Set yourself up for walks along Durdle Door or days out in Weymouth at the top dog-friendly cottages near Dorset.
If you’ve decided to pack up your stuff and dash down to Dorset’s wild coast or countryside, there’s no need to fret about leaving your faithful canine companion behind.
At dog-friendly cottages in Dorset, your dog is just as welcome as you are. Based out of a cosy Dorset cottage, you could soon be digging for fossils or hiking the South West Coast Path, your dog in tow.
Dorset is known for a lot of things, from geologically-fascinating coastal landmarks to lush countryside marked out with a web of cycling and hiking routes, and seaside towns packed with independent shops, theatres and simple seaside amusements. Aside from being well-based for outdoor activities, the best of Dorset’s dining venues and exploring Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the biggest benefits of staying in dog-friendly cottages in Dorset is that you can dine at home as often as you want. Many of the following pet-friendly cottages have stunning outdoor spaces where guests can take in the fresh Dorset air and a range of luxurious features such as barbecues, hot tubs, chimineas and firepits. They’re also a short walk or drive from Dorset destinations such as Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Charmouth, West Bay, Bridport and Lulworth Cove.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cottages in Dorset:
1. Teal House (Lyme Regis, Dorset)
2. Lavender Cottage (Lyme Regis, Dorset)
3. Damson Tree Cottage (Charmouth, Dorset)
4. Cajun Cottage (West Lulworth, Dorset)
5. Sea Road Cottage (Boscombe, Dorset)
6. Shepherd’s Hut (Winterborne Whitechurch, Dorset)
7. Kingeswic Cottage (Weymouth, Dorset)
8. Alpen Rose Cottage (Easton Portland, Dorset)
9. Alice’s Cottage (Burton Bradstock)
10. The Apple Loft at Jordan House (Bowleaze, Dorset)
Teal House
Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Best for: A pet-friendly 18th-century cottage in the oldest part of Lyme Regis
Located in Lyme Regis, Teal House will quickly transform its guests into expert fossil hunters. The 18th-century cottage is based in the oldest part of the town, meaning that it’s a short walk from the historic Cobb harbour and the beach. Featured in Jane Austen’s novel and dubbed by locals as the ‘pearl of Dorset’, it’s no surprise that Lyme Regis is a popular Dorset holiday destination. It’s an excellent destination for your four-legged friend too, as the town has access to coastal walks heading along the Jurassic coastline and there are several dog-friendly beaches in the surrounding area including East Cliff Beach, Church Cliff Beach and Monmouth Beach.
Teal House is one of the town’s oldest dog-friendly holiday cottages. Sleeping eight people across four bedrooms, there’s an enclosed garden with views over the town’s roofs and the distant sea, along with ample furniture for alfresco meals in the fading daylight. You might decide to pick up seafood from the town’s shops, but if you’d rather dine out, the harbour is just a short walk away. Other local attractions include Torquay, Paignton Zoo, Babbacombe Model Village and the Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves.
Facilities: Live out your 18th-century fantasy beside the electric woodburning stove in the living room. With a well-equipped kitchen at your disposal, rustling up a quick snack before you settle in for a quiet night in front of the TV should be a breeze. This is the perfect place for larger families, as there’s a kingsize bedroom, a double bedroom, a twin room and one room with bunk beds. Exposed stone walls and old fireplaces add to the old-world feel of the cottage.
Lavender Cottage
Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Best for: A terrace house in ‘the Pearl of Dorset’
Lyme Regis has lots to attract families or couples with their faithful furry companions, from a lively harbour and pet-friendly beaches with fossils to local paths along the South West Coast Path and easy access to destinations in Dorset such as Charmouth and Paignton. Lavender Cottage is one of a line of brightly-coloured terrace houses on a winding Lyme Regis street, and it’s the ideal place for families to get a proper taste of life in ‘the pearl of Dorset’.
