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Cliffhaven, Dorchester

Dorset » Dorchester
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Cliffhaven is a spacious detached house in Dorchester, Dorset, perfect for larger groups wanting to explore the Jurassic Coast. This property sleeps up to 8 guests across five well-appointed bedrooms. The house features three bathrooms making morning routines stress-free for bigger parties. Off-road parking for multiple vehicles means everyone can travel together without parking worries.

Dorchester sits in the heart of Thomas Hardy country. Rolling countryside surrounds this historic market town. The Jurassic Coast lies just minutes away by car.

The accommodation comprises five bedrooms sleeping 8 people total. Three bathrooms serve the group comfortably.

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About Cliffhaven

Cliffhaven is a spacious detached house in Dorchester, Dorset, perfect for larger groups wanting to explore the Jurassic Coast. This property sleeps up to 8 guests across five well-appointed bedrooms. The house features three bathrooms making morning routines stress-free for bigger parties. Off-road parking for multiple vehicles means everyone can travel together without parking worries.

Dorchester sits in the heart of Thomas Hardy country. Rolling countryside surrounds this historic market town. The Jurassic Coast lies just minutes away by car.

The accommodation comprises five bedrooms sleeping 8 people total. Three bathrooms serve the group comfortably. Generous living spaces include a lounge and dining room where everyone can gather. The kitchen has everything needed for preparing group meals.

Durdle Door sits 13 miles away (25 minutes). Weymouth Beach is 8 miles distant (18 minutes). Monkey World lies 10 miles away (20 minutes). The Tank Museum at Bovington is 9 miles (17 minutes).

Groups seeking coastal walks and countryside breaks will love this base. Cliffhaven offers space, location and easy access to Dorset's best attractions.

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Local Insights: Cliffhaven

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Dorchester, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

12°C

Clear sky

Updated: 5 Sep 2026, 3:10am

🌡️
11.90°C
Temperature
💨
9 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
89%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Cliffhaven sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

62m

(203 feet above sea level)

Cliffhaven sits in a peaceful Dorset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
62m
Elevation
📍
Dorchester
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Dorchester are typical Dorset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.6918970° N | Longitude: 2.346489° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Dorchester (Saturday, 5 September 2026):

5:28am

Sunrise

5:48pm

Golden Hour

6:48pm

Sunset

🌅
5:28am
Sunrise
🌇
6:48pm
Sunset
📸
5:48pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:48pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Dorchester, you have approximately 13.33 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Cliffhaven.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Dorset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 5 Sep 2026 | Location: 50.6918970, -2.3464890

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Cliffhaven

Spacious Five-Bedroom Layout

Ten guests sleep comfortably across five bedrooms with plenty of personal space for everyone in your group to relax properly.

Three Bathrooms Available

Morning routines run smoothly with three bathrooms meaning no queuing and everyone gets ready at their own pace without stress.

Jurassic Coast Proximity

World Heritage coastline sits just minutes away offering stunning beaches and coastal walks perfect for full-day group adventures together.

Central Dorchester Location

Historic market town position provides easy access to shops, restaurants and major attractions across Dorset for varied group activities.

Multiple Vehicle Parking

Off-road parking accommodates several cars so groups can travel independently and explore different attractions at their own schedule.

Generous Social Spaces

Large lounge and separate dining room give groups proper space to gather, eat together and spend quality time without feeling cramped.

Getting To Cliffhaven

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Cliffhaven by car, take the A35 towards Dorchester. The property is easily accessible from the main road network with off-road parking available for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

Dorchester has two railway stations: Dorchester South and Dorchester West. Both stations are within easy taxi distance of Cliffhaven, connecting to London Waterloo and Bristol respectively.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Dorchester South station (1.5 miles)
Easily accessible from the A35

