The Hotel Guru
The 8 Best Family Hotels in Dorset

The 8 Best Family Hotels in Dorset

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?

Look at our full range of Dorset hotels for more choices.
Or you could browse the best hotels with Pools in Dorset, or the best family hotels in Devon, or check our pick of the best UK Family Hotels.
Alternatively, you could contact a friendly guru for advice.
- Alexandra Hotel Lyme Regis, Dorset 25 rooms from £180
  
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  Views  -  Fabulous views over Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Panoramic views over the ocean and the harbour from this cliff top boutique hotel. Luxurious bedrooms, gourmet restaurant and sea-facing terrace, and an excellent spa too. Great for a weekend away, think lobster and sea breeze. See More
  
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- Captain's Club Hotel & Spa Christchurch (Wick Lane) 17 rooms from £229
  
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  Families  -  Family can accommodate between 3 and 6 guest (plus furry friends) and one even comes with a cinema room!
  Riverside  -  Perfectly set on the banks of the River Stour.
  Weddings
  Swimming Pool  -  The spa has an indoor hydrotherapy pool complete with resistance jets and poolside loungers
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays
  
  A modern seaside hotel on the banks of the River Stour in Christchurch. Self-catering rooms and suites have fully equipped kitchens, modern furnishings, and balconies with views. Top of the range spa and therapies, terraces, good restaurant, and plenty of local activities. Very family oriented. See More
  
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- Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa Christchurch 64 rooms from £160
  
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  Kayaking  -  Complimentary single and double kayaks available for the guests to use.
  Restaurant  -  Two restaurants both making the most of the freshly landed seafood
  Great walks  -  Plenty of coastal walks for all abilities
  Views  -  Superb views over Christchurch harbour
  
  Style and exceptional service on the Dorset coast. The newly refurbished Christchurch Harbour Hotel offers smart bedrooms, excellent food, pampering spa and wonderful views. Perfect for an indulgent break by the sea. See More
  
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- Moonfleet Manor Weymouth (Dorset) 36 rooms from £120
  
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  Families  -  Pleasing both parents and children alike. Adults can unwind in the spa and there's plenty of activities for kids.
  Tennis  -  Play a game on one of the two courts. Coaching is also available.
  Great walks  -  Take long walks along the beach.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
  
  Boasting a peaceful setting overlooking Chesil Beach on Dorset’s Jurrasic Coast, Moonfleet Manor is a stylish escape for all of the family. Kids can join in a plethora of fun-filled activities – from fossil hunting to playing in the enormous games room. And for adults spa treatments and childcare See More
  
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- The Castle Inn Dorset 12 rooms from £119
  
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  Country Escape  -  The location of this quiet country inn is perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck
  Families  -  With lots to explore on the coastline, and family rooms available at the inn, this pub is a family favourite
  Local exploring  -  With Lulworth Cove a stone's throw from the hotel this is a great base for local Dorset exploring
  Great walks  -  There are endless great walks to explore the Dorset countryside and coastline; tuck into a warm meal in the pub afterwards
  
  This historic Dorset inn is nestled on the beautiful Jurassic coast. Under the thatched roof, individually designed rooms invite you in with warm and cosy soft furnishings. The 16th-century pub has been lovingly restored and offers a separate dining area and garden. A charming and traditional inn. See More
  
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- Stapleton Arms Buckhorn Weston, Dorset 4 rooms from £110
  
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  Foodies  -  Locally sourced, responsibly reared meats, veggies from the back garden, homemade pork pies, scotch eggs and relish- heaven!
  Families  -  Child friendly, with kids menu, highchairs, crayons, and plenty of fun countryside activities.
  Great walks  -  They will show you where to go, supply you with wellies, umbrellas and picnics- so get out there and explore!
  Restaurant  -  Mouthwatering cuisine from the sunday roast, to the bar snacks and breakfast.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays
  
  A reinvention of the English country pub, boutique style. Original highlights - wooden beams, inglenook fireplaces - retained, with addition of stylish, freshly designed rooms. The gourmet pub food has gained a reputation for Sunday Roasts, inspired menus and a breakfast fit for a king. See More
  
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- The Ollerod Beaminster (Dorset) 13 rooms from £109
  
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  Country Escape  -  Set in an idyllic cottage dating back to the 13th century, this hotel is perfect for a tranquil country escape
  Families  -  Family suites at the hotel are designed to accommodate children, making this hotel popular with parents
  Romantic Break  -  Couples love the heritage detail at this hotel; book a suite for added indulgence
  Great walks  -  Explore the dramatic Dorset coast on a long walk; head to the Golden Cap, a flat-topped hill of deep orange sandstone
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, I Escape
  
  This charming hotel occupies a 13th-century country house in Beaminster. In the unique guestrooms, modern design contrasts with beautifully preserved heritage details like centuries-old inglenooks and stone-mullioned windows; book a luxury suite for a four-poster bed. A stylish country hotel. See More
  
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- The Bull Hotel Bridport (Dorset) 14 rooms from £100
  
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  Local markets  -  Bridport market, open Wednesdays and Saturdays is perfect for hidden gems and bric-a-brac.
  Great walks  -  This is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast with all its dramatic coastal paths.
  Sailing  -  Lyme Regis is a sailing mecca and a quaint town to spend an afternoon.
  Sights nearby  -  Country house lovers will appreciate Mapperton House.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide
  
  An 18th century coaching inn, yet full of fun from within. Rooms are decorated with individual touches like ornate mirrors, brass beds to antique dressers complete with floral Cole & Son wallpapers. There are two restaurants, with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood and the popular Venner bar. See More
  
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