Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

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.

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.

Manor Court Cottages are set in the picturesque village of Shipton Gorge. Within walking distance, 110 yards, are the village playing fields and pub selling the famous Palmers Ales and local food. This a fantastic location to explore the Dorset countryside and World Heritage Jurassic coastline, 1½ miles away. Whether its a family holiday, walking, bird watching, fishing, cycling or for a quiet break Manor Court Cottages are ideal. The pretty village of Burton Bradstock, 1½ miles, has a beach with a café, shop, post office, garage and pubs. The market town of Bridport, 2 miles away, has a lively and vibrant street market Saturdays and Wednesday, along with small shops, cafés, antiques and local food can be found, or pop into the museum and learn its history of rope and net making.
The picturesque harbour of West Bay is 2 miles away and was made famous by the TV drama ’Broadchurch’, while the village of Abbotsbury, 3 miles away, is popular for its swannery, sub-tropical gardens and childrens farm. Spread along the coast from Sidmouth is a host of attractions, including the Donkey Sanctuary and Beer Caves at Seaton and Axminster where you can ride on the trams or eat at the River Cottage restaurant. Into Dorset try fishing in a boat out of the cobb at Lymm Regis, fossil hunting at the museum or a walk up Golden Cap for the breathtaking views. Weymouth with its sandy beaches and Sealife Centre is well worth a visit, discover the dinosaurs at the Dorchester museum or travel back in time with a visit to Thomas Hardy’s cottage, go to war at the Bevington Tank Museum, or say ’hi’ to the monkeys at Monkey World. Enjoy a dip at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door for a sightseeing walk, explore Crofe Castle, and then all aboard the steam train at Swanage. Shops and pubs 1 mile.

In a fine location in the scenic Marshwood Vale, midway between the popular and picturesque seaside resort of Lyme Regis and Bridport, on the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast and only 3 miles from the quaint seaside resort of Charmouth, these three holiday cottages, situated on a working beef farm, offer comfortable accommodation and a great location to enjoy the best of West Dorset. Stable Cottage, (ref 14804) is a detached honey coloured cottage looking out over the courtyard, Foxglove, (ref 25230) comprises of a single storey barn conversion with a couple of steps up to the living/dining room/kitchen and 2nd bedroom, and Bluebell Cottage (ref 26933) is split-level 3 floor accommodation; and all of these holiday properties can be booked independently or together. All have a small patio area. There is wonderful scenic walking from the doorstep into the Marshwood Vale and on the coast some stunning scenery overlooking the whole of Lyme Bay from Portland down to Torquay and, not for the faint hearted, walking up to the top of Golden Cap - the highest point on England’s South coast with breath taking views. Guests can enjoy this beautiful stretch of coast, taking in some fossil hunting, boating, swimming, and golf nearby. Explore the many little seaside resorts such as West Bay, Eype, Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton and in particular Lyme Regis with its traditional harbour, famous Cob and variety of little shops. Further afield within easy driving is Weymouth with its Blue Flag sandy beach, Sealife centre, Time Walk and many other family attractions or going west, days out at Exeter with its cathedral, catacombs, shops and restaurants. Going inland explore this pleasant part of Dorset, taking in Beaminster, Broadwindsor, and Forde Abbey and Gardens. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Situated in a courtyard of similar properties, these comfortable cottages are adjacent to the owners home and 8 acres of land, in the heart of the Blackdown Vale, an AONB, where the countryside is alive with deer, buzzards and pheasants, and just 4 miles south of Shaftesbury, where the famous Gold Hill is located. Nearby there is golf, gymnasium, fishing, 1 mile, and cycle paths and walking. Within easy driving, the historic towns of Blandford and Salisbury. Visit Longleat House and Safari Park, 22 miles, Stourhead House and Gardens, Kingston Lacey and Yeovil Air Museum, and the New Forest, where ponies roam, and the popular South Coast seaside resorts of Weymouth, 25 miles, Bournemouth and Poole, 22 miles. Stabling at cost by prior arrangement. Shops 3½ miles, pub 2 miles.

Situated in a courtyard of similar properties, these comfortable cottages are adjacent to the owners home and 8 acres of land, in the heart of the Blackdown Vale, an AONB, where the countryside is alive with deer, buzzards and pheasants, and just 4 miles south of Shaftesbury, where the famous Gold Hill is located. Nearby there is golf, gymnasium, fishing, 1 mile, and cycle paths and walking. Within easy driving, the historic towns of Blandford and Salisbury. Visit Longleat House and Safari Park, 22 miles, Stourhead House and Gardens, Kingston Lacey and Yeovil Air Museum, and the New Forest, where ponies roam, and the popular South Coast seaside resorts of Weymouth, 25 miles, Bournemouth and Poole, 22 miles. Stabling at cost by prior arrangement. Shops 3½ miles, pub 2 miles.

