Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

Set in the grounds of the owner’s home, in rolling West Dorset countryside between the quaint historic abbey town of Sherborne and the market town of Dorchester, this spacious, single-storey barn conversion for two, with beams, is an ideal holiday location for lovely country walks, golf, and village pubs to wine and dine in, or for exploring many historic houses and attractions nearby and days out visiting the World Heritage Coast or Bath. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

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.

In 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.

Surrounded 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.

Nestling in the quiet hamlet of Acton, just a mile from the sea and cliffs of delightfully named Dancing Ledge, these two charming, Grade II listed, former quarrymen’s holiday cottages enjoy their own furnished gardens. Offering cosy accommodation for couples with plenty of rustic charm (with low beams and stone fire surrounds), they occupy either end of a row of three in a conservation area, affording lovely views towards Swanage Bay and many excellent walks along coastal paths or through charming villages, three inns lie within a mile and a half. Swanage, 2½ miles, offers a lovely sandy beach together with many other attractions, including shops, restaurants and inns, a theatre and an extensive range of sports facilities. Bournemouth 25 miles. Poole 20 miles. Shops ½ mile and pub 1 mile.

In the small village of Winterborne Abbas, in west Dorset’s Hardy Country, this large, 300 year old, former guest house is conveniently located next to the main road, making an ideal base for venturing out on day trips and exploring this wonderful area. Churchview House offers great accommodation for 17 guests, which is excellent for family or group gatherings. The house offers 2 living rooms, a large dining area with open fires, and 9 bedrooms, of which 8 are en-suite, all with TV’s the other having a bathroom next door. It is in an ideal location near Dorchester (4 miles) which is the county town of Dorset, and Bridport (10 miles) and West Bay (12 miles). The amazing Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon is 5 miles with many water sports available. Travelling a short distance along the causeway, you can enjoy stunning views from Portland and the famous Portland Bill Lighthouse, all the way over to Lyme Bay, and along this famous stretch of English coastline, now designated as the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, with its superb coastal walking and scenery. Within easy driving distance, enjoy family days out at Weymouth with its stunning, award-winning sandy beach which the children will love, visit the Sea Life Adventure Park and Sea Life Tower, or perhaps try some windsurfing in Portland harbour. There are many attractions in this lovely part of the world; Dorchester has many museums, there is the Tank Museum at Bovington, Monkey World, Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens. Further west, enjoy a day out taking in the famous Cob and harbour at Lyme Regis with its beach and quaint shops. Sherborne, Poole (28 miles) and Wareham (22 miles) are also worth visiting for many further attractions. Beach 5 miles. Shop and restaurant 2½ miles, pub ¼ mile.

These holiday properties enjoy a rural setting and are located just 2 miles from Blandford Forum.
Places nearby to visit include Wimborne’s Model Town and Gardens, which is a scale model of how the town looked in the 1950’s, and Blandford Forum, with the Royal Signals Museum, The Blandford Fashion Museum and a brewery which offers tours, as well as shops, cafés and restaurants. National Trust sites within easy reach include Kingston Lacy House, Hod Hill, Hardy’s Cottage and the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Explore the New Forest National Park with its free roaming ponies, or visit the scenic Jurassic Coast and spend the day wandering the cliffs along Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Children will love the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm, where you can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride, feed the farm animals and ride the ponies. Further afield, you can explore Shaftesbury, Poole, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Dorchester.
Activities in the area include cycling along the North Dorset Trailway and golf at nearby Ashley Wood. More exhilarating sports can be found at Gorcombe Extreme Sports, which has an assault course, archery, go karting and paintballing. Beach 18 miles. Shop 2½ miles, pub 2 miles and restaurant 1½ miles.

This elegant, Grade II listed Georgian town house is located next door to the popular Tivoli Theatre – perfect for a night out. Families, groups or couples will enjoy the delights of this charming town which has various eateries, inns, cafés, traditional shops and the beautiful historic minster. The Town House has many attractive period features, such as wood floors, sash windows and ornamental fire surrounds. On the ground floor is a large bedroom with en-suite shower room, a living room complete with an open fire, and a kitchen/dining room. Upstairs there are four further bedrooms, three benefiting from en-suite facilities, and a family bathroom with roll-top bath. Outside, the enclosed patio has a seating area and barbecue, and there is a park close by, ideal if you have brought your four-legged friends or for children. It is about a 5-minute walk to the public car park.
Wimborne Minster is centrally located within this quaint town. Built in 705 AD, it was founded by the mother of King Henry V11, and is famed for its chained library and the tomb of Alfred the Great’s brother. Many people also frequent the Gin House which has a large selection of worldwide gins available. There are various festivals and fairs throughout the year too. Within easy driving distance are beaches at Sandbanks, Studland Bay, Bournemouth, Poole Nature Reserve and Brownsea Island, and to the west, you can visit The Purbecks, Corfe Castle and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
For the outdoor enthusiasts there are various walks within easy reach, plus for a family day out, visit Moors Valley which is ideal for all age groups and is also dog friendly. As well as scenic walks and excellent wildlife spotting, there are a host of recreational activities available such as angling, orienteering, cycle hire, golf, Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, Forest Segway, walking groups, canoeing and péntanque. For keen amblers, Avon Heath is also nearby. The New Forest National Park is easily accessible and provides miles of scenic walks and a network of bridleways and footpaths, and you can often find the ponies and cattle roaming the streets in one of the many picturesque villages.
There is a water park nearby in the charming town of Fordingbridge which also has a host of shops, cafés and eateries, and the gentle flowing River Avon. The Town House is convenient for road links to the cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury, Christchurch Harbour and Stonehenge. Other attractions include Marwell Zoo with Peppa Pig World, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Bovington Tank Museum, New Forest Otter and Owl Park and various other tourist attractions. Beach 11½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Situated 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.