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.

Open plan living space | Hollywood - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Hollywood - UK49988, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Hollywood is the kind of place where families/friends can unwind. Boasting an open-plan living, en-suite bedrooms and sunny terrace. The pool, hot tub, fishing lakes and games room make...

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

Maplewood - UK49987, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Looking for an countryside escape with ensuite bedrooms, stylish open-plan living plus outdoor space for al fresco relaxation? Enjoy on-site facilities, indoor pool, sauna, personal hot tub,...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Bourne Farm Cottage, Blandford Forum

Bourne Farm Cottage, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0NU.

Newly renovated 4-bed cottage in Dorset’s Winterborne Valley, sleeping 8 with stylish interiors, countryside views, and beautiful outdoor space. Ideally located for exploring Dorset’s...

  • 4 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Granary - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Granary - UK49910, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

With a stunning blend of historic charm and modern comfort, en-suite bedrooms, crisp linen, and countryside views. The location is perfect for family fun, peaceful escapes, and exploring...

  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Hayloft - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Hayloft - UK49909, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Hayloft’s character, privacy, and countryside charm make it a true retreat. Enjoy the shared pool, fishing lakes, games room, and its perfect location for exploring Dorset’s coast,...

  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Jasmine - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Jasmine - UK49908, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Jasmine is perfect for relaxed getaways and family time, with a stylish open-plan lounge, private hot tub, and stunning countryside views. With a blend of comfort, space, and on-site fun for...

  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Helena - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Helena - UK49902, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Stunning barn conversion with hot tub, ensuite bedrooms, indoor pool, games room, and play area. Peaceful countryside setting near Dorset’s top attractions—perfect for families, couples,...

  • 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 | Ashwood - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Ashwood - UK49901, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Beautifully renovated Victorian barn with a private hot tub, patio, and underfloor heating. Set in tranquil Dorset countryside with access to a pool, games room, fishing lakes, and family...

  • 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 | Stable - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Stable - UK49900, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

We stunning peaceful countryside views, the private hot tub under the stars, and the cosy, stylish interiors. The fantastic on-site facilities and easy access to Dorset’s coast and...

  • Hot Tub
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
View Property Details
Exterior | Byre - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Byre - UK49899, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Sleeping four with two en-suite showers, this charming Dorset retreat offers a beautiful location and excellent on-site amenities, including a heated indoor swimming pool, perfect for a...

  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Living area | Kendalls Nook, Shaftesbury

Kendalls Nook, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP8 5QA.

Chic countryside escape sleeping six, with stylish interiors, EV charger, and scenic walks on the doorstep. Explore historic Shaftesbury, dine in cosy village pubs, and unwind in true Dorset...

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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.