Holiday rentals in 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.

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.

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.