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.

Dining Area | Primrose Cottage, Christchurch

Primrose Cottage, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2AF.

Primrose Cottage is a stylish, modern three-bedroom home in Christchurch, ideal for families. Enjoy open-plan living, a private garden, nearby beaches, historic sites, riverside walks, and...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Terrace | Bay View 34, Weymouth

Bay View 34, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9DT.

A luxurious 5-star static caravan in Weymouth with sea views, stylish interiors, a fully equipped kitchen, en suite master, private decking, and access to premium Haven facilities—your...

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Sea View
  • Television
  • Bed Linen Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
  • Seaside
View Property Details
Baytree entrance and parking area | Bay Tree, Sturminster Newton

Bay Tree, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT11 0RT.

This newly converted self-contained, detached annexe boasts open-plan living, and offers an ideal location near Shaftesbury, the Jurassic Coast, and charming North Dorset villages, making it...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
View Property Details
Exterior | Palm Beach House, Bournemouth, near Christchurch

Palm Beach House, Bournemouth, near Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4HX.

Luxury five-star holiday home near Mudeford Quay with four en-suite bedrooms, snug, tiki bar and egg, pizza oven. Close to beaches, Christchurch, Hengistbury Head, and the New Forest for...

  • 3 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
View Property Details
Living area | Sandbourne, Westbourne, near Bournemouth

Sandbourne, Westbourne, near Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 8JF.

A bright and spacious coastal apartment in Alum Chine with sea glimpses, just a short walk from sandy beaches. Ideal for families, with modern interiors and convenient access to Bournemouth...

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Harbourside, Poole

Harbourside, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4QQ.

This stunning four-bed holiday home within Holes Bay Nature Park offers a private pool, breathtaking views, and is minutes from beaches, watersports, and Poole’s charming harbour, shops,...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Parlour Cottage, Evershot, near Dorchester

Parlour Cottage, Evershot, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0PG.

Set in stunning surroundings, this cosy traditional holiday cottage has a lot to offer. A fantastic base for exploring Dorset and Somerset for families, friends it really is a true...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Open plan living space | Brockhill House, Beaminster

Brockhill House, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3HN.

This spacious detached property in charming Mosterton boasts six bedrooms and sleeps up to fourteen guests, with three generous reception rooms—perfect for a memorable large family getaway...

  • 3 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Summer Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Victoria Albert - The Victorian Barn, Woolland, near Blandford Forum

Victoria Albert - UK49992, Woolland, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Spacious countryside retreat for up to sixteen guests with hot tub and en-suite bedrooms. So many extras including swimming pool and even axe throwing and archery. Ideal for families and...

  • Golf nearby
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • 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 | Beatrice - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Beatrice - UK49991, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Luxury barn conversion with glass frontage, underfloor heating, and a private hot tub. Sleeps ten in style. Enjoy estate perks—indoor pool, sauna, fishing lakes, and games room—plus...

  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | The Victorian Barn- Leopold - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Leopold - UK49990, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Spacious barn conversion with en-suite bedrooms, hot tub, and countryside views. Enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, fishing lakes and play area. Set in beautiful Dorset amongst walks, and historic...

  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Lodge - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Lodge - UK49989, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Spacious, pet-friendly cottage with open-plan living, and a walled private garden for relaxing outdoors. Enjoy on-site perks like an indoor pool, hot tubs, fishing lakes, and games room, all...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Pets – no charge
  • 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.