Our holiday cottages in Dorset are the perfect base for discovering a county that packs a lot of variety into a relatively small corner of England. In a single day, you can search for fossils beneath towering cliffs, browse independent bookshops and markets, walk through ancient parkland, stop at a farm shop, then watch the sun set over Lyme Bay. 

Our collection reflects that variety too. Couples can escape to cosy country cottages and artist-designed homes overlooking the sea where coastguards once kept watch, while families can spread out in elegant Georgian houses or converted gardeners’ cottages where you’re welcome to help yourselves to the seasonal fruit and veg, all independently owned and full of personality. 

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Shortcut to special places

Carefully selected self-catering homes, hotels, pubs and B&Bs

Personally inspected

We've visited every place and chosen them for their warmth and character

UK & Europe

Our collection spans the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal

No fuss from us

You book direct with the owners, with no fees or fuss from us

Our most loved holiday cottages in Dorset

Chosen again and again by our guests, these holiday cottages capture everything that makes Dorset such a special place to stay. 

Wraxall Yard - Gallery

Wraxall Yard

Dorchester, Dorset

 

Personally inspected, thoughtfully chosen

Every holiday cottage in our Dorset collection has been personally inspected before joining Sawday’s. Visiting in person often leads us to places guidebooks skim over and allows us to seek out the homes with real character and meet the owners whose local knowledge helps guests experience the county beyond the obvious. 

In Dorset, our team has inspected cottages on regenerative farms where wildlife thrives, historic estates with thousands of acres to explore, cottages overlooking working harbours and homes where artists, farmers and local families share the places they love most with us. These inspections shape our collection just as much as the beautiful interiors, helping you experience Dorset at its most authentic. 

 

Why choose a holiday cottage in Dorset with Sawday’s?

✓ The Jurassic Coast on your doorstep. Our holiday cottages place you close to Dorset’s iconic coastline, where fossil beaches, dramatic cliffs and miles of coastal paths make every day out feel different. 

✓ Holiday cottages full of Dorset character. Stay in Georgian townhouses, artists’ homes by the sea, converted barns, historic estates and countryside homes that have been restored with care, combining original features with modern comforts 

✓ Book direct with owners who know Dorset inside out. Ask questions, receive local recommendations and enjoy a more personal booking experience without booking fees from Sawday’s.  

A few articles to inspire your next getaway in Dorset

Sawday’s guide to holiday cottages in the UK

Browse our holiday cottage guide to discover new corners of the UK and find the kind of cottage that fits the way you love to travel.

Slow guide to Dorset

Famed for its stunning stretches of Jurassic coast, Dorset is an idyll of rolling countryside, quintessential villages, towering cliffs and quiet coves.

Coastal cottages in Dorset

It’s hard to resist the call of the sea, and the Dorset coast is as alluring as it gets, home to the awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast’s jumble of hidden bays, towering cliffs and fossil-filled beaches.

 

Holiday cottages in Dorset FAQs

What are the best places to stay in Dorset? 

It depends on the kind of Dorset holiday you’re looking for. Lyme Regis, West Bay and Lulworth Cove are perfect for exploring the Jurassic Coast, while Swanage combines sandy beaches with easy access to the Isle of Purbeck. For market towns, Bridport, Wimborne and Blandford Forum offer independent shops, cafés and excellent food, while Dorchester makes a great base for exploring both the coast and countryside. 

Can I book a coastal holiday cottage in Dorset? 

Our collection includes coastal holiday cottages across Dorset, with stays close to beaches, the South West Coast Path and iconic locations including Lyme Regis, West Bay and Lulworth Cove. 

Are your Dorset holiday cottages dog friendly? 

Many of them are. You’ll find dog-friendly holiday cottages with enclosed gardens, countryside walks from the doorstep and easy access to Dorset’s beaches, woodland and coastal trails. Just use our ‘pets welcome’ filter when searching. 

Do you have holiday cottages with hot tubs in Dorset? 

Yes, we have holiday cottages with hot tubs across Dorset, perfect for relaxing after days spent walking the Jurassic Coast, exploring market towns or enjoying the countryside. Use our ‘hot tub’ filter when searching to find the perfect one for you. 

Do you have luxury holiday cottages in Dorset? 

Yes, whether you’re looking for a large country house for a celebration, a romantic coastal hideaway or a beautifully designed cottage surrounded by countryside, you’ll find luxury holiday cottages throughout our Dorset collection.  

Can I book directly with the cottage owner? 

Yes, every Sawday’s holiday cottage is booked directly with its owner, giving you a more personal booking experience with no booking fees from us. 

Do you have holiday cottages for couples? 

Yes, our collection includes romantic holiday cottages for two across Dorset, from cosy countryside boltholes to coastal hideaways overlooking the sea. 

What is the best time to visit Dorset? 

Dorset is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn are perfect for quieter coastal walks and countryside escapes, summer brings beach days and long evenings, while winter is ideal for cosy cottages, sea air and roaring fires.