Holiday Cottages & Homes in Dorset

Fear not: you won’t just be holed up in your Dorset cottage for your whole holiday! Dorset has among the highest number of days of sunshine anywhere in the UK, with around 1,700 hours per year. Winters are also warmer than the UK average, with less rainfall. That being said, this is still England and you should be prepared for rain. Pack an umbrella and waterproof clothing – you’ll be thankful you did as you make your way across the wet Dorset Downs.

The Jurassic Coast

If you only do one thing during your holiday in Dorset then make it the Jurassic Coast, which is 152 kilometers of absolutely stunning coastline. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was England’s first natural wonder to be given the title, and features beautiful beaches, rock formations and limestone cliffs. Take your family and spend the day walking in an area that has been 185 million years in the making.

Walking holidays

Walking is a popular pastime in Dorset, with a wide range of trails available for all levels of fitness. Some 700 footpaths guide you over cliffs, down narrow country trails, through woods and over the county’s famous rolling hills. Staying in a holiday cottage in the countryside is the perfect way to start your adventure through Dorset's beautiful landscapes.

Museums and literary history

Dorset is a relaxing, beautiful place that attracts many nature lovers, but it’s not just the outdoors that brings people to the county. There are also unique museums and beautiful period homes to keep you entertained during your stay in Dorset.

Literature lovers can visit the birthplace of Thomas Hardy, as well as the cottage that he would later design and live in as an adult. Then there’s the Kingston Lacy House, an elegant estate from the mid 17th century that looks like it’s straight out of Downton Abbey. If horticulture is more your thing then visit Mapperton House and Gardens or Knoll Gardens, two of the best gardens in the country.

The Tank Museum

For something completely different, stop by the Tank Museum, a journey through 100 years of military history that includes interactive displays, exhibitions and, of course, tanks.

Dorset has strong links to some of the biggest names in English literature, who have found themselves inspired by the region's landscapes. The county can also trace settlement back to the neolithic era, with historic houses and churches across Dorset. If that's not far enough back for you, Dorset is also known as one of the very best spots in the whole of Europe for fossil hunting.

Thomas Hardy Hardy, best known for "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "The Mayor of Casterbridge", set most of his novels in the Dorset countryside. The Dorset County Museum in Dorchester houses an extensive exhibition about the writer, or collect a copy of the Hardy Trail from Visitor Centres and see the landscapes which inspired him for yourself.

Jane Austen The other writer most closely connected to Dorset is Jane Austen, who set her novel "Persuasion" in Lyme Regis. The town's museum has exhibits relating to Jane, and more generally to the Regency period of the early 19th century.

Jurassic Coast Dorset's UNESCO Heritage Jurassic Coast stretches east from Lyme Regis. If you're a novice fossil hunter, sign up for a guided walk and learn from the experts how to spot and collect the best examples.

Athelhampton House Athelhampton is one of England's best-preserved manor houses. The house dates back to the 15th century and has a huge collection of furniture spanning the centuries. Outside, the Victorian gardens are equally impressive with ponds, fountains and intricately manicured topiary hedges.

Dorset is a dream destination for children, who will love playing amid the natural scenery, and its classic cottages and self-catering accommodation options are perfect for family holidays.

If you are planning a family beach trip, head to Weymouth. The sandy beach has safe waters for children to play and splash around in and it's a popular destination with sea bathers. The beaches at Swanage, Poole, and Bournemouth are good choices, too.

Visit the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre to get close to the primates and see how endangered and rescued monkeys are rehabilitated in the sanctuary. Explore the sylvan park with a guided tour and let the children have fun in the huge play area.

For a more active family adventure, visit Henley Hillbillies, where you can take part in fun motorsport and shooting activities that are suitable for individuals and families. Children over 8 can even try quad biking, with prices starting at £35/head.

Fossils are an integral part of the Jurassic Coast, and a guided fossil hunting walk is the perfect family activity during a Dorset holiday. Such hunts are organised regularly by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, which also has an excellent fossil collection.

Head to the Moors Valley Country Park for a fun time outdoors as you go on treetop adventures, explore the cycle routes and footpaths, and ride around the Moors Lake on a steam train. Moreover, there are wildlife discovery sessions for children.

Adventure Wonderland is an award-winning theme park with various attractions and rides for families with children under the age of 10. Wild Bill's Runaway Train, Dance with the Stars, Cuddle Corner petting area, and the live shows are popular activities here.

Dorset's coastline is 142km long, stretching from Highcliffe in the east to Lyme Regis in the west - so there are no shortage of cottages to rent near the sea. If you're looking for the traditional British seaside experience, consider an apartment or cottage in a town on the coast. Cottages in more rural locations offer complete relaxation and tranquility.

Weymouth Weymouth is one of Dorset's most famous coastal towns. It is perhaps best known for its long, sandy beach and causeway leading out into the English Channel and the lighthouse at Portland Bill. Weymouth is the quintessential seaside resort with brightly-coloured beach huts, elegant gardens, and great options for shopping and eating out too.

Lyme Regis At the western edge of the county is Lyme Regis which markets itself as "The Pearl of Dorset". It's one of the UK's prettiest seaside towns and throughout the year, visitors flock to the harbour, beaches, and to hunt fossils on the nearby Jurassic coast.

East and West Bexington If you're looking to escape the crowds, why not stay in the small villages of East or West Bexington? They border the shingly Chesil Beach and are close to amenities and attractions in Abbotsbury or Weymouth.

Whether you are travelling with the family pet or want to spend your break learning more about wildlife, Dorset has plenty to keep you busy. Take the dog for long walks along the region's beaches, or along the Wessex Reidgeway long distance path. The area is also a haven for birds with many reserves and birdwatching possibilities along the coast. For younger visitors, a trip to the region wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of Dorset's open farms and wildlife parks.

Chesil Beach One of the best areas for dog walking is the 28km long Chesil Beach, stretching west from Weymouth. The shingle is less popular with families than sandier stretches of coast, so dogs have plenty of space to run free.

Pony Trekking The eastern part of Dorset is best for pony trekking, with stables in Studland and Lulworth offering organised excursions. You don't need to be an expert rider; the stables will provide all the equipment and basic instruction needed for an afternoon in the saddle exploring Dorset's footpaths and bridleways.

Brownsea Island The National Trust owned Brownsea Island is at the entrance to Poole Harbour and is open to visitors throughout the year. Follow the clearly marked walking trails around the island where you can spot red squirrels, sika deer, wading birds, and spoonbills.

Monkey World If you prefer your wildlife a little more exotic, then visit Monkey World in Wateham. The centre covers 26 hectares and is home to over 20 different species of rescued primates, including chimpanzees, orang-utans and smaller monkey species.

The Tank Museum

Dorset’s Tank Museum narrates more than 100 years of history. See the world’s first tank and many other weapons.

Weymouth Beach

This gently sloping beach boasts white sand and shallow waters. It has traditional English seaside attractions such as Punch and Judy puppet shows, several eateries, and a small funfair.

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth’s beautiful coastline has an historical pier, superb views of the Isle of Wight, and a variety of water sports.

Monkey World

This rescue centre works to stop the illegal trade of apes. Visiting the centre helps support this cause, and in return, you can meet chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and monkeys.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

The World Heritage coastline at Lulworth Cove is the most stunning nature that Dorset has to offer. Just up the coastal path is Durdle Door, a massive natural rock arch on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.