
Holiday rentals in Dorset
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Other great holiday rentals in Dorset

Comfortable, luxury shepherds hut with hot tub
We had the most wonderful couple of days staying at Honey Bee relaxing in the peace and quiet. The views are outstanding, the Shepherds hut is beautifully made, with gorgeous interior and very well equipped. It is an ideal location with great local pubs in the surrounding villages also Bridport and West bay only 10 minutes down the road. We really wished we could have stayed longer, we can’t wait to return as soon as time allows!

Charming cottage in Stour Provost
We have just returned from Caroline’s beautiful cottage. It was everything we wished for and more. The cottage had everything we needed, the beds were extremely comfortable and the cottage was exceptionally clean. The surrounding area was very quaint and pretty and there was lots to explore in the area and a bit beyond. We spent NYE at Durdle Door, an hours drive away but well worth it. Would highly recommend Caroline’s cottage and our dog loved it too.

Ganders Cottage at Highway Farm, Bridport
We had a lovely stay in Ganders Cottage, with two young children. The cottage was spotlessly clean, pleasant to stay in and we put the patio to good use by having breakfast there every day. We even spotted a pheasant from the garden. The kids enjoyed the cottage and it was very family friendly. We only regret not taking the time to explore the farm and walk the area. The cottage was ideally situated to explore the Jurassic Coast, and we had many lovely outings to the nearby beaches. Charlotte and Robin were great hosts, attentive yet unintrusive, kind and thoughtful. They gave us good tips before and during the stay.

Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Games - Upton Bourn
This place covers all the bases for a great stay for a big family get together! Excellent communications, nice welcome and then all the things to keep three families from ages 3-16 entertained. Private pool great, Games Room great, Hot Tub was spot on and actually hot (unlike so many that aren't)! Sauna probably needs some renovation love. Bedrooms great, enough space. Devonshire Arms nice food, Halfway House nice beer and vibes. All the ingredients for a place to kick back and have some much needed family time. Highly recommend!

Great Coombe - panoramic views & lake
We stayed as a family group of 6 adults and 3 kids over Easter. The location and view were beautiful as was the local area. We saw a woodpecker visiting the bird feeder several times which was a nice treat! Our trip was geared towards children’s activities and we had lots of choice of things to do in the local area within a 30-45 minute drive. The games room was a great bonus and provided hours of enjoyment for kids and adults alike. The house was very clean, tastefully decorated and well presented with a very well equipped kitchen. The downstairs living area was spacious and had ample seating so there was always somewhere to flop at the end of the day. Nicola was pro active and helpful and responded very quickly to any questions we had. Overall we had a lovely time at Great Coombe :-)

Charming Country Cottage
We chose a long weekend the week before Easter. The house and the location matched our expectations and needs. Allan’s meet and greet on arrival was a warm welcome and informative. Brook House is a lovely home and we had a great stay. The spacious kitchen, bedrooms downstairs, wood burner and hot tub are real highlights. We enjoyed a BBQ and a Sunday Roast during our stay. The outdoor patio lights work very well to enjoy the garden in the evenings. The house is wonderfully located to explore the south coast and nearby attractions. We enjoyed a walk to the local club for drinks and live music. (Only available Fridays) on the first evening. We did a day trip to Brownsea Island which was fun. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest nearby offers a lot of options for a family Sunday outing. Our only fault was not staying a few more days!
Charming Brick Cottage with a Patio and Hot Tub
A lovely property close enough to get to places within half an hour but out the way enough to be quiet and peaceful. Beautiful surrounding and beautifully kept property as described and spotless. Jane was lovely and close if we needed any help and always friendly and helpful. Just lovely place would 100% recommend and stay again if ever in the area again.

The Byre lovely traditional stone barn
A very well appointed and comfortable property with pretty much everything you would need. Excellent kitchen, bathroom, laundry facilities, sitting / dining and very spacious bedroom. We would gladly stay again and would not hesitate to recommend it to any couple, or a couple with a child.
Your guide to Dorset
All About Dorset
From the ruins of Corfe Castle to pastel-hued harbours, from rocky shoreline to verdant countryside, Dorset is a patchwork of history. One of the county’s most famous features is the striking natural stone arch of Durdle Door, which sits on the imposing Jurassic Coast. Home to fossils galore and secluded coves, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with idyllic clifftop walks and turquoise waters for sea swimming — just be prepared for potentially chilly water temperatures. Victorian Bournemouth, Dorset’s largest town, is known for its sweeping beach and manicured gardens, while Poole combines a scenic harbour with a motorcycle speedway stadium dating back to the 1940s.
Weymouth is also a popular destination for summer visitors, who line its curved, sandy beach and blend in with the rows of boats in its traditional harbour. Moving out into the countryside, you’ll find grand manor houses, expansive estates, blooming gardens, and plenty of local wildlife. Along the shoreline, there are working lighthouses, pretty piers, and charming fishing villages to admire.
The best time to stay in a holiday rental in Dorset
Summer is the most popular time to visit Dorset, with beaches peppered with families, regular boat trips operating along the coast, and harbourfront cafes buzzing with diners. However, like the rest of the UK, even the summer months can bring rain showers as well as sunshine. Veterans of British summer breaks will know that sunscreen and a light waterproof coat are advised to cover all eventualities. The summer months are also peak season for wildlife spotting — head to Brownsea Island for sightings of deer, lizards, dragons, and butterflies. Springtime is another good time for a cottage holiday in Dorset, as temperatures are generally milder than other parts of the country. The Food Rocks festival also draws crowds to Lyme Regis in September for two days of foodie fun, from classes run by experts to supper clubs showcasing local seafood.
Top things to do in Dorset
The South West Coast Path
There are over 600 miles of the South West Coast Path to explore, running from Poole Harbour, snaking around the Cornish shoreline, through Devon and right up to Somerset. If you’re looking for a shortcut to the scenic views, there are a number of coastal bus routes that make hiking shorter sections an easy option.
Portland Bill Lighthouse
Park up within a stone’s throw of the lighthouse itself, or take a short boat trip across from Weymouth Harbour for a real sense of its maritime history. Lighting the way for sailors since the early 20th century, Portland Bill Lighthouse is still operational, and visitors can climb its 41-metre tower for a commanding view of the Portland Race — a powerful clash of tides off the headland.
Holes Bay Nature Park
Wildlife spotters love this peaceful park, which offers a stunning display of flora in spring and summer to accompany its plentiful fish species, roosting birds, and wildfowl. Aside from the fauna — there’s something to see here whatever the time of year — you can also enjoy a coastal walk that connects to the nearby Castleman Trailway.
Destinations to explore
- Shepherd’s hut rentals Dorset
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- New Forest national park
- Weymouth Beach
- Bournemouth Beach
- Boscombe Beach
- Southbourne Beach
- Winchester Cathedral
- Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
- Stonehenge
- Tapnell Farm Park
- The Tank Museum
- Marwell Zoo
- Crealy Theme Park & Resort
- Poole Quay
- Hurst Castle
- Sandy Bay Beach Blue Flag Winner 2019
- Charmouth Beach
- Palace House
- Blackgang Chine
- Highcliffe Beach
- Bath Abbey
- Bowood House and Gardens
- Lacock Abbey
- Beer Beach
- Kilve Beach
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