Dorset and the Jurassic Coast are one of my favourite areas of the UK, in fact I have a full guide of things to see and do on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
Dorset is also a great place for a UK getaway, especially in summer when the beautiful beaches and southwest coast path attract visitors from all over the UK and beyond to enjoy the blue sea, sandy beaches and dramatic coastline.
So if you’re planning a UK getaway to Dorset, here’s some inspiration for places to stay if you’d perhaps like to find some unusual places to stay in Dorset to make your trip more unique.
You might also be interested in these quirky places to stay in Cornwall and unique Kent stays.
Check out this post for more unique stays all over the UK.
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Quirky Places to stay in Dorset
In a rush? I’ve put all my favourite unique Airbnbs in Dorset on my favourites list here so you can book directly. You can read more information about them all below.
The Walled Garden Luxury Retreat
This stunning converted barn sits in a courtyard which is part of the 16th Century Hammoon Manor which is the largest thatched manor house in Dorset.
The barn is modern with huge floor to ceiling windows to take in the characterful gardens. The traditional farmhouse kitchen and wooden beams keep it authentically Dorset though!
The barn sleeps 4 and the amazing hosts are also able to organise tours for you to show the best that Dorset has to offer.
The Thatched Round House
If you’re searching for quirky accommodation in Dorset then this is it! Perfect for a romantic weekend away in Dorset, this cosy thatched round house sleeps two in a completely unique space, complete with an outdoor fire pit.
This is a rural glamping experience that’s completely unique in the heart of Dorset.
Barn Conversion with panoramic views
This spectacular conversion used to be a calf shed and now, with a wall of glass on one side, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Dorset countryside, perfect to enjoy a sunrise or sunset too.
Even with the huge open plan space, it still feels cosy, with a welcoming living area and vaulted ceilings with wooden beams.
The great thing about this property is that this is a completely wheelchair accessible holiday property in Dorset, including a wet room and additional features in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom to make wheelchair users’ stay so much easier.
Floating Tree Pod
Definitely one of the more special places to stay in Dorset, this wooden pod appears to float among the trees in a private, secluded location with spectacular views across the Dorset countryside.
The treehouse pod has everything you need with heating, toilet, shower and bedding with an outdoor sitting area. However it is purposely minimalistic to really allow you to disconnect and escape in nature.
The area out the front of the pod is completely your to use, to relax, play sport or enjoy the BBQ and fire pit.
The Rustic Pressing Room Studio
One of the most beautiful Airbnbs I’ve seen in the UK and definitely an unusual place to stay in Dorset, this studio cabin is a stunning mix of rustic and boho vibes.
The stone floor, wooden walls and beams, farmhouse kitchen, antique decor and stunning south facing views across Dorset make this one of the really unique places to stay in Dorset and a real luxury retreat.
To add to your stay there are extras you can include, including a wood fired hot tub, an outdoor hay barn cinema and the outdoor space is beautifully boho with string lights, blankets and even a feature Landrover to add to the country vibes!
Thatched Tiny House
This cute little thatched studio is located in the garden of a main house. But the space has everything you need for a quiet weekend away for two in a small rural village in Dorset.
There are also beautiful French doors into your own small garden space to enjoy sitting out in the sun and having a BBQ.
English Thatched Cottage
Nothing is more quintessentially English than staying in a listed thatched cottage and this one is beautifully authentic and located a beautiful small village in the Dorset countryside with a quaint country pub.
There is a modern kitchen and a cosy log burning fire. With plenty of countryside walks on your doorstep, this is a great countryside weekend escape in Dorset.
Chic Shepherd’s Hut
If you’re looking for great places to stay in Dorset, it doesn’t get more fun than this Shepherd’s hut, made by a local company and with a chic interior which includes a king size bed, woodburning stove, kitchen and bathroom.
The shepherd’s hut is on the site of the Gaggle of Geese pub which is a gorgeous, modern and family-friendly village pub with a yummy pub food menu to treat yourself to on your stay, great food and beer is just a short walk from the front door of the hut!
Enjoy beers with the sunset and the sounds of the countryside while you sit around the fire pit.
The Summer House Hut
This summer house has been fully converted and insulated to transform it into this quaint holiday home for two.
You’ll have a spacious living area, bathroom and kitchen amenities here, although no cooker, but you’re located in a quaint village right by the coast and just two miles from the iconic Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast.
Click below to book.
I hope this list helps you find some inspiration for unusual places to stay in Dorset and some unique Airbnbs on the Jurassic Coast for your trip!
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Flights: I use Expedia to find great flights and the best deals all over the world, they have regular sales and offers so I always check their website. I also check CheapOair to find cheap deals on round trip flights.
Car Rental: I love the customer service I've always gotten and the variety of options with Rental Cars. But for short notice rentals, I've been using Expedia for the last year, they always seem to have great one-day rates or last-minute rates from the main rental companies.
Accommodation: I prefer the flexibility of booking accommodation with Booking.com so I can cancel or change my reservation without a fee or only pay on arrival for most properties. For longer or more unique stays I prefer AirBnB because you can get the long stay discount, you can also find more unique properties and book experiences with talented locals and businesses. For my budget trips, I always stay in hostels and book through Hostelworld because they have great guarantees if anything does go wrong. If you arrive and your booking is not at the property, they refund the full deposit AND give you $50 extra credit.
Tours and organised trips Although I don’t use tours that often, I do like to book local experiences or day trips once I reach my destination. For that I use GetYourGuide because it has the biggest selection and variety of tour and experience options.
Travel Insurance: For all my longer trips and for the entire year I’ve spent in Australia, my partner and I have always used World Nomads. They cover everything I need and I can buy coverage for a year at a time, they also allow you to purchase cover when you’re already outside your home country. Plus my camera gear and equipment is covered and they also have special cover for when I’m scuba diving too.
My camera gear and equipment: I use a Canon 77D with an 18-135mm lens or a 50mm lens. And a DJI Mavic Mini Drone. For all my gear including laptops, tripods and more camera accessories read my travel photography gear guide.
