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Sleeps 5
Weekly prices from £600 to £ 899
Self catering accommodation in Cranborne Chase sleeps 5.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pub nearby • Sleeps 5
Accommodation overview: Dating back to the 1760s, these three charming holiday cottages occupy a courtyard setting. Filled with character, they command views over the owners’ surrounding 3-acre grounds, and are set at the edge of the large village of Verwood. Whilst Eastworth Stable forms single-storey accommodation and Heathpoult is set out over two floors, Smuggler’s Cottage boasts a galleried second floor bedroom – each of these highly individual cottages are presented to a high standard. All three of the properties offered here benefit from a small garden of their own. There are many excellent walks through the Dorset countryside, and riding is available in Verwood. New Forest, lake fishing at Edmondsham and water sports at the Ringwood Lake all easily accessible. Seaside Bournemouth 15 miles. Various shops, local taverns and a 9- and 18-hole golf course locally. Shops ¼ mile.
  
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Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299
Self catering accommodation in Abbotsbury sleeps 6.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Garden • Sleeps 6
Accommodation overview: Set above Abbotsbury village on the World Heritage Coast, these barn conversions, converted in 2009, enjoy far reaching countryside views. Each barn has been individually designed with high ceilings and exposed stone walls. The three holiday properties are set around a courtyard, each having their own private enclosed garden. Enjoy the many inland and coastal footpaths including the South West Coastal Path. Abbotsbury village is a real chocolate box village with thatched and stone cottages, village store, butchers, tea rooms and pubs. It is also famous for its sub-tropical gardens, children’s farm and the world’s only swannery. To the east along the coast is the Georgian seaside town of Weymouth, with its Blue Flag beach, Sea Life Centre, a day trip to France or the Channel Islands and even a sea fishing trip can be enjoyed, all leaving from the harbour. There are three nature reserves nearby - the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve an internationally important wetland site, Lodmoor and Radipole Lake (RSPB), the former and latter having information centres where many species of bird may be seen. Windsurfing, diving and yachting are popular in the area. A little further east are The Tank Museum and Monkey World near Wool. To the west is the bustling market town of Bridport, the fishing port of West Bay and the town of Lyme Regis. Shops 1½ miles, pub 2 miles.
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Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £1300
Self catering accommodation in Abbotsbury sleeps 8.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Garden • Sleeps 8
Accommodation overview: Set above Abbotsbury village on the World Heritage Coast, these barn conversions, converted in 2009, enjoy far reaching countryside views. Each barn has been individually designed with high ceilings and exposed stone walls. The three holiday properties are set around a courtyard, each having their own private enclosed garden. Enjoy the many inland and coastal footpaths including the South West Coastal Path. Abbotsbury village is a real chocolate box village with thatched and stone cottages, village store, butchers, tea rooms and pubs. It is also famous for its sub-tropical gardens, children’s farm and the world’s only swannery. To the east along the coast is the Georgian seaside town of Weymouth, with its Blue Flag beach, Sea Life Centre, a day trip to France or the Channel Islands and even a sea fishing trip can be enjoyed, all leaving from the harbour. There are three nature reserves nearby - the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve an internationally important wetland site, Lodmoor and Radipole Lake (RSPB), the former and latter having information centres where many species of bird may be seen. Windsurfing, diving and yachting are popular in the area. A little further east are The Tank Museum and Monkey World near Wool. To the west is the bustling market town of Bridport, the fishing port of West Bay and the town of Lyme Regis. Shops 1½ miles, pub 2 miles.
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Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £300 to £ 599
Self catering accommodation in Branksome Park sleeps 2.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pub nearby • Garden • Sleeps 2
Accommodation overview: Just a 10-minute walk separates this conveniently placed, well furnished apartment from the Blue Flag beaches of Poole and Bournemouth. The holiday apartment has its own private secluded gardens which can be seen from all windows and occupies the first floor of the owner’s chalet-style property. Branksome Park is a very select area, and there are lovely level tree-lined walks all around. The town centre of Bournemouth with its pretty gardens and many shops, bars and restaurants can easily be reached on foot along the beach at the end of the road or by car. The quayside at Poole and NT Brownsea Island is 3 miles away. Foxhaven provides easy access to all the coastal resorts of Dorset including Swanage, Lulworth Cove and Weymorth. The New Forest with its wild ponies is a short drive away. Sandbanks is only 10 minutes’ drive. Shop and pub 450 yards. Short straight staircase (rails both sides) to first floor entrance. Landing with seating area. Living room/dining room with modern fitted kitchen area. Good-sized double bedroom with seating area and TV. Well-appointed bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.
