Dog Friendly Holidays Dorset

Nestling in a tranquil location on the Devon/Dorset border, this well-presented single-storey barn conversion is set within the 40 acres of the owner’s home, which was the setting for The French Lieutenant’s Woman. It lies ½ mile from the popular medieval port of Lyme Regis with picturesque harbour known as the Cobb. Wonderful scenic walking abounds, with the South West Coastal Path just 500 yards away. Shop and pub ½ mile.

Oak Lodge is a detached property situated in a residential area just 3 miles from the sea front with its pier and award-winning beach. Attractively furnished offering spacious holiday accommodation and a good size secluded garden. A short stroll from the lodge takes you to a local Nature Reserve of 40 acres. Bournemouth can be enjoyed by all with the Town gardens, Oceanarium, many shops, bars and restaurants. A short drive to the New Forest with its famous wild ponies, or head for the Purbecks and enjoy coastal walks and pretty villages. Shops and pubs within 350 yards.

Manor 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.

During the first half of 2018 this apartment has been renovated and improved. The garden has undergone a complete overhaul as have the majority of the rooms within the apartment. Returning guests will notice a vast difference including the relocation of the front door and the removal of the conservatory being replaced with an orangery complete with underfloor heating. This family and pet-friendly self-contained holiday apartment occupies the entire ground floor of a converted detached Victorian house. It is centrally located for exploring Bournemouth, Westbourne and Poole.
The property is the perfect base to explore the Purbeck Hills, the port of Poole, Sandbanks and the New Forest. Nearby, take boat trips to local places of interest, including the National Trust’s Brownsea Island Nature Reserve and the RSPB Nature Reserve near Poole Harbour. Fishing, watersports and golf are all available locally and for vibrant nightlife and shopping, visit Poole and Bournemouth. Attractions close by include Farmer Palmers, Monkey World, The Tank Museum, Tower Park and Tyneham Village. Beach 3½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Less than 2 miles from the popular seaside town of Charmouth, and boasting spectacular, far-reaching panoramic views, these three properties (refs UKC3748, UKC3749 and UKC3750) are located in a superb location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, overlooking Marshwood Vale rolling countryside. Ideal for families and couples, they are suitable for all ages and there is something for everyone! Smiths Farm is around 200 years old, and the friendly owners live on-site, ready to give their guests a warm welcome. It used to be a small farm owned by the local blacksmith. Adjoining one another, The Smithy and The Stables are cosy cottage conversions of the old stable and hayloft. The Barn is a single-storey barn renovation, situated adjacent to the owners’ farmhouse, and has a sumptuous feel and high vaulted beamed ceilings. There are two en-suite bedrooms, and an additional shower room off the living room, which is useful for any guests who wish to use the comfortable sofa bed.
The properties are close to some of the most popular seaside resorts in Dorset including Lyme Regis, West Bay, Charmouth and Bridport. Charmouth is the nearest, which also has a local supermarket, pubs, eateries and a fantastic beach! Charmouth and the Jurassic Coastline have some of the most beautiful and accessible coastline in the UK, with spectacular fossil rich beaches. The area between Charmouth and nearby Lyme Regis is the only UK entry into the National Geographic 21 Best Beaches in the world 2017! There are also rolling hills and unspoilt countryside, much of which is managed by the National Trust, as well as the South West Coast Path. The popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis is less than 10 minutes’ drive away; it is an ancient town featuring in the Domesday Book and is home to historic Cobb and bustling harbour, great gastronomy, historical landmarks and educational attractions. Axminster is also nearby, which has excellent rail links to London and Exeter, as well as a thriving artistic community and great birdwatching on the mudflats.
Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from one of the many scenic walks for keen amblers including Charmouth to Seatown, or a shorter walk from Charmouth to Fitzpaine, the Golden Cap Estate (National Trust) and The Undercliffe at Lyme Regis. You can also enjoy golf, fossil hunting, swimming, fishing, kite flying, sailing, Lyme rib boat rides, West Bay Canoes and many other water sports.
Popular attractions within easy driving distance include Pecorama, a model railway with a light railway and indoor play area, gardens and cafés; Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and Abbotsbury Swannery; Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium; Axe Valley Wildlife, and Seaton Tramway. Also worth a visit is Corfe Castle, which has a rich and ancient history as well as the most evocative ruined castles in England. The famous cobbled Gold Hill and abbey ruins in Shaftesbury, the Iron Age hill fort of Maiden Castle in Dorchester, and the amphitheatre at Maumbury Rings are also popular attractions. Dorset also offers magnificent gardens and historic houses, as well as stately homes, and a wide range of events ranging from family fun and entertainment for all ages, interesting craft and antique fairs, village fetes, open air concerts and theatres. For more adventurous pastimes, you can take a guided walk along the coastal paths or through ancient woodlands, or enjoy treasure trails, beach games and water sports. Beach 1¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¾ miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.

