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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Bucknowle Lodge
Church Knowle
5/5
8
4
3
2
27th - 28th July  £2,073.47 £1,690.11
30th July - 1st August  £2,353.80 £1,916.53
26th - 27th July  £2,073.47 £1,690.11
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Bronte Cottage
Wareham
4.8/5
4
3
2
1
26th - 29th July  £919.61
29th July - 1st August  £919.61
29th - 31st July  £919.61
+15 more stays
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St Marks Cottage
Swanage
5/5
4
2
2
0
29th July - 1st August  £994.87 £859.64
30th July - 2nd August  £994.87 £859.64
26th - 28th July  £994.87 £859.64
+36 more stays
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Dorset Farmhouse
Portesham, Nr Abbotsbury
4.7/5
6
3
2
0
22nd - 23rd August  £920.85
6th - 8th August  £1,034.25
6th - 7th August  £1,034.25
+3 more stays
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Garden Flat
Swanage
5/5
4
2
2
0
27th - 28th July  £650.92 £536.32
28th - 29th July  £650.92 £536.32
30th July - 1st August  £734.12 £603.52
+25 more stays
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Juniper Cottage
West Lulworth
4.9/5
5
2
1
2
29th - 31st July  £920.54
15th - 22nd August  £1,422.40
22nd - 29th August  £1,422.40
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Newton House
Swanage
4.6/5
6
3
2
0
23rd - 30th August  £1,589.35
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The Lawns
Charlton Marshall, Nr Blandford
4.8/5
4
2
1
2
2nd - 5th August  £807.24 £660.66
27th July - 4th August  £1,273.33 £1,043.84
3rd - 5th August  £807.24 £660.66
+76 more stays
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Leap House
Wareham
5/5
4
3
1
0
22nd - 29th August  £1,330.00
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Ailwood Cottage
Nr Corfe Castle
4.7/5
2
1
1
1
26th July - 2nd August  £836.06 £760.36
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Hill View
Weymouth
5/5
4
2
1
1
27th - 30th July  £1,054.78
26th - 31st July  £1,487.50
29th - 30th July  £1,054.78
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The Aspens
Swanage
4.7/5
5
2
2
0
29th July - 1st August  £723.26 £594.75
30th July - 1st August  £723.26 £594.75
29th - 31st July  £723.26 £594.75
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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.