Dorset is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. From coast to country, and every breathtaking attraction between, we’re not surprised to see millions of visitors flock to the Jurassic Coast every year. Much of our tourist footfall lends its thanks to our travel connections that mean getting to the county is pretty easy. Whether you’re driving, taking a train or hopping on a plane, our slice of the South West coast is a convenient place to get to, which means a last-minute holiday in Dorset is always a good idea. Whether a spontaneous rural escape is on the cards, or you want to fill your half-term with some seaside family fun, take a closer look at our Dorset holiday cottages with last minute availability.

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Newton Manor Grange
Swanage
4.6/5
3 bedrooms. This beautiful four star holiday home is the ideal choice for a self catering holiday in Swanage. This home boasts large picture windows and is an unusual upside down house that takes full advantage of the views, across the seaside town of Swanage to the sea and the Isle of White beyond. WIFI.
6
3
2
0
22nd - 24th December  £766.75
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Dream Cottage
Portland
5/5
A stylish, compact cottage - ideal for friends and small families to get together to enjoy the coast, walking and watersports.
6
3
2
0
23rd - 24th December  £525.00
22nd - 24th December  £592.50
22nd - 23rd December  £525.00
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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
22nd - 23rd December  £766.75
22nd - 24th December  £766.75
23rd - 24th December  £766.75
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Save 20% on stays before 28th December
Save 15% on stays before 18th January
Sea Reach
Swanage
4.9/5
2 Bedrooms. We are delighted to introduce Sea Reach, this spacious and modern ground floor apartment is in a prime holiday hotspot, just 3/4 minutes’ walk from the beach.
4
2
1
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22nd - 24th December  £605.42 £499.57
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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
22nd - 24th December  £485.74
22nd - 23rd December  £485.74
23rd - 24th December  £485.74
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Hill View
Weymouth
5/5
Set in the peaceful Weymouth suburb of Preston, Hill View offers a delightful retreat for couples or small families.
4
2
1
1
22nd - 24th December  £622.25
23rd - 24th December  £622.25
22nd - 23rd December  £622.25
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Stone Quay Cottage
Swanage
4.9/5
Stone Quay Cottage is right in the heart of the beautiful old fishing town of Swanage, just a stones throw away from the historic Stone Quay, the lovely sandy beaches, the Victorian Pier and all the amenities. This two bedroom cottage dates back to the 1850’s but has been completely renovated to provide a beautiful modern home.
3
2
1
2
22nd - 24th December  £813.00
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Ailwood Cottage
Nr Corfe Castle
4.7/5
1 Bedroom spacious holiday cottage near Corfe Castle. Nestled in the heart of the countryside within walking distance of Corfe Castle and the coast. Excellent quality detached accommodation which is highly recommended for walking and beach holidays.
2
1
1
1
22nd - 23rd December  £604.08 £550.58
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Save 20% on stays before 4th January
Save 10% on stays before 18th January
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
22nd - 24th December  £694.00 £566.20
22nd - 23rd December  £694.00 £566.20
23rd - 24th December  £694.00 £566.20
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Cherry Tree Cottage
Ridge, Nr Wareham
4.8/5
2 Bedroom delightful holiday cottage with log burner in Ridge. Well equipped with all you might need for a family get away in peaceful surroundings, yet still within easy reach of a wide range of attractions and sandy beaches.
4
2
1
1
22nd - 24th December  £779.34
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Save 20% on stays before 28th December
Save 20% on stays before 18th January
Gable Cottage
Corfe Castle
4.8/5
3 bedrooms. Located on a large corner plot, this light and airy family holiday home in Corfe Castle, offers comfortable furnishings and modern fittings. Conveniently situated close to the common and village amenities including the bakery, general store, tea rooms and pubs.
6
3
2
0
22nd - 24th December  £810.40 £665.13
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Why is Dorset a

Great Destination for Last Minute Holidays?

Dorset is a great destination for a last-minute holiday for many reasons. You will find a whole host of fantastic things to do once you reach the region even if you haven’t spent much time planning your trip in advance. From Weymouth and West Dorset to Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck, a quick Google search will generate a sizeable list of fun, entertaining and informative things to do when you’re in Dorset.

The county is well known for its better-than-average weather, putting many UK coastal resorts in the shade. It’s also able to boast a rich history, being the home of the UK’s first-ever fossil shop, many notable literary figures and lots of interesting war-time history. We may be biased, but we think you’ll have a great time here, and if you have a free weekend or a few days in the summer to fill with some fun, take a look at our last minute holidays in Dorset – you won’t regret it.

Find a Dog-Friendly

Last Minute Break in Dorset

There’s no need to miss out on getting a great deal on a last minute holiday in Dorset just because you don’t want to leave your beloved four-legged friend at home. There’s more dog-friendly accommodation than you might think in Dorset, and many of our Dorset cottages are perfectly located near to walking trails and offer sizeable, enclosed gardens for your peace of mind. If you bring your dog with you to our lovely coastal country, you don’t need to pay someone to care for them whilst you are away, which means you’ll have more to spend when you’re enjoying your last-minute Dorset break. Your furry friend will love running around one of our dog-friendly beaches, and what’s also great about holidaying in Dorset with your dog is that many of the local pubs and restaurants are pet-friendly too.

Travelling to Dorset

For a Last Minute Break

Dorset is an easy-to-reach county from various parts of the UK and abroad. There’s a direct train line taking you from Waterloo Station in London to Weymouth, with the train stopping at Bournemouth, Poole, Wareham and Dorchester South. Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Bristol or Devon, there are frequent services to Dorchester West, and Bournemouth train station services the North of England. If you’re coming from a little further afield, travellers can get the ferry to Poole and Weymouth, and both Bournemouth and Southampton airports are well-connected to the area by public transport.

Planning Your

Last Minute break to Dorset

Your last-minute break in Dorset is more likely to be a success if you think about the things that you want to do before you arrive. Even if you’re booking just a day or two before you leave home, you’ll still have time to make a list of all the things you want to see and do whilst you’re in Dorset. It’s also a wise move to purchase a quality local map so you can find your bearings quickly once you’re in the area. If paper maps aren’t your thing, then Google Maps will work just fine too. Create a bucket list of the most important places to visit and things to do during your last-minute break in Dorset. Even if you don’t have time to fit everything in, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy a varied, fun-packed Dorset break booked just days in advance. For a little inspiration, why not take a look at our Dorset area guides.

Find a Cottage for a

Last Minute Holiday in Dorset

Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a little more to spend, you should be able to find a suitable last minute holiday in Dorset at Dorset Cottages Holidays. Our team of expert holiday planners know the region inside out and are always on hand to advise you if you need help with finding the perfect cottage for your specific needs. Each cottage in the database has been specially chosen for its excellent facilities, comfort and luxury. The team can also provide in-depth advice on making the most of your stay in the area, recommending the best attractions, events, pubs, bars and restaurants.

If you’re seeking accommodation with facilities like open fires, four-poster beds and panoramic sea views, Dorset Holiday Cottages is the holiday letting agent for you. Our site offers accommodation for groups, families, couples and solo travellers; whether you’re dreaming of a summer break or a winter getaway, you shouldn’t struggle to find a last minute holiday in Dorset that ticks all of your boxes.