Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas

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Dorset delights

From the Jurassic Coast boasting Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, to the tourist towns of Bournemouth and Poole couples are spoilt for choice of holiday hotspots when venturing to the South West...
Landscape shot of the Dorset Countryside Credit: Garden Cottage

This feature explores a host of properties in Dorset, from budget-friendly beauties for newlyweds to all out luxury for those wanting to indulge post-vows, here out County Wedding Magazines HQ we love them all so much it's hard to pick a favourite - so we will just have to visit them all!

Cottage in the countryside of Dorset
Credit: Swallow Cottage

Small and perfectly formed, Swallow Cottage is a charming single-storey cottage that retains a number of its original features. The accommodation is simple and comfortable, with an en suite double bedroom, enclosed garden, an open-plan living and dining area, with a digital television and DVD player – it comes fully equipped with a selection of DVDs, books and board games, so there's plenty to keep you entertained at the end of a long and enjoyable day. There are excellent walks through the East Devon countryside right from the door of your cottage, and within an easy drive are the popular resorts of Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Guests can also use the heated swimming pool and hot tub while staying at Swallow Cottage (private slots bookable) – perfect for a rejuvenating dip after a long walk. Book it! 3 nights at Swallow Cottage, Lyme Regis (sleeps 2) from £306.

Patio shot of grey cottage in Dorset
Credit: Garden Cottage

On the ground floor of Garden Cottage there's a well-appointed sitting room and a light-filled dining conservatory with picturesque views across the valley. The kitchen is small in size but very well equipped, there's also a wet room with shower and WC. Upstairs in the cosy eaves is a low-level double bed (plus en suite cloakroom), or if you prefer not to climb stairs (which are steep and may not be suitable for people with limited mobility), there's a comfortable double sofa bed downstairs. The private terrace is the perfect place for romantic al fresco meals as newlyweds whilst enjoying the wonderful valley views. There are excellent walks and cycle paths from the door of the cottage, and the South Dorset Ridgeway Path runs across the ridge a mile above the cottage. Book it! 7 nights at Garden Cottage, Weymouth (sleeps 2) from £415, travelling March 2021.

Courtyard shot of cottage and dining
Credit: The Retreat

The Retreat, with its stylish interior, elegant fireplace, and mezzanine master bedroom, is the perfect retreat for couples looking to enjoy a relaxing minimoon break. Ilminster is a very attractive town with a good variety of shops, a market square and a popular theatre and arts centre, and there is plenty to see and do in all directions from this special holiday cottage. Guests can relax and eat in a courtyard or the attractive terraced gardens, from where there are views of the beautiful countryside surrounding the town. Nearby are several National Trust properties including Barrington Court, Montacute House and Tintinhull with its pretty garden – The Retreat is ideally situated just over the border of North Dorset. Book it! 3 nights at The Retreat, Ilminster (sleeps 3) from £339.

Front view shot of cottage covered in ivy
Credit: Palomino Cottage

Palomino Cottage is a luxurious gem on the Isle of Wight. Originally a stable block, the property has been sympathetically renovated to an exceptionally high standard and is ideal for a post-wedding getaway. The accommodation consists of an open-plan living area, with sitting room, dining area and well-equipped kitchen. It boasts original oak beams and retains a cosy feel oozing period charm with modern touches throughout. The large contemporary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and french doors leading out on to an intimate patio which is perfect for enjoying a lazy lunch and a champagne toast! The contemporary bathroom offers a luxurious bath and separate ultra-modern invigorating shower. An abundance of tea rooms, country pubs, quality restaurants and beachside cafes are nearby for those wishing to sample the island's culinary delights. Book it! 3 nights at Palomino Cottage, Isle of Wight (sleeps 2) from £392.

Outside shot of holiday let accommodation
Credit: Beauvoir Court Stables

Beauvoir Court Stables stands within the grounds of Beauvoir Court, a historic Medieval barn conversion, once part of the ancient Cerne Abbey. With all of the accommodation on the ground floor, there is a well-appointed and open-plan sitting room, dining area and a modern, well equipped kitchen. The stylish bedroom has a comfortable king-size bed and a smart bathroom with separate shower enclosure. The private terrace is the perfect place for an al fresco meal whilst enjoying the wonderful valley views, and depending on the time of year you could be afforded a special view of the ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas known as the Cerne Giant. There are excellent walks and cycle paths right from the front door along the river and in to the centre of this quaint and pretty village, and the surrounding valley, hills and fields offer beautiful countryside and outstanding views and are well worth exploring. Book it! 3 nights at Beauvoir Court Stables, Dorchester (sleeps 2) from £477.

Terraced view of cottage
Credit: 7 The Courtyard

7 The Courtyard is an attractive two-bedroom cottage on the Clyffe House Estate and is well appointed with a dual aspect kitchen with dining area and a spacious sitting room. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a family shower room. Within the extensive shared gardens there are places to unwind and numerous walks through the 30-acre private-managed woodland above the cottage. The popular Sculpture by the Lakes is just a mile away, and other local attractions include T.E. Lawrence's cottage of Clouds Hill and Thomas Hardy's former homes of Max Gate and Hardy's Cottage, all National Trust properties. Within a 10 mile radius of the cottage you can also visit Lulworth and the world famous Jurassic Coast, Monkey World, The Bovington Tank Museum and the county Town of Dorchester. Book it! 5 nights at 7 The Courtyard, Dorchester (sleeps 4) from £508.

Nighttime view of holiday property in dorset with decking

Cleverly converted from an ancient cart shed/log barn and mid-century milking parlour, Hoods provides bright, contemporary, light-filled accommodation with an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, utility room, cloakroom, family bathroom and two bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower room. With wonderful far reaching views across the Marshwood Vale including local landmark Colmer's Hill, you can experience some of the best uninterrupted views of Dorset.Sitting within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at Kingsland Farm, there is plenty of wildlife to experience and enjoy when relaxing on the large decked terrace, be it the tawny owls, pheasants, roe deer, badgers or numerous other local species. Book it! 3 nights at Hoods, Bridport (sleeps 4) from £521.

aerial view of for of cottages in Dorset

Lanes End Cottage comprises a spacious sitting room with a large inglenook fireplace and open fire which is the perfect space for relaxing. The impressive triple aspect kitchen with its cosy dining area is a bright and well equipped room with a grand Aga sitting centre stage and separate double ovens. There are two comfortable bedrooms, each with their own en suites, and a relaxing soak in the stunning copper bath in the master en-suite with a glass of something special is a real treat.The pretty lawned garden has a quiet stream trickling alongside and guests have an opportunity to enjoy the fabulous hot tub which sits next to the garden terrace in its own landscaped area. The surrounding countryside offers an abundance of lovely walking and cycling opportunities with many quaint Dorset villages within easy travelling distance. Book it! 3 nights at Lanes End Cottage, Cattistock (sleeps 4) from £775.
All properties can be booked through Dorset Hideaways 01929 448 978 | www.dorsethideaways.co.uk

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