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If you're wondering what there is to see, do and explore during when you stay at one of the holiday cottages in Dorset, this guide is for you. We'll explore what the famous county has to offer and where the best places to visit with family, couples and even pets is.
This incredible location boasts miles of lush countryside - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ideal for scenic walks and the kind of fresh air that just makes you feel good.
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Dorset is well-known for its Jurassic Coast, so make sure you make time to explore some of it; you might even find your own fossil! With friendly towns and villages, and award-winning attractions throughout the county, there is so much to enjoy with the whole family in Dorset.
Dorset offers a fantastic selection of eating and drinking options. Perfect for foodies, you’ll find award-winning restaurants, pubs and cafes throughout the area. Offering plenty of top-quality local produce, you’ll find a tempting assortment of seafood and delicious fresh food.
Take a trip from your cottage to a local farmer’s market and you'll discover it's a great way to sample and buy some of the best local produce. Within the county, there are several breweries and wine estates producing all sorts of alcoholic drinks. If this is your thing then make sure you check them out for tours and samples!
Renting a cottage in Dorset wouldn't be complete without a trip to the coast, where you can taste award-winning fish and chips and ice cream from a takeaway shop with a stunning sea view.
Whether you're going for a week, or a shorter weekend break, there is so much to do on family holidays in Dorset. With miles of beautiful beaches, families can enjoy days out at one of the many beaches and they don’t cost a penny – perfect for families on a budget.
Monkey World is an ape rescue centre where visitors can explore the 65-acre park and learn more about the monkeys and apes from the keeper’s daily talks.
There are also fun activities throughout the year for your little ones. Another great family day out activity is Splashdown Poole, a water park with 13 thrilling water slides and splash zones.
Dorset makes for the perfect location for couples, especially for those who enjoy the great outdoors. There is so much to see and do in the county for couples to enjoy together and make memories to last a lifetime.
You'll also find a wide range of romantic hot tub cottages to choose from for those surprise breaks and snug getaways.
The beautiful Jurassic Coast offers scenic views including Durdle Door which is a great location for romantic walks. For couples who like wine, a visit to the Langham Wine Estate is a must!
Visitors can get a tour of the estate, sample some of the award-winning wines, and eat at the Vineyard Café. A cottage with a hot tub provides the perfect luxury base for couples exploring Dorset.
Splashing around in the hot tub is great for humans, but what's there to do for dogs? Some fab cottages, with pet-friendly accommodation and things like enclosed gardens, combines with endless new and exciting walks make for a break your pooch will enjoy as much as you do.
Dorset’s breath-taking location is perfect for dog lovers. There are so many wonderful dog-friendly beaches and country parks to keep your furry friend happy. Many of the beaches in Dorset are dog-friendly including Cogden, Eype, Durdle Door, and Lulworth Cove.
The Dorset countryside offers beautiful landscapes that are perfect for long walks with your four-legged friend. Thorncombe Woods and Wareham Forest are just two of many countryside locations where you can have scenic walks through ancient woodland and rolling hills.
Whether you’re looking for an easy and relaxing walk or steep walk with rewarding views, there are so many amazing dog walks to choose from in Dorset.
A trip to Dorset would not be complete without visiting some of these top sights! Home to Jurassic Coast, the county offers magnificent views, stunning cliffs, and rock formations and so much geological history to discover.
is an outstanding landmark on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. It is one of the most magnificent and photographed landscapes in the country! The natural limestone arch formed in the sea next to the beach where visitors can spend time admiring the remarkable view.
is one of the most iconic castles which survived the English Civil War. The castle stands above the village of Corfe and is a great place to explore with walking trails surrounding the castle offering amazing views. Corfe Castle also has a tearoom and café as well as a gift shop and book shop.
is a popular chalk formation that sits out at sea. Old Harry is accessible to walkers, cyclists, and dogs – the route is part of the South West Coast Path. For those who enjoy the water, kayaks can be hired for a closer look at the impressive rock formations.
Boat trips also run regularly which takes visitors along the Jurassic Coast.
Home to the world’s largest collection of tanks, the Tank Museum has over 300 military machines. Their tanks are from key battles over the decades since WW1 and there are informative exhibitions so visitors can learn more about history.
This is a fantastic activity for the whole family, especially on a rainy day.
is a Victorian Pier with fun attractions and magnificent views. Whether you’re brave enough to attempt the Pier Zipline or prefer to enjoy cocktails on the Pier, there is something for everyone at Bournemouth Pier. Plus, there are plenty of indoor attractions for rainy days.
is a fantastic place to visit in Dorset. Perfect for the whole family to get active and have an outdoor adventure, the country park has over 1000 acres of walking and cycling trails, play trail for little ones, Go Ape Tree Top Challenge and a lake. Moors Valley Country Park is fun for everyone including your four-legged friends.
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