Pet 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 to find the perfect holiday for you and your four-legged friend.
- 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 stay
- Chideock, EnglandA picture-postcard thatched cottage out in the countryside, a short distance from the Coastal Path. Rural location. Traditional. Family-friendly. Dog-friendly. Chideock 1.4 miles; Bridport 4.2 miles; West Bay 5.7 miles; Lyme Regis 6.8 miles.£105From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Chideock, EnglandThis charming, spacious, Grade II listed, thatched, detached cottage is set in the delightful village of Chideock. Between Lyme Regis and Bridport, and a short walk from the beach at Seatown and the scenic World Heritage Jurassic Coast, this is an ideal holiday base. Enjoy superb coastal walking, with breathtaking views from Golden Cap, fishing, swimming and fossil hunting, or explore Lyme Regis with its Cobb, harbour and quaint shops, and many other attractions nearby. Shop and pub 400 yards.£116From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Chideock, EnglandLocated in Chideock, between Bridport and West Bay to the east and Lyme Regis to the west, this holiday home is the main part of the owners’ detached house with an adjoining self-contained annexe for the owners use. It is ideally situated for enjoying and exploring west Dorset and the famous scenic World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and has a large, enclosed, lawned garden with a patio overlooking fields and footpaths towards Seatown. Wander over the fields to the coast at Seatown and enjoy some superb scenic coastal walking up to the top of Golden Cap the highest point in the south of England. Lyme Regis offers a great day or two out, with its picturesque harbour, sandy beach and famous Cob, where you can pass the time fossil hunting, boating, fishing, swimming, walking, exploring the quaint character shops, or simply wining and dining. Inland perhaps enjoy a cream tea at the Broadwindsor Craft Centre, or travel further afield to south Somerset and visit historic Forde Abbey and Gardens. There is so much to do you are sure to have a memorable time, and for a stress free holiday. Beach 1 mile. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.£139From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Chideock, EnglandThis comfortable and welcoming, thatched, detached former farmhouse dates back to 1750, and has many features such as beams, low lintels and sloping floors. The main house has two living rooms, a children’s living area and a dining room which seats up to 18. There is also an indoor swimming pool and an external games room, making it ideal for family gatherings and celebrations. The old creamery, located in a separate building, has been converted into an annexe with an additional two en-suite bedrooms, and still has the exposed stone walls and floors! From the farmhouse gardens there are far-reaching views over countryside and rolling hills and it is conveniently located for trips to Lyme Regis, West Bay and Bridport. There is a local bus service for those wishing to explore the area without using the car. Park Farmhouse is located on the coast road in the heart of the charming historic village of Chideock with a pub and restaurant a couple of doors away. Julia Bradbury’s ‘Best Walks With A View’ includes a walk which encircles Park Farmhouse. A popular farm shop is about a mile away with outside seating with glorious views over the National Trust land and the famous Golden Cap which is 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. In 1802 the Arundells were succeeded by the Weld family of Lulworth Castle who in 1810, built Chideock Manor. Park Farmhouse once served the occupants of the manor for many years with cream from the creamery.
The stunning and dramatic Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site covering 96 miles of coastline and is less than a mile away at Seatown. It is also known for its fossil hunting. The beaches of West Bay and Lyme Regis have a traditional feel with gift shops, tea rooms, inns and restaurants. Lyme Regis with The Cobb and harbour was the setting for the filming of The French Lieutenant’s Woman. More recently, Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ and Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far from The Madding Crowd’ were both filmed here. Renowned TV chef Mark Hix has an Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis. There are other pretty villages such as Beer and Branscombe within easy reach or you may wish to visit the numerous stately homes and gardens in the area. You can also discover Dorset’s sandy bays, rugged hill top walks and tiny coves. Fishing is available locally. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 240 yards, pub and restaurant 50 yards.£416From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Axminster, EnglandSituated only 3 miles from Lyme Regis with its historic Cobb, harbour and sandy beach, and the market town of Axminster, this delightful and spacious, split-level rural cottage, with stable door entrance, is ideally located to enjoy West Dorset and East Devon. Take in some wonderful scenic walking on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, enjoy fossil hunting, boating, golf, fishing, horse riding and family time in Lyme Regis or attractions such as the Donkey Sanctuary and tramway at Seaton, Crealy Adventure Park at Exeter, Forde Abbey and Gardens, Beer Caves, River Cottage or exploring the cathedral city of Exeter and beyond. The owners’ property is close by, but not overlooking, with poultry and sheep nearby. You are free to explore the adjacent local nature reserve and woodlands and enjoy views over the Axe Valley. Shop and pub/restaurant 1 mile.£65From price per night based on 7 night stay
- 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.£65From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Weymouth, EnglandFossils’ 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.£67From price per night based on 7 night stay
- West Lulworth, EnglandPretty thatched cottage sleeping three people in beautiful West Lulworth village. Garden. Welcomes two well-behaved dogs. Parking for one car. Pub 5 min. Wareham 9 miles.£67From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Weymouth, EnglandA lovely terraced house resting in a quiet residential area of Weymouth, Dorset. Enclosed garden. Pet-friendly. Near to beach. Dorchester 10.1 miles; Bridport 18.8 miles.£67From price per night based on 7 night stay