Dog Friendly Holidays Dorset
Dorset is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the UK for furry friends all year round. The Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door, Poole Harbour and the South West Coast path make Dorset the perfect dog-friendly adventure. Explore our idyllic selection of pet-friendly hotels and cottages to find the perfect holiday for you and your four-legged friend.
Bettiscombe, EnglandMarshwood Manor offers excellent accommodation and facilities in a tranquil rural setting, surrounded by Dorset’s loveliest countryside, and only 5 miles from the unspoilt beaches and golden sandstone cliffs of the coastline. The estate’s 10-acres of lawn, garden, pasture and woodland offer plenty of room for adults to stroll and children to play.
The properties have been carefully formed from a fine original range of buildings next to the manor house and may be booked together to accommodate larger groups holidaying together (property refs DEY, DFA, DEX, DUS, DWS and UK41304). Previously filmed for BBC television, all retain character and charm, whilst offering comfortable holiday accommodation fitted to a high standard throughout. Each has its own garden or courtyard with furniture, and all enjoy shared use of the extensive gardens and grounds. There is a large lounge bar/games area with table tennis. Approached along a private drive and set well back from the road, the cottages are perfectly positioned for enjoying this delightful corner of Dorset.
There is a variety of beautiful beaches, both sand and pebble, within a five to ten mile radius, including those at Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seatown, Eype, West Bay and Burton Bradstock. Fossil-rich cliffs define this dramatic stretch of coastline, which encompasses the 2,000-acre National Trust estate of Golden Cap. This is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and superb walking country, both on the rolling chalk hills overlooking fertile inland valleys and on the coastal footpaths offering spectacular clifftop views. It is also an area full of romance and history, with three ancient hill forts and the house and gardens of Forde Abbey all nearby.
A range of attractions is on offer in nearby country towns. Lyme Regis is a pretty seaside resort, its elegant colour-washed buildings and promenade lining a handsome harbour. Motor boats can be hired and there are fishing trips, a sailing school and a windsurfing school. Bridport is a thriving market town, featured on TV’s River Cottage, the Port Bredy of Hardy’s novels, offering a good choice of shops, inns, restaurants, an arts centre and a sports centre with indoor pool. The coastline is excellent for sea fishing and inland waters offer good coarse fishing. Golfers will find courses at Lyme Regis and West Bay and there is also horse riding nearby within 5 miles. Caterers are available locally. The local shop at Marshwood and two charming thatched country pubs are within a short drive. Shops 2 miles.£85From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Bridport, EnglandSet in the unspoilt village of Bothenhampton about a mile from Bridport and the new harbour of West Bay, where the TV series ’Broadchurch’ was filmed, and its beaches. The historic rope-making town of Bridport with its twice weekly market is a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Sweet Briar (ref 8234) and Buzzards (ref 8235, first floor) are in the east wing of an old country house and Farthings (ref 19292) is in the west. Many badgers have made their sets in the hill behind, and there is an abundance of wildlife. Perfect for relaxing or more invigorating walking holiday in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes extensive National Trust land. Chesil Beach, one of the finest barrier beaches, begins at West Bay. Lyme Regis with its Cobb and the famous fossil beach at Charmouth are close by. Not far away is the ancient town of Dorchester with its Iron Age hill fort and Roman town house and many other sites of historic interest. Spend a day at Abbotsbury Swannery, the only place in the world where you can walk among the baby swans (hatching from May). Golf course and leisure centre nearby. Bike hire available locally. Ideal for exploring the Jurassic Coast or for just relaxing in this tranquil village. Shop, pub and restaurant¾ mile. £56From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Shipton Gorge, EnglandManor Court Cottages are set in the picturesque village of Shipton Gorge. Within walking distance, 110 yards, are the village playing fields and pub selling the famous Palmers Ales and local food. This a fantastic location to explore the Dorset countryside and World Heritage Jurassic coastline, 1½ miles away. Whether its a family holiday, walking, bird watching, fishing, cycling or for a quiet break Manor Court Cottages are ideal. The pretty village of Burton Bradstock, 1½ miles, has a beach with a café, shop, post office, garage and pubs. The market town of Bridport, 2 miles away, has a lively and vibrant street market Saturdays and Wednesday, along with small shops, cafés, antiques and local food can be found, or pop into the museum and learn its history of rope and net making.
