A holiday in Dorset means many things - award winning food, tastes of the continent, postcard-perfect beaches, amateur archaeology, and a wartime museum to name but a few. The famous ‘Hovis Hill’ cobbles and boutique breweries are carefully watched over by the impressive chalk outline of the Cerne Abbas Giant whilst traders make their wage at traditional farmers’ markets. Luxury self catering in this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Jurassic Coast of England is a delight, and the variety of food, drink and activity will keep even the most energetic of families satisfied throughout a short break or week long retreat in the county.

Despite being very much in the UK, Dorset dining is very much on the continent, with establishments across the county serving French influenced seafood. Travelling to the countryside doesn’t mean you have to eat traditional all of the time, so put a little je ne sais quoi into your diet with the fresh fish a la Française available throughout the year.

Pay a visit to one of Dorset’s many farmers’ markets and discover cheeses, meats, sweets and savouries, so if you fancy rustling something up on your luxury self catering retreat, then this is the place to pick up some excellent supplies! We recommend the local Dorset blue vinney cheese with baked-thrice knob biscuits for an evening of after-dinner indulgence. Dorset really is a foodie heaven. With an ever-expanding selection of award winning restaurants, quaint tea rooms and cafes adorning the seafront, this really is the place to dine in style.

Dorset’s history lies in agriculture, and they certainly know how to make the most of their surroundings, Palmers brewery and Furleigh Estate vineyard and winery are big news, and with a number of independent breweries scattered throughout the area, you’re never too far away from a boutique bottle of bubbles, whatever your taste.

As repeat appearances in good pub guides will show, Dorset is known for quality drinking in quaint surroundings.  A number of pubs are dog friendly, so you can drink ales and ciders in the company of locals, bask in the sunshine of a quiet beer garden, or appreciate an al fresco pub meal with your family and furry friend at your side.

Things to do

The Jurassic Coast of Dorset means that amateur archaeologists can dust off their tools and head from their luxury self catering Dorset to uncover the prehistoric treasures of times past. Fossil walks in Lyme Regis are particularly popular, so grab your walking boots and enjoy discovering 200 million years of history.

For something a little more recent, Bovington’s tank museum claim to have the world’s best collection, and will satisfy anyone’s desire to experience the trenches of World War I. The summertime brings incredible tank action displays in ‘The Arena’, so stand back and witness mechanical horsepower doing what it does best.

The up and downs of the Dorset countryside make it perfect for family cycle rides, so take a seat, let the pedals turn beneath you and breathe in the beauty that is Dorset.