Dorset

Dorset is a scenic and historic English county famed for its Jurassic Coast, market towns, cultural festivals, and literary heritage, offering diverse landscapes and accessible transport.

71 Results

The New Inn Farm - The New Inn Barn

This is a converted barn accommodation set in a large meadow with beautiful interiors, offering a peaceful countryside retreat with accessible features and private outdoor amenities including a hot tub and enclosed garden.

3 miles from Fiddleford Manor

Fiddleford Manor is a medieval manor house in Dorset dating back to around 1370, featuring original interiors and restored by English Heritage, open to public visits throughout the year.

Bedborough Farm Cottages - The Workshop

This accommodation is a stylish holiday home set in a rural location with private outdoor space and a private hot tub, suitable for up to 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering a quiet and scenic setting near countryside walks and coastal beaches.

2 miles from Knoll Gardens and Nursery

Knoll Gardens near Wimborne, Dorset is a renowned naturalistic garden featuring innovative planting styles like Dry Meadow, Rain Garden, and Prairie. It hosts diverse wildlife and showcases national plant collections, attracting visitors for its evolving horticultural displays.

Located in Wimborne Minster

Wimborne Minster is a historic market town in Dorset, England, known for its Saxon church, cultural festivals, preserved architecture, and active community events.

2 miles from Figsbury Ring

Figsbury Ring is an ancient earthwork site in Wiltshire featuring Neolithic and Iron Age archaeological remains set within protected grassland on a chalk ridge, managed by the National Trust and open to the public as a significant outdoor historical landmark.

3 miles from Golden Cap

Golden Cap Estate in Dorset offers stunning coastal views from the highest point on the South West coast along with accessible woodland and circular walks, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly trails. Facilities include a coffee trailer and accessible toilets, with parking available at designated car parks. The estate is rich in natural beauty and suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Near Lodmoor

Lodmoor is a wildlife nature reserve in Weymouth with varied habitats including reedbeds, saltmarsh, and wet grassland attracting diverse bird species. It features accessible trails, a viewing screen, and is free to the public for outdoor wildlife experiences.

Located in Weymouth

Weymouth is a historic seaside town in Dorset known for its Georgian architecture, vibrant harbour, and role as a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It offers rich cultural experiences, beaches, water sports, and annual events including beach sports and festivals.

Near Stembridge Tower Mill

Stembridge Tower Mill in Somerset is the last thatched windmill in England, built in 1822. It features four floors, retains historic millstones, and is a Grade II* listed building managed by the National Trust, offering visitors a glimpse into historic milling indoors.

The Swift House

A stylish luxury two-bedroom first floor apartment in Highcliffe, Christchurch offering a bright open-plan living space with a balcony, situated close to coastal scenery, Highcliffe beach, and the New Forest, providing a comfortable and modern coastal retreat ideal for families and friends.

Near Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed Gothic mansion on a cliff top in Dorset, offering restored historic interiors with exhibitions and beach access. Visitors can explore the house, enjoy the scenic grounds, and use the on-site cafe and picnic areas.

Located in Christchurch

Christchurch is a historic town on the south coast of Dorset, England, featuring a medieval priory, castle ruins, a picturesque harbour, and vibrant cultural events, making it a popular and accessible tourist destination.

2 miles from Monkey World

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset is a 65-acre outdoor sanctuary and rescue centre housing over 250 primates across 20 species, including Europe's only orangutan crèche and the largest group of chimpanzees outside Africa. It focuses on rescuing abused and smuggled primates and rehabilitates them in a natural environment.

Little Oaks

Newly renovated one-bedroom barn conversion with rural tranquility located between Lyme Regis and Bridport near the Jurassic Coast, featuring an open-plan living space, underfloor heating, enclosed garden, private parking, and pet-friendly policy.

