Dorset is one of the prettiest counties in the South of England. Its magnificent coastline has World Heritage status, and the countryside has all the charm you’d expect from the English countryside. Both the coast and the countryside are ideal for active outdoor holidays – including walking, cycling, horseriding, golf and coastal watersports like sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
Hiring a holiday cottage in Dorset is the ideal way to explore the region. Your holiday home will act as a base from which you can travel to some of the popular attractions, or simply visit one of the small villages for a pint in the local pub.
One of the highlights of the coast is the amazing Chesil Beach – it’s a fossil hunters dream, with rich pickings among the Jurassic age rocks. Charmouth and Portland are both seaside towns that will provide access to this amazing place.
If you’d prefer a more traditional resort-style beach holiday, there are plenty of options in Dorset. Bournemouth was recently voted as Britain’s “Resort of the Year” – with good reason. Gorgeous sandy beaches are ideal for families, and the vibrant city centre provide access to a wide range of activities. A holiday home in Bournemouth will allow you to make the most of all the options available.
Weymouth has been a seaside resort since the 18th century, and visitors today are still drawn to the golden beach and the small, picturesque harbour.
Lyme Regis is another popular seaside town that has plenty to offer the visitor on a family holiday or short break.
The Dorset countryside was the inspiration for author Thomas Hardy, and a visit to Dorchester is essential if you plan on following his footsteps. The surrounding countryside is a drawcard for many, and is a popular spot for television and film shoots.
A country cottage holiday in Dorset will allow you to make the most of the scenery and explore places like Poole, Dorset’s second largest city, or the smaller towns and villages like Cerne Abbas, Blandford Forum, Moreton, Rockhampton, or Christchurch. Perhaps you’d like to visit Poundbury – England’s newest village and the brainchild of Prince Charles.
Dorset has a long history, and you can explore the ruins of Saxon and Roman civilisations, or some of the castles, stately homes and historic buildings found throughout the county.