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Sleeps 5
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299
Self catering accommodation in Harcombe Bottom sleeps 5.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pub nearby • Detached • Games Room • Garden • Sleeps 5
Accommodation overview: An ancient landscape of rolling downs, sheltered valleys
and Iron Age forts, immortalised in Hardy’s writings ... Enjoying a truly tranquil position in the village of Harcombe Bottom, close to the popular resort of Lyme Regis, Harcombe House offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and requirements. Completely renovated, the house started life as a Victorian gentleman’s residence, and was more recently used as a boarding house for the local public school. Honeysuckle Cottage ref DZJ is a detached property just 100 yards from the entrance to Harcombe House and lies 30 yards from the grounds. Surrounded by 9-acre grounds, comprising gardens brimming with rhododendrons, well-tended lawns and shady woodland, each property is furnished to a good standard and enjoys shared use of an indoor swimming pool, hard tennis court and games room and well-equipped children’s playroom – making this an attractive choice for families. With sandy beaches, a host of seaside attractions, and beautiful countryside peppered with picture-postcard villages, all on the doorstep, Harcombe House truly is an ideal holiday location for exploring the delights of Dorset.
Just 2 miles distant lies Lyme Regis, setting for the TV adaptation of John Fowles’ novel A French Lieutenant’s Woman. Here colourful fishing vessels and pleasure craft line the pretty harbour, and a host of outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, sailing and windsurfing tuition, and golf can be enjoyed. Superb coastal walks can be taken along the World Heritage Coast, with its stretches of fossil beaches to explore, and magnificent views to admire from Golden Cap – the highest point on England’s south coast at 626-ft high.
Nearby, Hardy Country beckons visitors to discover the rolling green pastures and pretty thatched villages made famous in his novels, while for a great family day out, the Georgian seaside town of Weymouth is within easy reach, offering in addition to its harbour and sandy beaches, a host of all-weather attractions, as well as several RSPB sanctuaries. Also well worth a day trip is the county town of Dorchester (20 miles), alias Hardy’s Casterbridge; offering a bustling market square, and some excellent shops and restaurants, Dorchester is also a great base from which to explore the impressive Maiden Castle rising up from the plains. Exeter is within easy driving distance, its skyline dominated by the distinctive monument of St Peter’s Cathedral. Other important historical buildings in the city include the 14th-century Guildhall, several ancient churches and the restored Quayside with its Custom House dating back to 1681. Another town well worth a visit is Weymouth, with many attractions for all the family. The Sea Life Park gives the opportunity to get close to sharks and rays, the Deep Sea Adventure tells the sobering story of the Titanic disaster and The Timewalk contains an entertaining and educational walk-through exhibition of Weymouth’s maritime and brewing past.
Nearby Sidmouth boasts nearly 500 buildings listed as having special historic or architectural interest, and in August the town hosts what many consider to be the country’s best folk festival at the beginning of August. Folk and roots artists from around the world as well as dance and theatre companies take over various venues in the eight-day event. The fishing village of Beer lies huddled within a small sheltered cove between gleaming white headlands. Much of the village remains unchanged since the time when it was a smugglers’ eyrie. With numerous stately homes and gardens to visit locally, including Abbotsbury Swannery and Tropical Gardens, ancient forts perched upon hilltops affording far-reaching views and a host of seaside towns, including Seaton (with its tramway) stretching along the coastline, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this part of the country. Shops ¾ mile.