2 miles from Forde Abbey & Gardens

Forde Abbey is a historic former Cistercian monastery set in Dorset countryside with 30 acres of diverse, beautifully maintained gardens showcasing seasonal floral displays and natural features. It offers visitors a rich outdoor experience of nature and heritage.

Midknowle Farm Cottages - The Cottage

A ground-floor barn conversion cottage in a peaceful rural setting between Castle Cary and Yeovil, set within 10-acre shared grounds and offering private hot tub, enclosed garden, woodburner, and scenic countryside views.

3 miles from The Newt Garden

The Newt in Somerset is a formal garden laid out in Baroque style with a historic apple tree maze, extensive plant cultivars, a winter garden with exotic species, and ancient woodland. It offers a rich outdoor horticultural experience shaped by renowned designers over 200 years.

Sid's Place

Sid's Place is a single-storey accommodation set in a tranquil rural setting near horses and ponies grazing with direct access to Hurn Forest, offering countryside views and a private decking area.

Wayside Cottages - Mimosa

A two-bedroom coastal bungalow with accessible wet room and open-plan living, set in a peaceful location near Chesil Beach with sea views and a private garden, suitable for families and guests with mobility needs.

2 miles from Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a renowned 30-acre botanical garden in Dorset featuring rare and exotic plants from around the world, set on the Jurassic Coast. Visitors can explore extensive garden areas, enjoy seasonal events, and relax in the onsite cafe and shop. The gardens provide good wheelchair accessibility on designated paths and welcome well-behaved dogs on leads.

Near Castlepoint Shopping Centre

Castlepoint is a large retail park in Bournemouth, Dorset, featuring around 40 shops and multiple dining options within a two-level indoor shopping environment, supported by a spacious car park.

Located in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a vibrant coastal resort town in Dorset, England, famous for its seven-mile sandy beaches, Victorian architecture, lively nightlife, cultural venues, and tourism. It combines historic charm with modern attractions and hosts various festivals and events.

White Horse Farm - Otter's Holt

This accommodation is a single-storey barn conversion and detached lodge cabin set over a 2-acre site in rural Dorset, providing a peaceful and sociable family-friendly retreat with access to countryside walks and nearby attractions.

2 miles from Minterne House & Gardens

Minterne House & Gardens is a historic family home in Dorset, featuring unique Himalayan and woodland gardens known for their seasonal plants. Visitors can enjoy private tours of the house and gardens, tea shop snacks, and a peaceful natural environment. The venue is dog-friendly, has facilities for children, and hosts weddings and special events.

3 miles from Lytes Cary

Lytes Cary is a Grade I listed historic manor house in Somerset dating from the 14th century, featuring a chapel, Great Hall with period furnishings, and extensive Arts and Crafts style gardens listed as Grade II. The National Trust owns the property and offers public access to the older parts of the house and the distinctive gardens set in themed 'rooms' with hedges, ponds, and an orchard.

3 miles from Pop Up Shop hosted by National Trust

7–22 Oct (another 13 days)

Local nature photographer Ben Pullitz displays wildlife and landscape photographs in a pop-up shop at Lytes Cary Manor.

Barnyard

Barnyard is a luxurious Dorset barn conversion retreat finished in 2023, set on a smallholding with farm animals, featuring ground-floor level access, designed with accessibility in mind, and surrounded by an enclosed garden and patio with private hot tub, suitable for families and pets.

Near Radipole Lake

RSPB Radipole Lake is a nature reserve in the centre of Weymouth featuring extensive reedbeds and lagoons that provide a habitat for a variety of birds and animals. Visitors can enjoy wheelchair accessible trails, a discovery centre with indoor exhibits and a cafe, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and exploring outdoor nature. The reserve is free to enter and offers designated dog-friendly routes for visitors.

2 miles from Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a Victorian villa in Bournemouth featuring historic art collections, galleries, and a Japanese treasures room, alongside a small garden and a cafe with sea views. The venue offers tours, live music, and is mostly wheelchair accessible with facilities for children.

