Luxury Cottages in Dorset

Best locations for a luxury cottage in Dorset

Find your perfect holiday cottage in these most popular locations in Dorset.

Bournemouth

Best for: A traditional seaside break

Boasting seven miles of award-winning beach, ample water activities and plenty of things to see and do on dry ground, a holiday in Bournemouth is for all ages and tastes. Hire out a beach hut for the day, explore the local culinary delights and choose from theatre, comedy or arts productions thanks to a local events calendar that’s always packed.

Poole

Best for: Its world-famous natural harbour

As one of Dorset’s most beautiful coastal towns, Poole really does have something for everyone. Foodies will love exploring the harbour and all of its bars and restaurants. A family gathering certainly won’t be boring either with the Old Town and its museums. And adrenaline-seekers can choose from plenty of activities on the water and deep in the countryside.

Weymouth

Best for: Plenty of things to do and see

Another popular beach resort in Dorset is Weymouth. Packed with all the traditional seaside activities, here you’ll also find incredible harbour views, historic forts and the famous Jurassic Skyline. There’s also Sealife Park and Portland Island for those who want to spot some local wildlife along the coast path.

Dorchester

Best for: Families of all ages

Frequently named as one of the best places to live in the UK, the market town of Dorchester is a great base for families exploring Dorset and the surrounding areas. Ideally located for all the nearby beaches and sightseeing opportunities, Dorchester itself is filled with cafes, restaurants, shops and plenty of activities.

Lyme Regis

Best for: Exploring the local area and wildlife

Often dubbed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is a coastal town that is ideally located for Dorchester and Exeter. Sitting on the English Channel coast, it’s known for its fossils, cliffs and beaches. It’s also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - that is the Jurassic Coast - where there are plenty of picture opportunities.

Best walks in Dorset

Dorset and the surrounding towns are jam-packed with coastal walks, countryside hikes and town centre ambles - ideal for all abilities.

Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks Beach

Location: Bournemouth

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: Three and a half miles

The circular Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks Beach walk offers incredible sea views, plenty of places to stop off at and lots of picture opportunities. The route is completely flat making it ideal for all walking abilities and pushchairs. For those that want to carry on, you can continue your journey onto Swanage too.

Poole Trail

Location: Poole

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: Varied

The Poole Trail is a great way to explore Poole and its Old Town, Harbourside Park and Poole Quay. With different routes to choose from and interactive activities to enjoy along the way, this is ideal for families of all ages. Simply follow the signposts in the town, use your smartphone to play along and discover the interesting past of Poole.

Weymouth to Portland

Location: Weymouth

Difficulty: Moderate

Walk length: Six miles

While the Weymouth to Portland walk might not be suitable for everyone, if you are confident on your feet it should definitely be a priority. Starting from Weymouth train station, you’ll follow the Rodwell Trail which is now a disused trainline. From here, you’ll head to Portland Harbour and then onto Portland’s only beach. You won’t want to forget your camera for this.

Durnovaria Town Walk

Location: Dorchester

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: One mile

Everyone in the family can enjoy the Durnovaria Town Walk - even your four-legged friends! There’s no better way to explore this historic town and see local attractions like the Borough Gardens and Salisbury Fields. There’s also lots of places to stop off at and enjoy a drink or two.

Lyme Regis, Uplyme and Ware

Location: Lyme Regis

Difficulty: Moderate 

Walk length: Five miles

Take in the real beauty of Lyme Regis and the local area with this moderate Lyme Regis, Uplyme and Ware walk. You’ll see River Lim, country views and enchanting woodland in Uplyme, Ware Cliffs and Cobb Harbour. The route does include three small hills so it’s not suitable for everyone, however.