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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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
6th - 12th February  £605.50
22nd - 26th January  £504.82
+215 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
23rd - 26th January  £461.24
27th - 31st January  £522.46
17th - 22nd February  £967.75
+348 more stays
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Mimosa House
Sandford, Wareham
5/5
Mimosa House is a delightful, newly refurbished two-bedroom bungalow, set in a quiet cul-de-sac in Sandford, Wareham. This self-catering accommodation offers plenty of space for a family of 4 and is an ideal spot for a coastal break in Dorset.
4
2
1
0
24th - 27th January  £434.05
31st January - 7th February  £662.52 £605.82
21st - 24th February  £434.05
+16 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
11th - 14th February  £374.20
31st January - 14th February  £946.90 £864.90
17th - 27th February  £728.94 £667.80
+367 more stays
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The Wedge
Swanage
4.9/5
A spacious 3 bedroom bungalow, set on the cliff top in a private part of Swanage overlooking picturesque Purbeck Hills. Situated just outside of the town centre on a quiet road but with all amenities nearby, this holiday home is within a short walk of the beach. It is ideal for those wishing to explore most spectacular walks and enjoy the scenery of a pretty coastline.
6
3
2
1
7th - 11th February  £602.90 £535.90
31st January - 7th February  £720.00 £595.00
3rd - 12th February  £925.71 £765.00
+402 more stays
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Beach Approach
Swanage
4.7/5
Settle into a lovely family holiday at Beach Approach. A two bedroom ground floor apartment. A flat walk will take you to Swanage beach and High Street, which is lined with cute cafés, boutiques, and fine restaurants. Beach Approach is perfect for families with top sights in easy reach: Swanage Railway is just a two minute stroll away; take a trip down memory lane on the vintage steam engine to the historic village of Corfe Castle.
4
2
1
0
23rd - 27th January  £374.20
31st January - 9th February  £566.97 £521.33
24th - 27th January  £374.20
+348 more stays
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Below Decks
Swanage
4.8/5
Below Decks is a gorgeous, seafront holiday home that sleeps 6 guests. Situated on the Parade in the heart of Swanage with the main beach, restaurants and shops directly on your doorstep, it is perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway.
6
3
2
2
24th - 28th January  £475.00
26th January - 2nd February  £548.00 £490.00
30th January - 5th February  £548.00 £490.00
+221 more stays
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Seashell View
Swanage
4.9/5
A stunning 3 bed apartment with sea views – perfect for a family beach holiday in the coastal town of Swanage, Dorset.
6
3
1
0
22nd - 25th January  £463.05 £422.50
10th - 14th February  £523.50 £456.09
11th - 16th February  £644.42 £561.77
+241 more stays
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Little Westport
Wareham
4.8/5
Little Westport is a charming 1960s four-bedroom Colt House, in a peaceful setting with a large garden overlooking the Purbeck Hills. A perfect location for a break to enjoy walking, cycling or exploring the area.
8
4
2
0
14th - 21st February  £850.62 £775.92
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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
22nd - 26th January  £581.55
28th January - 4th February  £693.86 £634.16
27th January - 5th February  £892.11 £815.35
+89 more stays
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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.
5
2
1
2
21st - 24th February  £465.08
30th January - 4th February  £631.75
19th - 21st February  £511.07
+190 more stays
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Valley View
Swanage
4.5/5
A stylish, detached Edwardian home beautifully appointed with hot tub, large garden, parking and spacious reception rooms.
8
4
3
2
26th - 30th January  £637.00 £570.00
28th January - 7th February  £1,034.29 £841.43
6th - 11th February  £773.69 £672.44
+256 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.