Violet Bay

This refurbished terraced house near Weymouth beach offers a cosy family-focused stay with accommodation for up to 5 guests, including pet allowance, wheelchair accessibility provisions, and features like an enclosed garden and Wi-Fi. It is set close to Dorset's countryside and coastline, providing a scenic and waterside vacation experience.

Near Portland House, Weymouth

Portland House is a 20th-century detached house in Weymouth, Dorset, known for its 1930s Mediterranean villa design. It is managed by the National Trust and available as a holiday let with public open days twice annually.

2 miles from Christchurch Castle

Christchurch Castle in Dorset is a historic Norman motte and bailey castle featuring ruins of a stone keep and the Constable's House, a rare Norman domestic dwelling. The site offers outdoor exploration of the castle grounds and gardens, as well as indoor experience of the preserved Constable's House, managed by English Heritage.

2 miles from Jordan Hill Roman Temple

Jordan Hill Roman Temple is an ancient Romano-Celtic temple ruin located on Jordan Hill above Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth, Dorset. The site, managed by English Heritage, is open freely during daylight hours and offers visitors the chance to explore a historic Roman religious site outdoors with scenic views.

Higher Farm - The Stables

A light and airy barn conversion situated in the rural village of Martin near Salisbury, offering a peaceful and homely holiday retreat with scenic countryside surroundings and nature immersion.

Viaduct Fisheries - Kingfisher

Kingfisher is a wooden lodge located in a fishery setting with six lakes, featuring an open plan living space on the ground floor, three bedrooms each with two single beds, and two shower rooms. The property offers gas central heating, Wi-Fi, a garden with patio and furniture, and private parking for three cars amid natural grounds shared with other lodges.

3 miles from Monthly Markets at Lytes Cary Manor

10–11 Oct (this weekend)

A market showcasing creative products made by local artists, held in the historic barns and courtyard at Lytes Cary Manor.

Located in Somerton

Somerton is a historic market town in Somerset, England, known for its medieval market square, Iron Age and Roman archaeological sites, and notable architecture including its 13th-century parish church and market cross.

Triss

This cosy cottage set in a rural courtyard within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by wildlife and countryside, near historic towns and recreational outdoor activities.

3 miles from Hambledon Hill

Hambledon Hill is a prehistoric hill fort in Dorset featuring Neolithic and Iron Age earthworks. The site is a National Nature Reserve with significant wildlife and is owned by the National Trust, offering outdoor historical and natural exploration.

2 miles from Holme for Gardens

Holme Nurseries Ltd is a 15-acre garden located on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, featuring a mix of formal and informal garden designs with rare plant collections, abundant wildlife, and visitor facilities including parking, refreshments, and dog-friendly access.

Located in Wareham

Wareham is a historic market town in Dorset, England, with Saxon origins and notable medieval town walls, located between two rivers near Poole Harbour. It offers rich cultural heritage, religious sites, traditional markets, annual events, and museum exhibits, accessible by train and local transport.

Thorney Country Cottages - The Milking Shed

This semi-detached holiday cottage offers spacious and cosy accommodation for up to 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, set in a rural location on the Somerset levels with access to national parks and nature areas, featuring ground floor living and enclosed shared lawned grounds with private parking and pet-friendly facilities.

Near Priest's House, Muchelney

Priest's House in Muchelney is a Grade I listed historic stone house built in the early 14th century for the parish priest. Owned by the National Trust, it showcases original medieval architecture including Gothic doorways and a 15th-century fireplace, with limited public access.

3 miles from UPDATED: Remarkable Rangers: Apple Harvest Weekends

10–11 Oct (this weekend)

Visitors can join the Ranger team to collect apples from Barrington Court’s orchards, which contain more than 100 varieties. The harvest activity takes place across the first two weekends of October.

Midknowle Farm Cottages - The Barn

This well-presented single-storey barn conversion with countryside views is set in a scenic rural location on the outskirts of South Barrow and features a private hot tub and enclosed garden.