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Durdle Door
Distance: 13 miles
BH20 5PU
The Tank Museum
Distance: 9 miles
BH20 6JG
Monkey World
Distance: 10 miles
BH20 6HH
Maiden Castle
Distance: 2 miles
DT2 9PP
Chesil Beach
Distance: 9 miles
DT4 9XE
Hardy's Cottage
Distance: 3 miles
DT2 8QJ
Dorchester Town Centre
Distance: 1 mile
DT1 1BE
Brewery Square
Distance: 1.2 miles
DT1 1GA
Waitrose Dorchester
Distance: 1.5 miles
DT1 2RX
Dorchester South Station
Distance: 1.5 miles
DT1 1PA
Weymouth Harbour
Distance: 8 miles
DT4 8TR
Dorset County Museum
Distance: 1 mile
DT1 1XA
Durdle Door
Distance: 13 miles
BH20 5PU
The Tank Museum
Distance: 9 miles
BH20 6JG
Monkey World
Distance: 10 miles
BH20 6HH
Maiden Castle
Distance: 2 miles
DT2 9PP
Chesil Beach
Distance: 9 miles
DT4 9XE
Hardy's Cottage
Distance: 3 miles
DT2 8QJ
Dorchester Town Centre
Distance: 1 mile
DT1 1BE
Brewery Square
Distance: 1.2 miles
DT1 1GA
Waitrose Dorchester
Distance: 1.5 miles
DT1 2RX
Dorchester South Station
Distance: 1.5 miles
DT1 1PA
Weymouth Harbour
Distance: 8 miles
DT4 8TR
Dorset County Museum
Distance: 1 mile
DT1 1XA

Is Cliffhaven Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will love the nearby attractions within easy driving distance. The Tank Museum at Bovington showcases military vehicles and interactive displays. Monkey World offers close encounters with rescued primates. Weymouth Beach provides traditional seaside fun with sand, sea and amusements. The SEA LIFE Centre features marine creatures and underwater tunnels. Outdoor spaces around Dorchester offer room for games and exploration.
Groups Will Love...
The spacious layout at Cliffhaven works brilliantly for larger groups. Five bedrooms mean everyone gets proper sleeping space without feeling cramped. Three bathrooms eliminate morning queues and bathroom scheduling conflicts. The separate lounge and dining room provide distinct areas for different activities. Groups can spread out comfortably or gather together in generous social spaces. Multiple vehicle parking means independent travel options for day trips.
Pet Friendly
Cliffhaven welcomes dogs so your pets can join the family holiday. Dorchester offers excellent walking opportunities including Maiden Castle just two miles away. The surrounding countryside provides open spaces for exercise and exploration. Nearby coastal paths along the Jurassic Coast are perfect for longer dog walks. Check specific pet policies regarding numbers and any size restrictions when booking your stay.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Cliffhaven

The Brewhouse & Kitchen

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT1 1GA

The Royal Oak

Located 1.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT1 1LX

Taste Deli & Coffee House

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT1 1BG

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Cliffhaven

How many people does Cliffhaven sleep?
Cliffhaven accommodates up to 10 guests across five bedrooms. The property includes three bathrooms to serve larger groups comfortably.
Is Cliffhaven pet friendly?
Yes, Cliffhaven welcomes pets so your dogs can join the holiday. Check with the property regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional requirements.
How many cars can park at the property?
Off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles at Cliffhaven. This makes it practical for larger groups arriving in separate cars.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The property has five bedrooms sleeping 10 people total. Specific bed configurations should be confirmed when booking to ensure they suit your group's needs.
How far is Cliffhaven from the beach?
Weymouth Beach is approximately 8 miles away, around 18 minutes by car. The famous Durdle Door lies 13 miles distant, roughly 25 minutes' drive.
What facilities does the kitchen have?
The kitchen is fully equipped for preparing group meals with standard appliances and cooking equipment. Ample space allows multiple people to help with meal preparation together.
Are there good walks nearby?
The Jurassic Coast offers spectacular coastal paths within easy reach. Dorchester also provides access to countryside walks through Thomas Hardy's Wessex landscape.
What attractions suit larger groups?
The Tank Museum at Bovington (9 miles) and Monkey World (10 miles) both cater well to groups. Weymouth's beach and harbour offer activities for all ages together.

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