For a last minute weekend break, summer holiday, short break or romantic country escape with your loved one, Dorset is the perfect place to get away from it all. It is an easily accessible county – if you are travelling from London, you could be paddling off Weymouth beach in under 3 hours.  Steeped in history, discover iron age forts and medieval Corfe Castle. Get inspired by the Olympics coming to Weymouth and learn to sail, or try out one of the many other watersports available.

Marvel at the incredible cliffs at West Bay, stroll along the sandy and pebble beaches, or see the unspoilt landscapes of the nature reserves. For a bit of nostalgia, head to Swanage for a steam train ride or to Cranborne Chase to walk the hill made famous by the Hovis advert! With country parks, historic houses and gardens, model villages and picture-postcard lifesize ones too, there’s lots to discover in Dorset. And not forgetting fossil-hunting on the famous Jurassic Coast, England's first natural World Heritage Site.

The stunning Dorset countryside has been designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ so what better place to stay? Cartwheel members offer a great variety of holiday accommodation; self catering cottages in peaceful meadows, family-friendly bed and breakfast on a working farm where you can meet the animals and watch the morning milking, converted stables near the coast or restored farm cottages in a beautiful valley. If you fancy trying something new, you can even try fishing on coarse fishing lakes or one of the many craft workshops on offer. Our members will give you a warm welcome and a fantastic base for your holiday in Dorset.