3 miles from Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey is a historic former monastery turned elegant family home in Somerset, surrounded by extensive and diverse gardens. Visitors can explore ornate interiors, unique tapestries, and various themed gardens across 30 acres. The venue offers accessible facilities, food outlets, and activities suitable for children, making it an engaging day out for all ages.

Bradstock Cottages - The Retreat

The Retreat is a Grade II listed five-bedroom country house in the Dorset village of Burton Bradstock, near Hive Beach on the Jurassic Coast, offering flexible accommodation and a coastal village setting for groups and families.

Near Hive Beach

Hive Beach is a scenic shingle beach on the Jurassic Coast known for spectacular coastal views, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, accessible facilities including mobility scooter hire, and a café with coastal views.

3 miles from Fontmell and Melbury Downs

Fontmell and Melbury Downs is a protected chalk downland area in Dorset known for its beautiful open grasslands, circular walking routes, diverse wildlife, and scenic viewpoints including Melbury Beacon. It offers accessible outdoor experiences with opportunities to spot butterflies, orchids and glow-worms in summer, set in the landscape that inspired Thomas Hardy's novels.

Located in Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is a historic hilltop town in Dorset, England, known for its scenic views, the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey, the iconic cobbled Gold Hill, and vibrant cultural events including an annual Snowdrop Festival.

Located in Chickerell

Chickerell is a small town in Dorset near Weymouth, known for its scenic proximity to Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast, with local industry and leisure amenities including Bennetts Water Gardens and woodland walks.

The Stables at Green View

This cosy bungalow set in the Dorset countryside offers a peaceful and homely retreat on one ground floor level next to the owner, featuring a spacious bedroom with a Jack and Jill shower room and views over a large enclosed garden with patio and barbecue.

3 miles from Pilsdon Pen

Pilsdon Pen is a 277-metre hill in Dorset, featuring an Iron Age multivallate hillfort with archaeological remains, offering panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. It is accessible via outdoor walking routes and is managed by the National Trust.

2 miles from Ballard Down

Ballard Down is a scenic chalk downland area on the Purbeck Hills in Dorset, featuring coastal views between Studland Bay and Swanage Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, with grassland managed by the National Trust and a historic obelisk landmark.

3 miles from Home Educators Sessions (all ages)

12 Oct, 9 Nov…

Home educators and children can join nature-based sessions at Studland, with seasonal activities such as arts and crafts, spotter walks and scavenger hunts. The listed sessions focus on woodland scavenging and crafts in October, fungi in November, and a winter beach scavenger hunt and festive crafts in December.

Located in Swanage

Swanage is a charming coastal town in Dorset, England, known for its Victorian heritage, sandy beach, and beautiful bay. It offers a mix of historical landmarks, cultural venues, and outdoor activities, making it a popular tourist destination on the Jurassic Coast.

Midknowle Farm Cottages - The Snug

This cosy single-storey barn conversion cottage is located in a peaceful scenic country setting between Castle Cary and Yeovil, featuring rural views and access to 10 acres of shared grounds.

Spire View Hut

A stylish and homely shepherds hut with an open plan living space, situated in a peaceful countryside setting with scenic views towards Salisbury Cathedral, offering a private hot tub and garden area for a romantic and private retreat.

2 miles from The Pepperbox

The Pepperbox is an historic hexagonal folly tower built in 1606 on Pepperbox Hill, Wiltshire. It offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside including Salisbury. The tower is a Grade II listed building and a notable early folly, owned and preserved by the National Trust.

3 miles from The social season: A Regency year at Mompesson House

9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…

Explore Mompesson House dressed to reflect the Portman family’s time there and learn about Regency life and the family’s social calendar. Visitors can see a Regency parlour and children’s playroom, take part in activities, and follow a spotter trail around the house.