Unwind on the many dog-friendly beaches a short drive along the Jurassic coast, perhaps sojourning at Durdle Door, a limestone arch on a pet-friendly cove. Seatown Beach is another beach on the south coast which welcomes four-legged friends. The whole family can explore the surrounding Dorset countryside, before refuelling in one of the seafood bars or bistros in Lyme Regis. If you’d also like to switch things up with a visit to the city, Weymouth is also only 50 minutes’ drive away from Lavender Cottage.
Facilities: Aside from its excellent location in Lyme Regis, Lavender Cottage has much more to offer its four guests. Set up the table for four with a delicious cooked breakfast, consisting of juice, coffee and pancakes perhaps. The kitchen is compact and fully equipped, and it even has a dishwasher to make sure that guests don’t spend any of their precious time scrubbing at pots and pans. If the dog wants to be let out, the garden is spacious and has an outdoor courtyard for humans to dine in the open air.
Damson Tree Cottage
Location: Charmouth, Dorset
Best for: A sociable open-plan living space in Charmouth
Damson Tree Cottage is nothing short of delightful. With two bedrooms and space for a family of four and their pet, this is one of few dog-friendly holiday cottages in Charmouth, a little coastal village famed for its fossil-hunting beach. Drop into the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to check out the fossils that have been dug up in the local area already. If you feel like stretching your legs some more, the Golden Cap cliffs are within walking distance of the village and they’re sure to be a hit with your furry friend as well as the human family members.
When it comes to hiking, Damson Tree Cottage is in a delightful location. Stonebarrow Hill is one of the best spots along the Golden Cap National Trust Estate; it has views of farmlands and farm fields, as well as the ocean. A two-and-a-half-mile hike along the South West Coast Path will also get you to Lyme Regis, which is another gorgeous stretch for fossil hunters and beach seekers.
Facilities: Following any walks in the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, guests might look forward to propping their feet up in front of the woodburning stove in the living room, which has a floor-to-ceiling pipe. The stove only adds to the traditional atmosphere, as there are exposed beams overhead. If you’d rather relax in the open air and gaze at the stars or listen to the dusk bird chorus, there’s also a raised courtyard in the back garden with a table suitable for four. Since the living space on the ground floor is set out in an open plan, the property feels very sociable too.
Cajun Cottage
Location: West Lulworth, Dorset
Best for: A thatched cottage a short drive from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Located in the scenic village of West Lulworth, Cajun Cottage is one of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset for those who want to visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The crescent-shaped Lulworth Cove was formed during the end of the Ice Age, so it has some spectacular geological formations such as Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. Only a short drive further away is the limestone arch of Durdle Door. Together, this makes the pet-friendly holiday cottage excellent for hiking along one of the most scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path.
Whether you get to know the coast with activities such as cliff jumping, coasteering, mountain biking or hiking, or you decide to relax on the sand instead, Cajun Cottage is in a convenient location for it all. Pick up some fudge from a local sweet shop, some pastries from a bakery and put together a beach picnic, or drive to towns such as Bridport or Weymouth for livelier scenes. There are also two pubs within walking distance of the cottage should you want some typical pub grub to round off the day.
Facilities: If you always envisioned staying in a traditional thatched cottage, Cajun Cottage is ideal. The pet-friendly cottage has a total of three bedrooms and one bathroom, along with space for two well-behaved dogs. Framed by Dorset hills, the garden bench has views of green slopes and the distant ocean, making it a prime aperitif spot. The decoration is traditional, but that doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of amenities. On the contrary, the cottage has a highchair and a travel cot for any young children. There’s a smart TV and WiFi in the way of technology, and there’s a range of other convenient facilities such as a dishwasher and washing machine.
Sea Road Cottage
Location: Boscombe, Dorset
Best for: A six-person cottage on the outskirts of Bournemouth
Located in Boscombe on the outskirts of Bournemouth, Sea Road Cottage is the ideal space for a family of six holidaying in Dorset. Whether you’re hiring out a RIB, spending each night in the town’s comedy clubs or visiting the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Sea Road Cottage is an excellent abode for guests and their four-legged friend too. Bright and airy like the beach huts along Bournemouth Beach, the cottage is within walking distance of the sand and its many watersports opportunities.
