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.
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 & book
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Plush, EnglandSurrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside, close to the Dorset Gap, this substantial 18th-century farmhouse stands a mile from the pretty hamlet of Plush with its delightful village inn.
Retaining many original features, including ornamental fireplaces and splendid high ceilings, the property benefits from the addition of a games room in its cellar. Two comfortable living rooms, both with open fires and Freeview TV, means there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax after a busy day exploring the local area. The large, well-equipped farmhouse style kitchen is perfect for cooking a holiday feast, throw open the French doors and let the light and air spill in. With 7 bedrooms over the first and second floor, sleeping 14 guests plus up to 4 more on sofa beds, plus 6 bathrooms, this property really is a fantastic choice for a families or friends to get together and celebrate. With its own pretty, large walled garden, with lawned area and flower borders, it stands in the grounds of the owners’ 650-acre organic dairy farm; there are lovely walks from the doorstep amid the farmland.
The Dorset Gap is nearby, for walks amid stunning scenery, while sandy bays and nature reserves can be found along the World Heritage Coastline just 18 miles away. Dorchester (Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge) is within driving distance for a wide range of attractions, including a lively weekly market, with the beautiful Maiden Castle sure to be a highlight. A trip to the charming town of Cerne Abbas, with its Tudor architecture, and the nearby Cerne Giant are also a must on any itinerary. There are good golf courses in the vicinity and a selection of excellent inns and restaurants within 7 miles, this truly is an ideal location to suit a variety of holiday needs. Shop 5 miles.
Armswell House (DQT) and The Stables (DXS) can be booked together to accommodate up to 32 guests.£254From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Plush, EnglandThe Stables is a detached stable conversion and benefits from a large, open-plan kitchen/dining-room with a high ceiling and beams, a living room with a wood-burning stove and also has its own garden with great views over the surrounding countryside. The holiday property stands in the grounds of the owners’ 650-acre organic dairy farm; there are lovely walks from the doorstep amid the farmland. The Dorset Gap is nearby for walks amid stunning scenery, while sandy bays and nature reserves can be found along the World Heritage Coastline just 18 miles away. Dorchester (Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge) is within driving distance for a wide range of attractions, including a lively weekly market with the beautiful Maiden Castle sure to be a highlight. A trip to the charming town of Cerne Abbas with its Tudor architecture, tea rooms and the nearby Cerne Giant is also a must on any itinerary.
The seaside town of Weymouth with splendid harbour, Georgian seafront and long sandy beach makes a great day out and the ferry for day trips to the Channel Islands also leaves from the town. Just a few of the pretty Dorset villages to explore are Abbotsbury with its sub-tropical garden and swannery, Milton Abbas (the first planned settlement in England) with whitewashed thatched cottages and the 14th-century abbey, NT Corfe Castle and Lulworth with famous natural cove and over the hill to Durdle Door. There are RSPB reserves at Arne near Wareham and two at Weymouth. With good golf courses in the vicinity and a selection of excellent inns and restaurants within 7 miles, this truly is an ideal location to suit a variety of holiday needs. Shop 5 miles, pub 1 mile.
The Stables (DXS) and Armswell House (DQT) can be booked together to accommodate up to 32 guests.£217From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Glanvilles Wootton, EnglandSituated on a 300-acre working sheep and beef farm in the beautiful surroundings of the north west Dorset countryside, and only 5 miles south of the delightful abbey town of Sherborne, these three holiday homes offer a great location to get away from it all. The Farmhouse (UKC2911), which sleeps up to twelve guests, and the smaller wing of the property, Churchill Cottage (ref DQR), which sleeps six guests, have an interconnecting door allowing for both to be booked together (sleeping 18 guests) or independently. Standing detached is The Stables (ref DSG) which sleeps five guests.
The Farmhouse and Churchill Cottage have interesting historical connections, having once been owned by John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough and the highwayman John Clavell respectively. The Farmhouse offers its own games room with a pool table, and a dining area seating 18, although all three properties have use of a shared outside games room. The properties also have use of the coarse fishing lake, 100 yards away.
