! Relax outside and enjoy the beautiful views whilst the children play in the fantastic playground. With separate ground floor...

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Traditional stone built cottage | Cider Cottage - Higher Checkridge Farm, Hawkchurch, near Lyme Regis

Cider Cottage, Hawkchurch, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, EX13 5UD.

Cider Cottage is a paradise for families, friends and couples! Relax outside and enjoy the beautiful views whilst the children play in the fantastic playground. With separate ground floor...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Detached holiday home | Copper Beech, Netherbury, Bridport

Copper Beech, Netherbury, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5LS.

A heated swimming pool and en-suite bedrooms makes a holiday in this detatched cottage a truly wonderful experience.

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Welcoming living room | Sawmill Cottage - The Old Timberyard, Puncknowle, near Dorchester

2 Sawmill Cottages, Puncknowle, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9XB.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sawmill Cottage is an idyllic retreat with the town of Weymouth nearby.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Charming terraced holiday cottage | Carters Cottage - The Old Timberyard, Puncknowle, near Dorchester

Carters Cottage, Puncknowle, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9XB.

Carters Cottage boasts an idyllic location, set in an Area of Outstandning Natural Beauty and half a mile from the Jurassic Coast – perfect base for walkers.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Wonderful single storey holiday home in the Dorset countryside | The Old Forge - Marshwood Manor Cottages, Bettiscombe, near Lyme Regis

The Old Forge - DUS, Bettiscombe, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT6 5NS.

Gather up the family for a holiday to The Old Forge; it has a private fenced garden and nearby attractions.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • 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.