Coastal Dream is a delightful, light and airy, single-storey detached bungalow located in a quiet residential cul-de-sac, near Christchurch and less than a mile from the sea at Mudeford. Perfect for couples, or friends and family holidaying together, and dogs are welcome too, guests will find plenty to do. Coastal Dream enjoys an enclosed lawned garden with patio and private parking for two cars, it is attractively decorated with modern furnishings offering a comfortable stay.
Mudeford itself is a charming village, Mudeford Quay, which is a former fishing village and now a suburb of the borough of Christchurch, is the entrance to Christchurch harbour and offers spectacular views out to sea, with local shops, pubs and restaurants all set in a pretty harbour area. Avon and Friars Cliffe beaches are less than one mile away, offering golden stretches of sand lined with traditional style beach huts, and is an ideal place for cycling, exploring the beaches and dog walking too, with the delightful, scenic views. Why not jump on the local ferry that takes you from Mudeford Quay across to Hengistbury Head, which is a fascinating place for its wide variety of wildlife habitats, archaeology, geology and has long sandy beaches - a perfect place to go on a sunny day.
Located within easy reach, just 15 minutes away, you also have the New Forest National Park, which is a must for anyone visiting this area for beautiful scenic walks, and to see the New Forest ponies roaming free. Bournemouth is just along the coast with great shops and beaches, as is Poole with its large natural harbour. Further afield to the west is the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, with Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Explore the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey on a day trip from Poole harbour or the Isle of Wight from Lymington. The medieval city of Salisbury and its cathedral, maritime Southampton, Stonehenge, Marwell Zoo, Monkey World, the Tank Museum, Exbury Gardens, Peppa Pig World, Winchester cathedral, Beaulieu Museum and Exbury Gardens are just a few of the places you can also visit from Coastal Dream. Other activities nearby include, horse riding, rambling, fishing, cycling, watersports, golf, swimming and browsing the art work at the local galleries. Beach 1 mile. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This secluded cottage boasts sweeping views across the fields. Located behind a beautiful pub where the owner lives, you can still enjoy the peace and quiet in this tranquil village. There is a private patio area with French doors leading from both the living area and the spacious kitchen/dining room.
With so much to do in the area you won’t be short of places to visit, such as Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum. Close to the Jurassic Coast, you cannot miss a visit to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Also well worth a visit is St Nicholas’ Church in Moreton, one of the few places where you can see Laurence Whistler’s stain glass windows and is also the final resting place of the adventurer Lawrence of Arabia. After your day of exploring you can come back to your tranquil holiday home and walk just around the corner for your evening meal and a drink at the pub. Beach 5¼. Shop 1 mile, adjacent to pub/restaurant.

