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.

Short breaks with dogs in Wareham with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Short Breaks All Year, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool - Outdoor, Swimming Pool - Shared.

Exterior & large private garden | Coach House, Wareham

Good choice!

Coach House, Wareham

Enjoy the shared, outdoor heated swimming pool at this lovely detached coach house with the Dorset coast nearby.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Pet friendly accommodation in Ibberton, near Blandford Forum with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile.

Exterior | The Haybarn, Ibberton, near Blandford Forum

Great quality

The Haybarn, Sturminster Newton

A fantastic property with a luxury feel throughout, your stay here will be comfortable and relaxing with a variety of fun days out nearby.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
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Coastal cottage in Bettiscombe, near Lyme Regis with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Short Breaks All Year.

Living room | Marshwood Manor Cottages - The Old Forge, Bettiscombe, nr. Lyme Regis

Very comfortable

The Old Forge Dus, Bettiscombe

Gather up the family for a holiday to The Old Forge; it has a shared lounge bar/games area, indoor play area and nearby attractions.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Grouped Properties
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Pet friendly accommodation in Mudeford, near Christchurch with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Winter Short Breaks.

Delightful living room | Coastal Dream, Mudeford, near Christchurch

Super

Coastal Dream, Bournemouth

With dog friendly beaches and the New Forest National Park within easy reach, this delightful holiday property is perfect for all your family.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Cheap large holiday home in Parley, near Bournemouth with 3 bedrooms, sleeps 11. Pets welcome. Hot Tubs, Short Breaks All Year, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool - Outdoor, Swimming Pool - Private, Hot Tubs - Private.

Exterior | Fortis House, Parley, near Bournemouth

Very comfortable

Fortis House, Bournemouth

Great for a celebration, Fortis House has plenty to keep everyone entertained and is just a short drive from Bournemouth.

  • 4 Pets welcome
  • Hot Tubs
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Hot Tubs - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • 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.