Dorset holidays

Holidays in Dorset encompass all that is best in rural England, with rolling hills, wild heaths, and thatched cottages, while the beaches and fossil rich cliffs of the Jurassic coastline offer a rare geological treasure.

The World Heritage coastline extends 140 kilometres from Lyme Regis to Christchurch, and offers a selection of the country's finest sandy beaches and holiday resorts. The region owes much of its charm to its villages, all 150 of them, and they are well worth exploring. Select from our range of Dorset self catering properties to enjoy all of this at the pace you set.

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About Dorset

Dorset's wide variety of beaches make it the perfect choice for a traditional seaside holiday. Swanage, with its gently shelving award winning beach and Victorian Pier, is also popular for fishing and offers fabulous views across to The Needles and beyond. The bustling quay and stunning natural harbour of Poole, together with spectacular beaches makes this a top resort for all the family. Renowned for its seven miles of golden beaches and beautiful parks and gardens, Bournemouth blends the contemporary with the traditional to ensure you are truly spoilt for choice.

The picturesque seaside town of Lyme Regis has a narrow tangle of streets and shops that lead to the famous 13th Century Cobb Harbour. Perfect location for fossil hunting!

The New Forest is a beautifully preserved corner of the English countryside and the forest towns and villages retain a charm all of their own. Famous for wild ponies, it is also popular for walking, riding and cycling. Dorset provides a truly unique holiday experience.

Dorset highlights...

Bournemouth holidays

Bournemouth is a large resort along the south coast and was recently voted Britain’s Resort of the Year. It offers the best of a traditional seaside resort alongside a lively city centre and this section of coast enjoys some of the warmest, driest and sunniest weather in Britain.
With award winning golden beaches that stretch for approx seven miles and unrivalled water sports and marina facilities it is understandable why people visit time and time again.

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Dorchester holidays

Dorchester the county town of Dorset is a thriving market town with a rich and varied history. It has roman origins and today you can visit the remains of the original roman wall and the Roman Town House.
The town is closely associated with Dorset’s most famous son Thomas Hardy, the 19th century novelist and poet who based his novels on Dorset. You can actually visit the lovely Higher Bockhampton Cottage (NT Property) where Hardy was born.

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Shaftesbury holidays

Perched on a hill high above Dorset’s gentle Blackmore Vale, the charming historic market town, Shaftesbury is one of England’s most scenically placed. Located within Dorset but bordering Wiltshire and Somerset, Shaftesbury offers easy access to Salisbury, Stonehenge, Bath and Longleat.
Home to one of the most famous cobbled streets ‘Gold Hill’ with its picturesque cottages that everyone instantly recognises as being from the ’Hovis’ Bread advert. Nestled around the Saxon Benedictine Abbey for women founded by King Alfred and largely unchanged it is described as one of England’s best kept secrets.

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