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 | Meadow Barn, East Burton, near Wool

Meadow Barn, East Burton, near Wool, Dorset, BH20 6HL.

This is the ideal base for discovering and exploring Dorset. Enjoy lazy days at the beach, or stroll around the pretty villages and harbours.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Cosy living area with wood burner | The Haybarn - Bedborough Farm Cottages, Wimborne

The Haybarn, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BQ.

With its own hot tub, this detached converted barn is surrounded by countryside, yet lies within easy reach of the coast at Poole and Bournemouth.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Living area | The Old Dairy - Bedborough Farm Cottages, Wimborne

The Old Dairy, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BQ.

Nestled in the perfect location to enjoy beautiful countryside walks and long sandy beaches, making this barn conversation ideal for a family holiday.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Living area | The Parlour - Bedborough Farm Cottages, Wimborne

The Parlour, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BQ.

With country walks and bridleways to explore, why not make the most of the on-site stabling and bring your horse on holiday? . All on the ground floor. Open plan living space. Living area:...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Wonderful holiday cottage with sea views | Mallams, Portland, near Weymouth

Mallams, Portland, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT5 1NJ.

You will find a wealth of things to do during your stay on the Isle of Portland, with many attractions and beautiful landscapes to explore.

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Sea View
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Welcoming living room with wood burner | The Farmhouse - Round Chimneys Farm, Glanvilles Wootton, near Sherborne

The Farmhouse, Glanvilles Wootton, near Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5QQ.

With its own games room and large enclosed garden, this spacious farmhouse is great for friends or family to get together.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details
Hot tub with fantastic sea views | Lloyds Cottage, Portland, near Weymouth

Lloyds Cottage, Portland, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT5 2JT.

This fantastic property is ideal for families looking to explore this wonderful part of Dorset with so much to do close by.

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tub
  • Winter Short Breaks
  • 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
Light and airy living area with double doors to balcony | The Forge, Thorncombe, near Broadwindsor

The Forge, Thorncombe, near Broadwindsor, Dorset, TA20 4PY.

Set within the Dorset Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a designated dark sky area, this cozy barn conversion is perfect for a quiet getaway in the countryside or days by...

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • 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.