Over the last few years, holidays and breaks in the UK have been growing in popularity. There is something for everyone with so many beautiful destinations, attractions, and historical locations.
Dorset is one location that enjoys lots of visitors. Located on the south coast of England, Dorset can boast several areas of outstanding natural beauty, including its stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, and untamed woodland.
If you have been considering a trip to the famous Jurassic Coast and wanted to see the best luxury dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset, you are in luck.
Look below for the best pet-friendly cottages for you, your family, and your four-legged friend to enjoy.
1. Shedbush Farm House - Bridport
Shedbush Farm House dates back to the 17th century and offers guests a traditional, rural, English experience. The country style is cosy and welcoming, and the well-furnished home has everything you would need, including a wood-burning fire.
Other amenities include a fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and freezer, as well as a TV, DVD player, and WiFi.
The three-bedroom cottage sleeps six across, and a maximum of two dogs are welcome.
The enclosed garden is great for dogs and kids and is the perfect place to relax and have beautiful surroundings.
As well as having the opportunity to stay in a traditional thatched cottage, there are also great coastal walks, beaches, and coves that are fun places to explore with your furry friend.
2. Seaglimpse- Swanage
As you might expect from a cottage named Seaglimpse, you will be near the seaside when you stay in the beautiful Victorian Villa. In fact, the beach is just a hundred yards from the front door.
This intimate location only has one bedroom and sleeps two, so it is perfect for romantic getaways. One well-behaved dog is also welcome to stay.
This pet-friendly option has a great enclosed garden for you to enjoy the sun, as well as a conservatory for relaxing. You can expect all the mod cons here with a large TV and modern kitchen.
Despite the original Victorian style being the first thing you notice on approach, the interior is styled in a modern, welcoming way.
The town of Swanage will have plenty to keep you busy with lots of great pubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops, the beach, and local attractions such as Swanage Railway, Swanage Pier, and Durlston Castle and Country Park all nearby.
Your dog will also love the coastal walks, and you are afforded exquisite views of the sea and Isle of Wight on clear days.
3. Key West Cottage - Langport
Our last suggestion was perfect for a cosy, romantic getaway for couples, but not everyone will want that, especially if they have large families. If that is the case, or you like to take trips with friends, Key West Cottage in Langport could be perfect.
This is a modern option with lots of space. The seven bedrooms sleep up to sixteen people, and as many as two dogs are welcome here.
As well as having seven bedrooms, there are five bathrooms, so you won't need to worry about tiresome queues for a shower. The large enclosed garden comes with garden furniture, a barbecue, and a six-person hot tub, as if that wasn't enough.
Inside, you will find a fully equipped modern kitchen, TV with full Sky package, Blu-ray and DVD player, a cinema room, and a games room with Playstation and pool table.
Looking at everything included in this property, you might never want to leave. That being said, the nearby villages of Hambridge and Barrington have great pubs.
Golf fans will love being next to two golf clubs, while Longleat Safari Park is a short drive away for guests. There are numerous great country and coastal walks that your dog will love.
4. Hintock, Sherborne
Hintock Shepherd's hut is a unique experience for guests looking for something different.
The converted hut sleeps two and is beautifully equipped with a double bed, kitchen area, and bathroom.
One well-behaved dog is permitted to stay in this accommodation that also features an outside patio area with a bath for anyone looking to soak and take in the beautiful country views.
The outside area has wooden deck chairs and a fire pit to cosy up to for barbecue dinner. Local walks and attractions will give you lots to do. If you fancy a day trip to the beach, its central Dorset location means you will have the choice of heading north or south.
5. Dairy Cottages - Ploughman's Row Number 3 - Wimborne Minster
Dairy Cottages - Ploughman's Row Number 3 in Wimborne Minster is a modern barn conversion with a main open-plan area and enclosed garden great for children and dogs.
The two-bedroom conversion can sleep up to four guests, and up to two dogs are welcome.
