Best Places to Stay in Dorset: UK Staycation
If you’re looking for inspiration for a UK staycation then look no further than these quirky and unusual best places to stay in Dorset.
Dorset has beautiful beaches, charming villages and lush English countryside all waiting for your visit. It is the perfect place to stay for a well-needed break away from the current norm.
Do you fancy staying in a shepherds hut or maybe a lighthouse cottage, or how about a yacht moored in the Poole Harbour! I have selected ten of the most unique places in Dorset for your next staycation.
If you see something that takes your fancy you can book directly through the blue links provided.
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Table of Contents
Shepherd’s Hut in an Alpaca Paddock in Lyme Regis #1
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Baabara is nestled in open paddocks nr to Lyme Regis and the famous Jurassic Coast. Wake up at your Dorset Staycation with alpaca’s as your neighbours and enjoy exclusive use of the pool and hot tub in your allotted time slot.
Baabara is an original Shepherds Hut renovated and ready for a peaceful get away from it all stay. It’s situated by the pond, 200m from the complex with our ducks and moorhens in our paddock with alpacas, sheep, chickens and the odd bunny, pheasant and deer
Rates and Availability for Baabara Shepherds Hut
18th Century Grade ll Listed Thatched Cottage in Evershot #2
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Laundry Cottage sits in the sleepy village of Evershot in Dorset with its village shop, bakery and traditional 16th-century pub, The Acorn.
There are still original features such as the open fireplace that add to the charm of this residence.
The main town of Dorchester is a short drive away (9 miles) where you will find a supermarket, cafes, restaurants and attractions
Visit The Tutankhamen Exhibition in Dorchester.
Take a stroll through the deer park at Melbury Park.
Discover the sandy beach at West Bay.
Rates and Availability for Laundry Cottage
Woodland Pod in Swanage #3
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Lifton Pod is a cosy Dorset Staycation for two hidden in private woodland for those who want to disappear for a few days.
Relax, unwind & connect with nature in a new handcrafted pod in the heart of the wild Purbeck Jurassic coastline. With easy access to the Corfe Hills, this is the perfect spot for anyone who wants a bit of tranquillity & incredible walking routes nearby. Immerse yourself with peace and quiet of a woodland overlooking beautiful fields with local wildlife as your neighbours.
Rates and Availability for Lifton Pod
Want to earn between £15 and £40 off your first Airbnb booking? Just click the link here and you will be taken to Airbnb’s website to set up your new account.
Luxury Motor Cruiser in Poole Harbour #4
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What could be a more unique stay in Dorset than a Luxury Motor Cruiser! Moored in Poole Harbour you can spend a few days or longer living life like a jet setter aboard this
This luxury motor cruiser was designed with space and comfort in mind. Her unique position in Poole Quay Marina, offer’s peaceful panoramic views of Brownsea Island and Poole harbour. A short walk takes you to the hustle and bustle of Poole quay.
Rates and Availability for Luxury Motor Boat
Hilltop Retreat in Salisbury #5
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The Pink Tower sleeps two guests and is the perfect Dorset Staycation spot set high on a hill with beautiful views across the English countryside. Its location means that it is accessible to the neighbouring counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire.
A self-contained hilltop retreat with stunning panoramic rural views. The Pink Tower is a wooden octagonal building attached to the owner’s cottage on a working farm (pigs, sheep, arable). The ancient OxDrove track, renowned for beautiful walks, is nearby and the Pink Tower is situated right on the borders of Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire.
Rates and Availability for The Pink Tower
Shepherd’s Huts in Sherbourne #6
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Apple, as this cosy shepherd’s hut is lovingly called, can sleep 2 guests and is situated in the grounds of Stockbridge Farm Barn just outside of Sherbourne. The hut has been handmade and has a beautifully styled interior with heating and a fully functional shower cubicle and WC. No midnight trips to the outside toilets at this premier location!
Apple is the ideal base to enjoy lazy breakfasts overlooking the countryside or to wrap up warm on a winter’s evening and do a spot of stargazing. If you are travelling with another couple then there is another hut called Blossom that can be booked.
Quaint villages, market towns and the stunning Jurassic coast are all easily accessible.
Rates and Availability for Apple
Cosy Hideaway with Hot Tub in Blandford Forum #7
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This charming woodland studio has been designed and decorated to the highest standards and is featured in Airbnb’s Plus selection properties for your Dorset Staycation.
Wake to birdsong and fall asleep to the breeze through the trees at a dreamy, pastel-hued hideaway nestled in the grounds of Downwood Vineyard. This idyllic spot is home to a fire pit for snuggling up and stargazing and calming cream interiors.
Rates and Availability for Woodland Studio
Stable Conversion in Cerne Abbas #8
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Beauvoir Court Stables is a beautiful conversion of the stables in Cerne Abbey. A beautifully styled interior mixes modern and antique touches with stunning results.
Beauvoir is the ideal base to enjoy the walking and cycling paths that lead through the countryside or to simply relax on the terrace with a chilled glass of wine.
Pretty villages and countryside are all easily accessible.
Visit the seaside resort of Weymouth (35 mins drive)
Combine two attractions in one day at Abbotsbury Swannery and sub-tropical gardens.
Rates and Availability for Beauvoir Stables
Log Cabin in the New Forest #9
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Tiny House is located in Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest and is reminiscent of a dwelling from the wild west!
Handcrafted from solid oak this is a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of something special with your loved one.
Bikes are available for you to explore the surrounding area.
Tiny House is on the edge of the New Forest. Perfect for bike riding, walking and horse riding. There are many country pubs nearby, Bournemouth beach is a 20-minute drive. Mudeford beach is a 15-minute drive where crabbing is popular!
Rates and Availability for Tiny House
During your Dorset Staycation why not try out something new with one of the many experiences on offer in the area. From learning to cook a local dish to learning to paddleboard and from guided cycle tours of the New Forest to local craft workshops. There are plenty of new experiences to suit all!
Want to earn £10 off your first Airbnb Experience of £40 or more? Just click the link here and you will be taken to Airbnb’s website to set up your new account.
Unique Experiences in Dorset: Map
Love the UK? Check out other beautiful locations to spend your holiday.
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