The seaside town of Dorset is one of the leading tourist destinations in South West England. With its pretty rural villages, endless beautiful village walks, and incredible English culinary diversity, it is easy to understand why those who long for the authentic English feel usually troop to this town. Some of the notable things to see and do while visiting this lovely town include exploring Jurassic Coast, touring the ruins of Corfe Castle, surfing on the beach, visiting Portland Bill Lighthouse, and many others. If you are planning a trip over here, read below for our recommendations on the top self-catering accommodations in Dorset, UK.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. A beautiful converted barn in a stunning location (from USD 128)
This beautiful converted barn sits in a stunning countryside and is centrally located, close to a wide range of attractions like Monkey World and Lulworth Cove. It features a newly renovated open-plan ground floor with a spacious living area, a cozy lounge, two large bedrooms, and a main bedroom that opens up to beautiful countryside views.
This barn also has a properly fitted country kitchen with modern appliances and guests will find a wildlife pond and plant nursery adjacent to the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had some awful weather but the cottage was warm and comfortable to return toCleanliness:
very clean throughout and well equipped with all you needcottage is clean tidy and very well equipped with all the essentialscortage is very clean tidy and very well equipped with all the essentials and thoughtfully decoratedthe cottage was very clean and zoe supplied antiviral spray and wipes a bonus in these covid timesHost:
owner very helpful and responsiveowner very helpful and responsivethe owner was very responsive during both the booking process and whilst we were staying therethe owner made our stay special by adding little extras on arrivalthe property was exactly as described and the owner was very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
best location for exploring the areawell located for exploring durdle door and lulworth cove and would recommend corfe castle and durlston country parkfantastic accommodation and close to studland beach corfe castle swanage steam train monkey world lulworth and tank museumthe location is perfect for lots of places to explore and we will certainly be making a return visit
2. Higher Moor Farm (from USD 66)
Charming units, lovely garden views, and free parking some of the amenities you can expect when you get accommodated at Higher Moor Farm. This is a self-catering accommodation where guests will find a seating area, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. There’s also a complete kitchen with appliances such as a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, and a toaster, among others.
For guests who would love to check nearby attractions, there are lots of opportunities for hiking, and snorkeling. Weymouth Marina and Sandsfoot Castle are less than 8km (5mi) away.
Higher Moor Farm
Address: Higher Moor Farm Nottington
18.03 km (11.3 mi) from The Tank Museum
3. A spacious luxury villa with a large pool (from USD 1767)
If you are looking for an ideal place for large parties and with lots of luxurious amenities, then this is one of the best options. It is a spacious villa with enviable features such as 10 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a large swimming pool, an 8-person hot tub, a spacious garden, and a licensed pub open to guests by request. Guests will also find a professional pool table, darts, and table tennis.
For your group’s cooking needs, the villa has two fully equipped kitchens where you will find modern appliances such as a cooker, a large refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, and other amenities you may need to prepare nice homemade meals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were a bit too firm for our group and pillows could be nicerthe kitchen (the main one) was massive and very well equippedpool area was outstanding and lots of areas for kids to explorethe pool area is amazing and so safe being able to see it from the kitchenCleanliness:
the bedrooms were clean and spaciousthe house is huge and very clean with lots of lovely featuresfantastic solar heated pool enjoyed by everyone cottage clean and comfortableHost:
a very nice place and property manager super friendlyowner was very friendly the pool is amazingcommunication with the owners (both elina and susannah) was very easyowners were fantastic and helped make the holiday stress freetimo was extremely helpful at all times as were susanna and steve leading up to us goingRead more reviewsLocation:
property is in a great location for visiting all that area has to offer
4. Sandbanks Poole and Bournemouth Bungalows (from USD 76)
Enjoy world-class accommodation services at Sandbanks Poole and Bournemouth Bungalows. Guests can choose between a one-bedroom or a two-bedroom bungalow. Both are fully furnished and come with a comforting “home away from home” feel owing to the nature of amenities.
These amenities include a comfy living room, lavishly furnished bedrooms, a private bathroom, and an inviting terrace for you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The bungalow also comes with a well-equipped kitchen with appliances such as a cooker, fridge, oven, and all the pans and utensils you may need for cooking decent home meals.
Bungalows near Sandbanks Beach
Address: 9 Jackson Road
21.93 km (13.7 mi) from The Tank Museum
5. Four Corners Holiday Home (from USD 295)
Reasonable pricing for a spacious, well-equipped home with hot tub and sauna.
Well-decorated, fully equipped kitchen, children's playroom, and lovely garden.
Convenient location with nearby M&S and Tesco, good for visiting Bournemouth.
Prosecco, chocolates, and well-stocked kitchen; nearby food stores for convenience.
Consider Four Corners Holiday Home for a comfortable and luxurious stay in Dorset. In addition to the standard amenities you would find in regular accommodations, this option comes with extra amenities for a more luxurious stay, including a hot tub, a sauna, and a flat-screen television with satellite cable, and Blu-ray player in the living room.
You will fall in love with the fully equipped kitchen complete with a cooker, a microwave, a fridge, dishwasher and laundry machines. You will also have access to a beautiful garden with an outdoor fireplace, dining area, and barbecue facilities to spice up your outdoor stays.
Four Corners Holiday Home Hot Tub & Sauna
Address: 306 Ringwood Road
27.06 km (16.9 mi) from The Tank Museum
6. Cottages at Woodlands, Dormer (from USD 151)
Reasonable pricing for a well-equipped, comfortable cottage in a peaceful, rural setting.
