Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

Eton Cottage has been refurbished to the highest standard and enjoys a great mix of a ’picture postcard’ thatched cottage, with a modern and stylish interior. With stunning local walks from the door over the beautiful rolling chalk downland of the ancient Cranborne Chase, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The cottage offers two double bedrooms, one of which is located on the ground floor, and a cosy sitting/dining room with stylish wood burner. A small private garden offers the perfect place to enjoy a drink or the perfect space to eat, relax and soak up this rural retreat!

Farnham is a small rural village in north Dorset and is a great starting point to explore some of the wonderful countryside with miles of footpaths to roam on the doorstep!

A little further afield is the pretty town of Shaftesbury and the iconic ’Gold Hill’ and just half an hour from West Moors Country Park, with a high ropes course, miniature railway and bike hire make this a great day out for all ages!

Situated only 3 miles from Lyme Regis with its historic Cobb, harbour and sandy beach, and the market town of Axminster, this delightful and spacious, split-level rural cottage, with stable door entrance, is ideally located to enjoy West Dorset and East Devon. Take in some wonderful scenic walking on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, enjoy fossil hunting, boating, golf, fishing, horse riding and family time in Lyme Regis or attractions such as the Donkey Sanctuary and tramway at Seaton, Crealy Adventure Park at Exeter, Forde Abbey and Gardens, Beer Caves, River Cottage or exploring the cathedral city of Exeter and beyond. The owners’ property is close by, but not overlooking, with poultry and sheep nearby. You are free to explore the adjacent local nature reserve and woodlands and enjoy views over the Axe Valley. Shop and pub/restaurant 1 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.

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.

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.

Near 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.

In the village of Winterbourne Steepleton, only 3 miles from Dorchester with its many attractions, and within easy driving of the famous Chesil Beach and World Heritage Jurassic Coast, this detached holiday cottage is delightfully situated to explore West Dorset. Superb scenic coastal walking from West Bay, Bridport to Portland and Weymouth, and many family venues such as Monkey World, Tank Museum, Sea Life Museum and Deep Sea Adventure to enjoy. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

This lovely, semi-detached barn conversion for two is tucked away in the Dorset Hills in west Dorset, and on the edge of the south Somerset border. It is an excellent holiday home in which to enjoy this wonderful area and unwind. There is superb scenic country walking, for you and your dogs, a lovely Dorset village on the doorstep and village pubs to wine and dine in. Explore the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast and Chesil Beach, taking in Weymouth, West Bay (scene of the TV series ’Broadchurch’), Bridport, Charmouth and the jewel in the crown of west Dorset, the ever popular Lyme Regis. Visit nearby Forde Abbey and Gardens and the quaint town of Beaminster, or venture inland and explore south Somerset. Beach 11 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 1½ miles and restaurant 4 miles.

Escape to Wylye Croft: Your Perfect Pet-Friendly Holiday Retreat in Martinstown near Dorchester Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Martinstown, Wylye Croft stands as a quintessential haven for those seeking a tranquil and pet-friendly escape. This enchanting holiday let, a charming five-bedroom home, beckons travellers with the promise of unforgettable memories and breathtaking countryside views. With its impressive vaulted open-plan living area, a wealth of modern amenities, and a strategic location in the heart of Dorset, Wylye Croft is the ideal destination for your next multi-generational getaway.
As you approach Wylye Croft, the verdant beauty of the surrounding countryside welcomes you, setting the stage for an exceptional retreat. This spacious home effortlessly accommodates up to ten guests and their four-legged friends, ensuring that everyone in your party can experience the joy of the countryside together. The heart of Wylye Croft is undoubtedly its vaulted open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. This airy and luminous space, framed by large windows, provides an unrivalled panoramic view of the rolling hills and meadows that Dorset is renowned for. Picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets become part of your daily routine as you sip your morning coffee or enjoy a delicious meal prepared in the modern, well-equipped kitchen. For those moments when you crave a bit of downtime or need to catch up on your favourite shows, Wylye Croft offers a separate sitting room equipped with a Smart TV. The property features three bathrooms, each designed to offer comfort and convenience, ensuring that everyone can freshen up and prepare for the day’s adventures without any hassle. The attention to detail in these bathrooms is emblematic of Wylye Croft’s commitment to providing a luxurious and welcoming experience for guests.
Outside, the magic of Wylye Croft continues with its beautiful grounds and terrace. The spacious terrace, complete with outdoor seating, a BBQ, and a pizza oven, invites you to dine alfresco while soaking in the breathtaking countryside vista that stretches before you. It’s the perfect setting for memorable family gatherings, complete with the laughter of loved ones and the delicious aroma of freshly baked pizzas.
But Wylye Croft is more than just a luxurious holiday let; it’s a gateway to some of Dorset’s most enchanting day trips and places of interest. Just a short drive away lies the historic town of Dorchester, where you can explore the fascinating Dinosaur Museum, and the picturesque Maiden Castle, or immerse yourself in Thomas Hardy’s literary world at the Hardy’s Cottage. Alternatively, venture further afield to the stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and fossil-rich beaches. Whether you’re seeking relaxation and serenity or a base for exciting day trips, Wylye Croft has it all. Its pet-friendly policy ensures that every member of your family can join in the fun, and its superb facilities promise comfort and convenience. For those looking to create cherished memories in the heart of Dorset’s countryside, Wylye Croft is the ultimate choice for a multi-generational retreat. Beach 8 miles. Pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

This beautiful Victorian house, situated in 30-acre grounds, and is a small vineyard, close to the Georgian market town of Blandford, makes a great home from home for families or groups to enjoy Dorset. The property offers a small, outdoor heated swimming pool, a hot tub for 6 and a tennis court to enjoy at your leisure. Downward Vineyard has eight spacious bedrooms, all with TVs and three with en-suite facilities, and also boasts two wonderful living rooms, both leading into the large conservatory. There is also a large games room with a pool table and table football for all to enjoy, or why not go outside and play croquet in the garden?
Set in 30 acres of what used to be a vineyard, you can wander around the grounds, relax in the pool or hot tub, burn off some energy on the tennis court or have a barbecue for all to enjoy. Ashley Wood 18 hole golf course is accessible along a bridle way from within the grounds or would be a 2-minute drive from the property. Within easy driving, you can exploring Shaftesbury, Wimborne, Poole, Bournemouth, Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland, making Downwood Vineyard a good base for taking in the best the county has to offer. Slightly further afield you can visit the popular Isle of Purbeck, with its rugged and picturesque coastline, or take a ride on the Swanage Steam Railway, with its 6 miles of track going through scenic Dorset countryside. There are many family attractions nearby, enjoy a day at Monkey World, the Bovington Tank Museum, historic houses such as Kingston Lacy, Milton Abbey and Althelhampton, or the sandy beaches at Sandbanks, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole. Beach 18 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.