8 Dog Friendly Holiday Houses In Dorset

Ed Maughan
Ed Maughan

Top 8 Dog-Friendly Properties in Dorset

If you’re looking for a getaway that features rural locations, beaches, and some of the best walkies in the UK, Dorset has got to feature high on your list. We’ve put together our top 8 dog-friendly properties to give you a head start with your planning.

  1. Crepe Farmhouse, Bridport 
  2. Havana Beach House ,Bournmeouth 
  3. The Gatehouse, Wimbourne
  4. The Quays, Christchurch
  5. Rushay, Wootton Fitzpaine, Lyme Regis
  6. Launceston Farm, Blandford Forum
  7. Dove House and Swallows, Dorchester 
  8. Upwey House, Upwey

🛏 Sleeps 2 – 17 over 8 bedrooms

🪵 Inglenook fireplace & woodburner

🎲 Separate games room with table tennis & pool table

🎥 Cinema room

🏊‍♀️ Private indoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi

🍽 Outdoor seating and BBQ

This bright, airy farmhouse is full to the brim with entertainment for the whole group, both inside and out. Head straight to the private indoor swimming pool for some splash time with the kids, or simply to relax in the sauna or jacuzzi, then snuggle up next to the Inglenook fireplace with a hot chocolate to wile away the hours with a good book. Kids will find plenty of entertainment in the converted cellar, where they’ll discover a fully equipped cinema room and games room. The property features a well designed kitchen, large dining room and living room, perfect for the whole group to get together. If you feel like venturing further afield, the property is only 3 miles from the Jurassic Coastline, where you can take your choice from a wide range of scenic walks, before heading home to relax in the hot tub and soothe those muscles.

🛏 Sleeps 6 – 26 over 8 bedrooms

🍽 Outdoor seating and BBQ

🎲 Games room with table tennis

🎥 Cinema room

🔥 Hot tub

🚴‍♀️ Bikes, surfboards and wetsuits available to hire

🏄‍♂️ Surfing lessons available

🏊‍♀️ Swimming pool & spa next door at Marriot Leisure

As the name suggests, Havana Beach House is located right next to the beach, and features some amazing sea views. Found on the West Cliff, you’re only a two minute walk from Bournemouth Pier and town centre, where you’ll find plenty of entertainment, alongside local shops, cafés and restaurants. Within the property is a large cinema room / lounge, ready and waiting for family film nights. Outside the property, you’ll find a hot tub available to hire, as well as a large decking area and BBQ. If you fancy a more active holiday, why not ask the owners about bike, surfboard and wetsuit hire, and take a lesson or two in those waves?

🛏 Sleeps 10 – 16 over 7 bedrooms

🪵 Wood burner

🎥 Entertainment room

🔥 Hot tub

🍽 Outdoor seating with BBQ

The Gatehouse is a spacious Georgian House, which has recently been renovated to a very high standard. The property sleeps up to 16 over 7 bedrooms, however, if you need a little more room, there are two additional cottages, both sleeping up to 6 guests available to hire on site.  The main house boasts plenty of space for the whole family, and even comes with an entertainment room with comfy, squashy beanbags, a TV, and xbox to keep the younger generation entertained. Located just 20 minutes from award winning beaches and walks along the Jurassic Coast, and a 2 minute walk from the town of Wimborne, you’ll have plenty of cafés, shops, and oceanic walks to choose from.

🛏 Sleeps 2 – 24 over 11 bedrooms

🪵 Wood burner

🌳 Outdoor games

🧩 Kids toys

🍽 Outdoor seating with BBQ

This beautiful Georgian mansion is in fact two properties in one, with an interconnecting door which can be locked for smaller groups. The main property sleeps up to 14, with the option to add an additional 10 bedrooms in their ‘Corner Wing’, meaning plenty of flexibility for your group size. Found in the historic town of Christchurch, the property was formerly the Priory Vicarage, and as such features plenty of space both inside and out. Within the large garden you’ll find a BBQ, outdoor games and croquet. Inside the property itself, there are plenty of  spacious reception rooms for family time, as well as hirable indoor hot tubs for ultimate relaxation. Located in the centre of Christchurch, restaurants and shops are within a 5 minute walk of your front door, head to Christchurch Harbour to hop onto a boat or ferry to explore the local towns and beautiful beaches.

