Dorchester holiday rentals

We found 828 holiday rentals — enter your dates for availability

Select from 92 homes, 179 cottages and other holiday rentals in Dorchester to find one that's perfect for your trip. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or just with your pet, holiday rentals have the amenities that you need and want for your stay, which might include a fireplace and a washer and dryer. Whatever you're looking for, you'll be sure to find a property to rent for everyone's needs, including a place that's non-smoking or offers accessibility.
  • Peace of mind

    Our Book with Confidence Guarantee gives you 24/7 support
  • More quality time

    From booking to staying, the whole process is simple and enjoyable
  • All the privacy of home

    Enjoy full kitchens, laundry, pools, gardens and more
  • More for less

    More space, more privacy, more amenities — more value

Why visit Dorchester

  • Rich Cultural Heritage: Discover museums and historic landmarks that reveal the city's fascinating past and literary connections.
  • Historic Streetscape: Wander through charming streets and experience the blend of ancient Roman remnants and traditional architecture.
  • Scenic Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy leisurely walks and the natural beauty of nearby outdoor spaces, perfect for family outings.
  • Harbourside Relaxation: Unwind by the quaint harbour, offering a peaceful retreat with picturesque views.
  • Local Cultural Immersion: Experience the friendly atmosphere and vibrant centre of Dorchester, ideal for a culturally immersive holiday.

Popular types of accommodation in Dorchester

Discover the charm of Dorchester, England, a city steeped in history and culture. From the ancient remnants of Roman walls to the iconic Thomas Hardy Museum, there's much to explore. Enjoy a range of holiday rentals, including cosy cottages, private holiday homes, and stylish apartments. Whether you're seeking luxury accommodation or a quaint guest house, Dorchester offers the perfect base for your adventures in this delightful city.

  • Cottages: Enjoy a charming stay in a traditional cottage, perfect for a cosy retreat in the picturesque countryside.
  • Private Holiday Homes: Experience the comfort of a private holiday home, offering space and amenities for a relaxing getaway.
  • Apartments: Opt for a stylish apartment, providing modern conveniences in a central location for easy access to local attractions.
  • Cabins: Retreat to a rustic cabin, ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape surrounded by nature.
  • Caravan Parks: Discover the charm of caravan parks, perfect for a fun-filled holiday with family and friends.**

Top attractions in Dorchester

Dorchester, located in England's picturesque countryside, offers a delightful array of attractions for visitors. With its rich cultural heritage, you can explore fascinating museums and historic landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy scenic walks and nearby beaches, while the charming harbour provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation. This vibrant city is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

  • West Bexington Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores and relaxed beach vibes, perfect for a seaside stroll and a refreshing dip in the sea.
  • Cerne Abbas Giant: Discover the fascinating historic site with deep-rooted cultural significance, offering a glimpse into ancient local traditions.
  • Hardy's Cottage: Explore this charming historic house that encapsulates the essence of local heritage and cultural charm.

Things to do recommended for couples

Experience a charming escape in Dorchester, exploring quaint tea rooms and serene walks along historic streets. Revel in intimate dinners at cosy local eateries and discover hidden gems perfect for creating lifelong memories.

Things to do recommended for families

Families visiting Dorchester can dive into history at the Dinosaur Museum, where children can marvel at life-sized dinosaur models. The nearby Maumbury Rings offers an adventurous outdoor space for picnics and exploring ancient earthworks, perfect for a family day out.

Things to do recommended for groups

Explore Dorchester’s rich heritage with guided group tours through its ancient streets and local markets, followed by cosy pub gatherings and leisurely riverside walks.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Dorchester

Whether you're journeying with a group, travelling as a family, bringing your pets along, or seeking extended stays, ensure you filter by the appropriate priorities. Here are some Stayz booking pointers for you.

