The Best Fishing Holidays in Dorset in 2023

Thanks to its rugged coastline, the plethora of freshwater fishing options and beautiful beaches (including the world-famous Chesil Beach) Dorset is one of our favourite counties to fish in.

Rich in beautiful beaches, rock fishing marks down the coastal path and touristy towns with excellent amenities, Dorset has some fantastic fishing cottages, apartments and holiday homes great for individual fishermen, couples and bigger families. From the rugged Jurassic Coast Path to long, shallow, shingle beaches, super coarse fishing lakes and rivers and everything in between, see if any of our favourite fishing holiday cottages take your fancy.

If you’re interested in a fishing holiday in the southwest, but Dorset isn’t quite hitting the mark, why not check out the best fishing holidays in Cornwall or Devon instead?

What’s on this page?

How did we pick the best fishing holidays in Dorset?

As one of our favourite fishing counties and a place we have fished many times (as holidayers), we know a thing or two about what makes a good Dorset fishing holiday, including;

What’s the best fishing holiday in Dorset?

The best fishing holiday in Dorset is Sydling Brook Lodge, a beautiful fishing lodge with direct access to a little lake and a little babbling river running directly in front of the property. So there are some fly and coarse fishing options available and the lake can be privately booked for the duration of your stay. A truly stunning, private little getaway.

The best coarse fishing holidays and cottages in Dorset

Dorset has some lovely fishing holiday cottages with access to coarse fishing lakes and rivers. Whether you’re a fan of fly fishing for trout or specimen carp, check out some of the best coarse fishing holidays in Dorset below.

The Studio at Coking Farm Fishery

The Studio at Coking Farm Fishery is one of our favourite fishing hideaway cottages in Dorset that’s perfect for couples or single anglers. The quaint studio property has direct access to on-site fishing lakes at the Coking Farm Fishery – a well-managed coarse fishery with eight lakes covering 33 acres full of truly specimen carp.

The lovely countryside views can be enjoyed from both a pergola-covered terrace and a second terrace complete with BBQ equipment. Recently renovated, it’s comfortable, quaint and ideal for a sleepy angling getaway. Whilst the property isn’t suitable for groups or fishermen who’d like their own personal space, it’s a beautiful holiday cottage for couples with on-site coarse fishing access.

Little Water Barn

Little Water Barn is a beautiful riverside property in the pretty Dorset hamlet of East Burton with direct fishing access to the River Frome. The private garden and terrace provide a stunning outdoor location to enjoy everything Dorset has to offer. Another stunning fishing cottage for couples or the angler looking to get away from it all and enjoy one of the UK’s prettiest counties.

Finished to a very high standard, this cottage sits on the grounds of the owner’s main property. The nearby village of Wool has some lovely little pubs and other essentials – a bakery, village shop etc and you are only four miles from the beach (should you wish to try some sea fishing). So whilst you are in a beautiful secluded spot with amazing wildlife and walks on your doorstep, it’s not so remote you can’t wander to pick up a loaf of bread or a beer.

Sydling Brook Lodge

Sydling Brook Lodge is a beautiful fishing lodge with almost private access to a stunning little lake and a little babbling river running directly in front of the property. The coarse fishing options here are perfect for those of us seeking a bit of peace and tranquillity from your fishing getaway. The location itself is truly exceptional and the private grounds are some of the best in Dorset.

For an additional £250 you can book Langford Lake out for private access, which is a really pretty spot to try a bit of fly fishing for rainbow trout. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, beautiful walks and stunning views from the veranda, which is covered but open on either side which creates a wonderful spot for some al fresco dining.

Avon Riverside Lodge

Avon Riverside Lodge is one of the most spectacular fishing properties Dorset has to offer. With absolutely stunning views from the multiple terraces and superb riverside access. Christchurch is a Dorset town with both river and coastal access and this property overlooks the River Avon and the famous Royalty Fishery which makes this property arguably the best cottage when it comes to fishing access. The options are (almost) endless.

A fishing permit is available on request directly with the local angling association if you want to try out some river fishing. As you can fish directly from the garden, we would highly recommend giving this a go.

