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.

Large group accommodation in Uplyme, near Lyme Regis with 6 bedrooms, Sleeps 12 + 1 Baby. Pets welcome. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Very comfortable

Attractive holiday home with lawned mature garden | Yawl House, Uplyme, near Lyme Regis

Yawl House, Uplyme, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3UZ.

A large conservatory is a feature of this spacious Georgian house which lies 1 mile from Lyme Regis and close to many attractions.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • 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
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Pet friendly cottage in Sturminster Newton with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 3 + 1 Baby. Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Great quality

Fantastic holiday home | Rose Cottage - Hillyground Cottages, Sturminster Newton

Rose Cottage - W41462, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2DQ.

Rose Cottage is situated within a peaceful hamlet offering quiet accommodation for three guests; ideal for a small family or a couple.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Last minute dog friendly short break in Sturminster Newton with 2 bedrooms, Sleeps 3 + 1 Baby. Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Very comfortable

Open plan living/dining room/kitchen | Jasmine Cottage, Sturminster Newton

Jasmine Cottage - W41461, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2DQ.

Jasmine Cottage is a lovely property which sleeps three guests and is perfectly located for exploring all that Dorset has to offer.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Group accommodation in East Burton, near Wareham with 5 bedrooms, Sleeps 10 + 1 Baby. No pets allowed. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Great quality

Characterful cottage | The Coach House, East Burton, near Wareham

The Coach House, East Burton, near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6EY.

The Coach House is in a great position for exploring this beautiful area and there’s plenty to see and do nearby.

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details

Dog friendly holiday cottage in Chickerell, near Weymouth with 3 bedrooms, Sleeps 6 + 1 Baby. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Very comfortable

Living room | Harbourhill, Chickerell, near Weymouth

Harbour Hill, Chickerell, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4BG.

Harbourhill is four miles from Weymouth and its sandy beach so guests can pack a picnic and spend the whole day there! . Ground Floor:Living room: With open fire, Smart TV, DVD player and...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen 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.