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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Nice places to stay in Dorset

41 replies

littlestar · 06/05/2007 09:48

We are thinking of renting a cottage for a week in June, somewhere in Dorset. We've got no idea where to go - can anyone recommend a nice area? There will be 2 adults and a 2-year-old and we will have a car. Thanks x

OP posts:
monkeymonkeymoomoo · 06/05/2007 09:49

Corfe is lovely as is Lulworth Cove

tribpot · 06/05/2007 09:51

Beaminster is lovely if you don't mind being a drive from the sea.

whoopsfallenoveragain · 06/05/2007 09:51

Lyme Regis is nice too

tribpot · 06/05/2007 09:53

Was just about to add, Lyme is lovely if you do mind being a drive from the sea Having said that, I'm not sure what stage the works are at that are renovating the promenade, I think last summer wasn't particularly good for Lyme but this summer it should be finished, will check with my mum.

preggerspoppet · 06/05/2007 10:03

what are your prefrences? town? beach walking distance? stuff for kids to do? etc.

love dorset so much, will def move back there one day.

monkeymonkeymoomoo · 06/05/2007 10:06

www.dorsetcoastalcottages.co.uk is a good site.

burstingbug · 06/05/2007 10:08

My house
Depends what you're after. It'll be a bit quieter in June. July & August are the worst as everyone flocks down here and you can't move!

Original poster
littlestar · 06/05/2007 10:31

Thanks burstingbug, that sounds perfect - we're very well-behaved and you'll hardly know we're there!

We don't mind being a drive away from the beach. Somewhere with a pub and maybe a shop or two withing walking distance would be nice. We'll probably spend a couple of days on the beach (weather permitting) and a few days doing day trips - castles, Monkey World, that kind of thing.

I went to Lyme Regis years ago and loved it - what are they doing to the promenade?

OP posts:
burstingbug · 06/05/2007 10:33

You're 2yo could play with mine

Imawurzel · 06/05/2007 10:38

They've finished the promenade now. They've made it wider, no big step down to the beach. I couldn't remember and DH was like, there was a step there, me,was there? And the you don't walk down the little street to go to the cobb now. Path goes around nearer the beach side.DH and i like walking round there. I'm waffling now,i'll go. Bye.

fortyplus · 06/05/2007 10:42

Studland Bay is the best beach. Swanage is a good old-fashioned, slightly tacky resort. Nice sandy beach, fish & chips on the sea front and there was always a Punch & Judy man - at least until 3 or 4 years ago - we haven't been recently.
Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood is BRILLIANT.

Tamum · 06/05/2007 10:48

Even last summer Lyme was alright- the beaches over at the other end are unaffected, and they opened up the promenade in time for the summer season in any case. It does get busy though. Lyme Bay Holidays seem to have a bit of a monopoly on cottages in the area, so they would be worth checking but be prepared for there not to be much choice left. June shouldn't be quite as bad though. Also agree that the area around Lulworth/Durdle Door is wonderful.

fortyplus · 06/05/2007 11:54

You can go fossil hunting at Charmouth & Kimmerige Bay.

preggerspoppet · 06/05/2007 14:13

charmouth sounds like it might suit you... nice and quiet with pub and shop, short drive to the busier lyme and right on the beach, lulworth cove is gorgeous but can get busy in the school hols. durdle door is stunning but a pita to get to the beach, mamouth walk and zillions of steps.

aw all of you!

pickledpear · 06/05/2007 14:15

west bay has a hven or park resorts i think it is now

pickledpear · 06/05/2007 14:15

ooops Haven

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 06/05/2007 14:33

We're staying near Charmouth (caravan) this year. Dd has been lucky enough to get a weekend activity break at PGL, through a charity, so we've decided to make a week of it as it's a long way to come.

monkeymonkeymoomoo · 06/05/2007 15:19

My vote is for Corfe, castle, Studland bay a short drive away (easily one th the best beaches in the UK IMHO!). Monkey World about 30mins drive and nice pub and shop in village. Plus Swanage is not too far and there is a steam railway and other more traditional seasidey stuff to do.

fortyplus · 06/05/2007 21:37

There's a small and very civilised caravan park at Mudeford - I think it's called Sandhills. It's right on the sea front with a sandy(ish) beach one way and Mudeford Quay the other. Little ferry boat to take you over to Mudeford Sandbanks and Hengistbury Head.

You can't go wrong on the Dorset Coast with children - just as long as you don't go to Rockley Park - that's horrid.

Original poster
littlestar · 08/05/2007 15:27

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful! I think Charmouth ticks all our boxes, and we've found a few places to stay there. Before I go ahead and book, if anyone knows of any other agencies that hire out cottages in that area, please let me know x

OP posts:
Lilymaid · 08/05/2007 15:42

Have you looked on the West Dorset Where to Stay website?
There is a lot of accommodation in the villages around Charmouth north of the A35

Tamum · 08/05/2007 15:52

I mentioned them below, but Lyme Bay Holidays do quite a lot of cottages in Charmouth

Shoshable · 08/05/2007 15:54

Im in Dorset, i think it depends on whether you wont coast or more inland?

We are halfway between Bournenouth and salisbury, so good for places like Stonehenge to the East and the Beaches to the west.

Original poster
littlestar · 08/05/2007 15:58

Ta, Tamum - they seem to have the monopoly on cottages in that area, I just wanted to check whether there was anyone else I should speak to before booking through them

OP posts:
Tamum · 08/05/2007 16:00

Monopoly is the word- I could never understand why hardly anyone seemed to let out cottages in Lyme until I discovered them!