11163 - Upton Manor Cottage - Uploders, nr. Bridport, Dorset

Sleeps 3

In a beautiful and picturesque setting this 16th-century semi-detached thatched cottage nestles in a peaceful valley on the edge of the village. Furnished and equipped to a good standard, it provides a good holiday base for touring West Dorset and East Devon, counties renowned for their magnificent coastal scenery and cliff walks. West Bay, Bridport and the sandy beach at Burton Bradstock are 4 miles with Lyme Regis and Dorchester 10 and 12 miles. Shop 4 miles, pub ½ mile.

15262 - The Old Post Office - Lower Bockhampton, Dorset

Sleeps 4

This picturesque 18th century thatched cottage nestles within the charming hamlet of Lower Bockhampton, the setting for Thomas Hardy’s novel ’Under the Greenwood Tree’. The cottage is full of historic character, with plenty of books to enjoy in the cosy living room. The kitchen/breakfast room looks over the pretty cottage garden. The River Frome meanders through the village which is home to a renowned restaurant, and you can walk along the meadows to the market town of Dorchester. The lake and gardens of Kingston Maurward are on the doorstep. Golf and fishing available nearby. Sandy beaches at Weymouth, 7 miles. Shop and pubs 2 miles.

DJW - Malters Cottage - Litton Cheney, nr. Dorchester, Dorset - sleeps 4

Set in the village of Litton Cheney, this charming 17th-century thatched cottage (nearest in photograph) is in the heart of the Dorest Bride Valley, close to the spectacular Jurassic Coastline, and just 4 miles from the sea. One of a row of thatched cottages, it has its own separate garden with lovely views and the sound of a gentle stream which passes close to the cottage itself, is reassuringly relaxing. The area offers renowned restaurants, pubs, gardens and historical houses as well as good walking. Bridport and Dorchester are within easy reach. Shops 3 miles, pub 1 mile.

DUJ - Cob Cottage - Tolpuddle, Dorset - sleeps 8

Believed to date back to the 15th century, this delightful Grade II listed thatched cottage with enclosed garden is located in the historic Dorset village of Tolpuddle. Adjoining another property and renovated to a high standard, Cob Cottage offers unusually spacious accommodation with period features including a large inglenook fireplace, oak beams and antique furniture, alongside modern comforts such as an electric range cooker, digital TV, power showers and wi-fi internet access.
Tolpuddle is famed for its martyrs, now commemorated by a museum in the village. The tree under which they were said to have met stands opposite the cottage. The village has a church dating back to the 12th century and a public house with restaurant serving food throughout the day (seafood and local organic produce a speciality). Tolpuddle serves as a central base for exploring both the Dorset countryside and the beaches which line the nearby heritage coastline – the nearest beaches lie just nine miles away. Close by is Athelhampton House and Gardens, a stone-built Grade I listed Tudor manor house surrounded by acres of deer park. A few miles further west is the pretty cottage in which the author Thomas Hardy was born and grew up (now maintained by the National Trust). The splendid market town of Dorchester is just eight miles away and offers a number of sites to visit including the Maumbury Rings where Gladiators fought in Roman times and the Iron-age earthwork at Maiden Castle as well as the Dinosaur and the Teddy Bear Museums. Shop/P.O. 2 miles, pub 250 metres.

DVZ - Lavender Cottage -  Burton Bradstock, Dorset - sleeps 6

Situated in the pretty village of Burton Bradstock, a short walk from the Chesil beach, coastal walk and two pubs serving a range of food, this 200-year-old traditional thatched cottage is an excellent base from which to explore the area. The character stone cottage is the end one of a row and located just 2 miles from the market town of Bridport and the harbour at West Bay. The World Heritage Jurassic Coast from Weymouth to Exmouth can be discovered - with its fossils, superb coastal walking, popular resorts of West Bay and Lyme Regis, and many family attractions. Shop 400 yards.

12738 - Lower Sanduck - Lustleigh, nr. Newton Abbot, Devon

Sleeps 2 - 4

A charming period thatched cottage (one of a pair) situated in a beautiful secluded setting. The property is ideal for a quiet and peaceful holiday. A large garden, woods and a stream add to the tranquillity. Set in a great area for walking dogs along the numerous foot paths nearby, including one to Lustleigh (one of the prettiest villages on Dartmoor). Sporting facilities are available locally. Several towns, sandy beaches and the open moor are within easy reach by car. A cream tea is provided on arrival. Shop and pub, 2 miles.

18892 - Bartletts - Chideock, nr. Bridport, Dorset

Sleeps 5

This delightful Grade II listed 17th century thatched cottage tastefully combines original character features with modern comfort and convenience. Bartletts is situated adjacent to the A35 in an AONB and only 15 minutes’ walk from Seatown Beach on the spectacular Jurassic Coast. Bartletts is an ideal holiday base for coastal and countryside walks and exploring West Country attractions. Chideock is a picturesque village with two popular pubs and shop. Shop 250 yards, pub 50 yards.

25087 - Haven Cottage - Cubert, nr. Newquay, Cornwall

Sleeps 4

This 17th-century semi detached thatched cottage sits in a peaceful hamlet amidst beautiful countryside only minutes from the spectacular Holywell Bay beach and sand dunes. It has original features and provides a cosy holiday base from which to explore. The resorts of Newquay and Perranporth are close by and provide rock-pooling, crabbing, surfing, swimming, cycling and sightseeing. Newquay has a zoo and Sea Life Centre. The coastline is dotted with sandy beaches and many tourist attractions locally; NT houses and gardens, Creally Adventure Park and Dairyland. Golf, horse riding and kayaking available locally. Shops, pub and restaurant 1/2 mile.

DLE - Tranquillity Cottage - Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset - sleeps 4

Only 3 miles from the beauty spot of Lulworth Cove, with spectacular rock formations at Durdle Door, this delightful cottage offers very attractive and comfortable accommodation, with its own garden bordering open countryside. One of a small row of Grade II listed, 17th-century thatched cottages , it nestles in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is Hardy country, with Dorchester (8 miles) the centre of events in The Mayor of Casterbridge. Weymouth 11 miles. Shop 200 yards, choice of good pubs serving food nearby.

DXB - Cornflower Cottage - Burton Bradstock, Dorset - sleeps 6 - 7

This pretty thatched cottage with beams and old inglenook is situated in the heart of the popular village of Burton Bradstock, within ¾ mile of the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast. One of a row, it is ideally located for enjoying lovely scenic coastal walking, golf nearby, fishing and boating, or visits into West Bay with its traditional picturesque harbour and beach. Bridport (2 miles), Lyme Regis (12 miles) with its lovely harbour and cob, or within easy driving there is Abbotsbury Swannery, Athelhampton (NT) and Weymouth. Shop ¼ mile, pub 200 yards.