Should you want to spend some of your holiday in Dorset digging up fossils on the Jurassic Coast or taking in geological landmarks such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within driving distance of Sea Road Cottage. This makes the pet-friendly cottage ideal for accessing dog-friendly beaches, coastal hikes and seaside attractions. If you fancy it, the New Forest National Park is also only a 20 minutes’ drive to the north of the cottage and is an excellent place for outdoor activities.
Facilities: With a garden enclosed by a blue-painted fence and sea-themed décor across the ground floor and the garden, the whole family should feel like they’re at a beach retreat. The pet-friendly property has a private garden where the dog can sniff around, and inside, there’s a well-equipped kitchen, modern bedrooms and living spaces with plants and brightly-coloured decorations.
Shepherd’s Hut
Location: Winterborne Whitechurch, Dorset
Best for: A pet-friendly getaway in the Dorset countryside
Set in the Dorset countryside, Shepherd’s Hut is a rural getaway for six and two well-behaved dogs. As a former brick and flint period barn on a working dairy farm, the cottage presents the opportunity for a unique rural holiday in Dorset. Sniff out the many rural trails within the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with your four-legged friend, stopping by dog-friendly pubs on the way. Food fresh from local farms can be tracked down in local villages and towns like Blandford Forum.
The Jurassic coast is also within easy reach for those who want to relax and enjoy the many beach spots or get stuck into watersports and fossil hunting. Half an hour’s drive south is Weymouth, with its packed beach, Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides. The market town of Bridport, above West Bay, is half an hour’s drive away from the cottage too.
Facilities: A typical glamping shepherd’s hut might be compact, but Shepherd’s Hut is larger and more luxurious. The barn has bright eave windows, with views over fields of sheep, as well as vaulted ceilings, beams and sloping rooves. A woodburning stove completes the cosy atmosphere, but there are also electric wall heaters to inject some extra warmth into the open-plan living space. On the ground floor, a selection of books, games and DVDs will provide simple but effective family entertainment, accompanied by nibbles from the kitchen.
Kingeswic Cottage
Location: Weymouth, Dorset
Best for: A Georgian cottage with a hot tub in Weymouth
With a prime location in the western suburbs of Weymouth, three storeys and an outdoor hot tub, Kingeswic Cottage is a pet-friendly cottage with a dash of luxury. Welcoming up to two well-behaved dogs, the Georgian cottage accommodates five people across a double and family bedroom. Since being erected around 1780, the pet-friendly home has witnessed Weymouth evolve into a popular seaside location on the Dorset Riviera.
Guests might want to stroll along the South West Coast Path to the Isle of Portland, which is renowned for its wild coves, lighthouses and crags. In Weymouth, dabble in paddleboarding or sea kayaking, and retreat into a bistro for lunch or dinner once you’ve adequately explored the many lively streets. Chesil Beach is a short drive from Weymouth and has a stretch of golden sand as long as 18 miles.
Facilities: As a Georgian period cottage, expect low ceilings and slight doorways. A steep staircase runs between the three storeys, providing access to the bedrooms, bathroom, the ground floor kitchen-diner and a living room with a woodburning-effect fire. The highlight of the property might be the garden, where a five-person ECO Hydrotherapy Health Spa Hot Tub awaits, sandwiched between outdoor furniture sets positioned to take in the sunlight at different times of the day.
Alpen Rose Cottage
Location: Easton Portland, Dorset
Best for: A pet-friendly cottage in the centre of the Isle of Portland
It’s harder to find a wilder coastline than that of the Isle of Portland, south of Weymouth. Located in Easton, the isle’s central village, Alpen Rose Cottage is a restored fisherman’s cottage and well-based to explore this famed part of the Jurassic Coast and its dog-friendly beaches. Check out the rocky Church Ope Cove and its ruined church or the 16th-century Portland Castle and 1900s Portland Bill Lighthouse.