The picturesque harbour of West Bay is 2 miles away and was made famous by the TV drama ’Broadchurch’, while the village of Abbotsbury, 3 miles away, is popular for its swannery, sub-tropical gardens and childrens farm. Spread along the coast from Sidmouth is a host of attractions, including the Donkey Sanctuary and Beer Caves at Seaton and Axminster where you can ride on the trams or eat at the River Cottage restaurant. Into Dorset try fishing in a boat out of the cobb at Lymm Regis, fossil hunting at the museum or a walk up Golden Cap for the breathtaking views. Weymouth with its sandy beaches and Sealife Centre is well worth a visit, discover the dinosaurs at the Dorchester museum or travel back in time with a visit to Thomas Hardy’s cottage, go to war at the Bevington Tank Museum, or say ’hi’ to the monkeys at Monkey World. Enjoy a dip at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door for a sightseeing walk, explore Crofe Castle, and then all aboard the steam train at Swanage. Shops and pubs 1 mile.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Shipton Gorge, EnglandManor Court Cottages are set in the picturesque village of Shipton Gorge. Within walking distance, 110 yards, are the village playing fields and pub selling the famous Palmers Ales and local food. This a fantastic location to explore the Dorset countryside and World Heritage Jurassic coastline, 1½ miles away. Whether its a family holiday, walking, bird watching, fishing, cycling or for a quiet break Manor Court Cottages are ideal. The pretty village of Burton Bradstock, 1½ miles, has a beach with a café, shop, post office, garage and pubs. The market town of Bridport, 2 miles away, has a lively and vibrant street market Saturdays and Wednesday, along with small shops, cafés, antiques and local food can be found, or pop into the museum and learn its history of rope and net making.
The picturesque harbour of West Bay is 2 miles away and was made famous by the TV drama ’Broadchurch’, while the village of Abbotsbury, 3 miles away, is popular for its swannery, sub-tropical gardens and childrens farm. Spread along the coast from Sidmouth is a host of attractions, including the Donkey Sanctuary and Beer Caves at Seaton and Axminster where you can ride on the trams or eat at the River Cottage restaurant. Into Dorset try fishing in a boat out of the cobb at Lymm Regis, fossil hunting at the museum or a walk up Golden Cap for the breathtaking views. Weymouth with its sandy beaches and Sealife Centre is well worth a visit, discover the dinosaurs at the Dorchester museum or travel back in time with a visit to Thomas Hardy’s cottage, go to war at the Bevington Tank Museum, or say ’hi’ to the monkeys at Monkey World. Enjoy a dip at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door for a sightseeing walk, explore Crofe Castle, and then all aboard the steam train at Swanage. Shops and pubs 1 mile.£62From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Puncknowle, EnglandThese delightful holiday cottages are set in the peaceful conservation village of Puncknowle, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Jurassic Coast is just 1½ miles away with superb scenic walking. Each cottage is finished to a high standard offering very comfortable holiday accommodation and is set in the same smart courtyard area as the owners’ homes. The ‘chocolate-box’ village of Burton Bradstock is 3 miles with a good small beach. Abbotsbury, along the coast, has its famous swannery and sub-tropical garden. Further east is the Victorian seaside town of Weymouth, with Blue Flag beach, sea fishing, windsurfing, Sealife Centre and two RSPB nature reserves. Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool are great places for a family day out. Dorchester, the county town also known as Thomas Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’ is 30 minutes’ drive and has a lively weekly market and beautiful Maiden Castle. To the west is the market town of Bridport which was Thomas Hardy’s ‘Port Bredy’ and has the twice weekly market as featured in the popular TV programme River Cottage. The picturesque harbours of West Bay are a great place for fishing. Lyme Regis is an attractive seaside resort which enjoys a dramatic setting with high cliffs, landslips and handsome harbour, known as The Cobb. Both Lyme Regis and Charmouth are renowned for their prehistoric fossils which are displayed in the local museum and on sale in the fossil shops. Local pub serving good food 250 yards.£102From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Chideock, EnglandThis property is the perfect place to discover the UNESCO World Heritage 96 mile Jurassic coast, which is literally on the doorstep. Overlooking open countryside, this attractively furnished cottage is one of a pair in a large lawned garden about a mile from the sea. The village of North Chideock ¾ miles has a shop and friendly pubs. To the east lies the market town of Bridport, 3 miles, with many shops and good leisure centre. To the west is Lyme Regis, 10 miles, a seaside town of distinction and charm with a pretty harbour and famous for its fossil hunting. Dorchester, 18 miles, Thomas Hardy territory, has shops, restaurants, museums and cinema. Dorset boasts 18 golf courses. Fishing and sailing are available and there are excellent country and coastal walks from the door. The region has many fine houses and gardens open to the public.
