Dorset Holidays, Self-Catering Cottages and Apartments

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. Still looking for a countryside holiday destination? Head here to see our full UK countryside holiday listings.

  • Sleeps 10
  • Bedrooms 5

Swanage Driftwood is a large, modern coastal cottage in Dorset boasting light and airy spaces and contemporary chic. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Swanage lies just moments from the beach and offers a sun-filled interior and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, plus access to bespoke Wellness packages.

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  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Compass is a stylish one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the resort town of Swanage, Dorset, a romantic flat within a pleasant courtyard that makes a cosy holiday escape for couples, with a private parking space, fully fitted kitchen, breakfast bar, tiled bathroom, and comfy sitting area.

  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
Cottages with hanging flower basket line a quiet village street.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover The Grange, a charming Dorset cottage in Charmouth perfect for self-catering holidays. This traditional yet modern property, less than a 10-minute walk to the beach, offers a spacious kitchen/diner, inviting lounges, and a delightful patio with a brick-built BBQ. Explore nearby shops, cafes, and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. With flexible sleeping arrangements and parking for convenience, The Grange is an ideal retreat for cottage holidays on the Jurassic Coast.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
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  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

The Old Barn is a charming stone-built cottage near Swanage offering stylish accommodation. Set on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset's large and pet-friendly holiday home promises tranquillity, lovely views, spacious grounds, fresh air, open-plan living and a cosy log fire.

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  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

The Old School is a gorgeous stone and tiled cottage that once educated South Perrott's youth. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in Dorset retains its Gothic arched doors, mullion windows and vaulted beamed ceilings and boasts a Loggia in a beautiful garden, a wood burner and countryside views.

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Gable end of a stone-built Dorset holiday cottage overlooking a shrub-filled front garden.
  • Sleeps 5
  • Bedrooms 3

Discover The Old School House for unforgettable self-catering holidays in Dorset. This converted Victorian school in Piddletrenthide seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. Relax by the wood-burning stove, enjoy a reading room, and savour meals in the bright kitchen/diner. Three well-presented bedrooms include an en-suite double, a twin, and a skylit single. The family bathroom boasts a bath and a separate shower. Charming gardens and proximity to Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast make this pet-friendly cottage an ideal choice. Explore the full description for an enticing getaway.

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A thatched cottage with thatched porch and large conservatory overlooks a wide lawn.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Under Acre Cottage is a charming chocolate box cottage nestled among the Cranborne AONB in Winterborne Whitechurch. The Grade II listed 16th-century rural cottage boasts a thatched roof & more original features, plus a lovely garden with countryside views, open fire and access to the Dorset coast.

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  • Short Breaks
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2-storey exterior of a stone-built, large Dorset holiday cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 3

Explore West Perry Hay, a charming Jurassic Coast holiday let located on the edge of North Chideock village. This spacious, stylish, and well-appointed semi-detached property is surrounded by countryside. It's perfect for family getaways with a multi-game table, a grand kitchen, and three cosy bedrooms. Enjoy alfresco breakfasts with farm views on the large lawned area. It is ideally situated to discover the Jurassic Coast's scenic wonders. This seaside holiday home in Dorset is your gateway to a delightful coast and countryside retreat. Click for a fuller description and book your escape.

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  • Short Breaks
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The exterior of a brick-built Dorset bungalow is surrounded by lawns, shrubs, and mature trees.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Wyndthorpe Cottage is a charming rural dwelling located in the idyllic village of Milton Abbas. The cottage boasts a beautiful mature garden, which is fully furnished and offers picturesque views of the Dorset countryside. Inside, the cottage is designed with modern comforts in mind, featuring a sophisticated open-plan layout that is flooded with natural light.

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  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Brambles is a single-bedroom holiday cottage in Dorset, ideal for couples or lone travellers. It is situated between the seaside town of Weymouth and Abbotsbury, famous for its swans. It is set in stunning farmland which overlooks the Dorset Coast and the Chesil Beach. Fantastic walks straight from the door of the cottage.

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Side view of a long farmhouse and large lawn.
  • Sleeps 7
  • Bedrooms 4

Crepe Farm Cottage is a pet-friendly detached holiday cottage in Bridport, a short walk from Symondsbury Village. It sleeps 7 in 4 bedrooms and has 2 log burners, a hot tub, and a large private garden with outstanding rural views of Colmers Hill!

  • Active Holidays
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Exterior of a wisteria-clad, double-fronted Georgian House and front garden.
  • Sleeps 17
  • Bedrooms 8

Crepe Farmhouse is a large luxury farmhouse in Symondsbury surrounded by stunning scenery. Guests have exclusive access to the swimming pool, sauna, games room, cinema room, and large garden. It is ideal for extended families, celebrations, and large groups. Dogs are welcome.

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A honey-stone, thatched country cottage with a walled front garden.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

Escape to the idyllic Duck Street Cottage, a charming hideaway in Dorset's heart. Perfect for couples or friends, this cosy cottage boasts a traditional inglenook fireplace, providing the ideal setting to unwind after an exciting day of exploration. Nestled in Symondsbury Village, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the village's delightful artisan shops, café and pub, all within a short walk from your doorstep. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience Duck Street Cottage's quintessential British countryside charm of Duck Street Cottage.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays
A large thatched cottage overlooking a spacious lawn near Bridport.
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 3

Eagles Nest is a classic grade II-listed thatched cottage in Dorset. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is rurally located near Symondsbury, close to the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy peace and quiet with a private garden, hot tub, and games room. Dogs are welcome.

  • Active Holidays
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  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
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  • Independent Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A 2-storey, thatched Dorset holiday cottage on a quiet village street.
  • Sleeps 4
  • Bedrooms 2

Introducing Jasmine Cottage, a delightful holiday home in Burton Bradstock along the stunning Jurassic Coast. The cottage can accommodate up to four guests in its two bedrooms, offering a cosy and comfortable retreat. With spacious interiors, modern amenities, and a charming cottage garden, Jasmine Cottage is a perfect choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway or to explore the coastal beauty of Dorset. Discover more about Jasmine Cottage and experience an unforgettable holiday.

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  • Short Breaks
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  • Walking Holidays

Why Stay in a Holiday Home in Dorset?

  • 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. There's 70 miles of golden beaches so plenty to choose from! You can find coastal cottages in Dorset just moments away from the beach or after a small drive.  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).
  • 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)?
  • For an authentic country feeling, find a countryside cottage with beams, a thatched roof and a cosy fire place to relax and unwind by. The architecture here feels like stepping back in time.
  • Dorset is perfect for hiking, sailing, cycling or just relaxing. Enjoy the local cuisine, potter around the local towns or go fossil hunting along the Jurassic coast.

 

 

Where Can You Visit and What Can You Do From Your Dorset Holiday Home?

  • Make your way to the well know Seven Sisters beach where you'll be greeted with stunning chalk sea cliffs.
  • The Jurassic coast offers an insight into our past world. You may stumble upon a fossil on the beach at Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
  • It's worth visiting 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!
  • Adventure to seaside resorts like Weymouth in the east and head along the South West Coast Path to the Regency town of Lyme Regis.
  • 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.
  • 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.