Dorset Short Breaks & Weekends Away

When it comes to taking a short break, Dorset is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked. Nestled in the heart of the South West of England, this picturesque county is the perfect place to relax and recharge. One of the main reasons to spend a short break in Dorset is the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the breathtaking coastline, there is no shortage of scenic views to feast your eyes on. Whether you're a nature lover looking for a peaceful retreat or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Dorset has something for everyone.

Dorset is also home to a wealth of charming villages and historic sites. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Lyme Regis or explore the ancient ruins of Corfe Castle – there is no shortage of things to see and do in this captivating county. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Dorset offers a wide range of options to get your adrenaline pumping. From hiking along the Jurassic Coast to paddle boarding in the sparkling waters of Studland Bay, there is no shortage of ways to get active and explore the great outdoors. So pack your bags, book a cosy cottage and get ready to experience all that this enchanting county has to offer.

If you're looking for more inspiration on short breaks in the UK then check out our helpful guide.

Durdle Door at the beach on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset at sunset

Short Breaks in Poole

Living area | Baywatch, Poole

Poole, Dorset

Baywatch

Coastal
Car parking on site
Coast within 1 mile
  • 4 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,011
View
Exterior | Sanderling, Poole

Poole, Dorset

Sanderling

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 5 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,018
View
Reserve today for only £25
Balcony | Sea Breeze at Fishermans Dock, Poole
Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1 Pet

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,304
View
Reserve today for only £25
Open plan living space | Reflections, Poole

Poole, Dorset

Reflections

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 2 Guests
  • 1 Bedroom
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£826
View
Outdoor area | Lobster Cottage, Poole

Poole, Dorset

Lobster Cottage

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,305
View
Living area | Poole Harbour House, Poole

Poole, Dorset

Poole Harbour House

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£605
View
Reserve today for only £25
Open plan living space | Poppies, Poole

Poole, Dorset

Poppies

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 4 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£908
View
Exterior | By The Way, Broadstone, near Poole

Broadstone, near Poole, Dorset

By The Way

Wifi
Car parking on site
Enclosed Garden / Patio
  • 5 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£403
View
Reserve today for only £25

Short Breaks in Weymouth

Kitchen/diner | Ty’n Rallt, Bodorgan

Bodorgan, Isle of Anglesey

Ty’n Rallt

Coastal
Hot Tub
Luxury
  • 8 Guests
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£899
View
Exterior | Shilla Mill, Polzeath, near Wadebridge

Polzeath, near Wadebridge, Cornwall

Shilla Mill

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£2,352
View
Open plan living space | Bellshill Bothy, Bellshill, near Bamburgh

Bellshill, near Bamburgh, Northumberland

Bellshill Bothy

Coastal
Hot Tub
Luxury
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,692
View
Reserve today for only £25
Exterior | Webbery Manor Estate - The Linhay, Webbery, nr. Bideford

Webbery, near Bideford, Devon

Webbery Manor Estate - The Linhay

Luxury
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 4 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1 Pet

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,092
View
Reserve today for only £25
Exterior | The Barn, Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland, County Durham

The Barn

Luxury
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£725
View
Reserve today for only £25
Outdoor area | Sycamore Cottage, Bonsal, near Matlock

Bonsal, near Matlock, Derbyshire

Sycamore Cottage

Hot Tub
Luxury
Wifi
  • 4 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£675
View
Reserve today for only £25
Looking down the garden towards the cottage from the sitting area (with BBQ) | Greenfield Cottage 1866, Worthing

Worthing, West Sussex

Greenfield Cottage 1866

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 5 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 3 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£423
View
Reserve today for only £25
Exterior | Craigrannoch Cottage, Rockcliffe

Rockcliffe, Dumfries and Galloway

Craigrannoch Cottage

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 2 Guests
  • 1 Bedroom
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 1 Pet

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£497
View
Reserve today for only £25

Short Breaks in Dorchester

Kitchen/diner | Ty’n Rallt, Bodorgan

Bodorgan, Isle of Anglesey

Ty’n Rallt

Coastal
Hot Tub
Luxury
  • 8 Guests
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£899
View
Exterior | Shilla Mill, Polzeath, near Wadebridge

Polzeath, near Wadebridge, Cornwall

Shilla Mill

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£2,352
View
Open plan living space | Bellshill Bothy, Bellshill, near Bamburgh

Bellshill, near Bamburgh, Northumberland

Bellshill Bothy

Coastal
Hot Tub
Luxury
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 0 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,692
View
Reserve today for only £25
Exterior | Webbery Manor Estate - The Linhay, Webbery, nr. Bideford

Webbery, near Bideford, Devon

Webbery Manor Estate - The Linhay

Luxury
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 4 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1 Pet

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£1,092
View
Reserve today for only £25
Exterior | The Barn, Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland, County Durham

The Barn

Luxury
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 6 Guests
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£725
View
Reserve today for only £25
Outdoor area | Sycamore Cottage, Bonsal, near Matlock

Bonsal, near Matlock, Derbyshire

Sycamore Cottage

Hot Tub
Luxury
Wifi
  • 4 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 2 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£675
View
Reserve today for only £25
Looking down the garden towards the cottage from the sitting area (with BBQ) | Greenfield Cottage 1866, Worthing

Worthing, West Sussex

Greenfield Cottage 1866

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 5 Guests
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 3 Pets

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£423
View
Reserve today for only £25
Exterior | Craigrannoch Cottage, Rockcliffe

Rockcliffe, Dumfries and Galloway

Craigrannoch Cottage

Coastal
Wifi
Car parking on site
  • 2 Guests
  • 1 Bedroom
  • 1 Bathroom
  • 1 Pet

5

out of 5

7 nights

From

£497
View
Reserve today for only £25

Discover more on your weekend away in Dorset

One of the top reasons to spend a short break in Dorset is the beautiful scenery. With its rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches, the landscape in Dorset is truly breathtaking. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through the countryside or enjoying a picnic by the sea, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty wherever you go. With plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports, you can enjoy an active break in this picturesque setting. You could take a hike along the South West Coast Path, go kayaking in the beautiful Lulworth Cove, or even try your hand at rock climbing on the cliffs of Portland.

Another reason to choose Dorset for your short break is the abundance of things to see and do. From exploring historic castles and charming villages to visiting museums and art galleries, there's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. You could even take a boat trip along the coast or go fossil hunting on the famous Jurassic Coast. From ancient monuments like Stonehenge and Maiden Castle to the charming market towns of Dorchester and Sherborne, there's plenty to explore for history buffs. You could visit the ruins of Corfe Castle, explore the fascinating museums in Bournemouth, or attend a traditional Dorset village fete for a taste of local culture.


More Short Breaks Around the UK

Kent Short Breaks

Cornwall Short Breaks

Wales Short Breaks

Devon Short Breaks

Kimmeridge and the Dorset Coastline from Swyre Head
A father hugging his son

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