Dog friendly Lodges Dorset

Located in Chideock, between Bridport and West Bay to the east and Lyme Regis to the west, this holiday home is the main part of the owners’ detached house with an adjoining self-contained annexe for the owners use. It is ideally situated for enjoying and exploring west Dorset and the famous scenic World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and has a large, enclosed, lawned garden with a patio overlooking fields and footpaths towards Seatown. Wander over the fields to the coast at Seatown and enjoy some superb scenic coastal walking up to the top of Golden Cap the highest point in the south of England. Lyme Regis offers a great day or two out, with its picturesque harbour, sandy beach and famous Cob, where you can pass the time fossil hunting, boating, fishing, swimming, walking, exploring the quaint character shops, or simply wining and dining. Inland perhaps enjoy a cream tea at the Broadwindsor Craft Centre, or travel further afield to south Somerset and visit historic Forde Abbey and Gardens. There is so much to do you are sure to have a memorable time, and for a stress free holiday. Beach 1 mile. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

Situated only 3 miles from Lyme Regis with its historic Cobb, harbour and sandy beach, and the market town of Axminster, this delightful and spacious, split-level rural cottage, with stable door entrance, is ideally located to enjoy West Dorset and East Devon. Take in some wonderful scenic walking on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, enjoy fossil hunting, boating, golf, fishing, horse riding and family time in Lyme Regis or attractions such as the Donkey Sanctuary and tramway at Seaton, Crealy Adventure Park at Exeter, Forde Abbey and Gardens, Beer Caves, River Cottage or exploring the cathedral city of Exeter and beyond. The owners’ property is close by, but not overlooking, with poultry and sheep nearby. You are free to explore the adjacent local nature reserve and woodlands and enjoy views over the Axe Valley. Shop and pub/restaurant 1 mile.

Set in the unspoilt village of Bothenhampton about a mile from Bridport and the new harbour of West Bay, where the TV series ’Broadchurch’ was filmed, and its beaches. The historic rope-making town of Bridport with its twice weekly market is a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Sweet Briar (ref 8234) and Buzzards (ref 8235, first floor) are in the east wing of an old country house and Farthings (ref 19292) is in the west. Many badgers have made their sets in the hill behind, and there is an abundance of wildlife. Perfect for relaxing or more invigorating walking holiday in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes extensive National Trust land. Chesil Beach, one of the finest barrier beaches, begins at West Bay. Lyme Regis with its Cobb and the famous fossil beach at Charmouth are close by. Not far away is the ancient town of Dorchester with its Iron Age hill fort and Roman town house and many other sites of historic interest. Spend a day at Abbotsbury Swannery, the only place in the world where you can walk among the baby swans (hatching from May). Golf course and leisure centre nearby. Bike hire available locally. Ideal for exploring the Jurassic Coast or for just relaxing in this tranquil village. Shop, pub and restaurant¾ mile.

Nestling in a tranquil location on the Devon/Dorset border, this well-presented single-storey barn conversion is set within the 40 acres of the owner’s home, which was the setting for The French Lieutenant’s Woman. It lies ½ mile from the popular medieval port of Lyme Regis with picturesque harbour known as the Cobb. Wonderful scenic walking abounds, with the South West Coastal Path just 500 yards away. Shop and pub ½ mile.

Set in beautiful west Dorset countryside, just a short distance from the market town of Bridport, West Bay (scene of the TV series Broadchurch) on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and the popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis, this single-storey, terrace barn conversion, for two, is excellent holiday accommodation for those wishing to enjoy some wonderful scenic coast or country walking, perhaps with the dog. The dramatic coastline stretches from Lyme Regis, all the way to Weymouth and Portland, taking in the famous Chesil Beach and Golden Cap, and has some superb little seaside resorts to explore. Inland, one will find much to enjoy ranging from Forde Abbey and Gardens, Broadwindsor Craft Centre and just over the border in Somerset, Barrington Court and Montacute House (both NT), Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Haynes Classic Motor Museum. Beach 5 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This delightful, period, former Coach House, set in a secluded village location, has been refurbished to a high standard. It offers spacious, detached holiday accommodation and is situated in the historic, popular village of Chideock - ½ mile from the World Heritage Coast between Bridport and Lyme Regis. The village boasts a post office, shop and two excellent pubs. Good restaurants, street markets and shops within a few minutes’ drive at Bridport, Charmouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis. Visitors can wander down to the beach at Seatown and enjoy the famous Anchor Pub, swimming, fossil hunting and superb, scenic coastal walking. Shops ¼ mile.

