Dog-friendly Hotels 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.

These 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.

These 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.

Nestling in beautiful countryside just 12 miles from West Bay, these comfortable lodge style properties offer an ideal base from which to explore the Jurassic Coast and glorious landscape inland. Along with five caravans tucked into a field with grazing sheep behind them, they are within a short drive of the Abbotsbury Swannery, 5 miles, and subtropical gardens, and Weymouth, 7 miles, with its traditional seaside delights, beaches and sealife centre. Monkey World, the Bovington Tank Museum, Corfe Castle, the fascinating Maize Maze, Lulworth Cove, the Cerne Abbas Giant and historic town of Dorchester are among easily accessible attractions. Shop 0.5 miles, pub serving food 1 mile.

A delightful property resting on the outskirts of Sherborne. All-ground-floor accommodation. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Yeovil 10.6 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.

Nestling in beautiful countryside just 12 miles from West Bay, these comfortable lodge style properties offer an ideal base from which to explore the Jurassic Coast and glorious landscape inland. Along with five caravans tucked into a field with grazing sheep behind them, they are within a short drive of the Abbotsbury Swannery, 5 miles, and subtropical gardens, and Weymouth, 7 miles, with its traditional seaside delights, beaches and sealife centre. Monkey World, the Bovington Tank Museum, Corfe Castle, the fascinating Maize Maze, Lulworth Cove, the Cerne Abbas Giant and historic town of Dorchester are among easily accessible attractions. Shop 0.5 miles, pub serving food 1 mile.

Pretty thatched cottage sleeping three people in beautiful West Lulworth village. Garden. Welcomes two well-behaved dogs. Parking for one car. Pub 5 min. Wareham 9 miles.

A flexible ground-floor apartment close to Lyme Regis in Dorset. Child-friendly. Dog-friendly. Great location. Open-plan. Lyme Regis 0.1 miles; Seaton 7.9 miles; West Bay 11.1 miles; Dorchester 25.1 miles.