Looking for cottage in Dorset to stay in between Christmas and New Year which doesn't cost more than a holiday abroad!

[madamehooch]

Was hoping to go away with some friends after Christmas (29th December until 1st or 2nd January. There would be 4 adults, 3 children (13, 11 and 7) plus a labrador! Would want somewhere not too far to get to (we live in Southampton) so thought a cottage somewhere in New Forest/Dorset would be ideal. That was, until, I started checking prices and realised that it costs more to go away for those 3 nights than it does to go away in the middle of July! Does anyone have any recommendations of pet friendly places to stay in those areas which don't cost a fortune? Not really looking for hotels so any self-catering suggestions would be much appreciated.

Have a look at pet holiday finder, pets welcome and dog friendly.co websites. its finding somewhere to take the dog that will be the issue as so many places wont these days. places letting seem to be going for a week up to 28th or 29th dec then a week from 28th/29th onwards so you might be lucky to pick up a short break. does it have to be a cottage or have you thought about a hotel. also have a look at awaywiththekids website. always found this to be a good one.