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Sleeps 12
Weekly prices from £1300
Self catering accommodation in Kingston Russell sleeps 12.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Games Room • Sleeps 12
Accommodation overview: Set in rolling Dorset countryside, midway between Dorchester (6 miles) to the east and Bridport (6 miles) to the west, and 5 miles from the stunning Chesil Beach at West Bexington, this 200-year-old character barn conversion, adjoining the owner’s home, is an excellent holiday home for two to three families to unwind and enjoy west Dorset with all it has to offer. The barn boasts a spacious living room with beams and wood-burning stove set within an inglenook, a large second living room, a large kitchen/dining room with Aga, six bedrooms (one en-suite with four-poster) and an outside games room with pool table, table tennis and darts. There is superb country walking to be found on the Macmillian Way and Jubilee Trail, both passing very nearby and for some spectacular Dorset scenery Eggardon Hill Fort is a must. The Dorset Coast, with its famous World Heritage Jurassic coastline and renowned Chesil Beach, is easily accessible from Weymouth (15 miles) and Portland. Visit the ever-popular seaside resort of Lyme Regis (17 miles) with its pretty harbour and Cobb, taking in stunning coastal scenery, walking and small seaside resorts such as Eype, Charmouth and West Bay with its traditional harbour. Within easy driving distance are Abbotsbury Swannery and Sub Tropical Gardens, and the RSPB nature reserves at Radipole and Lodmoor are well worth a visit. The Victorian seaside resort of Weymouth with its Blue Flag beach offers family attractions such as the Time Walk, Sea Life and Deep Sea Adventure or slightly further on at Wool are the Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World. There are also many historic houses and gardens to explore as well as days out at Dorchester, Poole, Bournemouth, Swanage and Wareham. Shop and pub 2½ miles. Spacious beamed living room with wood-burning stove in inglenook fireplace and French doors. Large sitting room with TV. Large beamed kitchen/dining room with Aga, gas cooker and brick floor. Utility. Double bedroom with TV. Separate toilet. First floor: Double bedroom with 5ft four-poster bed, TV and en-suite bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet. Double bedroom with 5ft bed and TV. Further double bedroom, with TV. Two twin bedrooms, one with TV. Bathroom with separate shower cubicle and toilet. Shower room with toilet.
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Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £1300
Self catering accommodation in Kittwhistle sleeps 8.
Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pub nearby • Detached • Garden • Sleeps 8
Accommodation overview: In rolling Dorset countryside, in the small hamlet of Kittwhistle and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Lyme Bay (14 miles) and Chard (6 miles), this detached property with commanding views across a river valley and country is in an excellent holiday location to explore Dorset, Devon and Somerset. Formerly three early 19th century cottages, it has been converted to a high standard, into one detached house for 8, with oak flooring, exposed beams, Aga, inglenook and one en-suite double bedroom (with balcony) and with its own garden. There is superb scenic walking locally along the Wessex Ridgeway, Jubilee and Monarch Trails, National Trust hill forts nearby and within easy driving the famous World Heritage Jurassic coastline resorts of Lyme Regis, West Bay (Bridport), Charmouth, Seatown and Eype, where one can enjoy the beaches, fossil hunting, excellent fishing, boating and wonderful coastal walking along this dramatic and beautiful stretch of coast, including Golden Cap (in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and one of southern England’s highest coastal points. The picturesque seaside resort of Lyme Regis, setting for the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman, with its pretty harbour, cob, sandy beach and quaint shops, offers ideal family days out, or one can explore the whole length of this popular coast between Weymouth to Exmouth. Inland there are many historic houses, Forde Abbey and Gardens, Killerton House and Gardens, and Montacute House and Gardens to name a few. Family attractions at Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park, Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Haynes Motor Museum and Crealy Adventure Park, or Exeter cathedral city with its catacombs, shops and restaurants is not too far. Shop 2½ miles, pub 1 mile. Large beamed living room with oak floor and open fire in inglenook fireplace. Large dining room. Spacious, well-equipped, beamed kitchen with Aga, elec cooker, TV and breakfast area. Utility. Separate toilet. First floor: Two double bedrooms each with 5ft bed, one with balcony and en-suite shower room with toilet. Two twin bedrooms, one with wash basin. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.
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Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £300 to £ 599
Self catering accommodation in Woodville sleeps 2.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 2
Accommodation overview: Enjoying outstanding views across the Blackmore Vale, with its miles of unspoilt open countryside, this charming cottage has been completely renovated. It makes the perfect place in which to unwind and explore the area - visitors can enjoy NT gardens and historic houses, including Kingston Lacy House, Stourhead House and Gardens, and visit many idyllic villages such as Milton Abbas and Cerne Abbas. Delightful walking from the doorstep along country lanes and footpaths, with the World Heritage coastline within driving distance. Details are on request from the owner of fly fishing and coarse fishing locally, both within 30 mins. The cottage is within 45-50 mins of Test Valley and Hampshire Avon. Sea fishing is available from Poole and other coastal sites. Rushmore golf club has a driving range and restaurant open to public. Shop 2 miles, pub ¾ mile. Step to entrance. Beamed living/dining room with wood-burning stove. Modern fitted kitchen with tiled floor. First floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed. Bathroom with shower attachment and toilet.
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Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299
Self catering accommodation in Higher Bockhampton sleeps 4.
