Cottages in Dorset

• Cottages for every group: Dorset has self-catering cottages for every kind of holidaymaker, whether you're looking for a snug property for two or a roomy farmhouse cottage sleeping up to eight.
• Where to base yourself: Stay near the Jurassic Coast, Weymouth, the Isle of Purbeck or Lyme Regis for easy access to beaches, fossils and coastal walks.
• Top-rated stays: Our highest-scoring Dorset cottages earn close to perfect guest ratings, with hosts praised for their warm welcomes and spotless homes.
• Where to eat: Dorset's dining runs from refined tasting menus in Bournemouth and Sherborne to fresh seafood served right beside the coast.
• Things to do: Walk the Jurassic Coast, hunt for fossils, explore castles and gardens, or simply unwind on Bournemouth's sandy beaches.

Dorset's self-catering cottages range from snug stone boltholes for couples to spacious farmhouse cottages sleeping up to eight, making them ideal for families and groups of friends alike. Many sit in quiet villages or tucked along the coast, with gardens and patios for long summer evenings at the weekend. If you fancy something a little different, you'll also find log cabins, characterful holiday homes and relaxed glamping options right across the county. The most popular comforts our guests look for include:

• Wi-Fi for easy working and streaming on a rainy afternoon
• Private gardens and patios, perfect for a summer barbecue
• Cosy wood burners and open fires for autumn and winter stays
• Cottages with hot tubs for a touch of indulgence
• Dog-friendly cottages so the whole family can come along

Whatever your party size, there's a Dorset cottage to match, whether you're after quiet seclusion or a lively coastal base.

What are the best areas to stay in Dorset?

The best base depends on what you're after: Weymouth and Bournemouth suit beach holidays, whilst the Isle of Purbeck and Lyme Regis are ideal for walkers and fossil hunters. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Dorset's holiday cottages consistently earn glowing feedback, with guests singling out warm, helpful hosts, beautifully kept interiors and peaceful settings within easy reach of the coast. Many reviewers return year after year, drawn by the comfort of a proper home away from home and the freedom that self-catering brings. Ratings are shown on a scale from 0 to 10.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. Hazel Cottage - 10.0: A dog-friendly cottage for two in the Purbeck District, praised for its peaceful setting and cosy, well-equipped interior — ideal for a relaxed coastal escape.
2. Churchill Cottage - 9.9: A roomy cottage for six in the heart of Dorset, with a private garden and an easy-going, homely feel that families happily return to.
3. The Old Forge - 9.7: A charming, dog-friendly cottage for two in rural Dorset, loved for its traditional design, comfort and genuinely welcoming hosts.

Dorset sits on England's south coast in the South West, bordered by Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, with the celebrated Jurassic Coast running along its southern edge. It's a popular destination for adventurers and history buffs, whether you want to dig for fossils or explore centuries-old castles.

🥗Where to eat in Dorset?

Seafood is always a popular choice in Dorset, with the county's long coastline leading to freshly caught options appearing on many local menus. Crab, oysters and scallops are particularly good here - and if you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the Dorset apple cake. Here are our travel experts' favourite restaurants:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Hannah and Tom recommend The Pig on the Beach in Dorset: they loved its kitchen-garden menu and laid-back country-house feel after a day of coastal walks along the cliffs.

1. Walk the Jurassic Coast
2. Hunt for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth
3. Explore Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck
4. Marvel at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove
5. Relax on Bournemouth's sandy beaches
6. Discover the legend of Old Harry Rocks
7. Ride a steam railway through Dorset's gardens

1. Walk the Jurassic Coast

   The Jurassic Coast is Dorset's headline attraction, a 95-mile stretch of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and sweeping bays. Lace up your boots and tackle a section of the South West Coast Path, where every mile reveals fossil-rich rock and far-reaching sea views. Routes run from gentle, family-friendly strolls to longer cliff-top hikes, so there's something for every pace. Watch for peregrine falcons and seabirds wheeling overhead along this World Heritage shoreline.

2. Hunt for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth

   Few activities thrill children quite like fossil hunting, and the beaches around Lyme Regis and Charmouth are among the best places in Britain to try. After a winter storm the crumbling cliffs give up ammonites, belemnites and the occasional ichthyosaur bone. Join a guided fossil walk to learn where to look and how to spot a genuine find, then visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to see what others have unearthed.

3. Explore Corfe Castle and the Isle of Purbeck

   Standing in romantic ruin above its village, Corfe Castle is one of Dorset's most evocative sights, with a thousand years of history written into its tumbled walls. From here, the Isle of Purbeck unfolds in a patchwork of heath, downland and coast. Ride the Swanage Steam Railway, wander the village's tea rooms and stone cottages, or follow the trails out towards the sea.

4. Marvel at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

   The natural limestone arch of Durdle Door is perhaps the most photographed spot on the entire Dorset coast, and seeing it in person never disappoints. Just along the shore, the near-perfect circle of Lulworth Cove shelters a shingle beach that's lovely for a paddle on a warm day. The walk between the two is short but steep, with views that more than reward the climb.

5. Relax on Bournemouth's sandy beaches

   Bournemouth boasts seven miles of golden, gently shelving sand, regularly rated among the finest beaches in the country. Build sandcastles, hire a deckchair, stroll the Victorian pier or simply soak up the sun. Behind the seafront, the town's leafy gardens lead up to lively shops, cafés and restaurants.

6. Discover the legend of Old Harry Rocks

   At the eastern tip of the Isle of Purbeck, Old Harry Rocks rise from the sea as a trio of gleaming white chalk stacks. According to local legend the name recalls either the Devil himself or Harry Paye, a notorious Poole pirate. An easy cliff-top walk from Studland leads to spectacular views across Studland Bay and, on a clear day, all the way to the Isle of Wight.

7. Ride a steam railway through Dorset's gardens

   Dorset is a county made for slow, scenic travel, and a heritage steam railway is the perfect way to enjoy it. Climb aboard at Swanage or visit one of the county's celebrated gardens, where vintage carriages trundle past banks of rhododendrons and woodland glades. Round off the day with a cream tea — jam first or cream first is a debate Dorset is always happy to have.