Within 2 miles of the famous Chesil Beach and World Heritage Jurassic Coast and between West Bay and Portland Bill, this Grade II 13th-century stone tithe barn, situated in Litton Cheney on a working farm, has been restored and extended to provide excellent detached character accommodation for 19 guests, in this sought after part of West Dorset. It offers a great location for enjoying this holiday area, and boasts nine en-suite bedrooms (five doubles, one with an additional single, and four twins), each with TV, and a large kitchen, ideal for self catering with a large group. There is even the added benefit of a self-service bar, so you can keep your friends and family entertained throughout the evening. The original stone barn, now a very impressive vaulted and beamed living/dining room, comfortably accommodates eighteen. There is plenty of room for all; guests can relax and unwind in the large garden, the children can play in the games room equipped with pool table, there is fishing (by arrangement with the owner) in the 2-acre coarse fishing lake, or simply wander down to the village pub to wine and dine, or enjoy some glorious country walking.
Within a few minutes’ drive is Chesil Beach at Burton Bradstock which stretches for 17 miles from Portland to West Bay and is a unique shingle ridge and natural beauty spot. The pebbles on the beach are said to increase in size from east to west, the largest being at Portland where a centre for wind and kitesurfing can also be found. West Bexington and Abbotsbury are a short drive away with opportunities for swimming and fishing. Abbotsbury is home to the swannery which is a popular family attraction for holidaymakers and where visitors can walk amidst colonies of nesting mute swans in a natural wildlife habitat. Originally established by Benedictine monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, the swannery was used to provide food for their banquets and has been featured in films including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens, which were established in the 1700s by the Countess of Ilchester, are another place of interest to visit. Magnolia and camelia collections are of particular note as well as rhododendrons and hydrangeas; a gift shop, restaurant and plant centre complete the facilities for a good day out. There is much to see and do in Dorset for families, especially at Weymouth, a short drive away, which offers many attractions including the Sea Life Museum, or visit Dorchester with its many attractions and shops. Further afield, family days out include Wool with its Tank Museum and Monkey World, or admire the natural arch of Durdle Door and the almost circular cove of Lulworth on the way to Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck. To the west one can see the magnificent World Heritage Coast and visit West Bay, Eype, Charmouth and of course the ever popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis, with its pretty harbour and Cobb. Shop 3 miles and pub 400 yards.

These delightful holiday cottages are set in the peaceful conservation village of Puncknowle, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Jurassic Coast is just 1½ miles away with superb scenic walking. Each cottage is finished to a high standard offering very comfortable holiday accommodation and is set in the same smart courtyard area as the owners’ homes. The ‘chocolate-box’ village of Burton Bradstock is 3 miles with a good small beach. Abbotsbury, along the coast, has its famous swannery and sub-tropical garden. Further east is the Victorian seaside town of Weymouth, with Blue Flag beach, sea fishing, windsurfing, Sealife Centre and two RSPB nature reserves. Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool are great places for a family day out. Dorchester, the county town also known as Thomas Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’ is 30 minutes’ drive and has a lively weekly market and beautiful Maiden Castle. To the west is the market town of Bridport which was Thomas Hardy’s ‘Port Bredy’ and has the twice weekly market as featured in the popular TV programme River Cottage. The picturesque harbours of West Bay are a great place for fishing. Lyme Regis is an attractive seaside resort which enjoys a dramatic setting with high cliffs, landslips and handsome harbour, known as The Cobb. Both Lyme Regis and Charmouth are renowned for their prehistoric fossils which are displayed in the local museum and on sale in the fossil shops. Local pub serving good food 250 yards.

Just 200 yards from the seafront at Weymouth, with wonderful views over the bay and onto Portland, this first floor holiday apartment for six has a compact garden, reached by a small footbridge, and offers a great location for a family holiday. From the doorstep, one can enjoy water activities from swimming, fishing, boating and wind surfing, to scenic coastal walking and many restaurants nearby. Local attractions include the Sealife Centre, Adventure Park and Tower, and Radipole Nature Reserve.

Bowleaze Cove, north east of Weymouth and near the village of Preston, is a sand and shingle beach extending to the whole of Weymouth Bay. The cove is on the Jurassic Coast and is known for its geology. Dogs are welcome from October to April only, and the sea is great for taking a dip or simply paddling. A zoned area offers watersports.

Within easy driving, take in Lulworth Cove, Lulworth Castle and on to Corfe Castle and the Swanage Railway. You can also visit Lyme Regis, explore the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast with its spectacular scenery, taking in Abbotsbury Swannery and Tropical Gardens, or Westbay, scene of the Broadchurch TV series. Perhaps an inland visit to Monkey World, the Tank Museum at Bovington and of course Dorchester, with its many attractions too. You will have much to do for a great holiday. Beach 200 yards. Shop 400 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

The Old Guildhall, reputed to be the original meeting place of the ancient order of stone cutters and marblers, is a unique and individual property with contemporary and quirky design practically combined with many original period features. The house has many original works of art on display which adds to the ambiance, and has been featured in the House and Garden magazine. The owner thoughtfully provides a luxurious hamper. The stunning village of Corfe Castle stands at the gateway to the Isle of Purbeck, and is dominated by the ruined castle, which is a delight any time of year. Other family attractions include a model village and interactive exhibition, the village museum, a steam railway and many shops, and Corfe Common is found just on the edge of the village with the Purbeck Way walking route passing through it to reach Chapman’s Pool and the South West Coast Path. The village is constructed almost completely from the local grey Purbeck limestone and around the village square there are a small collection of shops clustered together. The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline is a short drive away, with the famous Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Discover the town of Swanage with its beach, boat trips, Durlston Country Park and Steam Railway. Monkey World and the Tank Museum are also close by. Shop and pubs 100 yards.