Dorset

Whether you’re looking for a summer holiday, a short break, romantic get away or last minute escape, you couldn’t ask for a better place to relax and unwind than beautiful Dorset. Less than three hours from London yet bursting with West Country character, this southerly county offers something for every taste.

Particularly impressive is the number of natural attractions, especially along the Jurassic coast, England’s first World Heritage Site and a great spot for cliff walks, rock pooling and fossil hunting. Here you’ll find the shell shaped Lulworth Cove, the rocky bridge of Durdle Door, the chalky stacks and stumps of Old Harry Rocks, and the golden cliffs of West Bay, made famous by TV’s Broadchurch.

Over half of the countryside in Dorset has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, giving outdoorsy holiday makers plenty to explore. Don’t miss unique landmarks such as the Cerne Giant (the UK’s largest chalk figure), and if you’re feeling energetic you can do your countryside adventuring by bicycle or even on horseback. If that’s not enough, head to the port towns of Poole, Portland or Weymouth for a spot of sailing or any other water sport you fancy, or why not take to the trees at Go Ape?

Culture vultures will find themselves well catered for too. Conquered by Romans, Saxons, and Vikings, Dorset is steeped in history, with Roman temples, iron age forts and medieval castles to visit – Corfe Castle is definitely worth a visit. And there’s plenty for the children to do as well, from visiting a model village to taking an old fashioned steam train from Swanage. Creative types will enjoy taking part in the growing number of arts and crafts workshops on offer too.

When it comes to accommodation in Dorset, there really is an awful lot of choice. Cartwheel offers breaks on working farms or in grand country manor houses, barns full of character, cosy country cottages, and proper farmhouse bed and breakfasts. All are surrounded by beautiful countryside and wherever you choose, you’ll be sure to get a warm welcome and have a fantastic base for your Dorset holidays.

Holidays in Dorset are the perfect way to unwind, whether it is for your summer holiday, a short break, romantic getaway with your loved one or last minute weekend break.

Much of the countryside has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so what better place to stay for your holidays in Dorset? We have farm holidays and country breaks in grand country manor houses, barns full of character, cosy country cottages, and proper farmhouse bed and breakfasts! Some are on working farms and all are surrounded by beautiful countryside. Wherever you choose, you’ll be sure to get a warm welcome and have a fantastic base for your holidays in Dorset.

It is really easy to get to Dorset, and if you are travelling from London, you could be starting your holiday paddling off Weymouth beach in under 3 hours. This is a county steeped in history, where you’ll discover Roman temples, iron age forts, medieval castles and unique landmarks such as the Cerne Giant.

Dorset is full of natural wonders, from the shell-shaped Lulworth Cove and towering archway of Durdle Door, to Old Harry Rocks and the incredible golden cliffs at West Bay. Stroll along the sandy and pebble beaches, or explore the unspoilt landscapes of the nature reserves.

For a bit of nostalgia, head to Swanage for a steam train ride or to Shaftesbury to walk the hill made famous by the Hovis advert. With country parks, historic houses and gardens, a model village and picture-postcard lifesize ones too, there’s lots to discover during your holidays in Dorset. And not forgetting rock pooling and fossil-hunting on the famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural World Heritage Site. Learn to sail, or try out one of the many other watersports available.

Come and discover our great range of farm holidays and country breaks, from cosy cottages and farmhouse bed and breakfasts to your own manor house for your holidays in Dorset.

20 fun things to do in the West Country this weekend

23rd September 2016

This weekend is jam-packed with things to do in the West Country; meet Clare Balding at her exclusive book signing, go ghost hunting, watch ploughing championships and horse-boarding (a new one even for me!) and celebrate the best of local … Read More

24 wonderful things to do in the West Country this weekend

16th September 2016

Afternoon tea with a real princess, hot air balloons, food festivals, medieval falconry and more; here’s our pick of the best events in the West Country this weekend, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016. Cornwall Newquay Fish Festival, Newquay … Read More

What’s on in the West Country this week (10-16 September 2016)

9th September 2016

Get out and about with our essential guide to what’s on in the West Country this week (from Saturday 10 to Friday 16 September 2016). With festivals aplenty, celebrating everything from Agatha Christie to hot air balloons plus all manner … Read More

What’s on in the West Country this week (1 Sept 2016)

1st September 2016

There is so much going on this week in the West Country including agricultural shows, festivals of local culture, cider, music, craft, food and even hats, outdoor theatre productions, cliff top shepherding and walking festivals in beautiful scenery. Here’s our … Read More