The Stables

Couples and small families will find The Stables works well as a base for exploring Cranborne Chase and the surrounding countryside. The detached cottage sits in Woodlands, a quiet hamlet near Verwood, and gives you the run of the whole place to yourself. Two bedrooms—one with a king-size bed, one with a double—each have their own bathroom, so there's no queuing in the mornings. One dog can come along for free, though they'll need their own sleeping arrangements outside the bedrooms.

Everything happens on the ground floor. The open-plan living and dining space has large windows and French doors that open onto a front terrace, where there's a table and chairs for eating outside. The kitchen is set up for proper cooking rather than holiday beans on toast—electric oven, two-ring hob, microwave and full fridge. A smart TV, wi-fi and electric heating mean you can be comfortable whatever the weather. Bed linen and towels are provided, and there's parking for two cars on site.

The location puts you within reach of walking routes through Cranborne Chase, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a dark sky reserve. Martins Farm is nearby for a closer look at rural Dorset. The countryside here suits people who want to get outside without driving far, and the quiet setting makes it easy to do nothing much at all if that's the plan.