Downwood Holidays estate near Blandford Forum stretches over 28 acres of gorgeous woodland and vineyard. With dog-friendly accommodation Dorset holiday-goers can choose from handpicked cottages and cabins where well-behaved pups are warmly welcomed all year round.
Planning the Perfect Dog Friendly Holiday Dorset
To have the perfect holiday, you need the perfect setting. Dorset is heaven for pups because there is so much for them to do.
Seahaven at Sandbanks puts you just 100m from the beach, so seaside-loving dogs can enjoy the sea breeze flowing through their fur. Plus, there’s a private garden and a four-person hot tub for post-walk soaks while your pup plays nearby.
Are woodland walks more your pup’s speed? No problem. Choose one of the many cottages or chalets on the estate and roam around the private trails before settling in for a cosy night.
What Makes Our Pet-Welcome Properties So Special?
Downwood Holidays makes it easy for you to plan the best dog-friendly holiday in Dorset. That’s because all of our pup-friendly properties have everything you and your furry friend could ever need to have a fun and safe time, with many of our properties coming with secure private gardens for your four-legged friend to run around in.
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Our Dog-Friendly Holiday Accommodation Dorset
Below is our quick guide to our pup-friendly properties and what each one offers:
| Property | Sleeps | Hot Tub | Private Garden/Patio | Dogs Allowed |
| Manor House | 16 | ✅ | ✅ Extensive grounds | Up to 3 |
| Seahaven in Sandbanks | 4 | ✅ | ✅ Private garden | 1 |
| Art Studio | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Secluded garden | 1 |
| Dreamwood | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Secluded patio | Up to 2 |
| Stillness | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Front & rear gardens | Up to 2 |
| Meadow Cottage | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Secluded patio | 1 |
| Hazel Cottage | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Fenced patio | 1 |
| Primrose Cottage | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Secure patio | 1 |
| Snowdrop | 2 | ✅ | ✅ Large private patio | 1 |
| The Stable | 2 | ❌ | Estate access | 1 |
Dogs must be:
- Toilet trained
- Kept off furniture & beds
- Dried after muddy walks
- Never left unattended
Please check with other guests before you let your dog approach them. Also, be sure to dispose of dog waste in the non-recyclable bins.
Exploring Dorset with Your Dog – Beaches, Walks and Adventures
You and your dog will love everything Dorset and Downwood has to offer, with beaches nearby, woodland trails and a vineyard to explore.
Here are some of our favourite year-round dog-friendly beaches that are less than one hour from Downwood:
Chesil Beach
Dogs are welcome all year round at this 18-mile-long shingle beach with wide open space to run and a lagoon close by to roam around.
Durdle Door & Man O’ War
Your dog can enjoy the iconic coastal scenery all year long, but be sure to bring some sturdy footwear for yourself when walking the path.
Bowleaze Cove
This family-friendly cove near Weymouth has no dog restrictions. It is the perfect place for paddles and puppy picnics.
Ringstead Bay
Dogs are welcome all year at this half-mile shingle beach that has clear water and some gloriously sandy stretches at low tide.
Kimmeridge Bay
Are you staying at Sandbanks? There is a special designated dog-friendly beach at the western end toward Haven Point and the ferry.
Everything You Need for a Stress-Free Dog-Friendly Holiday
See what is included in Downwood Holidays properties at a glance and the best pup-owner etiquette to keep everyone comfortable on holiday.
| Included Essentials | Dog Etiquette & Safety |
| Superfast Wi-Fi | Keep dogs off furniture and beds |
| Quality linens and towels | Don’t leave dogs unattended in properties |
| Fully equipped kitchens | Dry muddy paws before re-entering |
| Private parking | Always ask before approaching other guests |
| Private gardens/patios (most) | Pick up after your dog & use non-recyclable bins |
| Estate woodland & games area access | Bring familiar bedding if your dog prefers |
Booking Your Dog-Friendly Break – Simple Steps to Secure Your Stay
Ready to plan your coastal escape with four paws in tow? Here’s how it’s done:
- Choose one of our pup-friendly properties
- Check that your preferred dates are available
- Add some optional extras like champagne or celebration décor
- Book
It really couldn’t be easier.
Check-in for all of our properties is from 3 pm, and you should check out by 10 am. You can check in early or check out late for £30.
Are you ready for your next dog-friendly break in Dorset? When coastal adventures and countryside charm call, choose Downward Holidays.
What our guests think
Dog-Friendly Accommodation Dorset - Your Questions Answered
What dog-friendly facilities do your holiday properties in Dorset include?
- Secure outdoor space
- Easy-clean flooring in key areas
- Direct access to estate walks
- Private hot tubs
Seahaven has a coastal garden minutes from the sand, which we love too.
Are there any breed or size restrictions for your dog-friendly accommodation Dorset
Do you charge extra for pets on a Downwood Holidays dog friendly holiday Dorset?
Which beaches near your properties allow dogs all year round?
- Chesil Beach
- Bowleaze Cove
- Ringstead Bay
- Kimmeridge Bay
- Sandbanks (with a special designated area)