Fossils’ End is a single-storey barn conversion, ideal for a rural retreat within the heart of the Dorset countryside. Accessed via a rough track, the property is located in Chickerell, close to the Georgian town of Weymouth, which boasts a golden sandy beach, picturesque harbour and is ideally positioned along the UNESCO Jurassic Coastline. It borders the owners’ home and is perfect for couples, family and friends who wish to enjoy the beautiful surrounding area of Dorset. The name Fossils’ End derives itself from local fossils that were found in nearby Dorset villages, which have been entwined into the barn, including a sea anemone found in Nottington and a petrified wood fossil found in nearby Charminster. The property offers an open plan living space with electric fire and French doors opening on to the front of the property with a large unspoilt garden (not enclosed). In the garden shed you will find sun loungers and patio chairs to use during your stay. The rear of the property offers some lovely Dorset countryside views and walking areas.
The UNESCO Jurassic Coastline is 3 miles away, with highlights such as Chesil Beach to explore, while Abbotsbury, West Bay, Bridport, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are slightly further away. The Jurassic Coastline is home to over 300 coastal country walks, offering some breath taking views over Dorset’s 200 million year old shoreline. The county town, known as Thomas Hardy’s town, of Dorchester, is home to Roman relics, Brewery Square and the pioneering architectural royal development of Poundbury. Take a trip to the Isle of Portland, host to the 2012 Olympic Games and home to the world famous National Sailing Academy.
Heading out west from Chickerell is a delight, where the outstanding views and ‘chocolate-box’ villages can be admired. The swannery at Abbotsbury provides the opportunity to observe the resident colony of mute swans, which has been in existence since the 14th century. From late May, visitors can walk around the nesting area, observing the cygnets at close quarters. Another attraction at Abbotsbury are the sub-tropical gardens, which flourish in a site protected from the cold winds. Here you can find species rare to Britain such as Japanese camellias and Caucasian wingnut.
It’s a great location with so many popular tourist attractions close by including Monkey World, Bovington Tank Museum and the National Trust’s Corfe Castle, all of which all make great family days out. Slightly further afield, you can visit Swanage, Poole and Poole Quay. Poole harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world and from here you can take the ferry to Sandbanks or Brownsea Island Nature Reserve with its red squirrels. Why not take the ferry for the day to visit the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey? Lyme Regis is also another hot spot to visit, known locally as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, and is a great place for searching for fossils found in the cliffs and along the beach. Beach 3 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

These stylish renovated properties are set in a rural location and form part of a charming collection of holiday homes. These five properties (refs UK40448 UKC3108, UKC3109, UKC3334 and UK40450) stand in a semi-rural location, adjacent to horse stables and accessed along a track. These properties are ideal for couples or families, offering couple, spacious accommodation and private outdoor spaces with hot tubs. There is also a shared games room with table football, table tennis and magnetic darts, and for guests who would like to bring their horse, stabling can be arranged by prior arrangement with the owner.

Many thoughtful and personal touches have been added, such as books, family games and a record player with a large selection of vinyl records. All of the rooms have a sumptuous feel, with careful co-ordination, very high levels of comfort and design. The bedrooms are all themed with feature wallcovering to one wall, using beautiful interior design. Also, all guests have shared access to a ’chill out’ room, outdoor table tennis, a playhouse, slide, boules, outdoor large chess set, badminton net, 5-a-side football – there really is something for all age groups!

The properties lie on the National Cycle Network, and this area is known for its scenic walks and wildlife. There is a direct gravel track along the Castleman Trailway (the old railway line) to miles of woodland walks making this ideal for walkers and cyclists. One route leads to a pub, Chinese restaurant and golf course (all within 20-minute flat walk).

Cranborne Chase and the Jurassic coastline (Purbecks, Swanage and Wareham) are within easy reach, the latter being a nationally protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers extensive scenic walks and a wealth of wildlife. Wimborne is a market town with a historic town trail taking in the buildings ranging from the 15th to 17th centuries. Here you will also find the popular Tivoli theatre, model town, coffee houses, shops, market and restaurants. The sandy beaches at Bournemouth and Poole are just 10 miles away and Sandbanks, Studland Bay and the Poole Natural Reserve are within easy reach. National Trust properties Kingston Lacy Estate, Badbury Rings and Brownsea Island are a short distance away. Beach 10 miles. Shop 1½ miles, Please note: Fireworks are not allowed in the garden or grounds of this property due to livestock and horses nearby.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 34 guests.

Limited is a charming holiday home that has recently been renovated and now offers fantastic accommodation for four guests. The cottage offers two double bedrooms, a modern stylish bathroom with bath, separate showe and shaving socket, a cosy sitting room separate dining room with open fire and a modern well-equipped kitchen. Outside the cottage offers a westerly-facing garden with off-road parking for two.
This is an excellent location to enjoy Weymouth’s beach, harbour, shops, and many family attractions. There is world-famous sailing on offer with the National Sailing Academy which was home to the 2012 sailing Olympics. Fishing, swimming, and boating are available locally, as well as coastal walking along Chesil Beach and Portland which are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline. The property is also within easy driving distance of Dorchester, Bridport, and Abbotsbury, with its swannery and tropical gardens. With so many places to discover locally, you may not venture far, however, a little further afield, you will find plenty of places to explore from the wonders of the New Forest national park to a fun-filled day at Paulton’s Park to the east or head west along the Jurassic Coastline and explore, wonderful coves, coastal towns and breath-taking scenery Whatever your reason for choosing Newstead Cottage, we are certain it will have you longing to return.