The best sea fishing holiday cottages in Dorset

Dorset is home to some of the very best fishing holiday cottages in the UK. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

The Harbour Penthouse

The Harbour Penthouse is a beautiful penthouse apartment situated right in the centre of West Bay with views overlooking the harbour. Situated on the very westerly edge of the world-famous Chesil Beach, with direct access to the mouth of the River Brit, bass fishing, in particular, can be pretty special. Outside of

The coastal path runs almost directly outside of your front door and allows for some pretty special walking routes. To the west you can walk all the way to Seatown and to the east, the wide expanse of Chesil Beach all the way to the Isle of Purbeck. As a working fishing harbour, you’ll feel right at home in and around West Bay itself. One of our favourite places to fish in Dorset.

Sea Thrift

Sea Thrift is a pretty barn-style holiday home in a little hamlet called West Lulworth on Dorset’s southern coastline. The easy access to the South Coast Path makes for some really excellent rock fishing opportunities and the area around Lulworth Cove and St. Oswald’s Bay have some really pretty beaches and decent fishing marks.

To the west you’ll find Weymouth and the Isle of Portland, which has some equally fantastic rock and beach fishing opportunities, in places like Bowleaze Cove. A little further west and you’ll bump into Chesil Beach, one of the UK’s most famed beach fishing marks. To the east there aren’t many beaches outside of Kimmeridge Bay, an area known to throw up a reasonable head of bass, pollock and wrasse.

Fig Tree Cottage

Fig Tree Cottage is a Grade II listed Purbeck stone quarryman’s cottage with a small terrace and a high stone wall, leading up to an unenclosed garden area with shared access. its proximity to the South Coast Path makes for some excellent walking options and both Worth Matravers and Swanage are worth a visit.

With beach fishing access to the east at Swanage Bay and some excellent ledges to try some rock fishing from the shore at Anvil Point Lighthouse and Peveril Point. A little further to the east lies Studland which has some equally interesting beach fishing options to try. Almost directly in front of the property is Dancing Ledge, which – when fished at the right time of day – can be a good spot to target bass, wrasse and pollock. Just be aware of the fact it is a very touristy hotspot and can get unexpectedly busy.

West Bay Harbour View

West Bay Harbour View is Just a short 100-yard stroll to the beach at West Bay and – thanks to its proximity to the South West Coast Path – has some pretty outstanding walking routes right from your door. Whilst there isn’t a garden, there are two well-sized balconies with outdoor table and chairs included, overlooking the harbour. The views won’t let you down.

Fishing-wise, West Bay has some excellent beach fishing spots in very close proximity, with a beach and promenade right on your doorstep that allow for some easy access to fishing. And the pier on West Bay Beach stretches out far enough that the fishing is really straightforward. A very decent spot for kids. To the east lies Chesil Beach and the plethora of marks that are associated with this shingle beach. As West Bay lies at the mouth of the River Brit, the estuary and kayak fishing opportunities are very good.

Chesil Lookout

Chesil Lookout is a spacious, bright and airy holiday home with super outdoor space and fantastic access to Chesil Beach, Weymouth and multiple rock fishing marks from the South West Coastal Path. Portland is a fantastic place for some LRF and rock fishing for bass, wrasse and pollock, although beaches and towns around this area get very busy in the peak of summer.

Portland itself is home to a number of superb tourist attractions like Portland Bill Lighthouse (with some really excellent and accessible rock fishing marks), historic quarries and clifftop wildlife and walks. Whilst Portland Harbour is a renowned spot for adventure sports enthusiasts including fishing kayakers.

Trimm Cottage

Trimm Cottage is a quiet, pretty little cottage with a beautiful rear garden situated in a quaint Dorset Hamlet called Chideock. With direct access to a bridleway that leads down to Seatown’s beautiful beach on Dorset’s western fringe. Nestled between West Bay and Lyme Regis, it’s a quiet, but still popular fishing destination that offers a wide variety of species.

With direct access to the South West Coast Path and Chesil Beach and West Bay to the east and Charmouth Beach to the west, Trimm Cottage is one of the best-located properties when it comes to fishing mark access. Chideock itself is a sleepy little village with a couple of pubs and beautiful countryside and walking routes for you to enjoy.

Bowleaze Beach Apartment

Bowleaze Beach Apartment is a pretty little two-bedroom apartment with direct access to the beach down at Bowleaze Cove. A super little fishing location to the east of Weymouth and of West Bay and Chesil Beach and west of Osmington Mills and some excellent rock fishing marks you can get to via the coast path.

