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.

Sitting-out-area | The Old Bakery, Maiden Newton

The Old Bakery, Maiden Newton, Dorset, DT2 0BG.

A fabulously quirky cottage with a gorgeous view from the rear terrace along the river!. Ground Floor: Living room/kitchen: Smart TV, Sofa Bed (Double) (For Flexible Sleeping...

  • Pub within 1 mile
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Exterior | Lower Barrowfield Farm, Beaminster

Lower Barrowfield Farm, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3PP.

We love this charming farmhouse, set in a wonderful rural setting with ideal accommodation for celebration multi-generation stays.

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • 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
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Exterior | Woodlander, Dorchester

Woodlander, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2BW.

A wonderful base to enjoy your next holiday!. Ground Floor:Living/dining room: With Freeview Smart TV. Kitchen: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and washing machine. First...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
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Garden | Iris Harbourside Cottage, Weymouth

Iris Harbourside Cottage, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8SG.

Such a stunning home with the harbour and beach within easy reach, this hidden gem is perfect for your luxury stay!. Ground Floor:Living/dining room: With wood burner and Smart TV. Kitchen:...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Hot tub | Southdown, Weymouth

Southdown, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6HS.

This gorgeous property enjoys wonderful views and is just a short walk to the beach!. Ground Floor:Living room: With Freeview Smart TV. Kitchen/dining room: With electric oven, induction...

  • Enclosed Garden/Patio
  • Hot Tub
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Hot Tub - Private
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • Washing Machine
  • Pets – not allowed
View Property Details
Exterior | Hazel Cottage, Briantspuddle, near Wareham

Hazel Cottage, Briantspuddle, near Wareham, Dorset, DT2 7HS.

Full of character with some modern features, this gorgeous thatched cottage is sure to delight!. All on the Ground Floor: Living/dining room: Freeview TV, Open Fire, Low CeilingsKitchen:...

  • 1 Pet welcome
  • Short Breaks All Year
  • Dishwasher
  • Fuel and Power Included
  • Pets – no charge
  • Television
  • WiFi
  • Bed Linen & Towels Included
  • Luxury Collection
  • 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.