Having just been completed in 2021, the state-of-the-art accommodation offers all the mod-cons you need, including a modern kitchen and TVs.
The garden has decking and furniture for you to enjoy being outdoors and a grass area for dogs and kids to play on.
As well as having garden furniture to laze on, there is also a patio table and chairs, plus a barbecue if you decide that al fresco dining is on the menu.
The local area is steeped in history that dates back thousands of years, making fascinating days out. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the beach. Though it is a bit of a drive at 16 miles away, Hamworthy Park is a great option.
Dogs are permitted all year round at Hamworthy Park beach, and the paddling pool and play area are great for little ones.
6. Parkhouse - Dorchester
Park House in Dorchester is another extravagant option that might put some people off because of its price tag at first. But when you consider that the eight-bedroom property sleeps up to nineteen and allows two dogs, it can be a cost-effective way to make the most of luxury dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.
First things first, this is a combination of The Courtyards House and Garden House at Came House Estate. The traditional country style is friendly and welcoming, and the kitchen's Aga cooker is a beautiful touch.
The house is equipped with modern amenities like a TV and WiFi, but it is an incredible location to keep you entertained.
Enjoy breakfast in the dappled light of the Courtyard Garden, or cosy up around the open fire as the nights start to draw in.
Plus, you are also on the doorstep of the Jurassic Coast, where you will be able to explore over 200 million years of history.
There are lots to do for dog owners, including the great beaches, coastal walks, and rolling Dorset countryside.
7. April Cottage - Eype
For some, the ideal getaway includes time to rest, relax, and recharge their batteries. April Cottage is perfect for doing this.
Located in the quiet village of Eype, April Cottage is a two-bedroom, semi-detached cottage with a comfortable 90's feel to it.
You will have everything you need, including a kitchen, TV, and a wonderful garden with a summer house. The patio area is perfect for outdoor dining or letting your four-legged friend enjoy being outdoors.
Just 600 metres away is a dog-friendly beach where you will be able to enjoy stretching your legs. The local coastal walks are another fine opportunity to get outside and experience the incredible views.
Whether you are a fan of the beach or the country, there is a bit of something for everyone, and this charming location is the ideal place to unwind.
8. Benville Cottage - Benville
Thatched cottages tend to be popular among holidaymakers who want the full English experience. Thankfully, Benville Cottage offers that and a whole lot more.
Located in Benville, the cottage can sleep up to four people in its three bedrooms, and as many as two dogs are welcome to stay. You will find all the amenities expected in a modern rental, including WiFi and television. However, you will still enjoy the country charm provided by the Aga and wood-burning stove.
As any dog owner will tell you, the addition of a separate utility room through the back door with a tap and flagstone floor means it is easy to deal with a dog after a long or muddy walk.
The style is clean and fresh, but exposed brickwork and beams help to retain its rural charm, and the 3/4 acre garden is perfect for families.
Benville is just a small village in West Dorset, but just two miles away, you will find the award-winning Acorn pub in Evershot should you be looking for some civilisation.
As well as Evershot, Beaminster is close by and is a busy market town where you can shop, eat and drink until your heart's content.
You are only around 10 miles from the south coast if you want to explore the beautiful beaches, and with so many great local walks, your dog will have the time of its life.
9. Apple Blossom - Chideock
Apple Blossom cottage in Chideock is a three-bedroom option that can sleep up to five people and can accommodate two dogs.
The excellent amenities include a fully equipped modern kitchen, WiFi, TV and Netflix. As well as this, you will love the enclosed garden that consists of a summer house and garden furniture.
The charming cottage has a wood burner in the fireplace to make your stay nice and cosy, and the decor is fresh and straightforward.
The excellent location gives you easy access to the Clock Inn and the George Inn, a short walk away. The nearest beach is just a mile away, which is great for you and your dog.
If you are interested in other local attractions, Langdon Woods and Langdon Hill, a part of the National Trust, are close by. Add the glorious coastal walks, and you and your dog will be spoiled for choice.
