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 fabulouse 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 a great 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 are is a selection of desirable coastal cottages linked to a 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
Unique cove with crystal-clear water and striking geology 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
The perfect spot for a day of sandcastles and swimming
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
Glorious stretch of shingle, backed by farmland and cliffs
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 a completely 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
Iconic beach in the relaxed resort of 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’s a variety of cafes and shops overlooking the sand.
Where to Stay: The Cotttage in Charmouth
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Studland Bay
Image courtesy of Visit Dorset
Vast pebble and sand beach backed by heathland
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 which are 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: Harbour Lodge, Sandbanks
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Chapman’s Pool
Image courtesy of Purbeck Lodge
Wild, sheltered bay near idyllic Dorset village
Chapman’s Pool is a fairly demanding hike down the cliffs but you will be rewarded with the sight of 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.
Where to Stay: Ammonite Cottage near Wareham
