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 | Stillness Hut - Downwood, Near Blandford Forum

Stillness Hut - UKC4484, Near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9HN.

A wonderful location for your holiday, embrace being in the countryside, enjoy a visit to the exciting attractions nearby.

  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Dreamwood - Downwood, Near Blandford Forum

Dreamwood - UKC4483, Near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9HN.

A beautiful lodge for your relaxing rural getaway. Surround yourself with nature or explore the local area for a variety of days out.

  • Golf nearby
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Charming property | Art Studio - Downwood, Near Blandford Forum

The Art Studio - UKC4137, Near Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9HN.

The Art Studio is in an ideal location to explore the wonders of Dorset and return in the evenings to relax in your hot tub and admire the night sky.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
View Property Details
Delightful main entrance to the holiday home | Little Glebe, Folke, near Sherbourne

Little Glebe , Folke, near Sherbourne, Dorset, DT9 5HP.

Little Glebe is a lovely first floor apartment, situated in the peaceful hamlet of Folke, perfect for a couple’s retreat to Dorset. With amazing views over the Blackmore Vale.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Attractive holiday home with paved patio area | Cherry Cottage - Wood Dairy, North Perrott, near Crewkerne

Cherry Cottage - UKC3990, North Perrott, near Crewkerne, Dorset, TA18 7TA.

Set in a peaceful location with beautiful views, Cherry Cottage offers the perfect retreat, with a cosy wood burner and an abundance of picturesque walks.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Delightful living room with an open fire | The Town House, Wimborne

The Townhouse, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT.

You will never be short of things to do while staying at this super town house, situated close to both Dorset’s beautiful coast and country.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • 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
Exterior | Croft Cottage, Lydlinch, near Sturminster Newton

Croft Cottage, Lydlinch, near Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2HZ.

Perfectly situated for exploring rural Dorset, families and friends alike will be sure to enjoy their stay at Croft Cottage.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen Included
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Delightful open plan living space with glorious views | The Barn - Smiths Farm Cottages, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis

The Barn - UKC3750, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT6 6BY.

The Barn offers open plan accommodation with a lovely beamed, vaulted ceiling, and complete with two en-suite bedrooms.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Holiday home in a superb location, overlooking Marshwood Vale rolling countryside | The Stables - Smiths Farm Cottages, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis

The Stables - UKC3749, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT6 6BY.

Perfect for a family or group of friends, The Stables lies close to many superb beaches and plenty of great walking.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Spectacular, far-reaching panoramic views surrounding this holiday home | The Smithy - Smiths Farm Cottages, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis

The Smithy - UKC3748, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT6 6BY.

Enjoy the nearby beach at Charmouth, head to Abbotsbury with its swannery and sub-tropical gardens, or visit picturesque Corfe Castle.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Delightful Edwardian holiday property | Stourcliffe House, Bournemouth

Stourcliffe House, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3PT.

This well-appointed detached, Edwardian holiday property has its own games room and lies just 300 yards from the sands of Southbourne Beach.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Delightful living room | Coastal Dream, Mudeford, near Christchurch

Coastal Dream, Mudeford, near Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3EU.

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
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • 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.