Features include: • Pool • Short Breaks • Games Room • Sleeps 4
Accommodation overview: Greenwood Grange offers the ideal holiday combination - premium quality accommodation, fine facilities all within a family-run friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and it has achieved a Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award in 2009 Set at Higher Bockhampton (which is Hardy’s ‘Upper Mellstock’), Greenwood Grange is a secret hideaway set in its own 4 acres of peaceful grounds and landscaped gardens. All the cottages have undergone a major refurbishment and offer the very highest quality accommodation and facilities, with each cottage having its own individually styled interior using natural and recycled materials where possible.
As well as offering plenty of space for strolling and relaxing, there are two en-tous-cas tennis courts, lawns for croquet and badminton, a children’s play area with swings and yurt (with toys and games) and a dogs’ exercise paddock, in addition to the newly established organic vegetable garden and pick your own fruit area, with free range chickens providing eggs, to be enjoyed by all the family. There is also a magnificent Roman-style indoor heated swimming pool (complete with mural!) with full changing facilities, a large sauna and sitting area.
At the entrance of Greenwood Grange is Thorncombe Wood - a wildlife sanctuary from which a nature trail leads through magnificent chestnuts, beeches and oaks, and through 70 acres of black heath, furze, birch, holly, heather and rhododendrons. This is just one of many walks directly from the door over some of the most beautiful countryside in Dorset, perfect for healthy walks for dog lovers and all the family. Greenwood Grange offers bicycles for hire and a drop-off and pick-up service by prior arrangement.
Those interested in the literary landscape can explore the locations of Hardy’s famous novels. Steeped in history, Greenwood Grange was built by Thomas Hardy’s father, whilst a short distance away is the thatched cottage where Hardy himself was born, built by his great-grandfather and little altered. At Lower Bockhampton, Hardy went to school and there is a lovely walk from there to the next village, Stinsford, where his heart is buried.
All around is a wealth of glorious National Trust countryside, pretty towns and villages as well as the beautiful coastline just 6 miles away. Excellent local village restaurants and pubs can be recommended. Kingston Maurward College with animal park, gardens, conference, function and education centre is within walking distance.
Dorchester (Roman Durnovaria and Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’) is a pleasant walk away (2 miles) and a most attractive country town, with museums of the dinosaur and the military, swimming pool, golf (good golf can also be found at Weymouth and Charminster) and has plenty of good shops, restaurants and pubs. Also of interest is Prince Charles’s development at Poundbury, near Dorchester.
Weymouth is 8 miles with its Georgian seafront Blue Flag beach - ideal for castle building! It is overlooked by an elegant 3-mile level esplanade; there is swimming from the beach, and there are lots of traditional entertainments. Two nearby RSPB reserves are at Lodmoor and Radipole which has nature trails from which grebes, swans and warblers may be seen. Nearby Portland is set to hold Olympic sailing events in 2012.
The beach at Ringstead Bay (6 miles) is known for its geology, fossils and the vegetation and wildlife of its undercliff; nearby can be seen the outlines of a village abandoned in the Middle Ages.
The Dorset World Heritage Coastal Path offers magnificent views and surprising sights, such as the natural arch of Durdle Door, and the almost circular cove of Lulworth, about 7 miles away.
Further west dotted along the coastline towards West Bay and the market town of Bridport are the ‘chocolate box’ villages of Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury (famous for its swannery and gardens).
The area offers abundant river stretches for coarse or trout fishing, and ...
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Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from £300 to £ 599
Self catering accommodation in Lyme Regis sleeps 2.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Sleeps 2
Accommodation overview: In rich rolling acres of natural grounds – just a riverside walk from the beach and sea . . . Just a mile or so from the beach and picturesque harbour at Lyme Regis, this attractive cluster of individually owned holiday cottages enjoys a peaceful setting in an area of exceptional natural beauty. Skilfully converted from a range of lovely old stone barns, they are surrounded by acres of pastures with abundant wildlife, including deer and badgers. Fitted and furnished to comfortable standards throughout, each holiday cottage is independently owned and has its own sunny patio at the front with peaceful and uninterrupted views over a picturesque pond and the countryside beyond. A lovely riverside walk leads to historic Lyme Regis, passing through wonderful countryside with no roads to mar the views. The rolling farmland scenery is easily enjoyed via the 28-mile network of local footpaths and bridleways, including the World Heritage Dorset Coastal Path (½ mile) and its spectacular Jurassic coast.
