High tide on Weymouth's beautiful sandy beach Explore our Collection of Dorset Holiday Cottages

Find My Favourite Dorset Holiday Cottages

A delightful selection of Dorset holiday cottages for families and friends can be found in one of England's most beautiful counties. Dorset's appeal is that it offers holidaymakers a choice of self-catering holidays by the sea or inland in wonderfully-named, idyllic and sleepy villages such as Compton Abbas, Gussage All Saints and Lytchett Matravers. Whether for a weekend break in a secluded country cottage in Beaminster or a luxury holiday home in Sherborne.  Find Dorset coast cottages for leisurely summer holidays in quaint seaside cottages from Swanage to Lyme Regis; you will fall in love with the fresh air and slow way of life in Dorset.

1930s-style detached chalet bungalow with a paved deck surrounded by lawns and the Dorset countryside.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
3

This large shooting lodge is located in Dorset with peaceful rural views in a secluded location, only a short walk to Symondsbury. Axen Lodge sleeps eight over four bedrooms. This property accommodates a large garden with a hot tub, trampoline and gas BBQ. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Large Cottage Discounts
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A semi-detached stone-built holiday cottage in Chideock overlooks a quiet village lane.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
2

Discover the charm of Fossil Cottage, an enchanting choice among seaside holiday cottages in Chideock. Situated in the heart of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this two-bedroom haven accommodates a family of five, providing tranquillity and proximity to Seatown Beach. With a delightful garden room, a well-equipped kitchen, and easy access to the beautiful Jurassic Coast, Fossil Cottage promises a blend of comfort and coastal adventure. Secure your reservation now for an unforgettable stay in this seaside gem!

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 3-storey holiday cottage in Swanage with twin bay windows.
Sleeps
14
Bedrooms
7

Enjoy the beauty of the Jurassic Coast with a stay at 20 Ulwell Road, a large Swanage holiday let in Swanage on the Dorset coast, along the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck. This three-storey pet-friendly cottage boasts seven bedrooms, an AGA cooker set in exposed brickwork, an annexe with an en-suite king-size bedroom, and a tiered garden.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
2-storey barn conversion with a patio for dining and large lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Rampisham Hill Farm Barn sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on a working sheep farm near Hooke in Dorset, & the rural cottage promises beautiful views, spacious outdoor areas, an open fire, fresh farm eggs, contemporary comfort, open-plan design, serenity & access to the Jurassic Coast.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a 2 storey contemporary house with wide windows, curved walls and a balcony.
Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Stay at Holly Wood for a dream holiday in this 5-bedroom architectural gem in Sandbanks. This exclusive retreat boasts Art-Deco elegance, a grand double-height lounge, and a cinema room for memorable self-catering holidays. The open-plan kitchen, sleek interiors, and private chef experiences redefine luxury. Annexe options cater to privacy needs. Marvel at the gallery landings, twin bedroom with an 'under the sea' mural, and a Master Suite with a private balcony. Outside, two garden areas, alfresco dining, and a fire pit add to the allure. Secure gated parking for 4 completes the experience. Your luxury Dorset holiday home with a cinema awaits.

  • Accessible Cottages
  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Bower Cottage is a large, stylish detached barn conversion offering self-catering holidays in Beaminster with generous accommodation and bright contemporary furnishings in an Outstanding National Beauty area in the West Dorset countryside.

  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
4-storey exterior of contemporary harbourside apartments in Weymouth.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Harbourside Haven Apartment 3 is a luxurious Dorset seaside apartment perched above Weymouth Marina. Enjoying beautiful views and a soft sea breeze from its balcony and open-plan living area, the sophisticated property places guests in the centre of the coastal resort and the coastline.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Waterside Cottages
A semii-detached Dorset cottage overlooks a paved front courtyard for parking.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Dating back to the 1600s, Candy Cottage boasts rustic charm and tranquillity. The pet-friendly cottage in Thornford promises touches of yesteryear, space for pets, and a wood-burning stove in a traditional fireplace. A roll-top bath offers relaxation & the cottage is well situated in Dorset.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Large, thatched Dorset Farmhouse overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Manor Farmhouse is a thatched and beautifully presented country cottage near Maiden Newton, sleeping eight in four bedrooms with expansive rural views and river frontage, situated in a peaceful and idyllic location.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages

The County offers endless opportunities for holidays, ranging from cheap weekend or mid-week breaks out of season to long, leisurely week or fortnight holidays in high summer. It's not just the tranquil charm of its quaint holiday cottages in Dorset that attracts visitors to the County - it's their location too. Dorset also offers its visitors a wide choice of lovely beaches. Find coastal cottages in Dorset from the seaside resort of Weymouth in the east along the South West Coast Path to the Regency town of Lyme Regis. There's a splendid choice of Dorset coast cottages, including Chideock, the long shingle banks of Chesil Beach (taking in the world-famous Swannery at Abbotsbury), Studland Bay, Burton Bradstock, peaceful Charmouth and picturesque Lulworth Cove. Just think of a day spent fishing in rock pools on a beach for minute sea creatures (Kimmeridge Bay is particularly recommended) and then turning to the cliffs on this famous Jurassic coastline. Here, winter rockfalls often reveal fossils (although you're no longer allowed to go digging for them). The

There's an equally appealing choice of attractions to enjoy away from Dorset's south coast beaches. Why not spend an afternoon viewing the Purbeck countryside from the windows of a heritage steam train on the Swanage Railway? Next, catch your train at Corfe and visit the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, high on the hill above the town. Then, head west to Bovington, where you'll find the (seriously) best and most entertaining tank museum or the nearby Monkey World, which is as educational as its primates are adorable.

In the far west of Dorset lie the attractive little coastal towns of Bridport, West Bay, with its fantastic fish restaurant and Lyme Regis.

Inland Dorset is as pretty as the names of its villages imply. How can you resist a holiday in a county with place names such as Fifehead Magdalen, Purse Caundle, Hazelbury Bryan, Piddletrenthide, Sixpenny Handley, Toller Fratrum and Tolpuddle (home of the Tolpuddle Martyrs)?

Many of its towns boast splendid vernacular architecture (usually accompanied by quaint tea rooms), as visitors to Blandford Forum or Gold Hill in Shaftesbury will readily testify. The latter is the location for a famous Hovis Bread advert in the '70s.

Other attractions worth visiting include the Model Town at Wimborne and the Great Dorset Steam Fair near Blandford Forum at the end of August. Unfortunately, the Steam Fair is so large you'll need more than one day to work around it. But, of course, this shouldn't be a problem if you stay in a Dorset holiday let!