Dog Friendly Holidays Dorset

Set 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.

Welcome to Cuckoo Nod Cottage. This wonderful, semi-detached thatched cottage is in Coombe Keynes, which is less than 3 miles from the well-known Dorset Jurassic coastline. Upon entering the property, you are greeted by a very welcoming dining room with a beamed ceiling and connected directly to a lovely open plan kitchen with a fantastic, homely feel. Relax and unwind in the very comfy sofas after a long day exploring the Jurassic Coastline. The property has access onto a private and very beautiful cottage garden where you can relax and enjoy nature at its finest. Listen to the birds, enjoy the fresh country air and make plans for the rest of your holiday.
For the walkers and wildlife lovers amongst us, the Jurassic coastline offers miles of stunning walks to places such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Studland Bay. Further afield, you can visit Poole Harbour, The Blue Pool, historic Wareham and the second largest natural harbour in the world, a day out at the Tank Museum and a day enjoying Monkey World. There is so much to do and explore.
Back at the property, relax in the courtyard garden, gaze up at the stars and enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple whilst discussing your next adventures.

Within 2 miles of the famous Chesil Beach and World Heritage Jurassic Coast and between West Bay and Portland Bill, this Grade II 13th-century stone tithe barn, situated in Litton Cheney on a working farm, has been restored and extended to provide excellent detached character accommodation for 19 guests, in this sought after part of West Dorset. It offers a great location for enjoying this holiday area, and boasts nine en-suite bedrooms (five doubles, one with an additional single, and four twins), each with TV, and a large kitchen, ideal for self catering with a large group. There is even the added benefit of a self-service bar, so you can keep your friends and family entertained throughout the evening. The original stone barn, now a very impressive vaulted and beamed living/dining room, comfortably accommodates eighteen. There is plenty of room for all; guests can relax and unwind in the large garden, the children can play in the games room equipped with pool table, there is fishing (by arrangement with the owner) in the 2-acre coarse fishing lake, or simply wander down to the village pub to wine and dine, or enjoy some glorious country walking.
Within a few minutes’ drive is Chesil Beach at Burton Bradstock which stretches for 17 miles from Portland to West Bay and is a unique shingle ridge and natural beauty spot. The pebbles on the beach are said to increase in size from east to west, the largest being at Portland where a centre for wind and kitesurfing can also be found. West Bexington and Abbotsbury are a short drive away with opportunities for swimming and fishing. Abbotsbury is home to the swannery which is a popular family attraction for holidaymakers and where visitors can walk amidst colonies of nesting mute swans in a natural wildlife habitat. Originally established by Benedictine monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, the swannery was used to provide food for their banquets and has been featured in films including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens, which were established in the 1700s by the Countess of Ilchester, are another place of interest to visit. Magnolia and camelia collections are of particular note as well as rhododendrons and hydrangeas; a gift shop, restaurant and plant centre complete the facilities for a good day out. There is much to see and do in Dorset for families, especially at Weymouth, a short drive away, which offers many attractions including the Sea Life Museum, or visit Dorchester with its many attractions and shops. Further afield, family days out include Wool with its Tank Museum and Monkey World, or admire the natural arch of Durdle Door and the almost circular cove of Lulworth on the way to Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck. To the west one can see the magnificent World Heritage Coast and visit West Bay, Eype, Charmouth and of course the ever popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis, with its pretty harbour and Cobb. Shop 3 miles and pub 400 yards.

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.

Marshwood 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.

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.

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.

In a fine location in the scenic Marshwood Vale, midway between the popular and picturesque seaside resort of Lyme Regis and Bridport, on the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast and only 3 miles from the quaint seaside resort of Charmouth, these three holiday cottages, situated on a working beef farm, offer comfortable accommodation and a great location to enjoy the best of West Dorset. Stable Cottage, (ref 14804) is a detached honey coloured cottage looking out over the courtyard, Foxglove, (ref 25230) comprises of a single storey barn conversion with a couple of steps up to the living/dining room/kitchen and 2nd bedroom, and Bluebell Cottage (ref 26933) is split-level 3 floor accommodation; and all of these holiday properties can be booked independently or together. All have a small patio area. There is wonderful scenic walking from the doorstep into the Marshwood Vale and on the coast some stunning scenery overlooking the whole of Lyme Bay from Portland down to Torquay and, not for the faint hearted, walking up to the top of Golden Cap - the highest point on England’s South coast with breath taking views. Guests can enjoy this beautiful stretch of coast, taking in some fossil hunting, boating, swimming, and golf nearby. Explore the many little seaside resorts such as West Bay, Eype, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton and in particular Lyme Regis with its traditional harbour, famous Cob and variety of little shops. Further afield within easy driving is Weymouth with its Blue Flag sandy beach, Sealife centre, Time Walk and many other family attractions or going west, days out at Exeter with its cathedral, catacombs, shops and restaurants. Going inland explore this pleasant part of Dorset, taking in Beaminster, Broadwindsor, and Forde Abbey and Gardens. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.

Old Dairy Cottage is located just 5 miles from the stunning Jurassic Coast and South West Coastal Path and is an ideal one bedroom holiday home retreat for keen walkers and nature lovers. It is excellent holiday accommodation for those wishing to enjoy some wonderful scenic coast or country walking, perhaps with the dog. It’s one of six homes surrounding a former farmyard which has been transformed with lawns, trees and perennials. This cosy and characterful property enjoys views across a wild valley, perfect for guests in search of a relaxing break. Its proximity to the local village pub, ¼ mile, shop, 1½ miles and coast just 5 miles, makes it an enviable location.
As you enter through the stable door, the hallway leads to a large open plan kitchen and living space which is colourful and comfortably furnished with two sofas, one of which is a double sofa bed and can accommodate an extra two guests. There is also a 32” Smart TV with a DVD player, an electric wood burner and a dining table. A high ceiling and exposed beams give a bright and spacious feel, with cosy sofas to curl up on after a long day of exploring. The well-equipped kitchen ensures you have everything you need if you fancy some home cooking, the shower room is also on this level, there is one step up from the hallway leading to the inviting double bedroom which has a lovely view out over the garden. From the living area there is a peaceful rear, enclosed terrace and small lawn, with beautiful views across the valley, a haven for birds and butterflies, there is a small shallow unfenced pond in the garden so children should be supervised.
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. The village of Salwayash is a perfect base from which to explore the stunning Jurassic coastline, which offers endless different walks and hiking routes. The popular and lively town of Bridport is only 3 miles away, famous for its many different markets which sell delicious local produce. The bustling harbour town of West Bay is also close by, just 5 miles away. 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 there is 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 National Trust), Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Classic Motor Museum. Beach 5 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.