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 house in Puncknowle, Dorchester with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8. Pets welcome. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Exterior | The Old Timberyard - Carters Cottage, Puncknowle, Dorchester

Good choice!

Carters Cottage, Bridport

Carters Cottage boasts an idyllic location, set in an AONB and half a mile from the Jurassic Coast – perfect base for walkers.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Grouped Properties
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Cottage near the beach in Puncknowle, Dorchester with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 5. Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Exterior | The Old Timberyard - Sawmill Cottage, Puncknowle, Dorchester

Well equipped

Sawmill Cottages Dvn, Bridport

Situated in an AONB and sharing four acres of land, Sawmill Cottage is an idyllic retreat with the town of Weymouth nearby.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Grouped Properties
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Big family holiday house to rent in Bettiscombe, near Lyme Regis with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8. Pets welcome. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Short Breaks All Year.

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

Well presented

The Hayloft Dws, Bettiscombe

After exploring the countryside and beaches nearby, retreat back to The Hayloft and make the most of good weather by dining al fresco.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Grouped Properties
  • 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.