Dorset with Kids – 16 Best Places To Stay

On this page I have handpicked the best holiday cottages and family friendly hotels in Dorset.

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6 Family Cottages in Dorset

All the properties are of an excellent or exceptional standard throughout and have been picked with family breaks in mind.

Sleeps 4

Westbay Penthouse

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets No | WiFi | Seaside | Near a pub

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This place has an elevator and you have all the upstairs to yourself. Open the bi-folding doors onto a private balcony to enjoy spectacular sea views & look at the stunning Jurassic Coastline anytime. 

Things to do: 

This wonderful location makes an ideal base for a great family holiday as you can do scenic walks along the South West Coastal Path.

Do fishing, golf, fossil hunting, and boating with your family. Your family can even view the homes of Thomas Hardy and TE Lawrence. The Tank Museum at Bovington and the Naval Air Museum at Yeovil are nearby for kids who’d love to see actual tanks and planes.

A very short distance away are the picturesque seaside resort of Lyme Regis, the lovely sub-tropical gardens and swannery at Abbotsbury, and the golden sands of Weymouth.

All of which offer relaxing fun and they can be used as a good backdrop to your family vacation photos.

Whitey Top Lodge

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets No | WiFi | Hot tub | Garden | Games Room

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This luxury family lodge is set in a countryside area and is equipped and furnished with high-standard facilities, a hot tub, and a well-equipped kitchen.

Total relaxation and comfort are assured so you can enjoy your family vacation.

Things to do: 

Inside, you can use the hot tub, relax in the picturesque garden, or let kids enjoy what’s in store for them in the games room.

Outside, watch cows grazing, enjoy walking on stunning footpaths, bridleways, or do cross-country cycling to enjoy around the hamlet of Pentridge.

Your family can even visit pubs and shops in the village of Sixpenny Handley, which is a short 7-minute drive away.

For pony-loving kids, the New Forest National Park is nearby where kids can see and come in close contact with wild ponies.

You and your family can also take a short trip to get great pictures taken with the Stonehenge as the backdrop.

Old Higher Lighthouse Branscombe Lodge

Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1 | Pets No | WiFi | Swimming Pool | Garden | Seaside

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Relax in a lodge that has a unique structure that’s perfect for those who love to stay in unique places with good architectural design.

Window shapes are not your usual squares or rectangles. The view from these windows is astounding and you can even go to the lighthouse tower or the observatory to maximize your viewing pleasures.

Your family will definitely have lots of fun. Kids and even teenagers will love the unique experience and views that this property offers.

Things to do: 

If you want to take in fantastic sea and coastal views then this is the property to book. You and your family will have access to the lighthouse tower and observatory.

From there, you will be able to see breathtaking views of Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast. You can relax at the outdoor heated swimming pool with Jacuzzi.

Alternatively, you and your family can do leisure walks with beautiful views or do bird watching, as well as climbing or diving.

Sleeps 5

Captain’s House

Sleeps 5 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets No | WiFi | Garden | Near a pub

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Captains House has a bright, immaculate, and contemporary interior which gives it a fresh and relaxing vibe.

It is ideal for families and groups of friends who want to be close to the beach, town and restaurants.

Things to do:

This property is a few minutes’ walk from Weymouth Harbour and Newton’s Cove. Take a walk along the harbourside and watch the boats sail by.

Enjoy traditional seaside pleasures, such as donkey rides and ice creams. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are a short drive away and offer exceptional and unique views.

Middleton Barn

Sleeps 5 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub | Garden | Open Fire

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This converted barn is spacious and the stylish, contemporary design provides guests with a relaxing and luxurious feeling, perfect for family vacations.

The heat from the wood-burning stove in the sitting room gives a feeling of comfort and coziness while you and your family relax and enjoy watching on the widescreen TV. 

Things to do:

Enjoy some alfresco dining out on the ornate outdoor furniture. If your family wants to do some exploring, walk on the Jubilee Trail or go to the village of Milton Abbas, a chocolate-box haven with thatched roof cottages that are perfect for taking photos.

For a more memorable hands-on experience, your family can visit Middleton Barn where kids can have a taste of a real Dorset farm life.

Sleeps 6

Beach View Apartment 2

Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets No | WiFi | Garden | Seaside | Near a pub

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This period apartment in Greenhill, Weymouth is a few steps away from the prestigious blue flag beach, a high-quality standard that most beaches only dream of.

Every room in this apartment provides relaxing and spectacular panoramic views of the countryside and the coastline. 