🛏 Sleeps 6 – 20 over 9 bedrooms

🪵 Open fire

🧩 Playroom / study

🎲 Games room

🎾 Tennis court

🍽 Outdoor seating with BBQ

🌳 Paddock and Orchard on the doorstep

Rushay is another property where the rooms are spread over two houses. The Agent’s House is the main property sleeping 14, guests can also hire the converted stables across the yard which sleep an additional 6. These properties are set within 2 acres of garden, including a private paddock and orchard, with incredible views of the Dorset countryside. You’ll find plenty of room for dog walks, outdoor seating with a BBQ for meal times, and even a tennis court. This spacious property is only a 20 minute walk from beautiful beaches, and just 3 miles from Lyme Regis where you’ll find a wide range of shops, restaurants, sandy beaches and a harbour. Walks to the local Iron Age hill forts are available from your front door, so your pooch really is spoilt for choice walkies wise!

🛏 Sleeps 2 – 16 over 8 bedrooms

🍽 Onsite catering available

🎲 Books, games & toys

🪵 Open fire

🌳 Orchard with playfort and swings

🛝 Toddler area with sandpit and mud kitchen

🏊‍♀️ Heated indoor swimming pool

Launceston farmhouse is a working organic farm, sleeping up to 16. Guests also have the option of adding an additional two properties, both sleeping two for exclusive use of the whole site. During your stay, you’ll have exclusive use of the indoor swimming pool and sauna, perfect for family fun, or some much needed down time. The property itself is just a 40 minute drive from the Jurassic Coast, with fantastic coastal walks with unbeatable views. The farmhouse features cosy, comfy seating for the adults in the sitting room, with an open fire for those colder nights, while the kids will find entertainment galore with a wide range of toys, books, a Nintendo Wii and plenty of DVDs. Outside, a large lawn and play orchard with its own willow Tipi, as well as a designated toddler area with sandpit and mud kitchen will provide plenty of entertainment for the group.

🛏 Sleeps 6 – 13 over 9 bedrooms

🪵 Open fire

🎲 Games room

🍽 Outdoor seating with BBQ

🏊‍♀️ Exclusive use of indoor heated swimming pool

Dove House and Swallows are two lovely, peaceful properties. Dove House is the larger of the two, with 13 bedrooms and a large enclosed garden. Swallows is a smaller, yet still spacious property sleeping 4, with its own walled garden. There is plenty of space both within Dove House and out for groups to come together for meal times, either in the large dining room, or around the BBQ. Found just 5 miles from Dorchester, and 10 miles from Weymouth, you’ll find yourself within easy reach of local attractions to suit the whole family, from a Shipwreck Centre to Lodmoor Country Park, and even a Tropical Bird Park.

🛏 Sleeps 6 – 12 over 9 bedrooms

🪵 Open fire

🎲 Indoor and outdoor games room

🍽 Outdoor seating with BBQ

🏞 Stream on site

Set among 23 acres, with plenty of space for walkies, croquet, football and cricket, as well as woodland walks, and even a stream on your doorstep, you’ll be in outdoor heaven at Upwey House. However, once you drag yourself away from the peace and quiet of this rural property, you’ll find an open plan kitchen and dining area, a cosy log burner or open fire to curl up in front of, a snooker table, and even a playroom for the little ones with games, toys, air hockey, fancy dress and dolls house. If the weather suits, there’s a beautiful terrace with gas BBQ for meal times, and a full sized table tennis table to keep you entertained while the sausages cook. If you want a break from cooking, the owners are happy to recommend a local chef to pop in and do the hard work for you! Found close to both Dorchester and Weymouth, you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment right on your doorstep to suit any age.

FAQ’s

How many dogs can I take to each property?

Properties tend to accept between 2-4 dogs, although some don’t specify and will simply charge individually. It’s always a good idea to double check if you’re planning on taking more than one dog, properties tend to be very transparent about this so you shouldn’t have any problems finding out.

Do I have to pay extra to bring my dog? 

Most properties will charge around £25-£30 per dog. Sometimes dogs are welcome to join the family free of charge, but always best to check.

Are there dog friendly pubs / cafés / restaurants nearby?

Nowadays you shouldn’t find it difficult at all to seek out a dog friendly café or eatery. It’s always wise to check their individual website or give them a call, as some restaurants / pubs have dedicated dog friendly rooms which you may want to book in advance if you’re a large party.

What should I pack for my pooch?

  • Food and Food bowl
  • Lead, harness, collar, tag
  • Water bowl plus water for the trip
  • Their favourite treats (it is their holiday too after all)
  • Toys
  • Bed and bedding
  • Poo bags
  • Towels
  • Any medication / dog friendly sun cream that your dog needs
  • Cool mat during the summer months

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