The spacious, clean and comfortable apartment is fantastically located and well-equipped, particularly for couples or a couple of fishermen. The nature reserve down the road is a lovely trip out and the surrounding area is fantastic for dogs, walking and enjoying the Dorset countryside.

Beach Cottage

Beach Cottage is a well-maintained, bright and spacious holiday cottage near the pretty Lulworth Cove and iconic Durdle Door on the Dorset coastline. To the west, you’ll find Weymouth and other fishing marks accessible via the coastal path like Bowleaze Cove and Osmington Mills. To the east, you’ll come across some fantastic rock fishing marks running all the way from Lulworth Cove down to Worth Matravers. Some truly excellent exploring right on your doorstep.

The cottage itself is a really good size and very well maintained, with excellent kitchen and living room facilities and a bright open-plan setup that’s great for families. The private garden is equally well equipped, with a BBQ, quality outdoor furniture and stunning views over the Dorset countryside.

Hillcott Cottage

Hillcott Cottage is a pretty little two-bedroom cottage in an AONB on Dorset’s southern coastline. Renowned as a fossil hunting hotspot thanks to the shingle beach nearby, the fishing marks in the area include Charmouth Beach itself, Seatown to the east and the area around Lyme Regis to the west. Much of which can be accessed via the coastal path should you wish to get your steps in. If you tread even further west you’ll stumble across the vast expanse of Chesil Beach too.

The property itself is bright, spacious and great for the summer months thanks to the large private garden and patio. Well maintained, with stunning countryside views, it’s a fantastic spot to explore the local area on foot and by car or bike. This lovely cottage is perfect for a couple of couples, a small family or a pair of close-knit fishermen.

The Guard House

The Guard House is a recently refurbished holiday cottage situated on Dorset’s southern coastline in Seatown at the mouth of the River Winniford. A beautifully finished property with outstanding access to the beach at Seatown and – just a little further east – Eype Beach, West bay and Chesil Beach. As such the property is not short of some fantastic fishing marks and you get the best of both worlds in Seatown. A much smaller, sleepier village than West Bay with outstanding angling options all around it, without the hustle and bustle of West Bay.

The cottage itself has excellent outdoor space, beautiful sea views and is a really serene place to take a quick break from life. Spacious, with easy beach and walking route access, The Guard House is a fantastic break for the family or a few fishermen.

Rowena Cottage

Rowena Cottage is arguably the most uniquely located (and styled) cottage on this list. Rowena Cottage is a three-bedroom property that is one of two cottages attached to Anvil Point Lighthouse. A perfect base for accessing the Dorset coastline with direct access to the South West Coastal Path and some fantastic fishing opportunities.

Anvil Point himself has some excellent rock fishing marks with a fantastic rocky ledge just below the property that is easily accessible. A little further east and you’ll find Durlston Castle and Durlston Bay before you reach Peveril Point – the most southerly tip of Swanage Bay -another fantastic rock fishing mark on the south coast within easy reach of the property.

Kittiwake

Kittiwake is a beautiful beachside property on the Dorset coast nestled in the heart of Highcliffe-on-Sea near Christchurch and its famous harbour. With huge bifold doors that open out onto a beautiful private garden, this four-bedroom property is bright, airy and superb for a summer getaway.

With bountiful beach access – Highcliffe Beach, Friars Cliff Beach and Avon Beach are all less than 20 minutes’ walk away – and Christchurch Harbour within walking distance, there are plentiful fishing marks for you to take advantage of.

Chesil Watch

Chesil Watch is one of if not the best holiday properties for families on the Dorset coastline. Particularly if you’re in the market for a fishing getaway. With direct access to the renowned Chesil Beach in a really popular area (between West Bexington and Abbotsbury) and coastal walk access, this property has some superb fishing marks right on your doorstep.

Obviously, Chesil Beach itself is strewn with multiple fishing marks for the avid beach fisherman. If you’re willing to travel a little, then West Bay (at the western edge of Chesil) has some estuary fishing opportunities on the River Brit and some easy fishing access in the town/on the promenade which is great for kids. To the eastern edge of Chesil, you also have the Isle of Portland which has some fantastic rock fishing marks and just round the bay is Weymouth. So there’s something for everyone.

FAQs