The gradual return to light nights can only mean one thing; summer is upon us.
It is at this time of year that we begin hatching our spring and summer holiday plans.
With holidays abroad clocking up in price, and the added stress of getting through the airport and to a destination in an unfamiliar environment, it’s all too easy to lose a full two days of precious holiday time just traveling and waiting at the airport. Also, with the pound remaining weak, more and more people are appreciating the devastating scenery on their doorsteps and are holidaying at home.
Drew Dunn, Business Development Manager at Rent My Cottage said: “Many people are choosing to stay in the UK for their holidays this year, mainly due to the sheer cost and hassle of flying abroad, especially with the whole family, during these straightened times.
“We’ve also seen an increase in holiday home owners letting out their holiday homes thanks to this increase in demand. Those with holiday homes can make a fruitful living from letting out their property and this is being recognised as an effective way to bring in an income, either alongside their day job or for those who buy a self-catering complex, as a sole means of employment.”
With this in mind we asked Rent My Cottage to select the five best cottages in the Dorset area, fantastic for family holidays, group getaways or even for a romantic trip away from the usual four walls. Jump in the car and be there in time for lunch.
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Woodbrook Cottage
Woodbrook Cottage lies in the charming village of Bothenhampton, 1 mile from the unspoilt beaches of Dorset and sitting in a tranquil rural setting with views of the peaceful countryside, deer and other wildlife abound.
A mile away the World Heritage Jurassic Coast offers access to the South West Coast Path’s stunning scenery. Woodbrook provides a perfect holiday base for exploring this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With local harbours and Chesil beach nearby, the location is perfect for walking, swimming, fishing or fossil hunting at nearby Charmouth.
Walk along the famous Cobb at Lyme Regis, enjoy the Swannery (baby Swans in May and June) and Sub-tropical gardens at Abbotsbury. Visit Weymouth’s sandy beaches, Wareham’s Monkey World, the Donkey Sanctuary, the Fleet Air Arm Museum and Bovington Tank Museum, the options are endless. Further afield is the Eden Project, Wookey Hole Caves, Tintagel Castle, Paignton Zoo and many NT houses and land. ’The region is fizzing with great food and great places to eat it’ (Rick Stein).
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Ware House Cottage
Nestling in a tranquil location on the Devon/Dorset border, this well-presented single-storey barn conversion is set within the 40 acres of the owner’s home, which was the setting for The French Lieutenant’s Woman. It lies ½ mile from the popular medieval port of Lyme Regis with picturesque harbour known as the Cobb. Wonderful scenic walking abounds, with the South West Coastal Path just 500 yards away.
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The Barn
This lovely single storey semi-detached converted barn is located in the village of West Stour, North West Dorset, between the quaint market town of Shaftesbury and the abbey town of Sherborne.
This perfect holiday location is in a popular area and within easy driving distance of many tourist attractions; Longleat Safari Park, Stourhead stately home and Fleet Air Arm Museum. Days out at Dorchester, Poole , Weymouth and the Famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast are recommended.
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Mulberry’s
Just 200 yards from the sea front, Mulberry’s is ideally located. The ground floor holiday apartment has its own private entrance and is centrally situated for enjoying the small seaside town of Swanage, with its Blue Flag beach, many shops, restaurants and pubs.
It is finished to a very good standard, and is large and spacious, with a very light and airy feel.
Fantastic coastal walks abound, or enjoy a trip on the Swanage Steam Railway. Monkey World and the Tank Museum are both 12 miles away, whilst Putlake Adventure Farm is just 0.5 miles. Horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and fishing are all available locally.
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Patch Cottage
Located in the pretty village of Winfrith Newburgh, Patch Cottage is a thatched, Grade II listed holiday cottage with a large cottage garden. One of a pair, it lies within 3 miles of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, and is a walker’s delight with many walking opportunities along the World Heritage footpaths.
Sandy beaches can be found in Poole, Bournemouth and at the popular seaside towns of Weymouth and Swanage. Dorchester is 8 miles away with its many Thomas Hardy connections. RSPB reserves at Arne near Wareham and Weymouth.
