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 | 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
Exterior | Plumtree - The Victorian Barn, Blandford Forum

Plumtree - UK49877, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EY.

Spacious holiday home in Woolland, Dorset, sleeping seven with a private hot tub. Enjoy on-site facilities including pool, games room, and fishing lake. Ideal base for exploring the Jurassic...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • 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
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | The Pool House, Stalbridge, near Sturminster Newton

The Pool House, Stalbridge, near Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2SH.

Escape to The Pool House, a countryside retreat in Thornhill, Dorset. Ideal for families or groups, it offers elegant interiors, stunning gardens, and easy access to Dorset’s natural...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Stepping Stones, Verwood

Stepping Stones, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6QG.

This charming two-bedroom semi-detached holiday let features a spacious conservatory, cosy open plan living area and a garden, offering a peaceful retreat for guests seeking comfort and...

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Exterior | Florence Cottage, Marnhull, near Sturminster Newton

Florence Cottage, Marnhull, near Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1PP.

Florence Cottage near Sturminster Newton is a charming, wisteria-lined retreat for four. It features an open-plan living space and a cosy patio. It is perfect for relaxation and exploring...

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
View Property Details
Exterior | Kastania, Bere Regis, near Wareham

Kastania, Bere Regis, near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7LU.

Discover Kastania, a charming holiday retreat in Bere Regis, perfect for families or friends. Sleeping 8 guests, it offers spacious comfort, countryside views, and easy access to Dorset’s...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
View | Sea Home, Boscombe, near Bournemouth

Sea Home, Boscombe, near Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 1AQ.

This newly renovated two-bedroom Boscombe apartment offers stunning sea views, just minutes from the pier. With stylish interiors, a private patio, and easy access to local attractions,...

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Golf nearby
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Sea View
  • 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.