Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Dorset. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Dorset’s most popular rural destinations including Bridport, Beaminster, Charmouth, Wareham, and Shaftesbury, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
One of Dorset’s biggest draws is its spectacular coastline, much of which forms part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary geology and fossils spanning 185 million years. For Insta-worthy photos, head to Durdle Door with its iconic limestone arch, and neighbouring Lulworth Cove, famed for its dramatic, crumpled rock formations. Chesil Beach is an 18-mile stretch of shingle, intriguingly graded in size from fine pebbles at West Bay to much larger stones at Portland, and backed by a nature reserve that makes it an excellent spot for a bracing walk amid stunning scenery. At Spyway, you can quite literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs that roamed the area 145 million years ago, with more than 100 fossilised tracks preserved in the rock. And for a classic bucket-and-spade day out, Weymouth offers a sweeping curve of golden sand, clean waters for safe swimming, donkey rides, pedalos, and an elegant promenade.
The area around Poole Harbour is particularly rich in wildlife. The heathland, woodland, mudflats, and wetlands at RSPB Arne support a remarkable variety of birdlife, including rarities such as spoonbills, nightjars, and Dartford warblers. Nearby Brownsea Island is home to red squirrels, sika deer, and large numbers of waterfowl and waders. While in the area, be sure to visit Sandbanks, known for some of the most exclusive contemporary homes in the world, a beautiful sandy beach, and an excellent choice of places to eat.
Dorset also has an impressive range of historic attractions. Highlights include the ruins of Corfe Castle, founded by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed during the Civil War; Athelhampton House, one of England’s finest Tudor manor houses, where you can explore the magnificent Great Hall and Elizabethan kitchen, set within award-winning gardens; Kingston Lacy, an elegant Italianate country mansion with an outstanding collection of art and rare objects, surrounded by formal gardens and extensive parkland marked with an obelisk; and Max Gate, the former home of Thomas Hardy, an atmospheric Victorian house recreated to reflect how it appeared during his lifetime, complete with a walled garden.
As a largely rural county, Dorset is a paradise for ramblers and cyclists. The Purbeck Ridgeway is an easy nine-mile walk across chalk downs, with panoramic views stretching as far as the Isle of Wight. For a more challenging route, climb to the summit of Hambledon Hill, an Iron Age hill fort renowned for its wildlife, including over 25 species of butterfly, orchids, brown hares, and glow-worms.
Dorchester, the county town, is well worth a visit, with a range of family-friendly museums, a lively arts centre, and a monthly artisan market. Just outside the town lies Poundbury, the brainchild of King Charles, where you can wander winding streets and enjoy an appealing mix of architecture, green spaces, independent shops, and eateries serving locally sourced Dorset produce.
For a relaxing escape, with opportunities for cycling, walking, wildlife watching, and cultural attractions, choose a farm holiday in Dorset for your next break.