The properties are ideal for a family or groups who might wish to get away from it all, and their location lends itself for some fine country walking and cycling. Visit Sherborne with its abbey, castle, fine character shops, cafés and inns. Within easy driving there are also many historic houses, such as Montacute House and Gardens and Stourhead House and Gardens to name just two. For family outings Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Motor Museum, with its fascinating classical car collection, are worth a visit, and slightly further afield, the ever popular Longleat House and Safari Park is great for a day out.
The south coast resorts of Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis, on the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, beckon, with plenty of water activities to enjoy, or going inland to south Somerset, one can take in the Clarks Village Outlet, Glastonbury Tor and the very popular Roman city of Bath with its many tourist attractions. Nearby, visit Cerne Abbas, famed for its chalk giant on the hillside, and just beyond is Dorchester, the county town with its many museums. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
Churchill Cottage (ref DQR), The Stables (ref DSG) and The Farmhouse (ref UKC2911) can be booked together to accommodate up to 23 guests.£65From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Leigh, EnglandIn the quaint village of Leigh, just south of the picturesque abbey town of Sherborne, this Grade II listed, terraced barn conversion is set in an L-shape around a courtyard on one side with lovely country views over Thomas Hardy’s famous Blackmoor Vale. Set on the edge of an organic farm, it offers an excellent holiday base to explore North West Dorset and South Somerset. Renovated to a high standard with exposed beams, it has been tastefully furnished, and has use of a communal games room with a snooker table, table football and darts.
There is superb country walking available from the doorstep, a village shop within walking distance, golf, horse riding and water activities nearby, as well as canoeing at Halstock Reservoir. Within easy driving distance, you can visit the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum with its prototype Concorde, the Haynes Motor Museum, with its fascinating selection of vintage motor cars, and Montacute House and Gardens, one of the many historic houses in the area.
Spend days exploring Glastonbury, with its famous and enchanting Tor, the cathedral city of Wells, home to Bishops Palace, the famous Cheddar Gorge and Caves, and the Georgian city of Bath with its delightful Roman baths, museums and of course, shops and restaurants. Travel south where you will find the spectacular World Heritage Jurassic Coast and Chesil Beach, with the popular seaside resorts of Lyme Regis, Bridport and Weymouth, all offer many attractions, sights and activities to enjoy. More locally, Sherborne Abbey and Castle and the market town of Dorchester are not too far. Beach 24½ miles. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 1 mile.£149From 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
Wareham, EnglandSympathetically converted, this lovely detached coach house stands within its own large garden, with views over the shared swimming pool (open from May weather dependent) from its open-plan living room. It enjoys use of the owners’ woodland grounds, with shady walks leading down to a river.
For history enthusiasts, Wareham is a treasure trove of ancient sites and stories. Explore the well-preserved town walls and immerse yourself in the town’s Saxon past. Don’t miss the impressive Wareham Town Museum, where artifacts and exhibits transport you back in time. Nearby, the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle, 6 miles, stand sentinel over the countryside, providing a glimpse into England’s turbulent history.
Just a short drive away lies the vibrant coastal resort of Bournemouth. Here, guests can soak up the sun on the golden sands, stroll along the bustling promenade, or indulge in some retail therapy at the eclectic shops and boutiques. For those seeking a taste of adventure, water sports and beach activities abound, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Poole, 7 miles, is a coastal gem, known for its picturesque harbourside and bustling quayside. Take a leisurely stroll along the quay, where traditional pubs, seafood restaurants, and quaint shops line the waterfront. Here, you can savour freshly caught fish and chips, or indulge in a relaxing afternoon tea while watching boats gently bob on the water. Nearby Brownsea Island, a short ferry ride away, is a nature lover’s paradise. This tranquil sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including red squirrels and a multitude of bird species.
Studland Bay is also close by with a sandy beach and ferries to the Channel Islands (summer only) and France. Shops ¼ mile.£114From 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
