Self Catering: Dorset

Self Catering in Dorset: Cottages

There are lots of self catering Dorset cottages to suit any budget and they are a great accommodation choice for self catering holidays as well as self catering short breaks in Dorset. It is easy to find cheap cottages to rent, as well as 5 star luxury cottages with pools. Dorset holiday cottages offer excellent value for money, especially if you stay for a week or a fortnight. Self catering cottages also offer a degree of privacy that you would not get in hotels or guest houses. Self catering cottages in Dorset come in a variety of sizes, from small cottages for 2 people, to large cottages that are able to sleep 8, 10 or even 12 people.

Dorset is a very rural county, which means you will find secluded cottage hideaways in the middle of the countryside and rural cottages in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Dorset such as the Dorset Downs and Blackmore Vale. For those who would prefer an English seaside holiday close to the beach, you can rent coastal cottages in Dorset. These coastal holiday cottages can be found in busy tourist resorts such as Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth, as well as in quiet isolated locations along the Dorset coast. In terms of self catering Poole is a popular choice amongst shoppers, with Dorset's largest indoor shopping centre residing there, as well as many local shops and discount outlets.

When booking holiday cottages in Dorset, think carefully about what you want from a cottage, rather than relying on nice pictures in order to make your decision. A secluded country cottage might look nice in summer, but if you visit in winter it could seem cold and isolated. Think about whether you would like the cottage to be close to shops, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets, or if you are happy to drive everywhere you need to go. You should also think about whether you would like a smoke free cottage or a self catering cottage with smoking allowed. If travelling with children or pets, you will need to find a cottage that is family friendly or a pet friendly cottage in Dorset. There are lots of pet friendly holiday cottages in Dorset that allow dogs, but you should also check if the cottage has an enclosed garden, and if there are dog walks nearby. Facilities vary from cottage to cottage, with luxury cottages usually having more facilities. In four star and five star self catering cottages you can expect to find big screen TVs, DVD players, CD players, BBQs, 4 poster beds, whilst some luxury cottages even have hot tubs or Jacuzzis, which may be indoors or out in the garden.

Weymouth Self Catering: Holiday Parks in Dorset

Self catering holiday parks in Dorset offer excellent holiday accommodation for families or anyone booking holidays on a budget. Most holiday parks in Dorset offer a range of accommodation, including static caravans and chalets, or for even cheaper accommodation you could bring your own touring caravan or tent. Static caravans are very advanced nowadays, especially luxury static caravans, and most caravans will have full kitchen facilities including a fridge, oven, hob, grill and microwave.

Self catering chalets also have kitchenettes so it is easy to cook your own food during your self-catering holiday in Dorset. Cooking shouldn't be a problem in most touring caravans, but in tents you may be limited if you want to cook everything yourself on a camp stove! Luckily, most self catering parks in Dorset also have cafes and restaurants which serve a cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot snacks all day long. Self catering holiday parks in Dorset are mostly found along the Dorset Coast, around Bournemouth, Weymouth and Lyme Regis. Small caravan parks and cheap campsites can also be found all over Dorset, mostly in rural locations or on the edge of tourist resorts such as Wareham, Verwood and Bridport.

Bournemouth Self Catering Holidays: Dorset Apartments & Flats

Whilst the majority of self catering in Dorset is focused around cottages, caravan parks and campsites, there is still a choice of apartments and flats in the region. There are plenty of flats to rent in Bournemouth that allow guests the freedom to come and go as they please, through the use of their own door key. There is more information about flats and apartments in Dorset accessed through the use of the Holiday Flats & Apartments tab to the right of your screen.

Self Catering Dorset - Accommodation Grading

When graded Devon self catering properties and those in Dorset and across the UK are now rated by a Tourist Board star system of 1 star to 5 stars. Grading standards do vary between English, Welsh and Scottish Tourist Boards, but a broad definition of grading standards can be taken as follows:

1 Star: Fair and Acceptable - Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.

2 Stars: Good - Good overall level of quality. All units self-contained.

3 Stars: Very Good - Very good overall level of quality. Very good standard of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. all double beds with access from both sides. Microwave.

4 Stars: Excellent - Excellent overall level of quality and attention to detail. Either access to washing machine and dryer, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service.

5 Stars: Exceptional, World-Class - Exceptional overall level of quality. High levels of decor, fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of accessories and personal touches.

Self catering accommodation without grading may well be of exceptional standard. Many cottages and self catering venues are independently accredited by self catering associations locally. In terms of self catering Cornwall is another popular destination on the South West coast of England.