Dorset Accommodation Guide
Dorset is a county in South West England and a key tourist destination. People visit Dorset for its beautiful beaches and fascinating rock formations. Interestingly, over half of the land area within Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
With so much to see and explore, it is no surprise therefore that Dorset is one of the most visited counties in England, attracting tourists from all over the world. In this brief tourist guide, we will exhibit some of Dorset’s best accommodation choices and also explore some of the regions finest attractions.
Being a coastal county, Devon’s southern coastline borders the English Channel. Interestingly, 75% of the Dorset coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast Natural World Heritage Site. The principal attractions for visitors include the Isle of Portland, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Chesil Beach.
Dorset shares a boundary with Somerset to the north-west, Wiltshire to the north-east Hampshire to the east and Devon to the west. Although Dorset has no motorways running through it, it is served by two main railway lines connected it to London and has its own international airport in Bournemouth. Ferry routes to France the Channel Islands also leave from Poole harbour.
Key Facts Of Dorset
- County Town: Dorchester
- Land Area: 2,653 km2 (1,024 square miles)
- Population: 772,268 (2019)
- Population Density: 274 / km2 (710 / square mile)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 20 °C)
- Days Of Rain: Dry for 162 days a year
Best Attractions In Dorset
The Swanage Railway: The Swanage Steam Railway is one of Europe’s most famous preservation railways which runs through the stunning Purbeck countryside. The line runs form Norden in the north east, past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle, to the sandy beach in Swanage. Dorset is also famous amongst steam enthusiasts for its annual Great Dorset Steam Fair which is one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe.
Lulworth Castle & Park: Along with Lulworth Cove, Lulworth Castle is one of the most famous attractions in Dorset. Set in the heart of a privately owned estate, Lulworth Castle is perhaps the most beautiful castle in the south of England. This is a great day out for all the family with a really nice tea room and a fantastic children’s playground. There are also ancient woodlands to explore after your tour of the main house, chapel and church.
Lulworth Cove: As its name suggests, Lulworth Cove is a cove near the village of Lulworth in Dorset. It lies on the Jurassic Coast and it is one of the world’s finest examples of this type of landform. Roughly half a million people visit the cove every year and it has been designated as a World Heritage Site. Lulworth Cover is very close to the rock arch of Durdle Door and the two attractions can be visited in one day.
Gold Hill: Gold Hill is one of the most famous cobbled hills in the United Kingdom thanks to it being featured in the Hovis (bread) television adverts for many years. It is located in the town of Shaftesbury and the view looking down from the top of the street has been described as “one of the most romantic sights in England.” This historic street runs alongside ancient buttressed walls which are thought to have been built by King Alfred the Great in circa 1360s.
Best Accommodation In Dorset
Milton Manor (Milton On Stour): If you are looking for an impressive holiday property for a large group or family gathering, Milton Manor is hard to beat! Sleeping 33 people across 14 bedrooms, this Georgian mansion sits in six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. There is also a games room with table tennis table and various other activities.
Manor Farm Barn (Dewlish): Another one of our favourite holiday properties in Dorset, Manor Farm Barn is perfect for groups up to 15 people. Aside from its stunning outside swimming pool, Manor Farm also has a fantastic games room for the younger members of your group, complete with pool table, table tennis table and table football. Book early to avoid disappointment.
The Beach House (Weymouth Harbour): If you’re looking for accommodation in the centre of Weymouth near the harbour, then look no further! The Beach House enjoys a stunning location right on the waterfront. With five bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this stunning holiday home sleeps 10 people comfortably. The views out to sea from the house’s many bay windows are simply stunning!
Maltings House (Milton Abbas): Maltings House is a luxury holiday house situated in the heart of Milton Abbas. Recently renovated, the cottage sits in its own half an acre plot which backs on to woodland. Sleeping 10 people across 5 bedrooms, Maltings House is a fantastic choice if you are looking to explore the nearby Jurassic coastline.
Cowslip Corner (Dorchester): This beautifully converted 18th century threshing barn features exposed oak beams and an amazing terrace with views across the farm and duck pond. Sleeping 4 people across 2 bedrooms, this amazing cottage also has one of the largest hot tubs we have ever seen in a holiday home! Holidaycottages – https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/41364-cowslip-corner?n=7&sd=08102021
Sydling Brook Lodge (Dorchester): Sydling Brook Lodge is one of our favourite properties on the whole Stay In Britain website due to its amazing river side location, two open fire places and its wooden clad exteriors. Sleeping 4 people across 2 bedrooms, this is one of the finest fishing lodges in Southern England and a dream location for an angler! Guests can enjoy rainbow trout fishing on Langford Lake and also try their hand at river fishing too. https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/75243-sydling-brook-lodge?n=7&sd=08102021
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Dorset area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
