Dorset Holiday Cottages

Why Dorset?

The Jurassic Coast stretches from Oulton Cliffs, near Lyme Regis, all the way round to Old Harry Rocks at Studland, offering something new at every turn. The limestone arch of Durdle Door tumbles into turquoise water which, in the sunshine, resembles that of the Mediterranean. Lulworth Cove cups inwards while Chesil Beach extends for 18 miles from West Bay to Portland.

Inland, it becomes more peaceful. The Blackmore Vale is all dairy farms, hedgerows and church towers protruding from the foliage. Cerne Abbas has its chalk giant on the hillside while Sherborne has a medieval abbey, two castles and a high street with independent shops.

And the food is sensational. You can get Dorset crab at West Bay, smoked mackerel from Bridport and local ales in low-beamed pubs across Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton. The Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock does some of the best seafood on the whole south coast, and you'll probably find yourself eating there twice in the same week.

What kind of cottages are we talking about?

The range is wider than you'd expect:

• By the sea: Cottages in Lyme Regis, West Bay, Swanage, Weymouth and dotted along the Jurassic Coast. Several have sea views; some are a genuine two-minute walk to sand.
• Deep in the countryside: Converted barns, stone farmhouses, thatched places tucked down single-track lanes. The sort of cottages where the nearest sound is a wood pigeon.
• Dog-friendly: Enclosed gardens, nearby footpaths, beaches that welcome dogs all year (Charmouth, Eype, Shell Bay at Studland). Some owners accommodate two or three dogs.
• Luxury: Hot tubs, pools, high-spec kitchens, underfloor heating. Properties sleeping eight, ten, twelve for big family gatherings or celebrations.
• Just for two: Small romantic boltholes, often in a village with a decent pub at the end of the lane.
• Built for families: Bigger homes with gardens, space for cots, beaches and attractions close by.

All of them are self-catering, all listed by their owners, and every one comes with no booking fees. The price the owner sets is the price you pay.

Where to stay in Dorset

Lyme Regis, Charmouth and West Bay

The western Jurassic Coast is where fossil hunting meets proper seaside. Lyme Regis is a busy port with a decent museum and a smattering of restaurants along the front for more than just fish and chips (though there's plenty of those). Charmouth, a mile further east, is arguably the best fossil-hunting beach in the whole country. West Bay, with its impressive golden cliffs, featured in Broadchurch and is home to a handful of fish shacks that attract visitors from all over Dorset and beyond.

Corfe Castle, Swanage and Studland

The Isle of Purbeck isn't an island at all, but it has its own identity of heathland, limestone hills and beaches that feel like they belong further south. Corfe Castle dominates the village with its ruined walls. Swanage has a sandy beach, a Victorian pier and steam trains on the heritage railway running through the Purbeck countryside. Studland Bay is protected, the sand is white and the waters gentle enough for young children.

Weymouth and Portland

Weymouth's gently sloping bay is one of Britain's safest beaches and the tide remains quite shallow for a good distance out, which is why it's reliably popular with families. The harbour teems with fishing boats and dinghies. Portland, linked to the mainland by a causeway, is more exposed and windswept, with the lighthouse at Portland Bill and climbing routes on the sea cliffs.

Sherborne, Cerne Abbas and the Blackmore Vale

Inland Dorset is less visited, less expensive and possibly even more rewarding if you enjoy walking through quiet fields with nobody else around. Spend a morning exploring Sherborne's abbey and castle. Cerne Abbas draws visitors for the chalk giant, but the village itself is just as good. The Blackmore Vale is lush, serene and quintessentially English.

What to do on a Dorset cottage holiday

The South West Coast Path runs through the whole county from Lyme Regis to Poole Harbour, and many of the coastal cottages have sections of it on the doorstep. Some parts are quite challenging (the Golden Cap section will give your calves a real workout), while others are perfect for a quick stroll before breakfast.

Fossil hunting at Charmouth is free, genuinely exciting and works for children and adults alike. Corfe Castle is one of England's most atmospheric ruins, sitting on the very edge of the Purbeck heath. Brownsea Island, a short ferry ride from Poole, still has red squirrels and a colony of peacocks. The Swanage Railway runs steam trains through the valley to Corfe Castle and Norden.

If the weather packs in, the Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset County Museum in Dorchester and Lulworth Castle all work as wet-weather options. Bridport's Saturday street market is good for browsing rain or shine.

Why book direct with us?

We operate differently to those big booking sites. When you book a cottage on Simply Owners, you enquire and book direct with the owner of the property. We don't charge a booking fee, or add hidden extras to your bill at the point of payment. The price you see is the price you pay.

That direct link is the whole point. You can ask the owner about everything from step-free access and cot availability to early check-in and whether the log burner works. We verify each property ourselves, and we provide a Payment Protection plan so you can book with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area in Dorset for a holiday cottage?

It depends what you're looking for. If it's fossil hunting or walking, the Jurassic Coast (Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay) is the place to be. If beaches are what you want, try Purbeck (Swanage, Corfe Castle, Studland). Weymouth is good for families with young children. Inland Dorset, around Sherborne and the Blackmore Vale, is quieter and usually cheaper.

Are there dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset?

Plenty. Many owners on Simply Owners welcome dogs, and Dorset has dog-friendly beaches including Charmouth, Eype and sections of Studland Bay. Use the dog-friendly filter when you search.

How much does it cost to rent a cottage in Dorset?

A cottage for two might start from around £400 a week off-season, while a larger coastal home in summer could reach £2,000 or more. The advantage of booking through Simply Owners is that there are no fees added to the advertised price.

What is there to do in Dorset on holiday?

Walking the coast path, hunting for fossils at Charmouth, swimming at Studland, visiting Corfe Castle, riding the Swanage Railway, exploring Bridport and Sherborne, and eating rather well. The seafood is particularly good.

Can you find holiday cottages near the Jurassic Coast?

Yes. The Jurassic Coast runs the length of Dorset's shoreline. Cottages in Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay, Lulworth, Swanage and Weymouth all sit on or right beside it.

Browse Dorset holiday cottages

Browse our holiday cottages in Dorset and get in touch with owners directly. You can filter by area, bedrooms, dog-friendly and more. No fees, no fuss.

Interested in other parts of the South West? We have holiday homes across England, including Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.