Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

For the perfect escape to the sea, with outstanding scenery and activities to suit everyone, look no further than The Pod in Weymouth. The living room is bright and contemporary, a cosy space to relax and plan your Dorset holiday adventures. The modern kitchen has all you need to create some tasty meals, for those evenings when you don’t wish to head out and sample the local food. Upstairs, there are three comfortable bedrooms, ensuring you are well rested for the adventures to come and wake up in the morning to the luscious views of rolling countryside from your window. On a warm sunny day, you can enjoy the south facing garden, the perfect spot to soak up the sun and unwind with your loved ones. On a warm evening, pour yourself a glass of chilled wine and wonder down to the end of the garden where you will find a quirky 7-seater pod. Here you can enjoy elevated views across over the RSPB nature reserve and glimpses of the coast. The beach is just a 13-minute walk from the property, via the nature reserve, and here you can enjoy the sun or simply pick your favourite ice cream and sit and watch the world go buy in the café. Weymouth itself is sure to appeal to your whole group with plenty to do and see during your stay. There are bustling shops to explore, pubs and restaurants to pick from and if you are a water sports enthusiast, the ocean is your playground with the option of paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing.

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.

Welcome to Cuckoo Nod Cottage. This wonderful, semi-detached thatched cottage is in Coombe Keynes, which is less than 3 miles from the well-known Dorset Jurassic coastline. Upon entering the property, you are greeted by a very welcoming dining room with a beamed ceiling and connected directly to a lovely open plan kitchen with a fantastic, homely feel. Relax and unwind in the very comfy sofas after a long day exploring the Jurassic Coastline. The property has access onto a private and very beautiful cottage garden where you can relax and enjoy nature at its finest. Listen to the birds, enjoy the fresh country air and make plans for the rest of your holiday.
For the walkers and wildlife lovers amongst us, the Jurassic coastline offers miles of stunning walks to places such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Studland Bay. Further afield, you can visit Poole Harbour, The Blue Pool, historic Wareham and the second largest natural harbour in the world, a day out at the Tank Museum and a day enjoying Monkey World. There is so much to do and explore.
Back at the property, relax in the courtyard garden, gaze up at the stars and enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple whilst discussing your next adventures.

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.

Oak Lodge is a detached property situated in a residential area just 3 miles from the sea front with its pier and award-winning beach. Attractively furnished offering spacious holiday accommodation and a good size secluded garden. A short stroll from the lodge takes you to a local Nature Reserve of 40 acres. Bournemouth can be enjoyed by all with the Town gardens, Oceanarium, many shops, bars and restaurants. A short drive to the New Forest with its famous wild ponies, or head for the Purbecks and enjoy coastal walks and pretty villages. Shops and pubs within 350 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.

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.

These delightful holiday cottages are set in the peaceful conservation village of Puncknowle, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Jurassic Coast is just 1½ miles away with superb scenic walking. Each cottage is finished to a high standard offering very comfortable holiday accommodation and is set in the same smart courtyard area as the owners’ homes. The ‘chocolate-box’ village of Burton Bradstock is 3 miles with a good small beach. Abbotsbury, along the coast, has its famous swannery and sub-tropical garden. Further east is the Victorian seaside town of Weymouth, with Blue Flag beach, sea fishing, windsurfing, Sealife Centre and two RSPB nature reserves. Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool are great places for a family day out. Dorchester, the county town also known as Thomas Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’ is 30 minutes’ drive and has a lively weekly market and beautiful Maiden Castle. To the west is the market town of Bridport which was Thomas Hardy’s ‘Port Bredy’ and has the twice weekly market as featured in the popular TV programme River Cottage. The picturesque harbours of West Bay are a great place for fishing. Lyme Regis is an attractive seaside resort which enjoys a dramatic setting with high cliffs, landslips and handsome harbour, known as The Cobb. Both Lyme Regis and Charmouth are renowned for their prehistoric fossils which are displayed in the local museum and on sale in the fossil shops. Local pub serving good food 250 yards.