Alderholt, self-catering holiday cottages, barns, rural retreats and lodges to rent in Dorset, England

Taking a self-catering holiday or break in Alderholt in Dorset opens up many possibilities for you. You are on the fringe of the New Forest National Park, not far from the Dorset coast or the Hampshire ports and within a comfortable drive of the historic city of Salisbury. What’s more, in between all of this is some beautiful countryside, perfect for a rural retreat holiday or country cottage stay.

Advice on Cottage Holidays in Alderholt

Alderholt is a great place to just take it easy and enjoy the relaxed surroundings. The village has a pub, a co-operative store with post office facilities, a reading/meeting room, two coffee houses and a pet store. St. James’ is the parish church and there is also a chapel in the village. For more comprehensive shopping and a variety of choices of restaurants, the town of Fordingbridge on the banks of the river Avon is just a short distance away.

The New Forest National Park offers visitors many attractions from the beauty of nature and wildlife to historic houses, museums and an array of gardens. Bordering on three counties there is a lot of space to cover but close to Alderholt there are a number of places to discover on a cottage holiday.   National Trust land at Ibsley and Rockford Commons and Hale Purlieu are typical of heathland and woodland found in the New Forest and the areas are popular with walkers and photographers.

Venture further in and you’ll come across Rufus Stone, the point where King William II died in a hunting accident in 1100. Breamore House is an Elizabethan manor house that has hardly changed in 400 years. Set in its own parkland the manor is full of historic paintings, tapestries, porcelain and furniture. Visit for a taste of the high life on a self-catering break.  Wander around and experience the grandeur of the great hall, the drawing rooms, the sumptuous bedrooms and magnificent staircases. Breamore also has a countryside museum with full size replicas depicting life as it was in rural Hampshire and there is an exhibition featuring farm machinery and a maze.

Just south of Alderholt, near Verwood, is the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre. A great day out for all ages is practically guaranteed, not only among the wonderful breeds of heavy horse but also with hands on experience, pony rides, play areas, showmen, Romany caravans and much more besides.

Further south are the highly popular resorts of Bournemouth and neighbouring Poole and Boscombe. As well as spending lazy days on the beach and enjoying the calm waters the area has much to offer in the way of entertainment, shopping and dining.

A cottage holiday in or near Alderholt has plenty to offer for a special break away for couples, families or groups of friends.  Self-catering accommodation choices include romantic cottages, family holiday homes, country houses and rural retreats.  We hope you find the perfect cottage that best suits your needs and that you have a fabulous time in this area of the West Country.

Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Alderholt, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Dorset.