What Oliver Loves
Walking the stretch between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door early in the day, before it fills up, then carrying on west where it quickly quietens down.
Holiday Homes in Dorset
Find Your Extraordinary
Dorset Holiday Home
Dorset is defined by its coastline, particularly along the Jurassic Coast, where cliffs, bays and long stretches of beach sit close together. Places like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are well known, but they’re part of a wider landscape that includes quieter beaches, coastal paths and smaller towns set just back from the water. Inland, the county shifts into rolling countryside, market towns and villages that feel slower and less exposed.
Our collection of homes in Dorset brings you close to both, from coastal stays within easy reach of the beach to countryside houses suited to family holidays and time away with friends. You can also explore more across the South West, wider England or browse our collection of Britain and Ireland holiday homes for further inspiration.
Why stay with us?
Style and character define every Oliver’s Travels home. Our destination experts know England well, handpicking homes in Dorset for their setting, privacy and proximity to the coastline, beaches and surrounding countryside.
Once you book a holiday, our Concierge Service is here to help with all things planning and recommendations, from local experiences to in-house chefs, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Why visit Dorset?
Dorset is worth visiting for its coastline alone, but don’t miss out on the county’s variety. The Jurassic Coast runs throughout, with well-known landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, but also long, quieter stretches where you can walk for miles. Beaches range from wide and sandy in places like Studland to pebble shores and smaller coves further west.
Walking is a big part of being here. The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs, linking beaches and viewpoints, while inland routes move through farmland and low hills. It’s easy to spend most of the day outside without needing to plan much beyond where to start.
Towns like Lyme Regis and Bridport bring a bit more activity, with small shops, cafés and markets, while places like Weymouth offer a more traditional seaside feel. You can move between them easily, or stay in one area and explore at a slower pace.
Food is simple and local. Seafood is widely available along the coast, and there’s a steady mix of pubs, bakeries and farm shops across the county. It’s not a place that relies on big-name dining, but you’ll eat well without needing to search too hard.
Old Harry Rocks
Dorset: At a Glance
Coastline – The Jurassic Coast, with cliffs, bays, sandy beaches and quieter stretches
Towns and villages – Lyme Regis, Bridport, Weymouth and smaller coastal and inland communities
Countryside – Rolling farmland, walking routes and villages set away from the coast
Food and drink – Seafood, pubs, bakeries and farm shops across the region
The great outdoors – Walking, swimming and exploring both coast and countryside
Silverlake Resort, Dorset
The award-winning Silverlake Resort is the perfect setting for a family-friendly escape in the heart of Dorset. Surrounded by stunning lakes and breathtaking natural beauty, it offers a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation. Spend your days paddleboarding on the water, cycling scenic trails, relaxing in the spa or simply unwinding in a stylish lakefront home.
Located near the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be close to iconic spots like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and RSPB Arne.
Top Tip
Check tide times before heading to places like Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door – access, space on the beach and even parts of the path change more than you’d expect.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, spanning a huge 630 miles.
The path starts (or finishes) in Studland, Dorset, making the region a popular place for avid walkers.
There are various walks that encompass the Dorset section of the South West Coast Path. One popuar route takes hikers from Durdle Door to White Nothe (around seven miles), guiding you through Lulworth Cove and offering fantastic views of the famous ‘door’.
For those just wanting a taste of the trail, try walking around Hive Beach (1.9 miles). Take in Burton Cliff, a dramatic tower of Bridport Sands.
Dorset: Getting there and around
By train
Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Weymouth, with connections to other towns across Dorset.
By car
A car is the easiest way to explore the coastline and reach smaller beaches and inland villages.
By bus
Local bus routes run along parts of the coast, including services between key towns on the Jurassic Coast.
On foot
The South West Coast Path is one of the best ways to explore the area, with access points across the county.
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