With its sandy beaches and rolling countryside, cliff walks and watersports, castles and harbours, Dorset is the perfect place for family holidays. Our choice of the best Dorset family hotels includes those that are well-placed for these activities as well as those that have plenty of activities on-site – from bike rides and adventure playgrounds to swimming pools and tennis courts. Plus, something for the grown-ups, too, such as spas and a choice of restaurants...
Luxury family hotels
- With a path leading through the gardens to the beach, the clifftop Alexandra Hotel with its views over Lyme Bay, is a sure-fire winner with children. This family-friendly hotel in Lyme Regis offers an elegantly relaxed style, a gym, terrace, children’s menus and a choice of family suites or apartments.
- The Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, in Christchurch, also offers apartments and family suites; one even has a private cinema. Overlooking the River Stour, it has a contemporary style, a spa with hydrotherapy pool, garden and terrace.
- The nearby Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa sits right on the harbour and has recreated the seaside hotel in sophisticated style with chic bedrooms, a glamorous bar plus a spa. Rooms can take extra beds, plus there’s a pool and gym, and a choice of dining options.
Mid-price family hotels
- For a country-house style family hotel, it’s hard to beat Moonfleet Manor, a former stately home in a stunning position overlooking Chesil Beach. Cleverly modernised with a mix of traditional and contemporary styling, bedrooms are vast and there’s a children’s club with plenty of children’s activities, as well as a pool and spa.
- Close to the beach, the thatched-roof, 16th-century Castle Inn is a great base from which to enjoy the Jurassic coast. There are several family rooms, many cosy with exposed stone walls and beams, and terraced gardens with wonderful views.
Good-value family hotels
- For a fresh take on a traditional English country pub, The Stapleton Arms at Buckhorn Weston in central Dorset, is a great example. Rooms are large and stylish, some with sofabeds, and there are children’s menus, crayons and drawing books. A garden, too.
- The 13th-century The Ollerod in Beaminster has all the requisite old-world charm – mullioned windows, inglenook fireplaces, hanging baskets – but subtly updated with style. There are family suites plus a charming garden.
- If your family wants the best of town and coast, try The Bull Hotel in Bridport, a lively market town just over a mile from the coast. The bold blue exterior gives a clue to the vibrant style to expect inside: bright colours, striking wallpapers, vintage furnishings. Choose a room in the more modern wing, The Stables, which are larger and better suited to families. There’s a terrace, garden and games room, too.
Still not sure which to book?
