Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

A property with cooking classes that seamlessly marries luxury, nature, and pet-friendly charm, promising an unforgettable escape for all.

In a lovely, very rural location on the edge of the quiet village of Fifehead Magdalen near Shaftesbury and Gillingham, this detached Grade II listed converted barn in local Marnhull stone is set in its own private grounds adjoining the owners’ Grade II listed farmhouse. This good quality conversion was originally for the owners’ own occupation. There are splendid uninterrupted views from the living room and garden over Duncliffe Wood, Melbury Beacon and the Blackmore Vale, and many walks straight from your doorstep. Enter into a spacious hallway with ample storage for coats and boots. The double bedroom features a ceiling fan and a walk-in wardrobe, also boasting ample storage. The property has a large, private lawned garden with shrubs and a flower bed, perfect for relaxing in after a day explore.

Shaftesbury, with its famous Gold Hill and character shops, and Sherborne, with its abbeys, castle and restaurants, are delightful places to visit. There are many attractions within easy driving including Stourhead House and Gardens, Kingston Lacy, a day out at Longleat House and Safari Park, Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Haynes Motor Museum with its fascinating selection of classic cars, racing at Wincanton and Salisbury and Wells with their wonderful cathedrals. Locally you can enjoy some great country walking or simply relax and wine and dine in some of the local village pubs. Alternatively just stay in (by the wood burning stove in the winter or out on the patio in the summer) and enjoy this rural idyll. Come for your honeymoon, wedding anniversary, significant birthday (please tell the owners so they can make it even more special) or a quiet break with your baby, as there is space in the bedroom for you to bring your own cot. The Jurassic Coast is 28 miles away. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

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.

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.

Just 200 yards from the seafront at Weymouth, with wonderful views over the bay and onto Portland, this first floor holiday apartment for six has a compact garden, reached by a small footbridge, and offers a great location for a family holiday. From the doorstep, one can enjoy water activities from swimming, fishing, boating and wind surfing, to scenic coastal walking and many restaurants nearby. Local attractions include the Sealife Centre, Adventure Park and Tower, and Radipole Nature Reserve.

Bowleaze Cove, north east of Weymouth and near the village of Preston, is a sand and shingle beach extending to the whole of Weymouth Bay. The cove is on the Jurassic Coast and is known for its geology. Dogs are welcome from October to April only, and the sea is great for taking a dip or simply paddling. A zoned area offers watersports.

Within easy driving, take in Lulworth Cove, Lulworth Castle and on to Corfe Castle and the Swanage Railway. You can also visit Lyme Regis, explore the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast with its spectacular scenery, taking in Abbotsbury Swannery and Tropical Gardens, or Westbay, scene of the Broadchurch TV series. Perhaps an inland visit to Monkey World, the Tank Museum at Bovington and of course Dorchester, with its many attractions too. You will have much to do for a great holiday. Beach 200 yards. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 100 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.

The Retreat is a semi-detached, Grade II listed, stunning five bedroom country house nestled at the heart of the pretty Dorset Village of Burton Bradstock. Set just ½ mile from Hive Beach, on the world heritage Jurassic Coast, it’s perfectly located between Weymouth and Lyme Regis. The house itself is perfect for large family groups with stylish and flexible accommodation over three floors. The social hub is a large kitchen/dining room and is perfect to relax, cook and enjoy each other’s company. The stylishly furnished living room is the perfect space in which to relax after a busy day exploring.
The village of Burton Bradstock is a beautiful place to explore, with village inns, a restaurant and a superb café directly on Hive Beach. A little further afield is the harbour settlement of West Bay which is a spectacular place to while away a few hours. The pretty harbour has a back drop of stunning sandstone cliffs and beautiful beaches.
The Market towns of Dorchester and Bridport are a short drive away and offer a wide variety of independent shops and eateries. This luxury holiday home will have you enchanted from the moment you step inside, and will have you longing to return.
The Retreat can be booked together with Coach House Retreat (UK32202) to accommodate up to 17 guests.

The Coach House Retreat is a loving converted coach house nestled at the heart of Burton Bradstock a truly traditional Dorset coastal village, with its picture postcard cottages, traditional village inns, Village shop and a cliff top restaurant. Did we mention its also just a 15-minute stroll to the glorious Hive Beach, just a small stretch of the Jurassic Coastline and home to a wonderful beach front Café. Having been lovingly renovated, this charming holiday home offers all the creature comforts you would expect from a modern, luxury holiday home. With three beautifully appointed bedrooms and a large open plan living space this holiday home is just perfect for friends and family to enjoy a fabulous break in this wonderful part of Dorset.
Stunning countryside walks and miles of coastline to explore you won’t need to use the car, however just over 2 miles away is the pretty Georgian town of Bridport with a wide variety of independent shops, cafés and pubs, it’s well worth a visit. Other places to visit include the pretty harbour of West Bay or why not reach new heights and climb Golden Cap, Dorset’s highest point and marvel at the stunning coastal views. If that all sounds a little tiring, so why not just simply relax at the Coach House Retreat and enjoy good conversation with some great local food and drink. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 350 yards, pub 50 yards and restaurant ½ mile.
Coach House Retreat can booked together with The Retreat (M555306) to accommodate up 17 guests.

Buckshaw Gate is a charming 19th century country house set in a rural location. So, if you are searching for peace and quiet for your staycation, then Buckshaw Gate is the perfect choice.
Set along a quiet lane, this charming home is perfect for couples or families looking to enjoy quality time together, either enjoying this idyllic spot or to use as a superbly located base from which to explore this wonderful part of Dorset. With wonderful countryside walks right from the door, picture postcard villages and plenty of local village inns to enjoy, you may not venture far, however there is so much to see and many places to explore, from the charming town of Sherborne, with a delightful range of independent shops, pubs and eateries along with a supermarket and the stunning Sherborne Abbey.
Buckshaw Gate is also a perfect place to enjoy and explore the stunning Jurassic Coastline; England’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, with hidden coves to find, harbour towns and villages. Whatever your reason for choosing to stay at Buckshaw Gate, we are certain this charming cottage will have you wanting to stay again!

Woodside is a wonderful property located in the peaceful village of Mudeford and from here it is only a short walk to the Quay and beach. Mudeford Wood is just a stones throw away and ideal for stroll along the stream (River Mude) or walking dogs, with a field to one side of the wood leading to the community centre. The property is a bungalow, with everything on the ground floor. There are three bedrooms all with kingsize beds, but each bed is a zip and link so can be made up as twin beds (standard configuration is 2 doubles & 2 singles). There is an open plan kitchen and dining room which leads into the living room with a large smart TV to watch your favourite shows and movies. There is one bathroom with a shower in the room.
Outside there is the enclosed patio area with seating for you to enjoy sitting outside. Mudeford is a charming village with local shops, pubs and a selection of restaurants which look out over Mudeford Quay and the pretty harbour area. You can get a boat across the water to Hengistbury Head and from here another ferry can take you up the river to Christchurch Quey and the town during the summer months.
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve is home to many plants, birds and insects. Mudeford Quay is a popular area for watersports such as sailing and windsurfing, or you can have a go at crabbing to see how many you can catch. The wetland terrain of Stanpit Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to a great number of native birds. Christchurch is within easy reach of Woodside with its weekly market, selection of high street shops, eateries and a harbour to wander around. The Regent Centre in Christchurch holds a variety of shows across the year which are worth watching. There are many places worth a visit during your stay, including the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Further afield you can visit Swanage, Corfe Castle, Stonehenge, Marwell Zoo, Monkey World, The Tank Museum, Peppa Pig World, Beaulieu Museum and so much more.