Things to do:

Enjoy alfresco meals in the dining area overlooking the garden and out to sea. Enjoy a game of mini-golf, miniature steam train, and go-carting, which is 5 minutes walking distance away from

Find Your Perfect Airbnb in Dorset

The 10 Best Child-Friendly Hotels and Apartments in Dorset

Moonfleet Manor (Weymouth)

family room inside moonfleet manor in weymouth dorset

Family orientated hotel overlooking Chesil Beach with family rooms and single beds for kids. Crèche and babysitting services, children’s dining, all-weather play facilities, swimming pool including a baby pool and a family escape room all make this hotel ideal for kids. Free parking, Wifi, pet friendly. Weymouth Marina and Sandsfoot Castle are within 5 miles of hotel.

No. 98 Boutique Hotel (Weymouth)

bedroom at no.98 boutique hotel in weymouth dorset

Contemporary boutique hotel overlooking Weymouth Beach. Family rooms can accommodate up to three or four people. Some have sea views. There is free Wifi, breakfast is included and there is also a courtyard garden. Perfect hotel for a weekend family break. Nothe Fort is a 9 minute walk away and Weymouth Sealife Park is 1.2 miles away.

Alexandra Hotel & Restaurant (Lyme Regis)

beautiful grounds of the alexandra hotel in lyme regis dorset

Luxury, family-friendly boutique hotel with views of Lyme Bay and a 2 minute walk to the beach. Most rooms can accommodate kids and there are apartments which sleep up to 6. There is a restaurant, bar, free Wifi and free parking. There is also a kids playground with swings and trampolines and board games and puzzles for rainy days. Hotel will provide a packed lunch for days out and you can also borrow buckets and spades if you’ve forgotten yours.

The Bull Hotel (Bridport)

interconnecting rooms at the bull hotel bridport dorset

Boutique hotel with stylish rooms, some of them designed for families. Travel cots and fold out beds are available. There is a restaurant with kids menu, indoor play area, bar, free parking and free Wifi. There is also a courtyard garden. Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, UK Llamas and Golden Cap are within 8 miles.

Captain’s Club Hotel (Christchurch)

Inside bedroom at the Captain's Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch Dorset

Nautical-themed hotel with a ‘junior shipmates’ restaurant menu. Family rooms sleep three to six guests (plus dogs welcome) and one even comes with its own cinema room. There is an onsite spa for adults and free Wifi and parking available. Mudeford Quay, Bournemouth Aviation Museum and Christchurch Castle are all within 2 miles of hotel.

Sandbanks Hotel (Poole)

inside a bedroom overlooking the seafront at the Sandbanks Hotel in Poole Dorset

Beachfront hotel has direct access to a Blue Flag beach and spectacular views of Sandbanks. There are family rooms and cots and foldout beds can be provided. There are a range of facilities including a swimming pool, steam room, sauna and gym. Kids entertainment runs during school holidays and the hotel has its own Watersports Academy for sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and more. The restaurant has a kid’s menu as well as a kid’s buffet served each day. Free Wifi.

The Ollerod (Beaminster)

exterior view of the beautiful building at The Ollerod in Beaminster Dorset

This hotel is a 700-year-old former priest’s house surrounded by countryside. It offers 13 rooms including a family suite and family room. There is a beautiful garden, kids meals, board games and puzzles and a babysitting service available. Free Wifi, free parking and pet friendly. Within easy reach of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast.

Cumberland Hotel – OCEANA COLLECTION (Bournemouth)

At night the stunning art deco The Cumberland including swimming pool

1930s Art Deco style hotel overlooking Bournemouth Bay. There is a seasonal outdoor heated pool, a day spa, and a Miami style lido deck with palm trees. There are family interconnecting rooms which sleep up to 4 and cots available. Free Wifi and pet friendly. There is a stylish bar and brasserie and a poolside menu during the summer. Bournemouth Pier is 0.7 miles away.

Applewood Hotel (Bournemouth)

Large family room at the Applewood Hotel Bournemouth in Dorset

Small family-run hotel with modern chic décor. Family Quadruple Room sleeps up to 4 and cots available on request. There is kids’ outdoor play equipment, a garden and terrace and children television networks. Free Wifi and parking available. Ideally located on Bournemouth’s West Cliff so within easy reach of award-winning beaches.

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel (Bournemouth)

Big family room at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel in Dorset

Family-friendly hotel set in a dramatic seafront location with a leisure club, fitness area and seasonal outdoor pool. Family rooms are spacious and cots are available on request. Hotel restaurant has a kids menu and has scenic views across the sea. There is free Wifi and parking. The sandy Westcliff Beach is 100 yards away.

See Also

Your Perfect Family Holiday Cottage

We spend hours every day searching for the best accommodation so you don’t have to. We’ve handpicked the finest family cottages and hotels across the UK.

Photo of author

Nicola Horgan

Nicola is a mum of two who loves to travel. After plenty of trips abroad and here in the UK, she enjoys writing about all of the best places to stay and visit, especially with the kids in tow. When it comes to our product guides, Nicola has a wealth of experience in reviewing baby products, kids clothing and homewares. Her background in beauty marketing and fashion, always keeps her looking for the next best product.

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