About Dorset

A Rural Gem...

Dorset is a small gem of a county encompassing all that is best in rural England: Rolling green hills, woodland and hedgerows running down to the sea, yet only 3 hours from London and the South-East. There are 90 miles of unspoiled coastline with dramatic cliff-top walks and good, safe beaches.

The whole coastline from Exmouth to Poole has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is the only natural phenomenon in England to achieve this status.

History at Every Turn...

The small towns of rural Dorset have grown from the landscape over centuries and you will find history at every turn to inform and delight you. For the more energetic, footpaths and cycle-ways open up Dorset's secrets and the coast is always close at hand for water sport enthusiasts.

Virtually all the cottages are in traditional villages with a pub and a shop near at hand. These villages are graced by fine old buildings that Thomas Hardy would have known and immortalised in his books on Dorset.

The Different Areas of Dorset:

All of our Cottages are situated in a traditional village and are within 10 miles of the Jurassic Heritage Coast and World Heritage Coastal path. You can read more about each area and find cottages in the area you prefer by clicking on a link below:

Lyme Regis
Classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty, as is most of west Dorset, this area has a maintained a genteel, old world ambience quite unlike any other beach resort. This area is excellent for fossil hunting!

Bridport Area
Bridport is an attractive georgian town and the beautiful surrounding area is great for walking with ancient footpaths linking Iron age hill forts. The coastal path here takes in the spectacular 618 ft Golden Cap above Seatown

Dorchester/Weymouth Area
Dorchester is a small characterful town, with many interesting historical buildings, including Hardy's Birthplace. Weymouth has a sandy beach with many activities. The coast of this area includes the famous Chesil Beach.

Lulworth Area
The coast here is the most dramatic and varied in the county and also includes the famous landmarks of Durdle Door and Lulworth cove. Inland are the beautiful valleys of the Frome and Piddle rivers, along with Lulworth Castle and many other places of interest.

Swanage/Purbeck Area
The Purbeck area has a uniquely diverse landscape, with hills, heathlands and the vast expanse of Poole Harbour and the RSPB reserve at Arne. Swanage has a sandy beach with a steam train linking it with the beautiful Corfe Castle ruins.