Explore
Find the perfect place from the worlds best selection of vacation rentals on VRBO.
Where to stay around Dorset, GB?
Our 2018 property listings offer a large selection of 1,938 vacation rentals near Dorset. From 1,014 Cabins to 1,014 Cottages, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Dorset for a holiday or a weekend are on VRBO.
What are the most popular destinations to visit in Dorset?
There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Dorset. From VRBO travelers, the top most popular destinations to visit are:
- Poole: 1,314 vacation rentals
- Bournemouth: 1,374 vacation rentals
- Swanage: 1,185 vacation rentals
- Portland: 291 vacation rentals
- Weymouth: 578 vacation rentals
And VRBO offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Dorset! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.
What are the main cities to discover in Dorset?
Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Dorset:
- Poole: 1,314 rentals
- Bournemouth: 1,374 rentals
- Swanage: 1,185 rentals
- Portland: 291 rentals
- Weymouth: 578 rentals
For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.
Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to Dorset?
Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in Dorset are:
- Poole (POQ-Poole Bus Station): 1,884 vacation rentals
- Bournemouth Airport (BOH): 2,244 vacation rentals
- Ringwood (RNW-Ringwood Bus Station): 2,662 vacation rentals
For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.
Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Dorset?
VRBO offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Dorset. From VRBO travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
- Bournemouth Beach: 1,890 rentals
- Poole Harbour: 1,569 rentals
- Lulworth Cove Beach: 1,711 rentals
- Alum Chine Beach: 1,844 rentals
- Highcliffe Castle: 2,518 rentals
But there are many other points of interest around Dorset listed on VRBO where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.
Dorset is a classic English vacation spot
This English county and vacation hotspot lies along the country's south-west Jurassic Coast, a spectacular landscape of towering cliff faces, rocky formations and secluded bays, showcasing millions of years of geology. Further inland, things are no less impressive. Rolling green meadows and woodland are dotted with Iron Age forts, castle farms and pretty thatched chocolate-box villages, where you'll find many Dorset vacation rentals. This is a place to make family memories – whether it's paddling in sea kayaks across the calm bays, hiking along the achingly beautiful coastal trails, or delving into the county's thriving food scene.
Hiking, biking and fishing await in Dorset
Dorset's countryside is perfectly suited as a playground for outdoor pursuits. If you've brought your bicycle, you can ride along the mile upon mile of challenging trails. For something more sedate but equally spectacular, take to the coastal footpaths, which wind their way up and down the Jurassic Coast. Being near the sea, it'll come as no surprise that fishing is big in the county. If you nab one of the rental boats, you can head out to sea for a little mackerel fishing and return with your catch to cook up a seafood feast at your Dorset vacation rental.
Steam trains and stately homes in Dorset
Dorset's long been a summer vacation spot for families visiting from the big cities. Over the years it's built up a long list of fascinating attractions to keep you busy when you're off the beach. Kids will love a ride on the classic steam trains that choo-choo through the Purbeck Hills. Alternatively, you can take the kids to one of the local farms or sanctuaries, where they can get up close to everything from monkeys to llamas. Dorset has its fair share of stately homes and ancient castles, including Lulworth, a 17th-century hunting lodge once used by the king.
Dorset's fickle weather never dampens the fun
Dorset's weather is unpredictable and it's not unheard of to experience all 4 seasons in the same day. That said, your best chances of fine sunny weather are between July and August and these are the busiest months for Dorset vacation rentals. If you're looking to save a few bucks and don't mind taking your chances on the fickle weather, score a rental in spring or fall. The beaches might not be a goer, but it can be a wonderful time for outdoor activities and if all else fails, you can dive into one of the cozy country pubs to take shelter.
Dorset's nature changes with the seasons
When you stay in a Dorset vacation rental, you'll never be far from the county's natural wonders. Walking through the countryside will bring you past everything from bluebell-laden woodland to open rolling meadows. These habitats provide a home to a long list of resident critters. Shy deer dart through the trees, badgers rustle around on the forest floor and hares scamper over the fields. If you look out to sea, you may very well spot pods of dolphins leaping out of the water, while the hoot of owls fills the air at night.