10. Laundry Cottage - Evershot
Our final suggestion is the traditional thatched Laundry Cottage located in Evershot.
The eye-catching cottage is covered in flowers, and its thatched roof will automatically think you are in some kind of fairytale. Thankfully, you aren't, and you will be able to sleep up to four guests in the two bedrooms and bring up to two dogs.
The country-style decoration adds to the cottage's charm, and the Aga cooker is the cherry on top in this farmhouse-style kitchen.
Despite the roaring fireplace adding to the old-fashioned, cosy charm of the cottage, there are modern amenities, including a TV and WiFi.
The large enclosed garden is perfect for kids and dogs to run and play worry-free, and the local village is as charming as the accommodation.
The Acorn pub, bakery, village shop, and Post Office cover the majority of needs.
There are a number of great local walks, and the beach is just a short drive away for anyone looking to get out and explore a bit further afield.
FAQs
Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Dorset?
If you are on holiday with your dog, finding a beach for them to enjoy is always a good way to spend your day. It is important that you take the time to find out what beaches permit dogs and if there are any other rules.
There are a number of dog-friendly beaches in Dorset for you to visit on your trip. Including Cogden Beach, Kimmeridge Bay, and Rockley Sands Poole.
Beaches that have some restrictions over busier seasons include Lyme Regis Beach, West Bay, and Sandbanks Harbour Poole.
Only Shipstal beach has a strict ban on dogs entering the beach. There are 23 beaches with seasonal restrictions and 30 beaches where dogs are allowed throughout the year.
What dog-friendly attractions are there in Dorset?
Planning your holiday around a dog can be challenging, and it is easy enough if you want a lazy break with the occasional walk or beach trip. However, if you have your family with you, there are some dog-friendly attractions in Dorset that you can visit.
A trip to Agglestone Rock with your family and dog is a great way to enjoy the local countryside and see the large sandstone rock with an interesting local legend about the devil.
The Arne, RSPB Nature Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to see wildlife and take their dogs along for the walk. It is important to mention that dogs should be kept on their leads here.
Corfe Castle and Corfe Castle Model Village are fascinating days out that will give you a taste of the history and heritage Dorset has to offer.
Kimmeridge Marine reserve and Swanage Railway also offer a great day out for families with dogs.
Is the New Forest near Dorset?
While the New Forest does not extend into East Dorset, it does get pretty close, making it the ideal location for holidaymakers who want to see what the National Park offers.
There is something for everyone with a great selection of walking and cycling routes and attractions, including museums and theme parks.
Only some of these will be suitable for dogs, but if you are looking for ways to entertain kids, splitting up and taking in everything on offer can make the perfect day out for everyone involved.
Are there any rules for dog walking along the South West Coast path?
Anyone planning on walking the South West Coast should adhere to the Countryside Code. The majority of this is common sense, but keeping your eyes open for signage from local farmers is also advised, especially during the breeding season for livestock.
Dogs should always be kept on a lead around livestock, and some areas can be out of bounds for dog walkers. Walkers should always bag dog poop and take it with them unless they come across designated waste disposal bins.
Are luxury pet-friendly cottages more expensive than regular holiday cottages in Dorset?
You will typically find that luxury dog-friendly cottages in Dorset charge a small amount for a dog being present, but it rarely goes over £25 for a week. When you weigh this up against the overall charge of cottages in Dorset, you probably won't even notice it.
That small charge means you won't have the worry or expense of having to find alternative plans for your dog, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing break enjoying the glorious Dorset countryside.
Final Thoughts
Dorset is a truly wonderful location to visit, and finding dog-friendly accommodation with views of the stunning countryside or sea is easier than you might think.
If you are a fan of UK getaways, you will love our lifestyle blog. Check back regularly for new posts about luxury staycations that you’ll definitely have to try.
The great British staycation is popular again, and you should be able to enjoy a luxury break without having to leave your four-legged friends at home. Our handy guides make it easier for you to do that.
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