With its enchanting countryside and scenic coastline, Dorset has long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers and their four-legged companions. With an abundance of nature walks, beaches and dog-friendly pubs and cafes, you’ll find everything you need in this tranquil county. Ready to find your home from home? Take a look at our guide to dog-friendly cottages in Dorset that our travel experts at Plum Guide have put together.

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Situated in the market town of Wimborne Minster, this 18th-century cottage is the perfect hideaway for six people. You’re just a short walk from the centre of town, yet the home feels quiet and secluded. Soak up the sunshine in the walled garden or in the shared orchard, where dogs will love playing hide and seek amongst the trees. Inside, the cottage is as charming as you’d expect with its whitewashed walls and reupholstered vintage furniture. Make use of the fresh farm produce from the estate and get creative in the country-style kitchen. Crack open a bottle of wine and share a meal around the rustic dining table – if it’s warm enough, throw open the door for an alfresco feel. After dinner, enjoy a soak in the clawfoot tub before curling up by the inglenook fireplace.

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Surrounded by a sprawling nature reserve, this is one of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset for some R&R. Situated on an exclusive lakeside holiday complex, the home has a slew of facilities to keep everyone happy. Let your dog choose from the many walking trails and recreational lakes, while kids can run around the forest adventure playgrounds. In between all these activities, take a moment to yourself in the spa and the shared outdoor heated pool. You’ll also want to make the most of the barbecue on the deck. When you need a change of scenery, the Jurassic Coast and the towns of Dorchester and Weymouth are an easy drive away.

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Located in the heart of Sherborne, a stay in this cottage means you’re well-placed to explore a beautiful market town. Admire the incredible Sherborne Abbey before letting the kids (and furry friends) run around the 12th-century ruins of Sherborne Old Castle. If you’re about on a Thursday or Saturday, pick up some local produce at the Pannier Market before heading home to cook a delicious meal in the characterful kitchen with its checkerboard tiles. Settle down to eat in the back garden, or in the spacious dining room if the weather’s turned. Want to take the night off? The Cross Keys is just a three-minute walk away. Back at home, get comfy with a nightcap by the wood burner before running a bubble bath in the main bedroom.

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This may be the smallest of our dog-friendly cottages in Dorset, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. Tucked away in a private clearing, this cosy bolthole is just what you need for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway – there’s even room for a baby cot and a dog bed. The interior feels surprisingly spacious with its whitewashed walls and natural light. There’s a mini kitchen for preparing meals and a neat dining table for two. We love the comfy double bed that looks out onto the garden, where you can wake up from a deep slumber to the sound of birdsong. Outside, there’s a terraced area for meals and a hot tub for you to while away in the morning. The market town of Blandford Forum is just a six-minute drive from here, while the Jurassic Coast is around half an hour away.

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Found in the heart of Wimborne, this 18th-century cottage is just a twenty-five-minute drive from Bournemouth and forty-five minutes from Durdle Door, putting you in a great location for a day out at the seaside. When you’re not out and about, the cottage is a peaceful sanctuary where you can unwind amongst the chic interiors or in the sun-trapped garden. There are three bedrooms to choose from, making it suitable for families or groups of friends – two people can sleep in the shepherd’s hut outside, complete with its own log-burning stove. Upstairs, there’s a roll-top bath for when you come home, while the cosy living room is the ideal spot to warm up by the fire.

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Get the whole group together at these family-friendly Dorset homes.

Searching for a family home by the sea? This lovely cottage in Lyme Regis is just the ticket. As well as a double bedroom for adults, there’s also a dedicated kid's room with bunk beds and fish wallpaper that little ones will love. Elsewhere, you’ll find an open-plan kitchen and living area with a fresh white and sea green colour palette. It’s not large, but we think it’s just the right size for a small family of four to tuck into fish and chips or gather around for a movie at the end of the day. While there’s no garden, we’re willing to look past it, seeing as the town’s dog-friendly beaches are just a quick stroll away. There is also a great selection of independent shops and cafes for when you need a change of scenery.

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Bring your furry friends along at these pet-friendly homes in Dorset.

Ever dreamed of staying in a cabin in the woods? This is one of our more unique dog-friendly cottages in Dorset, a cosy little studio surrounded by 24 acres of woodland and rolling hills. Pups will be in seventh heaven here, playing amongst the trees. When their little legs are all tired out, the cottage has a little garden for them to unwind in, while you can soak your aching muscles in the hot tub. Warmer weather calls for barbecues outside, but if it’s too cold, the kitchen has everything you need to put together a hot meal. If you’d rather eat out, Blandford Forum is a six-minute drive away, where you’ll find a range of cosy pubs and eateries.

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Enjoy a cosy stay at these Dorset cottages.

Part of a 16th-century manor, this isn’t your average country cottage. Consisting of two adjoining barns, there’s enough space for eight people to spread out (these can also be booked separately if you have a smaller party). Two open-plan kitchens and living rooms, both with lofty ceilings and skylights, create a cathedral-like space. On balmy summer evenings, slide open the glass doors to bring the outside in. There’s a barbecue area out here and a private covered hot tub, which is just what you need after a long walk in the nearby Cranborne Chase AONB. For shorter strolls, take a wander around the manor grounds, where you can go fishing in the River Stour or try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.

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Discover our hand-picked collection of homes in Dorset.