Stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages on your next dog-friendly trip to Dorset. With walkies galore in both the luscious green countryside of the Dorset National Landscape and the golden Jurassic Coast, Dorset is perfect for your next dog-friendly holiday.
When you’ve walked all you can walk and you’re both dog-tired, you’ll need somewhere you can sit, stay and lie down. Our dog-friendly cottages in Dorset welcome dogs and their owners with open paws. Whether you’re on a couple's break with your four-pawed third wheel or want to bring the whole pack together and have a ball, our self-catering Dorset holiday lets have something for everyone.
We have dog-friendly accommodation galore all across Dorset for you to choose from. Take a look at our top picks or click on the button below to see the full collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Dorset.
Snowdrop Cottage | Thornford, Sherborne
Sleeps: 4 dogs + 2 humans
Why we love it: Welcoming a tail-wagging four dogs (and even more by arrangement), this charming chocolate-box cottage is as well set up for hounds as it is for humans. Your pup can enjoy a warm welcome with some dog biscuits (there are treats for two-legged guests too!), before exploring the enclosed garden.
Why guests love it: “Lovely, comfortable and well-equipped cottage in a friendly village. It was a very concise walk to the shop and pub. Our three dogs loved the enclosed secure garden and the beautiful walks from the cottage. We were welcomed with some tasty biscuits and doggie treats.” - Robin
What’s nearby? Walks abound in the Dorset National Landscape which begins just 4.5 miles away, and there’s a dog-friendly pub less than half a mile from the cottage for when you return. Or leave no stick 'unfetched' on a walk around Sherborne Castle grounds, 4 miles away.
No 1 Curwens | Melbury Abbas
Sleeps: 1 dog + 2 humans
Why we love it: Pampered pups and humans who like the finer things in life will love a break in this decadent home. Your dogs can enjoy the treats left for them before exploring the ample outside space, while you will love the wood-fired hot tub. At the end of a busy day exploring Dorset's dog-friendly attractions, you can all curl up together in front of the wood burner.
Why guests love it: “We had the most wonderful time. The property was possibly the best we have stayed in and the owners really had thought of everything - from the basket of towels and jar of dog biscuits to the juice in the fridge, we couldn’t have asked for more. The hot tub made our stay and was a special addition to the break.” – Jade
What’s nearby? Take your pup on one of the area’s most famous walks – a trip up Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill, made famous by the iconic Hovis adverts (3 miles). Or cross the border into Wiltshire to visit Old Wardour Castle where dogs are welcome to explore the castle on leads (10 miles).
Coastguard Cottage | Worth Matravers
Sleeps: 2 dogs + 8 humans
Why we love it: The perfect base to get away from it all, this charming former coastguard’s cottage is found on a clifftop at the end of a track and offers direct views over the sparkling sea. Wander the mile to the dog-friendly beach for morning walks before soaking up the sun (and the views) in the large garden.
Why guests love it: “A lovely cottage located on a wild headland on the beautiful Dorset coast. Its isolated position will appeal to those who love the outdoors. The cottage is a perfect base for walking one of the most beautiful sections of the Dorset Coast Path.” - Ken
What’s nearby? Aside from the beach and the coast path, your four-legged friends will adore burning off some energy walking 3 miles to one of Dorset’s most loved beauty spots: Dancing Ledge.
The Cowshed At Caswell | West Bay
Sleeps: 1 dog + 4 humans
Why we love it: This stunning contemporary barn is sure to set tails wagging, with the best of Dorset’s coast and countryside on offer. Explore the network of footpaths direct from the property through rolling hills or drive 15 miles to explore the golden coastline. Or simply hang out on the suntrap terrace while your pup stretches his legs in the gravelled garden.
Why guests love it: "What a good decision to stay in this barn conversion. The scenery is superb and the fixtures and fittings in the building make it just perfect. Olly our dog also gives it a perfect rating.” – Connie
What’s nearby? Embark on a picturesque walk around the grounds of Montacute House (11.5 miles) where well-behaved pups are welcome on leads. Or enjoy a round with your hound at the pub in Yetminster (1 mile) where dogs are welcomed with a biscuit (or two). For more dog-friendly beach ideas in Dorset, check out our blog.
Sticks and Stones | Bridport
Sleeps: 1 dog + 4 humans
Why we love it: Perfect for a tranquil countryside break with the whole family – the four-legged member included – this charming apartment has cosy and characterful accommodation that’s also only 8 miles from the coast. The star of the show is the enclosed garden which has a handy BBQ for long summer nights and a stone circle that’s the perfect spot for watching the sunset with your furry best friend.
Why guests love it: "The cottage had everything we possibly needed. It was so clean, light and airy, but with a real feeling of a home from home. We had the best stay with our dog, which was his first holiday since we rescued him.” – Heather
What’s nearby? Sniff out the best trails through the surrounding pastureland, or further afield, explore the dog-friendly cafes and pubs in Bridport, 9 miles away. For more dog-friendly dining ideas in Dorset, sniff out our food and drink guide.
Bridge Cottage | Piddletrenthide, Dorchester
Sleeps: 2 dogs + 7 humans
Why we love it: Overlooking the River Piddle – which isn’t a nickname for your dog’s early morning loo break, but a tranquil Dorset stream – this charming thatched cottage provides a tranquil setting for a group getaway along with two hounds. With characterful, elegant accommodation and large gardens to explore, you’d be barking mad not to stay at this beautiful home.
Why guests love it: “Such a comfortable place to stay, decorated to the highest quality with excellent extra touches. Centrally based to explore Dorset, and the walks around the cottage are breathtaking. Our two dogs loved the stream and the gardens.” – Andrea
What’s nearby? Enjoy walkies with a view like no other; take a trip to see the ancient naked man sculpted into the hillside at Cerne Abbas (3.5 miles) - one of the best dog-friendly walks in Dorset. When you return, enjoy a pint of beer or a bowl of water at the local dog-friendly pub, less than 350 metres away.
Dairy Cottages | Big Barn, Wimborne Minster
Sleeps: 2 dogs + 8 humans
Why we love it: Enjoy an unforgettable get-together in this large and modern barn conversion in the rolling Dorset countryside. Two dogs are warmly welcomed too, and they’ll love exploring the ample outdoor space while you cook up a storm in the outdoor kitchen.
Why guests love it: “The barn was lovely. It was clean, warm and comfortable. We were four generations ranging from 2 to 90 with a dog, and the house and garden were ideal.” - Nicola
What’s nearby? Let Fido take the lead on a walk around the grounds of Kingston Lacy House, 10 miles away.
Enjoy a dog-friendly holiday in Dorset
A cosy cottage by the coast, a countryside home with room to roam or a townhouse close to all the action – our dog-friendly cottages in Dorset offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday with your four-legged best friend.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.