Dorset Vacation Rentals: cottage rentals & more

Discover a selection of 3,000 vacation rentals in Dorset that are perfect for your trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including WiFi and parking. Prices start at $110 per night, and cottages and houses are popular options for a stay in Dorset. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.

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Find the best place to stay — Dorset

Search 2,987 vacation rentals

Stayed May 2021

A fabulous property

My wife and I have just returned from a 3 nights stay at this wonderful barn conversion. It has been thoughtfully decorated and furnished and the owner Zoe has provided a very homely environment with her personal touches. It is well equipped and th...

Stayed May 2021

Great base

The apartment is to the rear of the property pictured which is the owners home. Very busy road but manageable. Five minute drive to the co-op. Gas hob, microwave and toaster,ironing board, hairdryer well equipped. Great place to explore the Dorset co...

Stayed May 2021

A perfect peaceful hideaway!

My boyfriend and I had an AMAZING time staying at The Hide! Simon and Karen were wonderful hosts and so welcoming. The location of the hide is beautiful and very peaceful, looking out over the vineyard during the evening sunset was a highlight. Fabul...

Stayed May 2021

Superb in every way

First visit to Weymouth but we couldn’t have found a better place to base our holiday. Top class accommodation with a fantastic view over Fleet Lagoon - and we were blessed with some amazing sunsets. We can recommend without hesitation and would glad...

Stayed May 2021

A Glowing Report!

We booked Stone's Throw at the last minute as a getaway for my husband's 75th birthday. It proved a great decision as we really enjoyed our week in Portland. The house was spotlessly clean and everything we thought we may need was there plus little e...

Stayed Apr 2021

Beautiful and relaxing

We had a wonderful stay at Glen Cottage. A quaint, cosy and perfectly positioned cottage for a peaceful yet adventurous holiday. We loved the sound of the stream in the garden and the woodland walk from the garden to the beach, (it took us just over ...

Stayed Apr 2021

Sunny weekend in the Dorset countryside

The Old Diary was welcoming with complimentary milk and biscuits on arrival. Everything that you would need in a self catering property was supplied, eg. tea towels, washing up liquid etc. The property on the farm was safe and secure for our dog to r...

Stayed Apr 2021

Our amazing experience; First family holiday

We had an amazing holiday experience at this holiday park. The best holiday destinations for a family. The owner of the cottage is very informative, friendly and very professional. We will definitely coming back again. Highly recommend for friends an...

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Destination guide

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.

Things to do

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.

Activities

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.

Weather

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.

Natural features

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.

How to get there

Traveling to and around Dorset

The nearest airport is in Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.), located 21.5 mi (34.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Southampton (SOU), which is 43.1 mi (69.4 km) away.

If you prefer to travel by train, Dorchester Moreton Station, Dorchester South Station and Dorchester West Station are the main stations in the area.

How many vacation rentals are available around Dorset?

Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 2,987 vacation rentals around Dorset. From 1,405 cottage rentals to 2,187 house rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.