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.
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.£69From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
Price 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.£188From 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.£207From 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.£139From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Winfrith Newburgh, EnglandTranquillity Cottage is a delightful 17th-century thatched cottage, located just 3 miles from the UNESCO Jurassic Coastline with highlights such as the beauty spot of Lulworth Cove and the spectacular rock formation of Durdle Door and Lulworth Castle almost on the doorstep.
Offering very attractive and comfortable accommodation, this property boasts its own large garden bordering open countryside. One of a small row of Grade II listed cottages, it nestles in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Traditionally decorated and with beams and exposed brickwork throughout you’ll have no trouble relaxing in this wonderful cottage. Open the front door and step into the charming, beamed living/dining room, with an open fire in an inglenook fireplace and cosy furniture to snuggle into it’s a perfect getaway at any time of the year. The country style kitchen is well-equipped for cooking a superb holiday feast. Steep, curving stairs take you up to the first-floor landing with the twin bedroom leading to the double bedroom. Both the bedrooms have sloping ceilings and beams.
This is Hardy Country, with Dorchester, 8 miles, the centre of events in The Mayor of Casterbridge. Weymouth, 11 miles, with its award-winning golden sandy beach and traditional harbour front. An award-winning traditional village store is just 200 yards, as well as a choice of good pubs serving food nearby. It is also a great location with so many popular tourist attractions less than 10 miles away, including Monkey World, Bovington Tank Museum and National Trusts Corfe Castle, Arne Nature Reserve, Ringstead Bay and Kimmeridge Bay with Etches Fossil Collection, all of which all make great family days out.
Slightly further afield, you can visit Swanage, Poole and Poole Quay and Harbour which boast 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. Or even take the ferry for the day to visit the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. Shop 200 yards, choice of good pubs serving food nearby.£74From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Portland, EnglandClose to the seafront at Chiswell near the southern end of the famous Chesil Beach, this charming refurbished, 200 year old holiday cottage retains period features, offering stylish and comfortable accommodation. A nearby coastal path winds around Portland’s miles of remote Jurassic Coastline, ideal for sea fishing, and within easy reach is the Georgian seaside town of Weymouth, with its Blue Flag beach, Sea Life centre and RSPB nature reserve. Windsurfing, diving and yachting are popular in the area. Shops, pubs and restaurant within 300 yards.£66From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Osmington, EnglandWelcome to the Old Milking Parlour, a charming holiday retreat nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Osmington in Dorset. Immerse yourself in the idyllic surroundings of this quaint village, where history and natural beauty blend seamlessly to create a perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Osmington, with its thatched cottages and rolling hills, offers a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the village, discovering its historic landmarks and admiring the timeless architecture that transports you to a bygone era. The Old Milking Parlour’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the enchanting countryside and nearby attractions. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the stunning landscapes surrounding Osmington. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on scenic trails that wind through the Dorset countryside, revealing panoramic views of lush green fields and the sparkling coastline. The South West Coast Path beckons, offering a breathtaking journey along the cliffs, where the fresh sea breeze invigorates the senses.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Osmington Mills provides a charming spot for a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy a meal at the local pub, where hearty fare and friendly faces await. The nearby beaches, such as Ringstead Bay and Bowleaze Cove, invite you to bask in the sun or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. History buffs will be enchanted by the village’s rich heritage, with the iconic Osmington White Horse overlooking the landscape as a testament to centuries past. Explore the nearby market towns of Weymouth and Dorchester, each offering a unique blend of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical exploration, or simply a peaceful retreat, Osmington in Dorset has something for everyone. The Old Milking Parlour awaits, providing a cozy haven in the midst of this enchanting village, ensuring a memorable holiday experience for all.£88From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