Homely, well-equipped kitchen, spacious living areas, comfortable beds, and thoughtful welcome package.
Quiet woodland backdrop, easy access to Dorset attractions, and great for stargazing.
Welcome tray with fresh eggs, wine, and local treats, as well as easy access to nearby towns for dining options.
This is a holiday home consisting of three bedrooms, a spacious seating area, a bathroom equipped with a shower and tub combo, and a gorgeous garden complete with furniture for your outdoor relaxation. The cottage also boasts a full kitchen with a kettle, a microwave, a toaster, a cooker, a fridge, and all the essential cooking paraphernalia bound to suit all your cooking needs.
The proximity to nice attractions is a plus. Worth checking out are Monkey World and Wareham Town Museum, both only 7km (4.3mi) away.
Cottages at Woodlands, Dormer
Address: Woodlands, Hyde Dormer Cottage
4.3 km (2.7 mi) from The Tank Museum
7. Marley House Bed and Breakfast (from USD 121)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, comfortable rooms and excellent breakfast.
Lovely garden, hot tub, spacious rooms, and a peaceful rural location.
Conveniently close to Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and local pubs, with easy access to attractions.
Delicious, freshly cooked breakfast with a great selection, including locally sourced ingredients.
At Marley House Bed and Breakfast, you will get accommodation in comfy rooms with plush bedding and private baths. Guests will have access to a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and a lovely garden that will make spending time outdoors so inviting. Also available to guests will be a kitchen with a fridge and a kettle, among other kitchen appliances. There are several rooms in this B&B so you can choose what’s best for you.
For guests who would love to discover the area, there are plenty of opportunities for diving, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
Marley House Bed and Breakfast
Address: East Chaldon Road
4.75 km (3.0 mi) from The Tank Museum
8. A small cottage with garden in a hamlet (from USD 106)
Old Dairy is a small cottage set in a hamlet or small village. It boasts a beautiful private garden located in an area with an abundance of wildlife. The cottage is light and airy and comes complete with an open-plan dining and lounge areas, a bedroom with a king bed, a modern bathroom, large patio windows, and a fully fitted kitchen with appliances such as a fridge, an electric oven, a dishwasher, a gas hob, and a microwave.
There’s free parking for a single car and pets can be accommodated with an extra fee.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
enjoyed the cottage it's facilities and gardenthe old dairy was extremely clean and comfortable with everything needed for a perfect peaceful staythe place was very comfortable and cosyCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and well equippeda relaxing stay in a clean and comfortable holiday cottagethe property was really clean and tidy when we arrived and had everything we neededHost:
lynne was the perfect host providing lots of advice and helpa lovely touch from owners with milk and biscuits left for our arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
a lovely location with lots to do nearbygreat location convenient for the east dorset countryside and coasta well equipped property in a great location we very much look forward to staying again in the futurethis property ticks all the boxes ideal location very comfortable has everything we needed and cleanall in all a great place for a relaxing few days away from the rat race
9. Tanners Cottage (from USD 129)
Tanners Cottage was constructed in 2014. It sits right behind an old village shop and comes with an enclosed garden. The cottage has beautiful indoor and outdoor seating areas, a utility room, a comfy lounge, and two plush bedrooms. For your gastronomic needs, the cottage has a full kitchen fitted with appliances such as a cooker, a fridge, a coffee maker, a toaster, an oven, and all the cutlery you may need to prepare and enjoy a meal.
For guests who would love to explore, village shops are just next door, while some of Dorset’s perfect beaches are just a short drive away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi is good and netflix is provided tootouches like the generous provision of local products internet tv and the nespresso machine were excellentthe cottage is very comfortable spacious and well equippedgreat cottage - well equipped designed & comfortablecottage extremely comfortable and very well equippedCleanliness:
it was very clean and had everything you need for a comfortable staylovely cottage well fitted very clean and comfortablea great find of a cottage perfectly situated and spotlessly cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for monkey world visit rspb arne reserve swanage and durlstonfantastic location for all the area attractions and 2 mins drive to beautiful wareham for supplies at sainsburysproperty was a short walk into wareham which was very nice in the evenings
10. Alpaca Cottage (from USD 117)
This is a delightful, self-contained cottage boasting a cozy seating area, a double bedroom, and a designer en-suite bathroom, all located on the same floor. The cottage also comes with a fully equipped kitchen featuring so guests can prepare homemade meals.
From the cottage’s location, you will have easy access to lots of attractions nearby, including feeding the alpacas on the adjacent farm.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage itself has everything you might need in a comfortable and spacious layoutalpaca cottage was very comfortable and cleanthe bungalow was very clean homely with wi-fi and freesat tvCleanliness:
clean and full of characterclean bright and very peacefulthe cottage was clean tidy and spaciousthe cottage was extremely clean and very well maintainedthe cottage was well equipped clean and comfortableHost:
the owners were very hospitable and made us feel very welcomethe hosts are very friendly and welcoming and we have no complaints at allthe overall location was well presented throughout and our hosts were very friendly polite and helpfulthe hosts were helpful with where to eat walk and shopthe owners paul and fiona couldn’t have been more helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of the property was stunningoverall the break was excellent property was first class lovely peaceful locationone of the best cottages we have stayed in in an ideal location beautifully furnished and very well equippedquiet village away from it all with lovely countryside walks and beautiful views
Enjoy lovely self-catering stays in Dorset
Let your trip to Dorset count by going for comfortable and convenient accommodations. Choose any of the above-mentioned top self-catering accommodations in Dorset, UK for a memorable experience.
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