Stunning semi-detached holiday cottage in courtyard setting, on the edge of Upwey, near Weymouth. Very high standard of accommodation with en-suite facilities and vaulted ceiling. Dog-friendly, plenty to see and do in the area. Weymouth 3.5 miles.

A beautiful terraced holiday home, one of five set around a courtyard, on the edge of Upwey, near Weymouth. Attractive, well-appointed and modern holiday cottage. Many attractions and activities within reach. Weymouth 3.5 miles.

Enjoying a great location in the grounds of the owner’s home, these charming properties (UKC3990 and UKC1812) are accessed via a farm track and are in a lovely peaceful location away from it all. Situated on the border of Somerset and Dorset, making these properites ideal for enjoying both counties.
Nearby is a wealth of attractions including Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Haynes Motor Museum with its classic collections of cars, Forde Abbey and Gardens and a few nature reserves. Visit historical houses such as Montacute or the scenic World Heritage Jurassic Coast and seaside resorts of Lyme Regis, West Bay and Weymouth.
Inland you can visit the ever popular Clarks Factory Village, the enchanting Glastonbury Tor and Abbey, the cathedral cities of Wells and Bath, and the amazing Cheddar Gorge and caves. On your return, relax and enjoy a barbecue in this peaceful location, or take a country walk with the dog. Within easy driving distance there is golf, fishing and many country village pubs to wine and dine in. Beach 13 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Less than 2 miles from the popular seaside town of Charmouth, and boasting spectacular, far-reaching panoramic views, these three properties (refs UKC3748, UKC3749 and UKC3750) are located in a superb location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, overlooking Marshwood Vale rolling countryside. Ideal for families and couples, they are suitable for all ages and there is something for everyone! Smiths Farm is around 200 years old, and the friendly owners live on-site, ready to give their guests a warm welcome. It used to be a small farm owned by the local blacksmith. Adjoining one another, The Smithy and The Stables are cosy cottage conversions of the old stable and hayloft. The Barn is a single-storey barn renovation, situated adjacent to the owners’ farmhouse, and has a sumptuous feel and high vaulted beamed ceilings. There are two en-suite bedrooms, and an additional shower room off the living room, which is useful for any guests who wish to use the comfortable sofa bed.
The properties are close to some of the most popular seaside resorts in Dorset including Lyme Regis, West Bay, Charmouth and Bridport. Charmouth is the nearest, which also has a local supermarket, pubs, eateries and a fantastic beach! Charmouth and the Jurassic Coastline have some of the most beautiful and accessible coastline in the UK, with spectacular fossil rich beaches. The area between Charmouth and nearby Lyme Regis is the only UK entry into the National Geographic 21 Best Beaches in the world 2017! There are also rolling hills and unspoilt countryside, much of which is managed by the National Trust, as well as the South West Coast Path. The popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis is less than 10 minutes’ drive away; it is an ancient town featuring in the Domesday Book and is home to historic Cobb and bustling harbour, great gastronomy, historical landmarks and educational attractions. Axminster is also nearby, which has excellent rail links to London and Exeter, as well as a thriving artistic community and great birdwatching on the mudflats.
Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from one of the many scenic walks for keen amblers including Charmouth to Seatown, or a shorter walk from Charmouth to Fitzpaine, the Golden Cap Estate (National Trust) and The Undercliffe at Lyme Regis. You can also enjoy golf, fossil hunting, swimming, fishing, kite flying, sailing, Lyme rib boat rides, West Bay Canoes and many other water sports.
Popular attractions within easy driving distance include Pecorama, a model railway with a light railway and indoor play area, gardens and cafés; Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and Abbotsbury Swannery; Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium; Axe Valley Wildlife, and Seaton Tramway. Also worth a visit is Corfe Castle, which has a rich and ancient history as well as the most evocative ruined castles in England. The famous cobbled Gold Hill and abbey ruins in Shaftesbury, the Iron Age hill fort of Maiden Castle in Dorchester, and the amphitheatre at Maumbury Rings are also popular attractions. Dorset also offers magnificent gardens and historic houses, as well as stately homes, and a wide range of events ranging from family fun and entertainment for all ages, interesting craft and antique fairs, village fetes, open air concerts and theatres. For more adventurous pastimes, you can take a guided walk along the coastal paths or through ancient woodlands, or enjoy treasure trails, beach games and water sports. Beach 1¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¾ miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.