Dorset for BIG family hol with dog!

[Beautifulskye]

We're trying to find a week away in summer somewhere for 4 adults, 5 kids (age 4-12) and a dog. Dorset is about equidistant for both families, but we have never been. Is it a good place for that range of people? Does anyone have any great location/accommodation recommendations please? Thanks.

I don't personally know Dorset, but I did know Wiltshire, which isn't far away and is similar. I'll come back sometime with more details.

Dorset is great but then I am biased. Portland, Weymouth, the purbecks, swanage, great beaches, lots of lovely walks, lots of things for children to do

Thanks, that's great to know good locations. Any ideas re properties? Guess a lot will be booked up now...

www.marshwoodmanor.co.uk/holiday-cottages/

We stayed in this place, which was great and dog friendly, although it looks like their biggest cottage only sleeps 8, or you could get two separate smaller ones. They are all right beside each other.

Or, try English Country Cottages website, have had a few lovely places through them and searchable by accommodation size, dog friendly, etc.

Look inland rather than right on the beach

I've realised I have driven through many times on the way to Southampton!

Here is a bit of info:

www.visit-dorset.com/

www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/

Dorset is wonderful, we've had two hols in Swanage which is a great spo, lots to do.in swanage and close by. I'd try dorset coastal cottages

Oops, a great spot.

West Dorset around Bridport or East Dorset around Purbeck is probably best. West Dorset has access to Lyme Regis, good little sandy beach, fossil hunting, Abbotbury, West Bay, and not fare from a couple of places in Devon which are good to go to. Purbecks has beaches, Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove, Monkey World, Bovington Tank Museum (very good on a wet day) Tyneham Village, Corfe Castle, Studland Beach, access to Poole, Farmer Palmers (have lost hours in there with DS) steam train, Swanage.

Hope this helps

Dorset Manor at underthethatch is lovely and should accommodate you all.

We used it last summer and it was a great base, such a beautiful house.