Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

Located in Chideock, between Bridport and West Bay to the east and Lyme Regis to the west, this holiday home is the main part of the owners’ detached house with an adjoining self-contained annexe for the owners use. It is ideally situated for enjoying and exploring west Dorset and the famous scenic World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and has a large, enclosed, lawned garden with a patio overlooking fields and footpaths towards Seatown. Wander over the fields to the coast at Seatown and enjoy some superb scenic coastal walking up to the top of Golden Cap the highest point in the south of England. Lyme Regis offers a great day or two out, with its picturesque harbour, sandy beach and famous Cob, where you can pass the time fossil hunting, boating, fishing, swimming, walking, exploring the quaint character shops, or simply wining and dining. Inland perhaps enjoy a cream tea at the Broadwindsor Craft Centre, or travel further afield to south Somerset and visit historic Forde Abbey and Gardens. There is so much to do you are sure to have a memorable time, and for a stress free holiday. Beach 1 mile. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

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.

Nestling in a tranquil location on the Devon/Dorset border, this well-presented single-storey barn conversion is set within the 40 acres of the owner’s home, which was the setting for The French Lieutenant’s Woman. It lies ½ mile from the popular medieval port of Lyme Regis with picturesque harbour known as the Cobb. Wonderful scenic walking abounds, with the South West Coastal Path just 500 yards away. Shop and pub ½ 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.

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.

Ivy cottage is a charming period home with a stylish modern open plan interior. This is the perfect home from home ideally suited to couples looking to explore this beautiful part of Dorset. With a generous open plan kitchen/dining/ living space perfect for cooking eating drinking and relaxing, with two ground floor bedrooms and bathroom and a first floor master suite completing the accommodation. Outside is a peaceful and private garden, ideal for relaxing with a drink after a day’s exploring or maybe a spot of al fresco dining during warmer months. Ivy Cottage is nestled along a quiet country lane at the edge of The New Forest National Park and just under 5 miles away from the coast. The location makes this cottage the perfect choice for guests looking to explore the natural beauty of this charming county. The beautiful riverside town of Christchurch is just a few miles away and is home to a wide variety of independent shops, pubs and eateries and is a wonderful place to wander and explore. Whatever your reason for choosing Ivy Cottage we are sure this lovely holiday home will have you longing to return.

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.

Coastal Dream is a delightful, light and airy, single-storey detached bungalow located in a quiet residential cul-de-sac, near Christchurch and less than a mile from the sea at Mudeford. Perfect for couples, or friends and family holidaying together, and dogs are welcome too, guests will find plenty to do. Coastal Dream enjoys an enclosed lawned garden with patio and private parking for two cars, it is attractively decorated with modern furnishings offering a comfortable stay.
Mudeford itself is a charming village, Mudeford Quay, which is a former fishing village and now a suburb of the borough of Christchurch, is the entrance to Christchurch harbour and offers spectacular views out to sea, with local shops, pubs and restaurants all set in a pretty harbour area. Avon and Friars Cliffe beaches are less than one mile away, offering golden stretches of sand lined with traditional style beach huts, and is an ideal place for cycling, exploring the beaches and dog walking too, with the delightful, scenic views. Why not jump on the local ferry that takes you from Mudeford Quay across to Hengistbury Head, which is a fascinating place for its wide variety of wildlife habitats, archaeology, geology and has long sandy beaches - a perfect place to go on a sunny day.
Located within easy reach, just 15 minutes away, you also have the New Forest National Park, which is a must for anyone visiting this area for beautiful scenic walks, and to see the New Forest ponies roaming free. Bournemouth is just along the coast with great shops and beaches, as is Poole with its large natural harbour. Further afield to the west is the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, with Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Explore the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey on a day trip from Poole harbour or the Isle of Wight from Lymington. The medieval city of Salisbury and its cathedral, maritime Southampton, Stonehenge, Marwell Zoo, Monkey World, the Tank Museum, Exbury Gardens, Peppa Pig World, Winchester cathedral, Beaulieu Museum and Exbury Gardens are just a few of the places you can also visit from Coastal Dream. Other activities nearby include, horse riding, rambling, fishing, cycling, watersports, golf, swimming and browsing the art work at the local galleries. Beach 1 mile. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

An idyllic holiday home lying at the heart of Lyme Regis in Dorset. Expansive sea views. Character features. Close to beach. Private terrace. Axminster 5.5 miles; Bridport 9.6 miles; Sidmouth 15.5 miles.

Set in a picturesque location within the 350-acre Rousdon Estate, this delightful property is the ideal base for a relaxing holiday, and has easy access to the coast, scenic walks and the surrounding counties of Dorset, Devon and Somerset. Sea View Lodge sleeps eight people, which is perfect for a family getaway or time away with friends. It has two double bedrooms on the ground floor with a shared bathroom, and two more bedrooms upstairs, both twin rooms, as well as the second bathroom. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to bringing everyone together, since the property has a spacious living room, a large kitchen, a beautiful sun room, which spans the entire width of the property. The sun room doubles up as a dining area and also has soft relaxing chairs, making it the perfect spot in which to sit back and reflect as you gaze into the beautiful garden. Heading outside you can enjoy the large enclosed garden, with coastal views and your very own hot tub. Come nightfall, the living room is the ideal place for you to to snuggle down in front of the warming wood burner.

The grounds of the Roudson Estate are made up of woodlands, pastureland and glorious countryside. The estate even benefits from, for the more adventurous, its own private beach which is situated approximately 2 miles away, as well as the coastal path towards Lyme Regis or Seaton for the more adventurous. There are walkways around the estate - you can take a relaxing stroll, enjoy dog walks, or the quiet lanes are ideal for cycling. Being only a short distance from the Jurassic Coast, there is no shortage of stunning scenery. Take a trip to the charming cobbled streets of Lyme Regis, 4 miles, with its beach, where you can wander through the galleries and visit the historic Cobb, before testing out one of the many cafés and eateries. Also nearby is the seaside village of Beer and the towns of Seaton and Sidmouth - or why not explore one of the numerous National Trust properties that are easily accessible by car? Children will love exploring the numerous beaches along this coast, or having fun at the many attractions on offer, including Pecorama, Seaton Jurassic Experience and Trams, Dinosaurland Fossil Museum or Crealy Adventure Park, which all make for great days out. Beach 2 miles. Shops, pubs and restaurants 4 miles.