Holiday Cottages in Dorset - cottage holidays
Holiday Cottages in Dorset and South-West England
From historic houses to the stunning beaches and more quirky attractions such as a Monkey Rescue Centre, Dorset has plenty of attractions which cover a range of interests and ages. Many of the holiday cottages in Dorset are close to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site which extends from south of Bournemouth along the whole of the Dorset coastline and into East Devon. It covers ninety five miles and 185 million years. The coast splits up into distinct sections, each of which allows insight into a different period of pre-history, making a tour of the red, white, black and yellow landscape an amazing 'walk through history'.
On our website you will find holiday cottages in Dorset scattered throughout hundreds of charming towns and villages, almost all seem to come equipped with a historic church. Dorset is home to hundreds of historic buildings including the tower of St. Peter at Chetnole which is adorned by gargoyles, the painted ceiling of St. Ann’s at Radipole and the isolated hill top chapel of St. Catherine at Abbotsbury. There is an array of historic houses and castles from various periods which can be visited in Dorset. The spectacular Tudor Athelhampton House and Gardens boast a fantastic interior and exterior and one of Britain’s best architectural gardens, which is Grade 1 listed. If you are interested in history you should visit some of the places which reconstruct how life used to be. These include the Town Mill at Lyme Regis which holds regular demonstrations of milling and boasts art galleries, craft studios, a restaurant, bakery and gift shop. One of the most popular attractions of Dorset is the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre which houses over 240 primates. There are around 60 chimpanzees which makes it the largest group outside Africa. The centre is based in Wareham and within driving distance of many holiday cottages in Dorset.
Sports & activities available
The lush rolling hills, pretty fields and green valleys of Dorset can be explored by horse back, walking and cycling. Many of our holiday cottages in Dorset are located close to established walking and cycling routes which can be found in the local tourist office. Sailing is another popular activity in Dorset and many of the descriptions of our holiday cottages in Dorset will state if there is a sailing school close by. Many of the cottages on this website are also in locations which are excellent for fishing.
Holidays with children
The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is popular for children of all ages and offers a hands on approach to learning about the prehistoric mammals. Within the museum your family will be fascinated by the life-sized reconstructions of the animals as well as fossils and skeletons. The museum is easily reached from holiday cottages in Dorset that are near to the Jurassic Coast. A more cuddly option is the charming Teddy Bear Museum which is also in Dorchester. The unique exhibit is based in the “house” of Edward Bear, a human sized bear who is an avid collector of teddy bears. Many holiday cottages in Dorset are within reach of a petting farm, which are always popular with children. The Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park in Dorchester is home to miniature Shetland ponies, donkeys, goats and pigs as well as many smaller animals such as guinea pigs and chickens. People staying at holiday cottages in Dorset between the end of May and the end of June who visit Abbotsbury Swannery may be able to stand next to hatching swans. There is also a petting farm at Lulworth Castle and Park, as well as an adventure playground and woodland walk. For a truly unique wildlife experience you can treat both the adults and children in your family to a walk with a Llama through west Dorset’s unspoilt countryside (UK Llamas is based in Beaminister).
More details about all of the available holiday cottages in Dorset can be found by using the search function above.