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 | Cranborne Chase Stargazer - Whitey Top Lodges, Pentridge

Cranbourne Chase Stargazer - UKC6914, Pentridge, Dorset, SP5 5QX.

Guests will be thrilled with Cranborne Chase Stargazer, a brand-new lodge located at Whitey Top Farm. This space-themed retreat is perfect for star-gazing from the mezzanine bedroom or while...

  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Pets – not allowed
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Exterior | The Old Orchard, Silton, Near Gillingham

The Old Orchard, Silton, Near Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5PN.

Welcome to The Old Orchard, a charming holiday let nestled in the tranquil village of Silton, located in the picturesque northeast corner of Dorset within the Blackmore Vale.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
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Exterior | Triss - Bowling Green Farm, East Orchard, near Shaftesbury

Triss - UK47642, East Orchard, near Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0LG.

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this cottage offers easy access to numerous attractions, such as the vibrant city of Bournemouth and the historic town of Salisbury.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
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Terrace | Willow Lodge, Boys Hill, near Sherborne

Willow Lodge, Boys Hill, near Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5PJ.

Escape to tranquillity in this charming one-bedroom open-plan lodge, nestled beside a serene pond, offering the perfect romantic retreat in the heart of Dorset’s natural beauty.

  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
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Living area | Mill View Cottage, West Stour, nr Gillingham, Dorset

Mill View Cottage, West Stour, nr Gillingham, Dorset, Dorset, SP8 5RL.

Nestled in the scenic village of West Stour, Mill View Cottage is a serene escape, offering couples the ideal haven to unwind and rejuvenate.

  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Exterior | Churchview House, Winterbourne Abbas, nr. Dorchester

Churchview House, Winterbourne Abbas, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9LS.

Located close to the beautiful, county town of Dorchester, Churchview House offers excellent accommodation for a large gathering of family or friends.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Welcoming living and dining area | Wren Cottage, Salwayash, near Bridport

Wren Cottage, Salwayash, near Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5HY.

The perfect hideaway for two. Explore the scenic coast or discover the countryside with your four-legged friend!. All on ground floor: Living room with patio doors/dining room/kitchen with...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Tennay Cottage, Wareham

Tennay Cottage, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4LT.

Tucked away in a secluded location, yet within a few yards of all amenities, and the beach is just 8 miles away.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • 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
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.