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.
Dorset is a great destination for a last-minute holiday for many reasons. You’ll 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 beautiful coastal spots like Weymouth, where you’ll find a great choice of Weymouth holiday cottages, through to West Dorset, Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck, there is plenty of variety when it comes to places to stay. A quick search will also 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 wartime 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 specific facilities like a cottage with and open fires, four-poster beds and cottages on the Jurassic Coast with a sea view, 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.
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Swanage
4.5/5
Wareham
4.8/5
Ringstead Bay
5/5
Dorchester
5/5
Weymouth
5/5
Langton Matravers
4.8/5
Osmington
5/5
Wareham
4.9/5
Swanage
4.6/5
Nr Blandford Forum
5/5
Minterne Magna
5/5
Dorchester
4.8/5
Swanage
4.8/5
Swanage
4.8/5
West Lulworth
5/5
Charlton Marshall, Nr Blandford
4.8/5
Weymouth
5/5
Swanage, Dorset
5/5
Wareham
4.9/5
Langton Matravers
4.9/5
Weymouth
4.9/5
Weymouth
5/5
Wareham
5/5
Wool
5/5
Sometimes the best weekends are the ones you don’t plan months in advance. With its sandy beach, independent pubs and restaurants, spectacular coastal walks and plenty to do within a few miles, Swanage is an easy place to escape to for a couple of nights.
If you’ve spotted a last-minute cottage and are wondering whether it’s worth packing the car and heading to Dorset, here’s how we’d spend a weekend in Swanage.
If you’re feeling spontaneous and want to surprise your other half with a romantic break at short notice, Dorset is the perfect place to escape to.
Our guide to spontaneous romantic breaks in Dorset brings together some of the best experiences for couples, including relaxing treatments at Dorset’s top spas, recommendations for memorable fine dining, and romantic walks along the Jurassic Coast. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy escaping everyday life for a couple of days, we’ll help you plan a last-minute Dorset break that feels anything but last minute.
Looking for a reason to get away? Discover what’s on in Dorset during your stay, from local festivals and food events to family days out, live music and seasonal celebrations. You might just find the perfect excuse for a spontaneous Dorset break.
If you’re flexible with your dates, why not see what’s happening in Dorset and plan a spontaneous break around an event that catches your eye? You might discover a festival you’ve never visited, a local event the whole family will enjoy, or simply another great reason to pack your bags and head to Dorset for a few days.
Whats on in Dorset
We have over 25 years of experience helping our guests book last minute breaks in Dorset. Here are most frequently asked questions.
Last-minute holidays can offer excellent value, particularly when cottages have availability close to their arrival dates. Prices vary depending on the property, location and time of year, so it’s always worth checking our latest availability for a great deal. We do use dynamic pricing so popular weekends can get more expensive if demand dictates.
Dorset offers plenty of wonderful destinations for a spontaneous getaway. Swanage is perfect for traditional seaside holidays, while Corfe Castle offers beautiful countryside and historic charm. Weymouth is popular with families, and the Jurassic Coast provides spectacular scenery, coastal walks and picturesque villages.
The larger towns of Swanage, Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth will have supermarkets open beyond 5pm and may be a better option when booking for a late arrival.
Absolutely! Many of our Dorset holiday cottages offer short breaks, making them ideal for a spontaneous weekend away. Whether you’re planning a Friday-to-Monday escape or a few nights by the sea, you can search for cottages offering short-stay availability.
Yes, we have a selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages across Dorset. From coastal properties near beautiful beaches to countryside retreats with wonderful walking routes, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a last-minute break with your four-legged friend.
You can search for available cottages just a few days before your intended arrival, and sometimes even closer to your travel date. However, availability varies, particularly during school holidays and popular weekends. Booking as soon as you find a suitable property will give you the best chance of securing your preferred dates.
Same-day and next-day bookings are always possible. Our cottages are always cleaned on departure and can be booked 24 hours a day. One member of our team monitors bookings and will ensure the cottage is ready, even if you book late into the evening.
Yes, we have holiday cottages in Dorset featuring hot tubs, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Availability depends on your chosen dates, so browse our collection to discover which properties are available for your last-minute break. Please remember that hot tubs can take several hours to heat up – its best to call us on 01929 481547 if you want to arrive today and would like to use the hot tub so our team can check its availability.
Yes! Our portfolio includes everything from cosy cottages for two to spacious holiday homes suitable for larger families and groups. Whether you’re arranging an impromptu family gathering, birthday celebration or weekend with friends, our team can help you find suitable accommodation and help you plan all the details – even if its last minute.
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01929 481547