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Elmwood, Dorchester

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Elmwood is a spacious detached cottage in Dorset that sleeps up to twelve guests. This makes it perfect for larger family gatherings or group breaks. The property features games room with pool table and enclosed gardens ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The cottage sits in the peaceful Dorset countryside near Dorchester. Rolling hills surround the property. You'll find traditional villages and coastal paths within easy reach.

The accommodation includes space across two floors. There are traditional rooms and communal areas. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge space. The games room provides entertainment for all ages.

Durdle Door sits 8 miles away (20 minutes). Lulworth Cove is 7 miles distant (18 minutes).

About Elmwood

Elmwood is a spacious detached cottage in Dorset that sleeps up to twelve guests. This makes it perfect for larger family gatherings or group breaks. The property features games room with pool table and enclosed gardens ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The cottage sits in the peaceful Dorset countryside near Dorchester. Rolling hills surround the property. You'll find traditional villages and coastal paths within easy reach.

The accommodation includes space across two floors. There are traditional rooms and communal areas. The open-plan living area combines kitchen, dining and lounge space. The games room provides entertainment for all ages.

Durdle Door sits 8 miles away (20 minutes). Lulworth Cove is 7 miles distant (18 minutes). Dorchester town centre offers shops and museums 3 miles away (10 minutes). Weymouth beach and harbour lie 8 miles south (22 minutes).

Elmwood delivers proper space for groups wanting Dorset's coast and countryside. The games room and gardens make this property stand out for families.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Elmwood

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Dorchester, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

17Β°C

Clear sky

Updated: 12 Jul 2026, 3:04am

🌑️
17.00Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
14 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
83%
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 July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ 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

Elmwood 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

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
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)

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

πŸ”οΈ
62m
Elevation
πŸ“
Dorchester
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
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: 50.6918970Β° N | Longitude: 2.346486Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Dorchester (Monday, 13 July 2026):

4:08am

Sunrise

7:21pm

Golden Hour

8:21pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
4:08am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
8:21pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
7:21pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:21pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Dorchester, you have approximately 16.21 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

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

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

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

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
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: 12 Jul 2026 | Location: 50.6918970, -2.3464860

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Elmwood

Spacious Games Room

The dedicated games room with pool table keeps everyone entertained during evenings and rainy days together.

Four Generous Bedrooms

Sleeping eight across four bedrooms means nobody fights for space and everyone gets proper rest after busy days.

Enclosed Private Gardens

The secure gardens let children play safely whilst adults relax outside with morning coffee or evening drinks.

Open Plan Living Space

The combined kitchen, dining and lounge area keeps groups together for cooking, eating and socialising throughout the day.

Perfect Coastal Location

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove beaches sit under 30 minutes away for proper Jurassic Coast exploration and swimming.

Peaceful Countryside Setting

The quiet rural location provides proper relaxation away from busy towns whilst keeping attractions within easy driving distance.

Getting To Elmwood

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Elmwood by car, take the A35 towards Dorchester and follow signs for the village. The cottage is easily accessible via country lanes and you'll have convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Dorchester South, just a short taxi ride away from the accommodation. From there, it's a scenic journey through the Dorset countryside to your cottage.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Dorchester South station (3.5 miles)
Easily accessible from the A35

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Durdle Door
Distance: 8 miles
BH20 5PU
Lulworth Cove
Distance: 7 miles
BH20 5RQ
Dorset County Museum
Distance: 3 miles
DT1 1XA
South West Coast Path
Distance: 7 miles
BH20 5RQ
Hardy's Cottage Woodland Walk
Distance: 4 miles
DT2 8QJ
Maiden Castle Ancient Fort
Distance: 2 miles
DT2 9PP
Dorchester Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
DT1 1BE
Morrisons Supermarket
Distance: 3.2 miles
DT1 2DG
Brewery Square Shops
Distance: 3 miles
DT1 1GA
Weymouth Harbour
Distance: 8 miles
DT4 8TR
Monkey World
Distance: 6 miles
BH20 6HH
Tank Museum Bovington
Distance: 9 miles
BH20 6JG
Durdle Door
Distance: 8 miles
BH20 5PU
Lulworth Cove
Distance: 7 miles
BH20 5RQ
Dorset County Museum
Distance: 3 miles
DT1 1XA
South West Coast Path
Distance: 7 miles
BH20 5RQ
Hardy's Cottage Woodland Walk
Distance: 4 miles
DT2 8QJ
Maiden Castle Ancient Fort
Distance: 2 miles
DT2 9PP
Dorchester Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
DT1 1BE
Morrisons Supermarket
Distance: 3.2 miles
DT1 2DG
Brewery Square Shops
Distance: 3 miles
DT1 1GA
Weymouth Harbour
Distance: 8 miles
DT4 8TR
Monkey World
Distance: 6 miles
BH20 6HH
Tank Museum Bovington
Distance: 9 miles
BH20 6JG

Is Elmwood Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The games room with pool table provides hours of entertainment for older children and teenagers. Enclosed gardens offer safe outdoor play space for younger ones. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove beaches sit under 30 minutes away for rock pooling and swimming. Monkey World (6 miles) and the Tank Museum (9 miles) make brilliant family days out.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room with full-size pool table becomes the social hub for groups. Located separately from the main living space, it lets different generations enjoy their own activities simultaneously. Evening tournaments and friendly competitions create lasting memories. The room provides proper entertainment when weather keeps everyone indoors, making it invaluable for longer stays.
Pet Friendly
Elmwood does not accept pets. The property operates a strict no-pet policy throughout the year. This makes it suitable for guests with pet allergies who need guaranteed pet-free accommodation. Nearby kennels and catteries in Dorchester can accommodate pets during your stay if you're travelling with animals. The policy helps maintain the property's condition for all guests.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Elmwood

The Sailor's Return

Located 2.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT2 8DH

The Giant Inn

Located 1.8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT2 9PZ

The Spice Ship Indian Restaurant

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT1 1BE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Elmwood

Is Elmwood pet friendly?
No, Elmwood does not accept pets. The property maintains a strict no-pet policy to accommodate guests with allergies.
How many people does Elmwood sleep?
Elmwood sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Three double bedrooms and one twin bedroom provide flexible sleeping arrangements for families or groups.
What entertainment facilities are available?
The property includes a dedicated games room with a pool table. The open-plan living area features comfortable seating and dining space for group gatherings.
How far is Elmwood from the beach?
Durdle Door beach is 8 miles away taking 20 minutes by car. Lulworth Cove sits 7 miles distant requiring 18 minutes to reach.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles. The driveway provides convenient parking right at the cottage entrance.
What shops are nearby?
Dorchester town centre lies 3 miles away with supermarkets and shops. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes by car for supplies.
Are there good walking routes nearby?
The South West Coast Path runs along the nearby Jurassic Coast. Countryside footpaths start directly from the cottage through Dorset's rolling hills.
What is the kitchen like?
The fully equipped kitchen forms part of the open-plan living space. It includes modern appliances, ample worktop space and everything needed for preparing group meals.

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