There are rock climbing spots, castle ruins and nature reserves around the coast. Being based in Easton gives the pet-friendly cottage the advantage of easy access to a multitude of shops, eateries and cafés. When you’re ready to explore outside of the Isle of Portland, Weymouth is only a short drive north, along with the 18-mile-long Chesil Beach. Keep driving west and it won’t be long until you happen upon Abbotsbury Swannery, a colony of nesting swans, as well as West Bay, Bridport and the fossil-hunting locations of Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
Facilities: As a former fisherman’s cottage, Alpen Rose Cottage will quickly get you into the spirit of the Isle of Portland. If you’re carrying on the fishing tradition, there’s a spot to hang up your fishing rods on the porch. Prop your feet up in the sitting room, or head straight upstairs to freshen up in the bathroom and take a breather in one of the traditionally-styled bedrooms. If you want to catch a sunrise or a sunset, there’s an outdoor courtyard with a round table, enclosed on all sides by concrete walls with crawlers so that you can be sure that your dog is in safe hands.
Alice’s Cottage
Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset
Best for: A thatched cottage on the Jurassic Coast
Traditional, scenic and delectably cosy, Alice’s Cottage is a thatched cottage located within a short walk of the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path. Hive Beach, a pet-friendly pebble shore backed by wild cliffs, is the nearest beach destination. Only a little further along the coast, West Bay has seasonal dog restrictions and golden sand with views of slowly-crumbling cliffs.
The two-storey cottage is based in a village called Burton Bradstock, which is a small but scenic place with a post office, shop and petrol station. Picnic essentials should be easy to source, whether you need a big supply for day trips to Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland or a few nibbles to snack on when you look around nearby Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
Facilities: There’s a delightful range of features at Alice’s Cottage, whether it’s the blue freestanding bathtub, the quaint little conservatory looking over the back garden or the woodburning stove in the living room. The pet-friendly thatched cottage is traditional in style, with stable-style doors, wooden furniture and fireplace features in the bedrooms. The lawned garden is especially attractive for dog owners, as there’s plenty of space for canines to stretch their legs and for families to share an alfresco lunch or dinner.
The Apple Loft at Jordan House
Location: Bowleaze, Dorset
Best for: A cosy couples’ getaway in Weymouth
A couples’ getaway requires a cosy bolthole for two, and if your dog is in line to be the third wheel, The Apple Loft at Jordan House is a delightful pet-friendly option. Stylish and comfortable, the cottage is located within walking distance of Bowleaze Cove, a sandy stretch at the very east of Weymouth’s three-mile stretch of sand. Popular with jet skiers and paddleboarders, and dog-friendly to match, the beach is ideal for pet-friendly getaways.
In Weymouth, track down a cosy eatery or a fine-dining restaurant for date night. There are two RSPB reserves in Weymouth for couples who like to spend their spare time birdwatching. Those who prefer to hike and take in views of the ocean can join the South West Coast Path for the wild stretch along the Isle of Portland. There are plenty of cycling trails accessible in Weymouth between six and 17 miles long, meaning that cyclists will also have plenty to entertain themselves with during their time at The Apple Loft at Jordan House.
Facilities: A combination of wood panels, tiled floors and exposed stone makes The Apple Loft at Jordan House a unique place to stay. The sleeping quarters consist of a super kingsize bedroom with sloping roofs and exposed beams, meaning that you should feel like the king and queen of the castle. Curl up on the sofas in the cosy living room to watch a feel-good film on the television. They are located next to an open-plan dining area and a reading nook with a lampshade, with a kitchen equipped with facilities such as an electric oven and hob, washing machine, fridge-freezer and a dishwasher only a little further along. There’s also a fantastically green space out the back, equipped with chairs should you want to sit outside and make the most of the fresh Dorset breeze.
Discover Even More Dog-Friendly Cottages
Whether you like the sound of a thatched cottage, an apartment, a semi-detached townhouse or a shepherd’s hut, Breakfree Holidays has a selection of dog-friendly cottages in Dorset that are suitable for those travelling with their beloved furry companion.