As frost delicately coats the Dorset countryside, the verdant leaves of meandering hedgerows are replaced with clusters of ruby-red berries, luscious holly, and winter-blooming flowers. The rugged coastline, usually bustling with summer visitors, is now a little quieter. And as you stroll along the coast path with your family or dog in tow, the rhythmic crashing of waves against the chalk-faced cliffs is a reminder of your welcomed winter escape after a long autumn stuck in the office. The sun doesn’t have to be at its warmest for our coastal county to be enjoyed. Browse our selection of winter holiday lets in Dorset for a festive short break to brighten those darker days.

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Newton House
Swanage
4.6/5
3 bedrooms. The owners of this spacious seaside home, which is very close to Swanage beach have stylishly furnished with a contemporary and comfortable interior.
6
3
2
0
23rd - 26th February  £448.75
23rd - 25th February  £448.75
24th - 26th February  £448.75
+7 more stays
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St Marks Cottage
Swanage
5/5
Come and stay in this beautifully appointed cottage, ideal for families and cottage in a quiet spot in the town - walk to beach and coastal path.
4
2
2
0
23rd - 26th February  £432.35 £391.00
25th - 28th February  £432.35 £391.00
22nd - 24th February  £432.35 £391.00
+18 more stays
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The Aspens
Swanage
4.8/5
Delightful light-filled family holiday home, situated just a stone’s throw from beautiful Swanage Pier.
5
2
2
0
24th - 27th February  £374.20
25th - 28th February  £374.20
23rd - 25th February  £374.20
+12 more stays
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Valley View
Swanage
4.5/5
A stylish, detached Edwardian home beautifully appointed with large garden, parking and spacious reception rooms.
8
4
3
2
23rd - 27th February  £662.00 £595.00
23rd - 26th February  £595.00
25th - 26th February  £595.00
+12 more stays
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Castle View House
Corfe Castle
5/5
Escape the ordinary at Castle View House, a haven in the countryside that accommodates up to nine guests. With its enchanting views of Corfe Castle, stylish open-plan interiors, and dog-friendly atmosphere, this residence promises a unique and memorable retreat. Nestled in the heart of Corfe Castle village, it provides an ideal setting for switching off from the demands of everyday life and savoring every moment with friends and family. Whether you're captivated by the historic charm of the surroundings or indulging in the comfort of the stylish interiors, Castle View House invites you to create lasting memories in a tranquil and welcoming escape.
9
5
4
1
24th - 28th February  £1,472.50
23rd - 25th February  £1,472.50
22nd - 28th February  £1,487.50
+12 more stays
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Ridgeview Cottage
Corfe Castle
4.6/5
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.
6
3
2
0
24th - 28th February  £475.00
25th - 28th February  £475.00
24th - 26th February  £475.00
+7 more stays
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Westport Cottage
Wareham
4.9/5
3 bedrooms. A distinctive period holiday cottage to rent in Wareham, in a unique location with tastefully presented interior. This is one of only three cottages built on top of the old Saxon walls in Wareham.
5
3
2
0
23rd - 26th February  £453.58
26th - 28th February  £453.58
25th - 28th February  £453.58
+7 more stays
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White Sands
Swanage
4.9/5
4 Bedrooms. This stunning dog friendly accommodation is set on the cliff top in a secluded part of Swanage, boasting panoramic sea views over the bay toward Peveril Point, the Isle of Wight and Ballard Down. Situated just outside of the town centre and well away from any main road, it is beautifully quiet, ideal for those of you wishing to escape it all.
9
4
2
2
22nd - 25th February  £997.55 £916.00
24th - 27th February  £997.55 £916.00
23rd - 28th February  £1,357.49 £1,172.24
+12 more stays
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Lizards Rest
Swanage
4.7/5
4 bedrooms. A great base and comfortable family home. This substantial detached holiday home offers ample accommodation for the extended family in a seaside location. Lizards Rest is the perfect choice for accommodation for large groups in Swanage.
9
4
2
0
25th - 28th February  £527.50
22nd - 27th February  £679.00
24th - 27th February  £527.50
+12 more stays
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The Old Butcher’s Cottage
Corfe Castle
4.9/5
The Old Butcher’s Cottage is bursting with character. Recently renovated throughout, this high spec property is the hideaway you’ve been searching for. Luxurious furnishings and exquisite linens adorn the bedrooms, living area and kitchen, providing stunning accommodation that the whole family will remember. Parties of all kinds can enjoy home cooked meals in the large open plan kitchen-lounge area and gather around the dining table for drinks or a board game.
6
3
2
2
22nd - 26th February  £525.40
23rd - 26th February  £525.40
23rd - 25th February  £525.40
+3 more stays
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Bronte Cottage
Wareham
4.8/5
3 Bedrooms. Bronte Cottage is a charming holiday cottage in Wareham, hidden away in a fabulous location a few strides from Wareham Quay and the river Frome.
4
3
2
1
23rd - 26th February  £448.75
24th - 26th February  £448.75
23rd - 27th February  £504.82
+7 more stays
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winter dog walk
Bring your companion

Pet-friendly winter holiday lets in Dorset

Your pets are an important part of your festive activities and for those seeking to share a winter short break in Dorset with their four-legged friend, our selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset ensures no family member is left behind. Picture wandering through the frost-dusted hills of Purbeck with your faithful dog bounding happily beside you. Alternatively, imagine enjoying a brisk walk along one of our deserted beaches; the salty breeze kisses your cheeks as your dog runs in and out of the lapping waves.  Many of our cosy cottages and coastal retreats warmly welcome pets, with amenities and spacious surroundings tailored to ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your dog.

christmas tree at holiday home ready for a festive short break
Getaway to the countryside

FESTIVE SEASON BREAKS

Nestled between rolling hills and weathered coastline, the county of Dorset beckons tourists with an abundance of seasonal offerings. As you walk through one of our quaint market towns, the scent of mulled wine wafts through the frost-kissed air and the cosy pub offers warm refuge from the winter chill, its crackling hearths inviting guests to unwind with a mug of steaming hot chocolate.

For those who wish to venture into the countryside, whimsical landscapes unfold like scenes from a storybook, revealing hidden valleys and ancient woodlands waiting to be explored. Clifftops adorned with seasonal greenery and their calm sandy beaches below also provide an enticing backdrop for leisurely strolls with the entire family. Whether you’re heading out of the city for a short coastal stay or looking for a holiday cottage to spend time with your loved ones during the festive season, we can help you find a perfect winter let in Dorset.

bike on a summer evening
Cosyup this winter

Romantic winter short breaks in Dorset

The crisp winter air carries the faint scent of wood smoke from distant cottages and the desire to curl up in front of a cosy wood burner is very, very tempting. As the daylight fades and the evenings become shorter, our idyllic Dorset holiday cottages are the perfect backdrop for couples to snuggle close and share quiet conversations over a glass of fine, artisan wine. Our selection of winter short breaks in Dorset offers postcard-perfect retreats and boutique hideaways for stolen kisses and shared memories this festive season. Walk hand-in-hand through streets studded with Christmas lights or enjoy a locally made, candle-lit dinner in a charming restaurant nearby. Dorset sets the stage for an unforgettable romantic escape during these colder months and our variety of smaller cottages and winter lets perfect for couples are the perfect place to stay.