The Jurassic Coast bus runs through the village of Chideock and is ideal for exploring more of this beautiful coastline without using the car. There is also a popular farm shop close by with outdoor seating offering great views over the National Trust land and Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. Steeped in history, Chideock was recorded in the Domesday Book as Cidihoc. In 1379-80, John de Chideock, a manorial lord, built Chideock Castle, just north of the village. During the Middle Ages, ownership passed to the Catholic Arundell family, who used it to provide refuge for priests and loyal followers during subsequent persecution. Shops ¾ miles.£76From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Whitchurch Canonicorum, EnglandTucked 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.£73From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Whitchurch Canonicorum, EnglandIn the heart of West Dorset, on a working farm, situated in the beautiful Marshwood Vale only 2½ miles from the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast between Lyme Regis to the west and Bridport and West Bay to the east, this large, semi-detached farmhouse for twelve guests and offers a great holiday location to escape from the pressures of life and unwind in this wonderful area. Purcombe Farmhouse offers spacious accommodation for two to three families. Outside one can sit undercover and enjoy a barbecue or al fresco meal with some wine, and families can relax in the large garden with its lawn and lovely views over the Marshwood Vale. Within easy driving there is much to do; exploring the seaside resorts along this scenic coast, taking in Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Eype, West Bay, Abbotsbury and on to Weymouth and Portland Bill. Perhaps some coastal walking, maybe up to the top of Golden Cap with its fantastic views over Lyme Bay, followed by a hearty meal and refreshment in Chideock. There is swimming, fossil hunting, boating, fishing and golf along the coast or inland attractions such as Forde Abbey and Gardens, Broadwindsor Craft Centre, Yeovil Fleet Air Arm Museum, Haynes Motor Museum and so much more to have a memorable gathering, be it family or friends. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£196From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Acton, EnglandIn a conservation area just a mile from the cliffs and sea at Dancing Ledge, this attractive and very well-equipped stone house enjoys superb views across the countryside towards Swanage Bay. Set with its own garden on the edge of the small hamlet of Acton, it has been completely renovated to a good standard throughout and includes an extension at the rear (part of which is the owners’ accommodation). Each bedroom boasts en-suite bathroom facilities and colour television making it ideal for large family groups holidaying together. Swanage (2½ miles) has a lovely sandy beach, and offers a wide variety of attractions, including shops, inns and restaurants, a theatre, and facilities for tennis and swimming. There are steam trains to the little town of Corfe Castle, and odd pieces of architecture brought from London, including the Wellington Tower on the beach, which once stood near London Bridge. The unspoilt village of Studland (4 miles) has another excellent beach (NT) and is close to woods and downs. North of the village is Studland Heath National Nature Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife ranging from wildfowl to lizards. A ferry runs from Studland across the bay to Sandbanks, from where the bay stretches on to Bournemouth. Excellent walking can be found in this area, with the coastal path running nearby along the cliffs, and the hills at Nine Barrow Down within easy reach. Riding stables at Wareham, 8 miles. Golf 4 miles. Poole and Bournemouth, both 20 miles. Shops ½ mile, three inns within a mile.£215From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Corfe Castle, EnglandThe Old Forge cottage nestles in the small ‘chocolate box’ village of Kingston in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, on the Dorset coastline. Restored and adjoining an ancient stone pub, this traditional single-storey stone cottage (including restored forge) has outstanding views of the historic Corfe Castle and wonderful open countryside of the Purbecks from its flagged courtyard. Although the property is single-storey, there are steps between some rooms and to the bedrooms. There are two double bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities, and one with an additional single bed, and a twin bedroom. The living area has a cosy wood burner and is open to the kitchen/dining area. A family bathroom completes the picture.
Corfe Castle is a very pretty town whichh is overlooked by ancient castle ruins which are now owned by the National Trust.
Nearby is the historic riverside town of Wareham with quayside and is one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Brimming with history, you must see the ancient Saxon walls, pastel coloured houses and enjoy picturesque riverside walks.
Swanage (5 miles) offers swimming, sailing, many shops, pubs and restaurants and a steam railway, and there is easy access to walks along the Purbeck coast.
Poole is just 8 miles north east and has the largest natural harbour in Europe. It caters for most tastes with water sports, coastal and woodland walks, and a plethora of shops.
Bournemouth is a little further east with miles of beautiful sandy beaches and provides traditional seaside attractions including a pier, amusement park and rides to keep the children entertained. Award-winning beach at Studland, 9 miles away. Arne RSPB nature reserve, 6 miles.£116From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