  • Traveling to Dorchester with a group: Consider the amount of bedrooms required, along with facilities like a fully equipped kitchen or an outdoor area for group gatherings. Luckily, you can refine your search on Stayz to include all of these features and more.
  • Traveling to Dorchester with young kids: Traveling with little ones can be demanding. You must prioritise their comfort and safety, ensuring they have access to suitable facilities, such as a private swimming pool. Additionally, it's wise to consider how close you are to attractions that are family-friendly.
  • Taking your pets with you to Dorchester: For many, no family holiday is truly complete without their furry companion. If that resonates with you, consider exploring Stayz properties that welcome pets. Most pet-friendly lodgings offer feeding bowls and beds, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
  • Planning for a long term stay visiting Dorchester: If you're seeking holiday rentals offering special rates for stays of a month or more, you've come to the right spot. With the appropriate filter, you can effortlessly locate and save on monthly accommodations. Consider including options such as a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or even a private pool in your search.

Where to stay in and around Dorchester

Discover the charm of Dorchester, where historic streets meet a vibrant centre. Stroll through the heart of Dorchester, explore cultural landmarks, and enjoy the outdoors in a setting that exudes friendly warmth and adventure. Experience the rich heritage and scenic beauty of Dorchester, a perfect retreat for a family-friendly, culturally immersive holiday.

  • Weymouth: A vibrant city located 11km from Dorchester, Weymouth offers a quintessential seaside experience with its scenic beaches and outdoor attractions. Visitors can enjoy water sports and take in the magnificent coastal views, while nearby recreational areas and a charming family beach provide ample opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. The city's theatre scene and bustling local venues ensure a rich travel experience filled with cultural and natural delights.
  • South Coast: Just 10km away from Dorchester, the South Coast is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. This region boasts extensive hiking trails and scenic outdoor spaces, making it ideal for those seeking both tranquillity and a touch of excitement. With national parks and striking rock formations as its defining landmarks, the South Coast presents a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventurous spirit.
  • Osmington: Nestled within the outskirts of Dorchester, Osmington is a picturesque village that promises a serene escape with its stunning coastal scenery. Known for its outdoor charm and beautiful beach, the village offers leisure activities such as golf and exploration of nearby nature reserves. Its proximity to the sea and the inviting rock formations make Osmington a delightful destination for travellers looking to enjoy the serene beauty of the British countryside.

Best time to go to Dorchester

If you're planning a trip to Dorchester, it's a good idea to check both the weather and property rates. The warmest month is August. Peak season runs in April, July and September, while off-peak times, like October to December tend to have fewer bookings and better deals.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking with Stayz is simple

Looking to save on your next holiday? Consider being flexible with your travel dates, as prices can fluctuate. Moreover, extending your stay often results in significant savings. To discover the ideal Stayz property that fits your budget, utilise our filters to refine your search by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Stayz Trips: Effortless planning

Stayz’s Trip Board offers a handy space where you can create new journeys, resume your plans, or review and manage your arrangements. You'll see properties you have saved or booked categorised under Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To begin using Trip Boards, please visit: https://www.stayz.com.au/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

The friendly area of Dorchester awaits your stay

Enjoy the area's culture, history and museums with a rental holiday home in Dorchester. Well known for its bars, archaeology and coffee shops, this welcoming city won't disappoint. If you're looking for accommodation options with space to entertain friends and family, HomeAway has plenty of options to choose from. Many rental homes offer full kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for big groups.

Activities and attractions in Dorchester

Do you want to find top things to see and do in the city? Venture out of your cosy holiday rental and experience everything that makes Dorchester a fun spot to go on holiday. Here are some of the top attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

  • Abbotsbury Swannery (8 mi / 12.9 km)
  • Monkey World Ape Rescue Center (9.9 mi / 15.9 km)
  • Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club (13.3 mi / 21.4 km)
  • Splashdown Waterpark (21.5 mi / 34.7 km)
  • Larmer Tree Gardens (23.3 mi / 37.5 km)
  • Alum Chine Beach (23.7 mi / 38.1 km)

Exploring the natural landscape of Dorchester

Whether you're an active traveller or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Dorchester is a great place to get outside. Here are some of the area’s most stunning sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

  • Durdle Door (9.5 mi / 15.3 km)
  • Bournemouth Beach (24.8 mi / 39.9 km)
  • Bowleaze Cove Beach (5.2 mi / 8.4 km)
  • Lodmoor Country Park (5.5 mi / 8.9 km)
  • Weymouth Beach (7 mi / 11.2 km)
  • Weymouth Harbour (7.2 mi / 11.5 km)

How to get to and around Dorchester

The nearest airport is in Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.), located 27 mi (43.5 km) from the city centre.