Belvedere

This modern stylish holiday home is set in a rural location near the Dorset coast and the historic town of Wimborne, offering spacious accommodation with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a private hot tub and games room overlooking fields.

2 miles from Deans Court

Deans Court is an elegant historic Georgian house set in ancient and romantic gardens in Wimborne Minster, featuring heritage interiors, a monastic fishpond, and a café, offering guided tours and special events access primarily for Historic Houses members and paying visitors.

Midgham Long Copse - Chiddock Cottage

This accommodation is a single-storey barn conversion located within a working stud farm offering a peaceful rural setting with access to woodland, walking paths, and outdoor activities, suitable for families and groups.

3 miles from New Forest Northern Commons

New Forest Northern Commons is a vast open landscape in Hampshire featuring walking trails through heathland and ancient woodland pasture, home to rare wildlife and shaped by traditional commoning livestock grazing. Visitors can explore diverse habitats and enjoy a natural, historic environment outdoors.

3 miles from Portland Castle

Portland Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century artillery fort on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, built by Henry VIII. It offers both indoor exploration of the historic castle rooms and outdoor enjoyment of its unique fan-shaped structure and gardens, telling the story of England's coastal defenses.

Gooseberry Lodge

This detached self-contained holiday lodge sits on the private Rushmore Estate within rural countryside near the medieval village of Tollard Royal, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by natural woodland grounds and estate activities.

2 miles from Win Green

Win Green is the highest point in the Cranborne Chase offering extensive panoramic views and a rich natural habitat, crowned by a Bronze Age barrow with beech trees. The site is known for its outdoor natural beauty, historical significance, and wildlife.

3 miles from Eggardon Hill

Eggardon Hill is a prehistoric Iron Age hillfort located on chalk uplands in Dorset, England. Visitors can explore large earthworks and enjoy extensive views of the countryside and English Channel. The site is partly owned by the National Trust and offers free public access throughout the year.

The Riding House

A 17th-century restored, stylish holiday home set within a large parkland estate with 8 individually designed ensuite kingsize bedrooms, suitable for groups and families.

Near St Giles House

St Giles House is a historic family home in Dorset with over 400 years of history, restored after a period of disrepair. Visitors can arrange group tours of the house, which features accessibility accommodations and hosts events throughout the year.

Grange Farm Cottages - Woodpecker Cottage

Woodpecker Cottage is a single-storey barn conversion set in a quiet rural location near Sherborne, offering peaceful and cosy accommodation with a garden, private parking, and woodland stove, suitable for families and small groups.

2 miles from Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Sherborne Castle in Dorset is a historic house built by Sir Walter Raleigh, set in extensive Capability Brown landscaped gardens with a serpentine lake. Visitors can explore the immersive castle interiors showcasing centuries of history and art, enjoy scenic outdoor walks, wildlife viewing, garden features, and children’s trails. Food is available on-site in the Walled Garden Restaurant and dogs are welcome in the gardens on short leads.

3 miles from Lambert's and Coney's Castle

Lambert's Castle and Coney's Castle are ancient Iron Age hill forts in Dorset offering scenic outdoor exploration with countryside views and wildlife spotting. The terrain at Lambert's Castle is flat and grassy, ideal for walking. Coney's Castle has ramparts but limited wheelchair access. The site includes parking with charges, welcomes dogs with restrictions, and is free to the public.

3 miles from Hod Hill

Hod Hill is a large Iron Age hillfort and Roman fort site in Dorset, England, featuring ancient earthworks, archaeological remains, and a calcareous grassland habitat, open to the public as a National Trust historic site.

Shepherds Knapp Cottages - Shepherds Knapp Lodge

This is a two-bedroom detached lodge in Devon countryside near Axminster, offering a peaceful rural retreat with scenic views and a private patio with hot tub, suitable for families and couples with pets allowed, featuring on-site parking and Wi-Fi.

