GUEST POST OVERVIEW: There’s nothing quite like the English countryside. With its rolling hills, romantic cottages, traditional ways of life and an incredible coastline, it’s a must visit on your next trip to the UK. Since I haven’t been there since I was 4 years old, I asked my friend Kelly to write about her favorite place: Dorset.

Dorset. The perfect choice when it comes to booking a cosy cottage for a little English countryside getaway.

 

St Augustine Church in Canford Magna, Dorset. (Photography by Jack Pease)
St Augustine Church in Canford Magna, Dorset. (Photography by Jack Pease)

Why Should You Visit Dorset?

Far enough away from London to feel completely rural but close enough for a spur of the moment trip, Dorset is a fabulous choice for a weekend away.

Home to traditional seaside towns, golden sandy beaches and 1940’s steam trains chugging through the rolling hills.

Medieval castles, picturesque villages and pretty little harbors bustling with fisherman. Where else could you find all of this and more, in one beautiful county?

Whether you would like a perfectly nostalgic day at the seaside complete with a walk along the promenade, a ride on a carousel, a Punch and Judy show on the beach, sticks of rock and fish and chips!

Or a visit to a cool little market town like Bridport with its street markets, vintage fairs and amazing food. So lovely that London folk have taken to calling this town ‘Notting Hill by the sea’.

 

Corfe Castle in Dorset (Photography by David Bunting)
Corfe Castle in Dorset (Photography by David Bunting)

Notting Hill by the Sea

Eating fresh seafood at a little harbor restaurant at Lyme Regis and watching the sun sink across the harbor is absolute heaven.

Lyme Regis, also known as the ‘Pear of Dorset’ is a pretty unspoiled seaside town set amongst the Jurassic Cliffs and is well known for its harbor wall, The Cobb.

For a real picture postcard village, have a cup of tea in Milton Abbas. Rows of identical thatched cottages look so perfect that photographs of them are used on many of the Dorset postcards.

If exercise and fresh air is your bag, then take a walk along the South West Coastal Path, along the dramatic Jurassic Coastline, looking down below at the sweeping sandy beaches.

 

Lyme Regis (Photograph by Kevin Botto)
Lyme Regis (Photograph by Kevin Botto)

West Dorset

West Dorset has a fast growing reputation for being a top foodie destination.

From award winning restaurants, tea rooms, seafront cafes and traditional thatched Dorset pubs, there is something for every taste. Some of the country’s top chefs have also chosen to set up their restaurants here.

The best way to explore the picturesque villages and breath taking Dorset landscape is by renting a cottage.

Whether you would prefer a cosy thatched cottage with an open fire or a modern contemporary build with a sea-view, Dream Cottages are peppered across the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Use the cottage as a base and explore the county far and wide!

 

The Poyntz Cottage is available for rent in Dorset
The Poyntz Cottage is available for rent in Dorset

Have you ever rented a cottage while on vacation?