Six Unusual and Quirky Places to Stay in Dorset

If you’re looking for inspiration for a UK holiday, look no further than these quirky and unusual places to stay in Dorset.

Dorset has beautiful beaches, charming villages and lush English countryside waiting for your visit. It is the perfect place to visit for a well-needed break.

Do you fancy staying in a shepherd’s hut or maybe a lighthouse cottage, or how about a thatched cottage? In this post, you will find six beautiful properties in Dorset for a fabulous South Country stay in the UK.

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Keets at Middle Acre in Dorchester

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Keets at Middle Acre is an off-grid eco-friendly shepherd’s hut nestled in rural Dorset, complete with a wood-fired hot tub to while away the hours and maybe watch the stars at night. Wake up refreshed at your Dorset Staycation before exploring the Jurassic Coast.

Middle Acre is near the size of a football pitch, with Chestnut trees, fruit trees, flowers and a polytunnel, whilst beyond the hut’s gate, a gentle wander will lead to the beehives, kitchen garden and V E Garden, where you’ll meet the free-range chickens, ducks, bantams and friendly farm collie Bea.

Rates and Availability for Keets Shepherds Hut

18th Century Grade ll Listed Thatched Cottage in Evershot

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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 Tutankhamun 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

Way’s Forge in Piddlehinton

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Way’s Forge sleeps three guests and is the perfect Dorset getaway set in the charming rural village of Piddlehinton.

This original 1830s renovated blacksmith’s workshop was a working forge run by five generations of the Way family. Its location means it is accessible to the neighbouring counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire.

There are many tracks around the village hills where you can walk your dogs. Typical of many village blacksmiths, Way’s Forge lies in the heart of Piddlehinton on the main street, a two-minute walk from the award-winning Thimble Inn.

Rates and Availability for Way’s Forge

Cosy Hideaway with Hot Tub in Blandford Forum

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This charming woodland studio has been designed and decorated to the highest standards 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.

The great thing about booking this Airbnb property is that you can now collect Avios airline miles through Airbnb, which can be used on British Airways flights!

Rates and Availability for Woodland Studio

Stable Conversion in Cerne Abbas

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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 for enjoying the walking and cycling paths that lead through the countryside or relaxing on the terrace with a chilled glass of wine.

Pretty villages and the 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

Cosy Log Cabin in the New Forest

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The Cosy Cabin in Ringwood is on the edge of the New Forest and is reminiscent of a dwelling from the wild west!

Handcrafted from solid oak, this is a beautiful place to enjoy a glass of something special with your loved one.

Bikes are available for you to explore the surrounding area.

Cosy Cabin is on the edge of the New Forest. Perfect for bike riding, walking and horse riding. Many country pubs are nearby, and Bournemouth beach is a 20-minute drive.

Mudeford beach and Hengistbury Head are a 15-minute drive away.