Accessible within 4 minutes by car or via a walk over fields and along the riverbank, Lyme Regis is one of England’s most memorable small towns. It is famous as the setting for both the story and film of The French Lieutenant’s Woman, with its harbour bright with boats, streets of elegant colour-washed buildings, lofty cliffs and a great sweep of sea. Inns, restaurants and a choice of shops can be found amongst the town’s attractive jumble of narrow streets, and it is a notable water sports centre. Motor boats can be hired, and there are fishing trips, a sailing school and club, and a wind-surfing school. There is also a sports complex at Axminster (4 miles) which offers swimming and other facilities. For nature lovers, the area has some of the most diverse scenery in the country: Lyme Bay sweeps round from the National Nature Reserve on the Dowlands Cliffs in an uninterrupted arc along the huge bank of shingle that is Chesil Beach, all the way to the limestone slab of the Isle of Portland. The 626-ft Golden Cap, is a breathtaking viewpoint and part of a lovely 2,000-acre NT estate, it is the highest point on England’s south coast, which is a World Heritage Site. An easy drive to Bridport, Honiton, Sidmouth, Exeter and Dorchester. For families there are many lovely beaches close at hand, and a theme park at Cricket St Thomas and Crealy Park, near Exeter. Lyme Regis golf course is within half a mile and visitors are welcome. Each cottage has a comprehensive information folder giving details of local pubs, restaurants, shops, walks, excursions and includes many interesting facts about Lyme Regis and finding fossils along the Jurassic coast. Shops 1 mile.
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Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299
Self catering accommodation in Piddletrenthide sleeps 6.
Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Pub nearby • Garden • Sleeps 6
Accommodation overview: Situated in the Piddle Valley, this former school house has been converted to provide spacious, well-equipped holiday accommodation, whilst retaining many original features. Known for its giant on the hillside, Cerne Abbas lies 2 miles away and the county town of Dorchester is a 10-minute drive. Guests also enjoy free use of the leisure facilities at Doles Ash Farm 1 mile up the road. These include a heated indoor swimming-pool, tennis court, a sauna and games room. Shop 50 yards. Living room with wooden floor. Large, well-equipped, modern fitted kitchen with gas and electric Range (for cooking) and dining table. Snug. Utility/toilet. Narrow winding stairs to first floor: Two double bedrooms, one with 5ft bed, one with en-suite shower room and toilet. Twin bedroom. Bathroom with separate shower cubicle and toilet.
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Sleeps 16
Weekly prices from £1300
Self catering accommodation in Swanage sleeps 16.
Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Fishing nearby • Games Room • Easy Walking • Sleeps 16
Accommodation overview: This magnificent listed building offers wonderful character holiday accommodation in a residential area just a mile away from the lovely sandy beaches of Swanage Bay and a large selection of restaurants and shops. Newton Manor House dates back to the early 1600s with walls and roof built from local Purbeck stone. While having been fully modernised, the house retains a lot of its original charm with ornate oak panelling and wood carvings. The principal rooms overlook the serene landscaped gardens, while the first and second floor rooms offer far-reaching views across the small seaside town of Swanage, to the sea and coast beyond.
The town of Swanage nestles peacefully amidst the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside, and is set between the Heads of Durlston and Studland, sloping gently down to the water’s edge. This small pleasant resort has an array of restaurants, interesting shops and a small theatre, not to mention spectacular floral displays in the parks and gardens. In season, pleasure cruisers leave the pier daily, bound for Poole, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. The Lifeboat Centre at Pervil Point is open to the public and fascinating to visit, whilst Durlston Country Park provides magnificent cliff walks and views of Anvil Point Lighthouse. A trip aboard Swanage’s restored steam railway also makes for a fun day out, winding its way through pretty scenery to the ruins of Corfe Castle.
Magnificent coastal walks extend north from the town to the National Trust sandy beaches at Studland while the South West Coastal Path leads to Kimmeridge, Tyneham and West Lulworth in the west, much of which is National Trust land and rich in local flora and fauna. The larger seaside resorts of Poole and Bournemouth are just a ferry ride away, boasting a huge range of shops, theatres, museums, cinemas, and restaurants. The entire coast is excellent for trying out all manner of watersports - windsurfing, water-skiing, yachting and surfing to name just a few. Fishing and tennis are available a mile away in Swanage, and a local golf course can be found nearby. Shop ¼ mile. Hall. Spacious beamed living room with open fire and double doors linking to dining room with seating for 16. Sitting room with TV. Spacious well-fitted kitchen. Games room with pool table and TV. First floor: Beamed double bedroom with 5ft bed and a sofa bed (for alternative sleeping only), sloping ceiling and en-suite bathroom with toilet. Double bedroom. Two twin bedrooms. Bathroom with toilet. Shower room with toilet. Second floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed and additional day bed (for alternative sleeping only). Two twin bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and toilet. Bathroom with toilet. Shower room. Third floor: Twin bedroom in attic.
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