Over 620 Lodges | Established 2018
Over 620 Lodges | Est. 2018
When you’re staying in Dorset, you might find it difficult to choose what to do first. One day could mean walking along the Jurassic Coast, the next could be spent on a sandy beach, exploring a historic market town or heading out into the countryside. Once you’ve added some of England’s most recognisable natural landmarks into the mix, you have a destination that works just as well for a relaxed romantic break as it does for a busy family holiday.
Spending your holiday in a luxury lodge in Dorset gives you a comfortable place to return to after a day out exploring. You could spend the morning at the coast, have lunch in a seaside town and be back at your lodge in time to unwind. For a slower getaway, there are gardens, woodland walks and pretty villages to discover in Dorset, alongside various family attractions. With everything from coastal walks and wildlife, to beaches and adventure parks, Dorset is ideal for a lodge holiday.
Dorset is located on a beautiful stretch of the southwest of England, with the Jurassic Coast running along a lot of its southern edge. The coastline is the county's key feature, but there’s lots more to discover inland, from countryside and wooded valleys to market towns and historic villages. There’s no shortage of things to do in Dorset.
The coast around Lulworth and Weymouth is especially popular, with landmarks such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove providing some of Dorset's most memorable scenery. Further west, you’ll find that the landscape becomes increasingly rugged around Bridport, Charmouth and the Golden Cap area. Poole and Bournemouth provide a livelier side to Dorset, with beaches and restaurants and island towns such as Shaftesbury boast historic streets, independent shops and views across the surrounding countryside.
This variety makes Dorset a particularly good choice for a lodge holiday. You can have a completely different day out depending on which direction you travel.
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Dorset
Dorset
Dorset
Dorset
Dorset
Dorset
Dorset
Dorset is a beautiful county in the southwest of England. Discover the Jurassic coast and stunning natural landmarks including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Visit the county for a memorable holiday with friends and family. Spend your days on the beach, exploring coastal towns and much more. There is plenty to see and do in Dorset to suit visitors of all ages and interests.
Durdle Door is one of the landmarks most closely associated with Dorset. The enormous limestone arch rises from the sea on the Jurassic Coast, creating an instantly recognisable view that has featured in countless photographs of the county. The walk down towards the beach is part of the experience, with the coastline opening up as you approach the arch.
The Jurassic Coast stretches for around miles along the Dorset and Devon coastline, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rocks record around 185 million years of Earth’s history, making it an important destination for anyone interested in geology, fossils and the natural world. Coastal paths, beaches, cliffs and viewpoints make the Jurassic Coast one of the best places in Dorset to spend a day outdoors.
Compton Acres, which is located near Poole, is home to more than 10 acres of gardens. The Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, Wooded Valley and Heather Garden each have their own character, making it a good option when you want a gentler day out. There’s also a tea room, plant centre and gift shop.
Shaftesbury is one of Dorset’s most atmospheric towns, sitting high above the surrounding countryside. Its most famous street is Gold Hill, a steep cobbled lane lined with traditional buildings and known for its striking views. Take some time to explore the rest of the town, rather than treating Gold Hill as a quick photo stop. The historic streets, independent shops and cafés give Shaftesbury plenty of charm
Brownsea Island sits in Poole Harbour and is a good choice for a day surrounded by nature. The island is known for its woodland, heathland and lagoons, as well as its wildlife, with many red squirrels as residents. The island can be reached by ferry and explored on foot, with trails leading through different parts of the landscape.
The distinctive shape of Colmer’s Hill, topped by a small cluster of trees, has become one of west Dorset’s most recognisable countryside views. Located near Symondsbury, it gives you the chance to climb above the surrounding landscape and enjoy impressive views. The walk is short enough to fit into a day exploring the Bridport area.
Monkey World in Wareham is a rescue centre dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of primates. It’s home to a large collection of rescued apes and monkeys, with keeper talks and educational experiences helping you to understand more about the animals and their stories.
There’s plenty to see, and the talks provide an opportunity to hear directly from the people who care for the animals.
Weymouth is perfect for a traditional day at the seaside. Its wide sandy beach is backed by a promenade and colourful beach huts, and the town itself has lots of places to eat and explore when you’ve had enough of the sand. You can spend the day paddling, swimming and building sandcastles, then wander along the waterfront or around the harbour.
