Best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset
Home to rolling green countryside, a stunning stretch of the Jurassic Coast and more dog-friendly beaches than you can shake a stick at, Dorset is one of our top picks for a holiday with your four-legged friend. We’ve dug through our collection and rounded up five of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Dorset, so pack your bags and get ready for a weekend of country walks and coastline wandering.
1. Laburnum Cottage
This is exactly what a country cottage should look like. It’s hidden at the end of a lane, in a village that feels unchanged for centuries, surrounded by trees and full of character. Original beams and stonework frame a cosy, comfortable space with a few modern additions like the huge range cooker. The conservatory is a dog heaven suntrap in summer, while the fireside will be the chosen spot on chillier nights. When it comes time to walk them, footpaths criss cross the landscape, with nearby Melbury Hill and Win Green offering long views over Blackmore Vale and the Purbeck Hills. The award-winning Ludwell Stores is a 5-minute drive and the King John pub at Tollard Royal is a 40-minute walk across the fields.
2. Plum & Apple Cottage
Dog-friendly cottages in Dorset don’t get much more peaceful than this duo near Wimborne Minster. You’re surrounded by orchards and organic vegetable gardens, and the views from the terrace are stunning. Interiors are clean, rustic and beautiful – porcelain white walls are adorned with oil paintings and vintage furniture fills the rooms. Cook in the modern country kitchens and dine al fresco on the patio during the warmer months.
The owners run their own café that reflects the sustainable lifestyle on the estate, with eggs from their chickens, honey from their bees and fruit and vegetables from their walled garden. You’re walking distance from charming Wimborne and a short drive from lovely beaches at Poole and Bournemouth.
3. The Wellhouse & Wellhayes Barn
This is one of our favourite dog-friendly cottages for its picturesque setting overlooking a lake and surrounded by woodland. The house’s living area is filled with the owner’s quirky art and homemade furniture, and light pours into the rooms through large windows. The barn next door has a wheelchair-accessible downstairs bedroom, open-plan living space and another bedroom upstairs with country views and a log-burner.
Both kitchens come fully-equipped, and there are plenty of buzzing markets to visit in Lyme Regis, Bridport and Axminster, as well as restaurants if you fancy the night off cooking. Swim or boat in the lake, explore the neighbouring woodland or set off on one of many fantastic local walks.
4. Chisel Barn
One of our favourite dog-friendly cottages in Dorset for groups, both parts of this barn can be booked if you’re coming with friends. Tucked away in quintessentially English countryside on a working farm, this smart barn conversion has a bright, airy feel. Open-plan living areas feature wooden beams, log-burners and local art. Bedrooms feel luxurious and comfortable, with lovely linen and soft towels. There’s a big dining space for up to 10 when the barn is let out to a group.
The gardens feature spectacular views of the Stour River Valley and Blackmore Vale, and you’re perfectly located for picturesque country walks. Walk up Hambledon Hill for views towards Wiltshire and Somerset, visit the charming village of Child Okeford or hop in the car for a day trip to the beach.
5. The Strawberry Thief
If you’re looking for dog-friendly cottages in Dorset with beautiful views and great local walks, this wisteria-covered house is the perfect choice. The cottage looks out at fields and wooded hills, and there’s a pretty terrace for al fresco dining. Inside, a wood-burner keeps things cosy and the kitchen has a coffee machine and bluetooth speakers. You’ll arrive to a welcome hamper of milk, bread, eggs and chocolates, so you’ll be well stocked up.
If you feel like eating out, Sherborne and Bruton are both close for restaurants and cafés. You’re in a quiet hamlet with many beautiful walks starting from the door – stroll the Monarch’s Way for countryside, streams and enchanting woodland, or venture a bit further to the Jurassic Coast for stunning seaside scenery.
Written by
Claire Maguire
Claire combines her twin loves of writing and travel to create inspiring blog content. Rudi combines his twin loves of baths and chasing squirrels to excuse getting as muddy as possible whenever he can. He hates missing out, so finding dog-friendly places is an absolute must. Claire loves a place with a stunning interior and is thankful Rudi is well-behaved enough to leave it the way they find it, unless there are slippers to be eaten.
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