Dog friendly Lodges Dorset

In a lovely, very rural location on the edge of the quiet village of Fifehead Magdalen near Shaftesbury and Gillingham, this detached Grade II listed converted barn in local Marnhull stone is set in its own private grounds adjoining the owners’ Grade II listed farmhouse. This good quality conversion was originally for the owners’ own occupation. There are splendid uninterrupted views from the living room and garden over Duncliffe Wood, Melbury Beacon and the Blackmore Vale, and many walks straight from your doorstep. Enter into a spacious hallway with ample storage for coats and boots. The double bedroom features a ceiling fan and a walk-in wardrobe, also boasting ample storage. The property has a large, private lawned garden with shrubs and a flower bed, perfect for relaxing in after a day explore.

Shaftesbury, with its famous Gold Hill and character shops, and Sherborne, with its abbeys, castle and restaurants, are delightful places to visit. There are many attractions within easy driving including Stourhead House and Gardens, Kingston Lacy, a day out at Longleat House and Safari Park, Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Haynes Motor Museum with its fascinating selection of classic cars, racing at Wincanton and Salisbury and Wells with their wonderful cathedrals. Locally you can enjoy some great country walking or simply relax and wine and dine in some of the local village pubs. Alternatively just stay in (by the wood burning stove in the winter or out on the patio in the summer) and enjoy this rural idyll. Come for your honeymoon, wedding anniversary, significant birthday (please tell the owners so they can make it even more special) or a quiet break with your baby, as there is space in the bedroom for you to bring your own cot. The Jurassic Coast is 28 miles away. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Formerly the village forge, this cosily renovated and well furnished holiday hideaway nestles in the sleepy village of Lower Wraxall. It adjoins another cottage and is set opposite the owners’ farmhouse, in a ½ acre of private, partly wooded garden leading down to a stream. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is an abundance of wildlife to be found locally; footpaths and bridleways, making it a perfect location for exploring deep into the Dorset countryside. There is good access across Eggardon Hill to the World Heritage coastline at Burton Bradstock or to the harbour and beaches of West Bay. Also within easy reach are Sherborne, Bridport, Yeovil and county town of Dorchester. Breakfast and evening meals can be provided by prior arrangement. Shop 1 mile.

Set in beautiful west Dorset countryside, just a short distance from the market town of Bridport, West Bay (scene of the TV series Broadchurch) on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and the popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis, this single-storey, terrace barn conversion, for two, is excellent holiday accommodation for those wishing to enjoy some wonderful scenic coast or country walking, perhaps with the dog. The dramatic coastline stretches from Lyme Regis, all the way to Weymouth and Portland, taking in the famous Chesil Beach and Golden Cap, and has some superb little seaside resorts to explore. Inland, one will find much to enjoy ranging from Forde Abbey and Gardens, Broadwindsor Craft Centre and just over the border in Somerset, Barrington Court and Montacute House (both NT), Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Classic Motor Museum. Beach 5 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Tucked away in the sleepy little village of Whitchurch Canonicorum, the accommodation is next door to a quiet country pub. This completely self contained wing of the owner’s house, has been pleasantly furnished and well equipped to provide an excellent base from which to explore this charming part of rural West Dorset, including the Jurassic Coastline, designated by UNESCO as England’s first natural World Heritage Site. The surrounding countryside abounds in glorious walks and wildlife, and is dotted with picturesque villages. Within a few miles lies the National Trust coastal area famous for its stunning scenery, fossil hunting and with wonderful beaches at Charmouth. The Cobb breakwater at Lyme Regis is also worth a visit. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 15 yards.

This unique and enchanting property is part of the historic buildings of Cerne Abbey, formed as Benedictine House in 987 AD, overlooking the Abbey courtyard with large gardens nearby. The Abbey itself is privately owned, and guests can enjoy the grounds and wander freely. The property is in the pretty village of Cerne Abbas, famed for its dominating chalk carving of the Cerne Giant - thought to be carved in the hillside some 1500 years ago. Tucked away within the beauty of the Dorset Hills, miles of lovely walks can be enjoyed, including the village trail. Puddletown, Tolpuddle and Thomas Hardy’s picturesque Piddle Valley are within easy reach. Travelling further afield are miles of sandy beaches and some of Dorset’s Jurassic coastline. Shop and three pubs serving excellent food, 100 yards.

Nestling in the quiet hamlet of Acton, just a mile from the sea and cliffs of delightfully named Dancing Ledge, these two charming, Grade II listed, former quarrymen’s holiday cottages enjoy their own furnished gardens. Offering cosy accommodation for couples with plenty of rustic charm (with low beams and stone fire surrounds), they occupy either end of a row of three in a conservation area, affording lovely views towards Swanage Bay and many excellent walks along coastal paths or through charming villages, three inns lie within a mile and a half. Swanage, 2½ miles, offers a lovely sandy beach together with many other attractions, including shops, restaurants and inns, a theatre and an extensive range of sports facilities. Bournemouth 25 miles. Poole 20 miles. Shops ½ mile and pub 1 mile.

