Summer is the most popular season to travel to Dorset – and for good reason. We are famous for our sprawling, white-sand beaches, spectacular coastal walks and refreshing countryside trails, all of which are best enjoyed when there are blue skies overhead and the sun is shining. But hotels don’t quite cut it when holidaying in our lovely county during the summer months of the year. While they can be convenient, they are usually badly placed, limited in space and they lack any means of spending time outdoors. For a rejuvenating summer break by the sea, browse our wide selection of holiday cottages in Dorset.

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Ridgeview Cottage
Corfe Castle
4.5/5
Located in the sought-after National Trust-owned village of Corfe Castle, Ridgeview Cottage is a modern, detached, family home found moments away from many of Dorset’s prolific attractions.
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3
2
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30th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,089.78
29th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,245.70
29th - 31st July 2025  £1,089.78
+4 more stays
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Angel Cottage
Swanage
4.7/5
Nothing is more refreshing than a coastal holiday near the sea and if you’re looking for a cosy, quaint cottage, Angel Cottage should be first on your wishlist. This mid terrace cottage is the perfect base to discover miles of heritage coastline or relax and unwind on the blue flag sandy beach
2
1
1
2
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £811.80
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Daisy’s
Swanage
4.7/5
Stylishly decorated 3 bedroom holiday home in Swanage. Daisy's offers everything you need for a relaxing break, from comfortable bedrooms with ensuite for each room to a private bubbling hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the coast!
6
3
3
1
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,589.35
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Cricket Cottage
Swanage
4.7/5
1 Bedroom. This quaint seaside cottage is the perfect destination for two to enjoy a romantic getaway in the heart of Swanage. Just a 20-minute meander from the main beach, sparkling clear Swanage shores, shops, restaurants and attractions. Space is plentiful in this deceptively generous cottage.
2
1
1
0
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £698.40
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Juniper Cottage
West Lulworth
4.9/5
Juniper Cottage is a recently refurbished Victorian terraced cottage tucked away off the main road in the scenic village of West Lulworth, close to both Lulworth Cove and one of the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic features, Durdle Door. This two-storey, dog-friendly cottage accommodates up to 4 adults or a family of 5. The ground floor is an open-plan living and dining space with small, private front and rear gardens, upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom.
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1
2
28th - 31st July 2025  £1,042.25
26th - 30th July 2025  £1,191.02
29th - 31st July 2025  £1,042.25
+7 more stays
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Purbeck Cottage (Kings)
Swanage
4.7/5
3 bedroom family home with two parking spaces and large covered patio to enjoy outside dining whatever the weather.
6
3
1
0
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,645.00
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Malvern Apartment
Swanage
4.5/5
This appealing large, ground floor apartment is part of a modern conversion of a former Edwardian hotel, right in the heart of the seaside town of Swanage in a quiet residential, tree lined street, less than 5 mins walk to restaurants, pubs, shops and the beach. You can enjoy a lovely glimpse view across Swanage bay from the lounge bay window.
2
1
1
0
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £849.10
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Seacombe
Langton Matravers
4.9/5
Nestled in the sleepy village of Langton Matravers proudly stands Seacombe, an exquisite 4 bedroom family home. This stunning link detached home could easily be the set to a photoshoot for Country Living magazine. Furnished with high quality new furniture, sumptuous duck down quilts, crisp white linen and beds so comfortable you will struggle to leave them, Seacombe is the holiday home you've been searching for. ?
8
4
3
2
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £2,260.30
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Lulwind
Lulworth Cove
4.8/5
3 bedrooms. Lulwind, a comfortable and pretty modern semi-detached thatched cottage, particularly suitable for families is set in the heart of this beautiful village, with views of the South West Coast path and only a two minute walk from Lulworth Cove. An excellent choice for a self catering cottage in Lulworth Cove.
5
3
2
2
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,687.00
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Forest Edge
Sandford
4.8/5
Forest Edge is a two bedroom semi-detached chalet bungalow offering luxury accommodation near Wareham. Mainly laid out on the ground floor, this delightful holiday home has been completely refurbished to a very high standard.
4
2
2
2
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,167.25
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The Lawns
Charlton Marshall, Nr Blandford
4.8/5
2 bedroom holiday cottage near to Blandford in the pretty village of Charlton Marshall, lovely country views and walks. Property all on one level with stunning garden.
4
2
1
2
26th July 2025 - 2nd August 2025  £1,124.20
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Summer on the beach in Dorset
Family-friendly

Summer holidays cottages in Dorset

Dorset is a great UK location for history lovers, thrill-seekers and explorers alike and during the summer season, there’s plenty to do, lots to see and a handful of landmarks to tick off your bucket list.

While in Dorset, history lovers will enjoy the county’s variety of museums and heritage centres, from Dorchester’s Keep and Military Museum and Bovington’s Tank Museum to Blandford’s Fashion Museum and Purbeck’s Mining Museum. If you’re a member of the National Trust, Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy and Brownsea Island are also a must-visit.

For adrenaline junkies and sports lovers, travellers to Dorset will love the mud trail at Dorset Adventure Park, indoor climbing at RockReef and Warmwell’s dry ski slope. Dorset’s abundance of sandy beaches also offers plenty of opportunity for kayaking, paddle-boarding and wild swimming.

Families with young children are also spoilt for choice while staying in the area for the summer holidays. Sunny afternoons can be spent building sandcastles on the beach and slightly cooler hours can be enjoyed at Monkey World, Weymouth’s Sea Life Centre or Famer Palmer’s. From coast to country and every buzzing town and village in between, families visiting Dorset in the summer are truly spoilt for choice.

Our county is a top-tier family-friendly location for a sunny holiday by the coast, and our selection of summer holidays cottages in Dorset are perfect for the occasion. We have cottages of all sizes, whether you’re a small or large group travelling to the southwest, we will help you find a cottage that suits.

Summer in Kingston Lacy, Summer Holidays 2024 in Dorset
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Summer holidays 2024 getaways with your dog

Over half of our summer holidays cottages in Dorset are dog-friendly, so when you travel to our verdant county for the warmer months, you don’t need to leave your four-legged companions behind. We are dog lovers and owners and understand the flexibility needed when going on holiday. Your dogs need a safe and secure home for the duration of your stay, and access to exciting dog walks is also particularly important.

Dorset is a fabulous county for you and your dog to explore. Dorset is home to a large portion of the 630 mile South West Coastal Path, offering striking sea views, treks through meadows peppered with wildflowers and dog-friendly beaches where you can rest and recoup. Our selection of pet-friendly cottages is the perfect destination for you and your furry friend to set up camp during your expeditions. From properties suited for large groups to homes with enclosed gardens and idyllic views, we have something for every holiday preference.

Durdle Door in Summer
Finding the perfect

Summer holidays cottage in Dorset

Whether you’re escaping the city for a peaceful stay by the sea or looking for a trip that provides buckets of entertainment for the whole family, Dorset is an ideal location for families, couples and gatherings of friends. Spend the summer in Dorset at a home-from home town centre cottage, rural retreat or seaside escape. Browse our wide selection of summer holidays cottages in Dorset, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to speak to one of our expert holiday planners.