Dorset Lodge Holidays
In comparison to the holiday havens of Devon and Cornwall, Dorset is often criminally overlooked. This is astounding when you see the acres of golden coastline, including the magnificent Jurassic Coast; a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs across most of the county. Fossil hunting will keep children busy, if you can tear them away from building sandcastles, while hikers will love the cliff-top walks.
At Lodge Holidays, our friendly team will find you the perfect Dorset getaway. Whether you’re looking for Lodges near Durdle Door, Lodges near Lyme Regis, or beyond, we can help. For a luxurious Jurassic Coast Lodge holiday, choose one of our holiday homes with a swimming pool. We also have dog-friendly holiday cottages, large lodges in holiday parks for bigger groups, or quirky log cabins with a hot tub for a romantic stay. And with our price guarantee, you don’t need to worry about shopping around for the best luxury lodges on the market.
Dorset offers miles of wonderful coastal scenery. Geological landmarks such as Durdle Door and Harry’s Rocks are a must-see, and colourful harbour towns such as Weymouth and Swanage make for excellent bases to explore. But don’t discount Dorset’s miles of inland countryside and historical estates. Dorchester in particular looks like it has been plucked from a film set.
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Top Dorset Lodges
Loaf, Bridport
Dorset
From: £373
For a 3 night staySleeps: 2VIEW PROPERTYThe Barn - Elsdon Cottages
Dorset
From: £410
For a 3 night staySleeps: 5VIEW PROPERTYThe Hideaway
Dorset
From: £572
For a 3 night staySleeps: 4VIEW PROPERTYAlpaca Cottage , Dorchester
Dorset
From: £425
For a 3 night staySleeps: 2VIEW PROPERTYDorset Alpaca Shepherds Hut , Dorchester
Dorset
From: £391
For a 3 night staySleeps: 2VIEW PROPERTYMaple
Dorset
From: £438
For a 3 night staySleeps: 5VIEW PROPERTYSpindleberry Hut
Dorset
From: £589
For a 3 night staySleeps: 2VIEW PROPERTYRoman Lodge
Dorset
From: £651
For a 3 night staySleeps: 6VIEW PROPERTYOakwood 2 @ Pinewood Retreat
Dorset
From: £621
For a 3 night staySleeps: 6VIEW PROPERTY
Best locations for a lodge holiday in Dorset
Lyme Regis
Best for: Jane Austen location spotting
Despite its small size, Lyme’s popularity is only growing. With a village community feel, a picturesque harbour and an artsy town centre, it’s a wonderful base for a holiday. Jane Austen loved her holidays in Lyme Regis and the town’s old stone pier, named The Cobb, plays an important role in her final novel, Persuasion.
Poole
Best for: Boat trips along the coast
Poole’s famous harbour is the second largest in the world. On a calm day, you’ll see paddle boarders pottering around amid the fishing boats, as well as bird-watching cruises and day tripper ferries to Guernsey. The town itself has a fascinating historic centre, with some buildings dating back to the 15th century.
Weymouth
Best for: Walks along the Jurassic Coast
It was Mad King George who first put Weymouth on the map, back in the 1700s. He would take to the waters in his iconic Royal Bathing Machine to cure his ‘madness’. Fast forward over 200 years and Weymouth’s popularity is still going strong, due in part to it’s first-class sandy beach and photogenic Georgian buildings.
Dorchester
Best for: Listed buildings and country estates
As Thomas Hardy’s birthplace, you’d expect nothing less than the quintessential Dorset countryside that surrounds Dorchester. Visit the 15th century Athelhampton House and Gardens for a trip back to Tudor times or see the famous white horse carved into the hillside at Osmington.
Swanage
Best for: Seeing real life dinosaur footprints
More than 100 dinosaur prints are preserved in rock at a site near Swanage - a tangible reminder of how the Jurassic Coast got its name. Aside from geological interest, Swanage itself is a real Victorian seaside town with a lively atmosphere, excellent food and plenty of active adventures available from its bay.
Best walks in Dorset
Lyme Regis to Seatown
Location: Lyme Regis
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: 12 miles as a loop, five miles one-way
This stretch of Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis to Seatown is one of the best for fossil hunting. There are steep sections both up and down, but views such as the one from Golden Cap (the highest point on the Dorset coast) are a fitting reward for the intrepid hiker.
Brownsea Island Wildlife Walk
Location: Poole
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: One mile
Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, is one of the best places in the UK to spot red squirrels. This Brownsea Island Wildlife Walk is a good start, taking you through the pine woodland that they call home.
Isle of Portland Circular
Location: Weymouth
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: 13 miles
Chesil Beach is the starting point of this Isle of Portland Circular walk, linking the ‘island’ to the mainland by a shingle strip. The Portland Bill lighthouse is a particular highlight - in season it's possible to climb the 153 steps for incredible sea views.
Cerne Abbas
Location: Dorchester
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Three miles
Most people undertaking this walk in Cerne Abbas will have one main aim - to see the famous Giant of Cerne Abbas in all his (naked) glory. This enormous chalk drawing is a mystery - no one knows how or when it was created.
Old Harry Rocks
Location: Swanage
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Three and a half miles
From the endpoint of the Old Harry Rocks walk you’ll catch sight of ‘Old Harry’ - the enormous chalk stack that will surely one day topple into the ocean. Take a picnic for lunch with a view or grab a bite to eat at the charming village of Studland.
Best beaches in Dorset
Monmouth Beach
Location: Lyme Regis
Best for: Fossil hunting
While Lyme Regis does have a good sandy beach (Front Beach), the majority are shingle or pebble. However, as one of the UK’s best fossil hunting locations, it’s definitely worth a trip to Monmouth Beach, in search of ammonites.
Sandbanks Beach
Location: Poole
Best for: Caribbean-esque golden sands
Award-winning Sandbanks Beach is one of those dreamy holiday spots that give you seriously Mediterranean vibes. With azure waters, watersports available and a children’s play area, Sandbanks is an ideal option for all kinds of groups.
Chesil Beach
Location: Weymouth
Best for: Long walks along the shingle coast
Perhaps most famously the setting of Ian McEwan’s novel of the same name, Chesil Beach isn’t your typical sun, sea and sand option. Wild, windswept and rugged, this dramatic 18-mile stretch of shingle is ideal for walkers and wildlife spotters.
Knoll Beach
Location: Swanage
Best for: Hiring a pedalo to explore the coast
The area of Studland Bay benefits from a number of wonderful sandy beaches, all managed by the National Trust. Knoll Beach is a popular family choice, due to its safe waters and range of activities available, such as pedalo, kayak and SUP hire.
Durdle Door
Location: Dorchester
Best for: Views of the famous limestone arch, Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of the closest beaches to Dorchester, and certainly one of Dorset’s most well-known landmarks. The shingle beach and turquoise waters that curve gently around the Durdle Door arch are extremely pretty on a bright summer’s day.
Things to do in Dorset
Corfe Castle
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Corfe Castle, a stunning ruin nestled in the Purbeck Hills. Explore the medieval remains, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about its intriguing past. Don't miss the interactive visitor center or the steam train ride to Swanage. A must-visit for history buffs and castle enthusiasts.
Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, two iconic natural landmarks on the Jurassic Coast. Marvel at the turquoise waters, stunning rock formations, and pristine beaches. Perfect for hiking, swimming, or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery. A must-visit for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Address: West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5RQ
