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.

Country house rental in Burton Bradstock, near Bridport with 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10. Pets welcome. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile.

Large comfortable living room | The Retreat, Burton Bradstock, near Bridport

Superb

The Retreat, Bridport

The perfect property to spend time with friends or family, and ideally located to explore the natural wonders of The Jurassic Coast.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Sea View
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
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Family friendly holiday home in Uplyme, near Lyme Regis with 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12. Pets welcome. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year.

Attractive holiday home with lawned mature garden | Yawl House, Uplyme, near Lyme Regis

Well presented

Yawl House, Lyme Regis

A large conservatory is a feature of this spacious Georgian house which lies 1 mile from Lyme Regis and close to many attractions.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
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Last minute dog friendly short break in Moreton, near Wareham with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile.

Attractive holiday home | Stars Cottage, Moreton, near Wareham

Well equipped

Stars Cottage, Wareham

Stars Cottage is a charming holiday cottage, ideally located next to a food serving pub and enjoying a peaceful village location. Ideal for small families. . Ground Floor:Living room: With...

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

Cottage for hire in Charmouth with 1 bedroom, sleeps 4. Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Short Breaks All Year, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool - Outdoor, Swimming Pool - Shared.

Open plan living space | Fernhill Retreat, Charmouth

Well equipped

Fernhill Retreat, Lyme Regis

Fernhill Retreat is a cosy bolthole from which you can explore the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • Golf nearby
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Swimming Pool
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor
  • Swimming Pool - Shared
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
View Property Details

Big holiday house in Marnhull, near Shaftesbury with 6 bedrooms, sleeps 12. Pets welcome. Pub within 1 mile, Hot Tubs, Short Breaks All Year, Hot Tubs - Private.

Fabulous farmhouse with lawned garden, meadow, patio and hot tub | New Inn Farmhouse, Marnhull, near Shaftesbury

Exceptional

New Inn Farm House, Shaftesbury

With a private hot tub, large meadow, beautiful interior and the option for in-house catering, this fantastic property is the perfect choice for your holiday.

  • 2 Pets welcome
  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Hot Tubs
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tubs - Private
  • Dishwasher
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Cot Available
  • Washing Machine
View Property Details

Cottage welcomes dogs in Rodgrove, near Buckhorn Weston with 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4. Enclosed Garden/Patio, Short Breaks All Year.

Patio doors from living area to the garden | Willow Farm Cottage, Rodgrove, near Buckhorn Weston

Well equipped

Willow Farm Cottage, Sherborne

You are sure to love the rural location and homely feel to this wonderful barn conversion, with fantastic wildlife all around. Just 20 minutes away from the iconic Gold Hill at Shaftesbury.

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Highchair
  • Rural Location
  • Stairgate
  • 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.