2023 Holiday Cottages for Dorset's Best Beaches
A Selection of Our Favourite Holiday Cottages and Nearby Beaches in Dorset
We’ve matched a choice of delightful holiday cottages with one of Dorset’s fabulous Jurassic Coast beaches to inspire ideas for a memorable seaside self-catering holiday.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is home to incredible geology and an abundance of dinosaur fossils. This unspoiled stretch of sandy bays, towering cliffs and secret coves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a status shared with natural wonders of the world, such as the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you want to hunt for fossils, swim, sunbathe or spot dolphins from the coast path, holidays in Dorset are an excellent opportunity to explore this enchanting environment. We have a variety of holiday cottages in Dorset to choose from, none of which are more than a few miles from the coast. Here is a selection of desirable coastal cottages linked to some of Dorset’s fabulous beaches in this beautiful county, which we highly recommend visiting for a long summer holiday or a relaxing out-of-season weekend break - whenever you get the chance.
To view the cottage details - click on the Cottage name.
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Lulworth Cove
Thousands of years ago, the sea eroded the cliffs in a remarkable way to create Lulworth Cove. The beach is horse-shoe shaped, with only a narrow channel to the open ocean, making it perfect for swimming in its calm, clear water. There’s a good café near the beach, and in the summer, you can take a boat trip to Durdle Door and Mupe Bay.
Where to Stay: The Old Bakery at Lulworth
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Weymouth Beach
A day in Weymouth is a quintessentially British seaside experience with Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides and deck chairs. Backed by graceful Georgian architecture, the town’s mile-long sweep of golden sand has been popular since George III started visiting in the late 18th century in the hope of curing his “nervous disorder” by swimming in the sea.
Where to Stay: Azure Beach Apartment in Weymouth
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Ringstead Bay
Smugglers once hauled their cargo ashore at this secluded beach near the village of Ringstead. Today, it’s managed by the National Trust, which ensures that it remains an entirely undeveloped spot for visitors to enjoy. The beach is a fairly strenuous but picturesque walk from the car park.
Where to Stay: Wildflower Cottage
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Cobb Beach, Lyme Regis
Cobb Beach is overlooked by a 14th-century harbour known as the Cobb, which became famous when it appeared in the opening shot of the film, ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’. The harbour wall shelters the beach, making it perfect for swimming, and there are various cafes and shops overlooking the sand.
Where to Stay: The Court House Farmhouse in Charmouth
The Court House Farmhouse near Charmouth has a private hot tub and games room. Sleeps 11
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Studland Bay
This four-mile beach is backed by a nature reserve where rare birds can be spotted, and a series of trails weave their way through dunes and woods, home to deer and wildflowers. The beach is so long that you never have to walk far to find a quiet spot to swim, sunbathe and enjoy views across the water to the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks.
Where to Stay: Beach View, Bournemouth
Beach View is a stunning seafront house right above the beach in Bournemouth. Sleeps 8.
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Chapman’s Pool
Chapman’s Pool is a fairly demanding hike down the cliffs, but you will be rewarded with a pristine bay with calm waters, where passing boats often anchor. A lovely five-mile circular walk takes in the disused quarries at Winspit and the village of Worth Matravers, where a look around the fossil museum at the Square and Compass is a must.