3 miles from Lambert's Castle

Lambert's Castle is an Iron Age hillfort in Dorset, open to the public as open access land and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Visitors can explore steep natural slopes, historic earthworks, and enjoy views from Lambert's Castle Hill, with nearby parking available.

3 miles from Spyway

Spyway in Dorset offers a distinctive limestone coastal landscape with towering sea cliffs, grasslands rich in wildlife, historic sea quarries, and scenic walking trails along the South West Coast Path. It is a natural outdoor destination welcoming well-behaved dogs and free to the public.

3 miles from Discover the Hidden Fungi of Studland: A Guided Walk with Andy Knott

9 Oct, 29 Oct…

Join fungi expert Andy Knott for a guided walk through Studland’s woodland, observing and learning to identify native fungi and other species in their natural habitat.

3 miles from Lewesdon Hill

Lewesdon Hill is the highest point in Dorset, England, managed by the National Trust with notable walking paths, natural scenery, and a WWII Spitfire crash memorial. The site offers outdoor exploration of its summit ridge, woodland, and historical significance.

The New Inn Farm - New Inn Farmhouse

This accommodation is a converted barn in a rural location accommodating up to 12 guests with six bedrooms, offering a homely and peaceful atmosphere with private outdoor space including a large meadow and garden, and a private hot tub.

New Forest Cottages - Alice's Lodge

This ground floor wing of a larger property in Hampshire offers a peaceful and cosy escape with scenic views of landscaped gardens and direct access to New Forest National Park, suitable for couples or small families.

Marshwood Manor Cottages - The Lodge

A detached luxury retreat set in a tranquil rural location with extensive grounds including woodland and pasture, suitable for families and groups, featuring outdoor spaces, on-site parking, and facilities such as a games room and woodburner.

2 miles from Pilsdon Pen

Pilsdon Pen in Dorset is a prominent landmark featuring an Iron Age hillfort with ancient burial mounds and archaeological remains. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, panoramic views, and the natural environment in an outdoor setting. Dogs are allowed on leads, and access is free, though the site involves steep climbs and uneven terrain making it not wheelchair accessible.

The Victorian Barn - Stable

The Stable is a ground-floor, two-bedroom cottage set in the peaceful Dorset countryside village of Woolland, offering rural charm and modern comfort with scenic views and a private hot tub.

Barleycorn

This single storey barn conversion located in West Dorset countryside accommodates two guests and features a ground floor open plan living space, an enclosed garden, and private parking in a peaceful rural setting near historic towns and countryside walks.

3 miles from Stock Gaylard House

Stock Gaylard House is a Georgian historic house set in a large estate with ancient deer park and extensive gardens. Visitors can enjoy conducted tours inside the house and explore the surrounding church and gardens at their leisure during specific open periods in the year.

Feltham's Farm - Feltham's Cottage

Feltham's Farm is a countryside organic farm stay in Horsington Marsh offering a peaceful and homely retreat surrounded by nature and farm animals, with scenic rural views and outdoor activities suitable for families and children.

Holly Farm Holiday Cottage - The Wrens

A stylish and peaceful two-bedroom bungalow in the countryside of Stoke St. Gregory, Somerset, offering step-free living and surrounded by scenic natural attractions.

3 miles from Burrow Mump

Burrow Mump is a historic hill in Somerset featuring the ruins of a 15th-century church atop a Norman motte, offering visitors panoramic views and a significant war memorial managed by the National Trust.

The Stables

The Stables is a one-storey barn cottage located in Winfrith Newburgh near the Dorset Jurassic Coastline, set within 1-acre grounds of a Grade II listed cottage with a peaceful private garden featuring a pond, offering scenic countryside views and nearby walking and nature reserves.

2 miles from Moignes Court

Moignes Court in Dorset is a historic house with medieval earthworks, a moat, and ancient fishpond remains. Visitors can explore two rooms inside the house and enjoy the grounds with guided tours on select days between May and June. Facilities include accessible parking and toilets, free parking, and a picnic area.