Dog-friendly Hotels Dorset

This delightful, period, former Coach House, set in a secluded village location, has been refurbished to a high standard. It offers spacious, detached holiday accommodation and is situated in the historic, popular village of Chideock - ½ mile from the World Heritage Coast between Bridport and Lyme Regis. The village boasts a post office, shop and two excellent pubs. Good restaurants, street markets and shops within a few minutes’ drive at Bridport, Charmouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis. Visitors can wander down to the beach at Seatown and enjoy the famous Anchor Pub, swimming, fossil hunting and superb, scenic coastal walking. Shops ¼ mile.

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.

Approached via a long drive overlooking daffodil fields, this comfortable, single-storey, detached bungalow is a lovely holiday home for families or couples, located on the doorstep to the Jurassic Coast. It has a large enclosed lawned garden and a spacious games room. West View is located within the owner’s country home and has direct access onto bridleways and footpaths, leading all the way to Wareham. Set in a convenient location for road links to the beaches of Poole and Bournemouth, Sandbanks, The Purbeck Coastline, historical maritime Southampton with historic ships, Salisbury Cathedral, Christchurch Harbour and Dorchester. Other attractions include Monkey World, Stone Henge, Marwell Zoo, Beaulieu Motor Museum, New Forest Otter and Owl Park, Kingston Lacy (NT) and Badbury Rings. The New Forest is also within easy driving distance with its heathlands, where ponies and cattle roam. Beach 6 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ 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.

In the village of Winterbourne Steepleton, only 3 miles from Dorchester with its many attractions, and within easy driving of the famous Chesil Beach and World Heritage Jurassic Coast, this detached holiday cottage is delightfully situated to explore West Dorset. Superb scenic coastal walking from West Bay, Bridport to Portland and Weymouth, and many family venues such as Monkey World, Tank Museum, Sea Life Museum and Deep Sea Adventure to enjoy. Shop ¾ mile, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.

Lying in the charming village of Bothenhampton, Woodbrook Cottage encapsulates that perfect combination of a tranquil rural setting close to a stunning coastline. At the cottage, you can rest and unwind as you look out across the peaceful countryside and its abundance of wildlife.
Woodbrook is a lovely, detached cottage built in 2002 by local builders using original Bothenhampton stone. The cottage incorporates wonderful features including a delightful shepherd’s hut outside, a 4-poster bed, and a cosy wood burner. The well-equipped kitchen and dining room combine a large original 19th Century farmhouse table, American style fridge/freezer and tall larder fridge, and ample cutlery and crockery alongside two dishwashers to create the perfect hassle-free space to host family gatherings or reunions amongst friends.
Featuring coastal influences throughout to reflect the wonderful location of the cottage, the rooms are tastefully decorated in cornflour white to combine a feeling of calm and freshness. Original paintings from local artists showcase the stunning area, and Californian artworks provide pops of colour. Throughout the cottage, you’ll find statement pieces such as the 4-poster bed, antique French bed and armoire, and featured alongside these is bespoke furniture to ensure your stay is perfectly comfortable and just right. With the owners located nearby, you have the reassurance that they are on hand to assist if you need, whilst retaining your privacy to enjoy your peaceful holiday.
After a day exploring the stunning World Heritage Jurassic Coast or strolling through the gorgeous countryside, chat and relax in the sitting room on comfortable leather sofas with warm light provided by the wood burner, chandeliers, and floor lamps. From here you can look out through the French doors leading to the private patio. In this outdoor area, you can sit back and relax on the finest quality, sustainably sourced teak furniture. Alternatively, you can savour a moment of calm and reflection in the handcrafted shepherd’s hut for two, which has been affectionately nicknamed the Tea Junction.
Woodbrook Cottage provides the perfect holiday base for experiencing the beauty and unique energy of Dorset. There’s something for everyone from wandering among the stalls at Bridport’s markets, walking the famous South West Coast Path, swimming in the sea, fishing and crabbing at the harbour, and fossil hunting at nearby Charmouth. The area is rich in history and culture as exemplified by the local festivals, Iron Age hill forts, Bronze Age barrows, and the only thatched brewery which is nearby for you to visit. There is also a thriving local food and drinks scene which boasts a variety of award-winning dishes and drinks for you to savour and enjoy. For thrill-seekers jump aboard the Rib Charter boats or swing through the treetops at the Tunnel, Charmouth. There’s so much to explore from the local harbours and nearby Chesil Beach to the famous Cobb at Lyme Regis, and the renowned Abbotsbury Swannery and Sub-Tropical Gardens. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now part of the National Landscapes, is truly unforgettable and Woodbrook Cottage is the perfect location to create memories to last a lifetime.

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.

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.

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.