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.
Bridport, England
4.50Set 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. £64From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & book
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Bettiscombe, England 4.00Marshwood 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.£155From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Oborne, England 5.00Near the character abbey town of Sherborne, 2 miles, these two well-presented single-storey barn conversions with rugs on polished wooden floors, offer comfortable and spacious accommodation in a peaceful location. They are delightfully situated, and yet within 2 miles guests can be in the lovely town of Sherborne, enjoying the picturesque Blackmore Vale, or visiting many historic houses, such as Montacute, Forde Abbey, Stourhead and Longleat. Within easy driving distance of many family attractions such as the popular Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Motor Museum, and days out exploring the World Heritage Coast from Weymouth to Lyme Regis, or inland central Somerset, Glastonbury Tor and the exquisite city of Bath. Shop 2 miles, country hotel with bar and food 110 yards. Can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.£64From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Puncknowle, England 4.00These 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.£70From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Sturminster Newton, England 5.00These two single-storey, semi-detached stable conversions, each for three, are in the grounds of the owners home (a Grade II listed thatched cottage dating from the 15th century) surrounded by over an acre of meadow and gardens, overlooking the River Stour and Newton Mill. Situated in the hamlet of Newton on the outskirts of Sturminster Newton, between the historic towns of Sherborne and Blandford, and just south of Shaftsbury, they are an excellent holiday base to explore the rolling countryside of Dorset and the south coast. There are many historic houses within easy driving, in particular Stourhead House and Gardens (National Trust), Kingston Lacey (National Trust), Athelhampton, Sherborne Castle and Fiddleford Manor (English Heritage), or one can explore the delightful Dorset south coast between Weymouth and Bournemouth, taking in Lulworth Cove, Swanage and Poole with their many attractions. Weymouth with its beach, fishing, windsurfing, yachting and Sea Life Centre is well worth a visit, perhaps calling in at the Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World near Wool. Or inland perhaps a day at the Wincanton Races or up to the enchanting Glastonbury Tor for some scenic walking. Shop ½ miles, pub and restaurant 200 yards.£59From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Sturminster Newton, England 5.00These two single-storey, semi-detached stable conversions, each for three, are in the grounds of the owners home (a Grade II listed thatched cottage dating from the 15th century) surrounded by over an acre of meadow and gardens, overlooking the River Stour and Newton Mill. Situated in the hamlet of Newton on the outskirts of Sturminster Newton, between the historic towns of Sherborne and Blandford, and just south of Shaftsbury, they are an excellent holiday base to explore the rolling countryside of Dorset and the south coast. There are many historic houses within easy driving, in particular Stourhead House and Gardens (National Trust), Kingston Lacey (National Trust), Athelhampton, Sherborne Castle and Fiddleford Manor (English Heritage), or one can explore the delightful Dorset south coast between Weymouth and Bournemouth, taking in Lulworth Cove, Swanage and Poole with their many attractions. Weymouth with its beach, fishing, windsurfing, yachting and Sea Life Centre is well worth a visit, perhaps calling in at the Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World near Wool. Or inland perhaps a day at the Wincanton Races or up to the enchanting Glastonbury Tor for some scenic walking. Shop ½ miles, pub and restaurant 200 yards.£69From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Bettiscombe, EnglandMarshwood 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.£155From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Christchurch, EnglandSeaside Cottage (UKC5932) and Coastguard Cottage (UKC5933) each feature two comfortable double bedrooms. Bedroom one has a kingsize bed that can be made up as twin beds on request, with a sea view and an en-suite shower. Bedroom 2 has a double bed with beautiful sea views. There is also a comfy double sofa bed available in the spacious open plan living area with kitchen.
The beach is just 100 or so yards walk away and this area of Southbourne is quieter than the beaches towards Boscombe and Bournemouth. It is a sandy beach with fantastic views across the ocean and toward the Isle of Wight and The Purbecks. Also within walking distance is Southbourne high street which has a selection of convenience stores, independent restaurants, shops and pubs, including is a wide variety of takeaways and cafés as well.
There are numerous places you can visit nearby including Hengistbury Head which is an area of Scientific Interest due to the abundance of wildlife. Christchurch with its , independent shops, beautiful harbour and wide range of independant shops and eateries is well worth a visit. Bournemouth is also within easy reach with high street of shops, frequent events, cinema, theatre and of course its golden sandy beaches The New Forest with its free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys. It is an excellent place to go walking and cycling and is just a short drive away.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.£195From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
- Wareham, EnglandWelcome to Holly Hedge Farm, a wonderful collection of properties that we’re certain everyone won’t be able to get enough of!
Dorset has something for everyone. Close to the property, you will find Lytchett Matravers with local shops, pubs and restaurants. Further afield is the famous Dorset Jurassic Coastline. You will need more than a day to explore places like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis and are all worth the visit. From award winning beaches to attractions such as boat trips and water sports the whole family will enjoy themselves. Poole Harbour is approx. 15-minute drive from Holly Hedge Farm which lays claim to the title of the second largest natural harbour in the world after Port Jackson, Sydney, this is a place of natural beauty with trips running daily to the famous Brownsea Island. Keep the eyes peeled for a red squirrel. For the golfer among us Bulbury Woods Golf Club is approximately 1-minute drive from the property where you will find a tree lined course for all abilities to enjoy. Back to the property is where to make more memories around the wood burner and outside enjoying the end of the summer sun. Beach 7 miles. Pub and restaurant 2 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 19 guests.£77From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
Bridport, EnglandThe Coach House Retreat is a loving converted coach house nestled at the heart of Burton Bradstock a truly traditional Dorset coastal village, with its picture postcard cottages, traditional village inns, Village shop and a cliff top restaurant. Did we mention its also just a 15-minute stroll to the glorious Hive Beach, just a small stretch of the Jurassic Coastline and home to a wonderful beach front Café. Having been lovingly renovated, this charming holiday home offers all the creature comforts you would expect from a modern, luxury holiday home. With three beautifully appointed bedrooms and a large open plan living space this holiday home is just perfect for friends and family to enjoy a fabulous break in this wonderful part of Dorset.
Stunning countryside walks and miles of coastline to explore you won’t need to use the car, however just over 2 miles away is the pretty Georgian town of Bridport with a wide variety of independent shops, cafés and pubs, it’s well worth a visit. Other places to visit include the pretty harbour of West Bay or why not reach new heights and climb Golden Cap, Dorset’s highest point and marvel at the stunning coastal views. If that all sounds a little tiring, so why not just simply relax at the Coach House Retreat and enjoy good conversation with some great local food and drink. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 350 yards, pub 50 yards and restaurant ½ mile.
Coach House Retreat can booked together with The Retreat (M555306) to accommodate up 17 guests.£114From price per night based on 7 night stayExplore & bookPrice Match GuaranteeDogs Stay Free