These holiday properties enjoy a rural setting and are located just 2 miles from Blandford Forum.
Places nearby to visit include Wimborne’s Model Town and Gardens, which is a scale model of how the town looked in the 1950’s, and Blandford Forum, with the Royal Signals Museum, The Blandford Fashion Museum and a brewery which offers tours, as well as shops, cafés and restaurants. National Trust sites within easy reach include Kingston Lacy House, Hod Hill, Hardy’s Cottage and the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Explore the New Forest National Park with its free roaming ponies, or visit the scenic Jurassic Coast and spend the day wandering the cliffs along Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Children will love the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm, where you can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride, feed the farm animals and ride the ponies. Further afield, you can explore Shaftesbury, Poole, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Dorchester.
Activities in the area include cycling along the North Dorset Trailway and golf at nearby Ashley Wood. More exhilarating sports can be found at Gorcombe Extreme Sports, which has an assault course, archery, go karting and paintballing. Beach 18 miles. Shop 2½ miles, pub 2 miles and restaurant 1½ miles.

This lovely, semi-detached barn conversion for two is tucked away in the Dorset Hills in west Dorset, and on the edge of the south Somerset border. It is an excellent holiday home in which to enjoy this wonderful area and unwind. There is superb scenic country walking, for you and your dogs, a lovely Dorset village on the doorstep and village pubs to wine and dine in. Explore the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast and Chesil Beach, taking in Weymouth, West Bay (scene of the TV series ’Broadchurch’), Bridport, Charmouth and the jewel in the crown of west Dorset, the ever popular Lyme Regis. Visit nearby Forde Abbey and Gardens and the quaint town of Beaminster, or venture inland and explore south Somerset. Beach 11 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 1½ miles and restaurant 4 miles.

A stunning shepherd’s hut nestled within the owner’s grounds in a pretty Dorset hamlet, overlooking lovely countryside and a small stream. This shepherd’s hut is perfect for an ’away from it all’ break. This peaceful village setting is an ideal location to relax and unwind for a romantic weekend away. It is also perfect to use as a base for a longer stay from which to explore this stunning county. From its picture postcard villages to the dramatic Jurassic Coastline, Dorset offers something for everyone, so whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation you are sure to find your thing.
The accommodation on offer is small yet perfectly formed, with everything you need and with its cosy seating area with wood burner (logs provided), comfy double bed and separate shower room and small kitchen to rustle up a quick lunchtime treat! There is also an outdoor bath with hot and cold running water, perfect for a bath under the stars! With a great local pub just a 1½ miles away, a good evening meal is just a short stroll away and with a hearty farmhouse breakfast available by request at the owner’s’ B & B just across the road you may never wish to leave. Beach 14 miles. Shop 1¼ miles, pub 1½ miles and restaurant 3¼ miles.

Foxglove is the WOW factor, this brand new larger than standard shepherds hut has had no expense spared when building. From the moment you see it to the first step it you will be amazed. Taking the short walk from the carpark through the garden you are welcomed to a stunning garden space with bench seat, BBQ/Fire pit and sail to keep you cool on those stunning summer days. 3 Steps directly leads you into the shepherds hut where you will find a fitted kitchen with fridge, oven with electric hob, and breakfast bar. The seating area is well positioned directly in front of the electric wood burner with views across the open countryside.
The bedroom area offers a raised king-size bed and the shower room is located at the rear here you have a cubicle shower, toilet, basin and Heated towel rail. The Wessex Ridgeway Trail nearby is a magnificent ridge-top route crossing Dorset’s rural heartland and is suitable for walking and cycling. The local pub is a 5-minute walk from Foxglove, which is open Thursday until Sunday lunchtime. There are also a variety of excellent pubs within a short drive of the property. There are many places to visit nearby in Blandford, there is the Royal Signals Museum, The Blandford Fashion Museum and a brewery which offers tours, as well as local shops, cafés and restaurants. There is a variety of National Trust sites within easy reach, including Kingston Lacy House, Badbury Rings, Hod Hill, Hardy’s Cottage and the Cerne Abbas Giant. You can explore the New Forest National Park with its free roaming ponies and visit Cranborne Chase with its diverse landscape.
You can head towards the coast to visit the scenic Jurassic Coast and spend the day wandering the cliffs along Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. The coast is a 35-minute drive. The whole family can enjoy a day at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm, where you take have a horse drawn carriage ride, feed the farm animals or ride the ponies. Further afield, you can explore Shaftesbury, Poole, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Dorchester. More activities in the area include walking or cycling along the North Dorset Trailway or golf at nearby Ashley Wood. More exhilarating sports can be found at Gorcombe Extreme Sports, which has an assault course, archery, go karting and paintballing. Shop 2 miles, pub 880 yards (open Thurs-Sun).