Short breaks in Dorset
Are you seeking the perfect destination for a short break? If so, look no further than Dorset. The county, which is situated on the southwest coast, is a popular destination for people looking to get away from it all for a few days. We have a wide range of cottages which are ideal for short breaks in Dorset. Close to beautiful sandy beaches, splendid countryside, and an impressive selection of restaurants and pubs, our cottages provide a fantastic base for exploring the area.
Relax, unwind, and de-stress
Modern life can be hectic and unrelenting, leaving you feeling stressed and exhausted. However, you can seriously improve your wellbeing by getting away from it all for a few days on the beautiful southwest coast. Short breaks in Dorset can allow you to relax, unwind, and de-stress, re-energising your body and mind. Dorset is the perfect place to escape away from city life. As soon as you spot the splendid coastline and rolling hills, you’ll start to feel better.
Cottages for weekend breaks in Dorset
Our self-catering cottages are the well suited to weekend breaks in Dorset. They offer real living space instead of just a place to sleep. This allows you to relax and create a home from home whilst you’re away. Our cottages are the perfect retreats to come back to after the end of a long day spent sightseeing or relaxing on the beach. With all the modern features you’d expect, from washing machines and central heating to WiFi and TVs with Netflix, they have everything you might need for comfortable short breaks in Dorset.
Enjoy short breaks all year round
Located only two hours from London, Dorset is so easy to get to. So, there’s no excuse not to book a cottage for a short break! Whether you’re looking for some well-earned mid-week respite or you have a long weekend of relaxation in mind, Dorset is the perfect destination. Our cottages are well-suited to individuals, couples, families, and groups of friends.
What makes short breaks in Dorset so wonderful is that they can be enjoyed all year round. Whilst summer might be the ideal time to relax on the stunning beaches and take a dip in the clear blue sea, the region is just as spectacular in Autumn and Winter. With miles of magnificent coastline, rolling countryside, and fascinating ancient landmarks, there’s plenty to capture your heart in Dorset. You can pack so much into a short visit that even if you’re only visiting for 24-hours, it’ll feel like a real escape from everyday life.
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Anchor Cottage – sleeps 7 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) Nestled just a stones throw from the beach and town centre, Anchor Cottage is an ideal base for the perfect family getaway by the sea! This warm and welcoming cottage invites you with sumptuous beds, crisp white linen and a modern, contemporary feel throughout. |
£464.75 |
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Angel Cottage – sleeps 2 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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 |
£391.09 |
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Beach Approach – sleeps 4 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£387.26 |
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Below Decks – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£463.91 |
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Brook Cottage – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) Step back in time and enjoy this delightful semi-detached cottage, exuding charm and character throughout. Built in the early 1730s, this distinctive Grade II red bricked cottage, is set in the heart of the historic village of Corfe Castle. This cosy retreat, nestled in the heart of the Purbecks, would surely be able to tell a tale or two! Sitting peacefully at the bottom of the romantic Castle ruins, you will enjoy morning coffee with arguably one of the most impressive backdrops in Dorset. |
£682.36 |
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Cherry Tree Cottage – sleeps 4 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£456.25 |
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Forest Edge – sleeps 4 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) Forest Edge is a two bedroom semi-detached chalet bungalow offering luxury accommodation near Wareham. Mainly laid out on the ground floor, this delightful holiday home has been completely refurbished to a very high standard. |
£402.59 |
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Gable Cottage – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£544.39 |
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Little Westport – sleeps 8 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£513.05 |
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Magnolia Cottage – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) Magnolia Cottage is a beautiful and welcoming three bedroom semi detached cottage built from a mix of local Portland stone and brick. It gets its name from the magnificent Magnolia tree in the cottage style garden that it is truly beautiful when in bloom. |
£605.71 |
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Mimosa House – sleeps 4 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£471.58 |
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Newton Manor Grange – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£448.58 |
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Pebbles – sleeps 5 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 3 Bedrooms. The owners of this delightful family holiday home in Swanage have furnished and decorated in neutral tones with a subtle beach theme throughout. Pebbles is located on a small exclusive development of beautifully designed homes with spacious and well planned accommodation. Just a 10 – 15 minute stroll will take you to the blue flag golden sands of Swanage beach. |
£448.58 |
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Piona – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) For a seaside break to remember, look no further! Piona is set in a prime location in the heart of Swanage in Dorset. You will have a wealth of attractions, amenities and the all-important sandy beach right at your fingertips – all just a 5 minute walk away! |
£425.59 |
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Purbeck Escape – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 3 Bedrooms. Super reviews for this recent addition to our holiday homes. Purbeck Escape is a spacious, newly equipped family home. |
£463.91 |
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Sea Reach – sleeps 4 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£532.90 |
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Seashell View – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) A stunning 3 bed apartment with sea views – perfect for a family beach holiday in the coastal town of Swanage, Dorset. |
£532.90 |
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Stone Quay Cottage – sleeps 3 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£350.25 |
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The Aspens – sleeps 5 cannot be 5 adults Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) Delightful light-filled family holiday home, situated just a stone’s throw from beautiful Swanage Pier. |
£471.58 |
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The Stone Barn – sleeps 12 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) A unique and private self-catering holiday cottage set in the magical surroundings of Kimmeridge village. Surrounded by idyllic coastal farmland with panoramic sea views. The Stone Barn is set apart from the hustle and bustle of busy roads and street lights, yet the nearby towns of Wareham and Swanage are only a short drive away. Other Jurassic Coast marvels, such as Lulworth Cove are all within easy reach. |
£1,357.25 |
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The Wedge – sleeps 6 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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 short walk to the beach accessed via a pathway and steps down the cliff. It is ideal for those wishing to explore most spectacular walks and enjoy the scenery of a pretty coastline. |
£690.03 |
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West Lodge – sleeps 10 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) Tastefully presented and finished to a high standard, this fabulous holiday home in Church Knowle, will appeal to those of you visiting with extended family and friends. Located just a mile outside Corfe Castle, as the crow flies between Kimmeridge Bay and the golden sands of Studland, you will be truly spoilt for things to see and do. |
£847.16 |
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Westport Cottage – sleeps 5 Arrive: Fri 01 Dec 2023 Depart: Mon 04 Dec 2023 (3 nights) 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. |
£448.58 |
Short Break Options
Short Break Terms: Our short breaks are a minimum of 3 nights. A few cottages specify a minimum of 4 nights.
When Can I Book A Short Break?: You can book a low season short break in most of our cottages today, some of our cottages also allow short breaks in April and May (excluding school holidays). Mid and peak season short breaks can be booked one / two weeks prior to the start date.
Is Everything Included?: Yes exactly the same as if you were booking a weeks holiday. Please see the cottage facilities to check towel provision, linen is always included.
Dorset Attractions and Events Open All Year
If you are booking a low season short break, we would recommend checking opening times. The following attractions are open throughout the year and ideal for a visit during your short break.
Sealife Centre in Weymouth is open all year except Christmas and Boxing Day. Book online for big discounts on ticket prices.
The centre is home to over 1000 creatures in 15 different zones.
The Blue Pool. We love a stroll around Purbeck’s Blue Pool. A lovely cafe on site for a post walk cake. Open from the 1st March to the end of November.
The Tank Museum is a fab indoor day out, ideal whatever the weather. Open all year except Christmas and Boxing Day. The kids will love this huge museum. Onsite cafe.
No visit to Dorset would be complete without a day out at the National Trust’s Corfe Castle.
The castle is open every day apart from some special events and Christmas and Boxing Day