Golden Cap is one of Dorset’s most impressive coastal landmarks and the highest point on England’s south coast. Its distinctive profile can be seen from along the coastline, but the views become even more impressive once you’re walking across the surrounding countryside. The climb provides views over the coast and inland landscape, making it a rewarding choice for walkers.
For a complete change of pace, head to Dorset Adventure Park, which is near Corfe Castle. The attraction combines water activities with an outdoor obstacle course, including an inflatable aqua park and a mud trail packed with obstacles. It’s ideal for families and groups who enjoy being active and don’t mind getting wet or muddy.
Weymouth is one of Dorset’s classic seaside destinations, centred around a sandy beach and lively waterfront. It’s a good choice for families, as there’s lots of space for traditional seaside activities as well as attractions, restaurants and places to stop for an ice cream. There’s also a harbour, which has boats and colourful buildings.
Perched high above the surrounding countryside, you’ll find Shaftesbury, a town with a character that sets it apart from Dorset’s coastal towns. The market town is best known for Gold Hill, but it’s worth exploring beyond the famous viewpoint. Independent shops, cafés, old buildings and quiet streets make it a good place for a leisurely afternoon.
Bridport is a lively market town close to the Jurassic Coast and it’s a useful base for exploring the west of Dorset. Its markets, independent businesses and arts scene give it lots of personality, whilst nearby West Bay provides easy access to the coast. The surrounding countryside is also ideal for walking.
Poole sits around one of the largest natural harbours in the world and offers a different pace from some of Dorset’s smaller towns. The quayside is a good starting point for exploring, and Poole Harbour provides access to Brownsea Island and other coastal destinations. Sandbanks is also nearby, with its famous beach and views across the water.
Swanage has retained much of the character you’d hope to find in a traditional Dorset seaside town, and it’s a popular place to visit. There’s a sandy beach, a Victorian pier and the Purbeck landscape to explore. It’s also a useful starting point for discovering nearby coastal landmarks and countryside.
A lodge holiday in Dorset gives you more freedom than a traditional hotel stay. Instead of planning your day around breakfast times or returning to a single hotel room after an outing, you have your own space to relax, eat and spend time together. That works particularly well in Dorset, as there’s so much variety within a relatively compact area. You might spend one day hiking along the Jurassic Coast and another doing very little beyond sitting outside your luxury lodge, even taking a dip if you choose a Dorset lodge with a hot tub.
As a family, having more living space means everyone has room to spread out, and lodges make it easier to settle into a slower holiday routine. Pet-friendly lodges can also make it possible to bring your furry friend along for the adventure, with miles of countryside and coastal paths for you to explore together.
A lodge with a hot tub in Dorset is especially inviting outside the peak summer months. After a day exploring windswept cliffs or country lanes, coming back to your own space and relaxing under the stars can be just as enjoyable as the day out itself.
It depends on what you want from your holiday. Staying around the coast works well for beach days and Jurassic Coast walks, but areas further inland offer easier access to Dorset's countryside and historic towns. Consider which attractions you want to visit the most before choosing your Dorset lodge location.
Yes, there are pet-friendly lodges in Dorset. The county has plenty of walking opportunities, from countryside trails to sections of the South West Coast Path. It's a good idea to check individual lodge and park rules before booking, as not all allow four-legged friends.
Yes, there are lodges with hot tubs in Dorset, which give you the option to relax outdoors after a day of walking, sightseeing or exploring the coast.
Dorset has lots to keep families busy, and lodge holidays in the area are popular. Beaches, Monkey World, Dorset Adventure Park, Brownsea Island and attractions around Weymouth all provide different types of days out, so you can mix active adventures with slower days by the sea, depending on what you fancy doing.
Dorset is famous for the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, its beaches and countryside. The region is also known for historic towns and villages.
A long weekend gives you enough time to explore a few highlights, but booking a lodge holiday in Dorset for a week allows you to experience much more of the area. With the coast, countryside, towns and attractions all offering something different, a week in Dorset gives you the flexibility to really explore the area, without having to rush from one place to the next.
To discover even more stunning destinations across the UK, take a look at our full collection of lodge holidays in the UK.
Dorset is well connected by road, making it straightforward to explore by car. The county's attractions are spread across both the coast and countryside, so having your own transport gives you a lot more flexibility. If you’re driving to Dorset, you can expect approximate journey times of:
There are also train stations in multiple towns including Bournemouth, Poole, Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth, with services connecting Dorset to other parts of southern England. Local buses can take you between many towns and coastal areas, though some of the more rural parts of the county are easier to reach by car.
