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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Comfort and space to be enjoyed by friends and family in this large, modern home complete with bubbling hot tub. Its pet friendly and has plenty of parking. The quality of this home and the size of the garden are what attracts guests to Cherry Lodge.
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
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.
This appealing large, ground floor apartment is part of a modern conversion of a former Edwardian hotel, right in the heart of the seaside town of Swanage in a quiet residential, tree lined street, less than 5 mins walk to restaurants, pubs, shops and the beach. You can enjoy a lovely glimpse view across Swanage bay from the lounge bay window.
4 Bedroom, 3 bathrooms. Stunning countryside views with sea glimpses. Tilshead is a beautifully designed home nestled within the lovely village of Langton Matravers. This exceptional, bespoke house was created to offer a practical yet luxurious, contemporary residence complete with large relaxing garden. Graded four star gold by Visit England, this luxury Dorset holiday cottage is ideal for large parties or families.
Set in an idyllic location, this welcoming 18th century, Grade II listed character cottage stands in the heart of the picturesque village of Corfe Castle. Church Cottage boasts a beautiful garden and welcomes two dogs, making it an ideal base for a family get together.
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.
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. 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.
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