Holiday Cottages in Dorchester, Dorset
Well-located for Exploring Dorset’s Coast and Countryside
Dorchester is the perfect place to stay when exploring Dorset. The county town is rich in history, with Roman roots, independent shops, boutique restaurants and cafés. Step just beyond town and you’re straight into countryside shaped by chalk hills and rolling hills, with landmarks such as the Cerne Abbas Giant nearby. It’s these landscapes that inspired author Thomas Hardy. What really sets Dorchester apart is its location. From here, it’s easy to explore the coast at Weymouth, the clear waters of Lulworth Cove, the dramatic Durdle Door and historic Corfe Castle.
Our Dorchester holiday cottages are carefully selected for their quality and comfort, offering welcoming spaces to relax with everything you need nearby. This means you can enjoy town, country, and coast from a well-chosen base.
Discover Things to See & Do in Dorset
Whether you’re seeking rugged coastal walks, charming market towns, or the freshest seafood the south coast has to offer, our guide to Dorset has everything you need, from the best places to eat and drink, to unmissable attractions and outdoor adventures to make the most of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dorchester has plenty of history to explore. Roman and civic life is exhibited in the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, while the former courthouse at the Shire Hall Museum offers a clear insight into justice over the centuries. For something a little different, the Dorchester Dinosaur Museum, set in a converted Victorian schoolhouse, brings the Jurassic Coast’s prehistoric past to life with skeletons, full-size reconstructions and interactive displays.
There’s also a more traditional side to the town, from the popular Teddy Bear Museum to the Plaza Cinema Dorchester, one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas still showing new releases. Just outside town, it’s easy to step back in time at Hardy’s Cottage, Athelhampton House and the Cerne Abbas Giant, which is carved into the Dorset countryside.
View our Explore guide for more recommendations of things to do in Dorchester.
Dorchester has a well-regarded food scene, with many cafés, pubs and restaurants making good use of locally sourced produce. Just outside the town centre, Poundbury, King Charles III’s development, has become a popular place to eat, with relaxed cafés and the Duchess of Cornwall bar and restaurant at its heart.
In Dorchester itself, Al Molo is a long-standing favourite for Italian food, while independent cafés such as The Secret Garden and The Posh Partridge are ideal for relaxed lunches and coffee. There’s also a unique dining experience at seventy four. Beyond the town, surrounding villages are home to excellent pubs, including The Thimble Inn and The Sailors Return, the latter recognised by the Daily Telegraph as one of England’s top pubs. It’s a personal favourite of ours.
View our Explore guide for more recommendations for places to eat and drink in Dorchester.
Although Dorchester is inland, the coast is always close at hand. Weymouth’s long, sandy beach is an easy drive, while quieter spots such as Ringstead Bay offer a more open, unspoilt feel. The dramatic curves of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are also within reach, as is the vast sweep of Chesil Beach.
View our Explore guide for more recommendations on the best beaches to visit in Dorchester.
Dorchester sits at the heart of some of Dorset’s most varied landscapes, making it easy to combine countryside, coast and historic towns in a single stay. Ancient sites such as Maiden Castle and Maumbury Rings, including a 5,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, lie just outside the town.
To the south, Weymouth is close enough for an easy day out, with its sandy beach, lively harbour and the historic Nothe Fort overlooking the bay. Nearby, the Isle of Portland offers wide views, a working lighthouse and marks the start of Chesil Beach, part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast.
Explore all our recommended places to visit in Dorset.
Yes, several National Trust places sit close to Dorchester. Just outside town is Max Gate, the home Thomas Hardy designed himself, offering a quiet insight into his later life and work. A little further out, the Cerne Abbas Giant, now managed by the National Trust, is one of Dorset’s most distinctive landmarks and easy to combine with countryside walks or a pub lunch.