If you prefer to travel by train, Dorchester West Station, Dorchester South Station and Moreton Station are the main stations in the area.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular type of holiday home accommodation in Dorchester?
The most in-demand types of holiday homes in Dorchester are cottages. Looking for something different? Stayz has numerous options to match the needs of our guests, so you'll see holiday properties in all shapes and sizes. The ideal fit is ready and waiting for you — book yours today.
How much does it cost to rent a holiday home in Dorchester?
The average price for a holiday home in Dorchester is determined by several factors, such as length of stay, season and property type. Whether you're dreaming about a villa with space for extended family or an apartment that's perfect for two, just enter your travel dates to see stays with fantastic value.
How much does it cost to rent a beach house in Dorchester?
When you travel and the style and size of the property will help determine the cost of your beachside holiday home. Type in your Dorchester travel dates to see all your options on Stayz. Looking for basics like WiFi, or perks like a private pool? Use our filters to choose the amenities and features you want in your home.
Are there pet-friendly holiday homes in Dorchester?
Yes. There are. Take your pick of 117 stays that roll out the welcome mat in Dorchester on Stayz. Our furry kids also deserve a getaway, so simply use our search function for pet-friendly holiday homes to book a place where Fido can lap up the good times.
Can I rent a house with a pool in Dorchester?
Mark the "pool" box in our handy filter tool and you'll find six houses with private pools in Dorchester on Stayz. Morning swim, sunset soak or midnight dip? Leisure time is your call when your Stayz holiday property boasts a swimming pool.
What are popular home amenities in Dorchester?
Some of the most popular home amenities people look for in Dorchester include a firepit, an ocean view and a chef. Whether you're hitting the road with your besties, family or even pets, Stayz holiday properties provide the best amenities for making new memories with the people you love.
Are there large group holiday homes in Dorchester?
Dorchester has 11 holiday homes that can host 10 or more people. These stays come with the space and privacy you need to share good times with friends and family.
Are there holiday homes in Dorchester that welcome kids?
Dorchester has 116 family-friendly holiday homes to pick from. And tracking down a stay that welcomes kids is a cinch with our "Properties good for families" filter. On top of having the whole place to yourselves, you'll have access to perks and amenities such as living rooms, yards and private pools.
What are the top attractions for families in Dorchester?
Keep the kids occupied at these fabulous family-friendly attractions in Dorchester:

  • Weymouth Beach
  • Chesil Beach
  • Abbotsbury Swannery

Are there one-bedroom holiday homes in Dorchester?
You can choose from 23 one-bedroom homes in Dorchester. Whether you're on the lookout for an apartment or a fancy condo, Stayz's one-bedroom properties are great if you don't require a lot of space. One of the perks of having your own digs? You won't ever have to share your trip with strangers.
Can I find two-bedroom holiday homes in Dorchester?
Dorchester has 43 two-bedroom holiday homes for you to select from. Discover a holiday home with all the space and comfort you're looking for at an attractive price on Stayz.
Are there holiday homes with WiFi in Dorchester?
Whether you want to stay in touch with world events, send some emails or update your social media, there are 22 holiday homes with WiFi in Dorchester. Check the "WiFi" box when searching on Stayz and stay connected on your getaway.
How old do you have to be to rent a holiday home in Dorchester?
It's a good idea to check with the Dorchester holiday home you're looking at on Stayz as the age limit varies. However, typically it's 16, 18 or 21.
How long can I rent a holiday home in Dorchester for?
The amount of time you can stay in a Dorchester holiday home for is up to each property. Simply put in your dates of travel to view options that offer long-term stays. They include all the things you need to make your extended getaway more enjoyable like air conditioning and laundries. Some properties might also offer discounted weekly or monthly prices, so you can stay even longer for less.