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.

Small holiday cottage in Uplyme, near Lyme Regis with 1 bedroom, Sleeps 2. No pets allowed. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Great quality

Exterior | Coombehayes Lodge, Uplyme, nr. Lyme Regis

Coombehayes Lodge, Uplyme, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3SU.

En-suite accommodation for two is provided at this cottage, situated on the edge of the quaint coastal resort of Lyme Regis.

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details

Big house to rent in Chesil Beach, near Abbotsbury with 4 bedrooms, Sleeps 9. Pets welcome. Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Luxurious

Ideally situated detached holiday home with sea views | Greenbanks, Chesil Beach, near Abbotsbury

Greenbanks, Chesil Beach, near Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4LB.

Situated on Chesil Beach along the coastal path in an area designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, perfect for a family holiday.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
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Last minute self catering holiday in Cerne Abbas, near Dorchester with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 3 + 1 Baby. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Good choice!

Eden Cottage, Cerne Abbas, nr. Dorchester

Eden Cottage, Cerne Abbas, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JW.

Located in a wonderful part of Dorset this terraced cottage has many attractions and the coast within easy reach.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details

Unique cottage in Misterton, near Crewkerne with 3 bedrooms, Sleeps 5 + 1 Baby. Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Very comfortable

Exterior | Nantucket House, Misterton, near Crewkerne

Nantucket House, Misterton, near Crewkerne, Dorset, TA18 8NN.

This well-presented holiday home enjoys the views and the peace and quiet of the countryside but is within an easy drive of the Heritage Jurassic coast and boasts numerous historic places to...

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details

Dog friendly holiday in Warmwell, near Dorchester with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 4. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool - Indoor, Swimming Pool - Shared.

Main entrance with decked balcony area | The Hive, Warmwell, near Dorchester

The Hive, Warmwell, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8JE.

Great for enjoying use of the facilities of a Park Dean resort, or explore the surrounding countryside and coast.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • 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.