Premier Inn Dorset

Bournemouth is the largest town in Dorset and is often considered the county’s main city-like hub. It offers everything you’d want from a seaside escape – seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful coastal walks, a traditional pier and a town centre full of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. Poole, just next door to Bournemouth, is famous for its large natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world – and its connection to the luxury yacht scene. It also offers great shopping, historic buildings, and boat trips to Brownsea Island. Weymouth is another standout town in Dorset. It’s a classic seaside destination with an Edwardian seafront, golden beach, and a lively harbour.  

Dorset’s popularity comes down to its perfect mix of natural beauty and relaxed pace. From the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the golden sands of Bournemouth and Weymouth, it’s a dream for beach lovers and walkers alike. Add to that picture-postcard villages like Shaftesbury and Corfe Castle, great local food and a rich history, and you’ve got a county that ticks every box for UK holidays. 

Absolutely – Dorset isn’t just for families or beach holidays. Adults will love it for the peaceful countryside walks, cosy pubs and cultural attractions. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures (like hiking the Southwest Coast Path), or just want to relax with a sea view and a glass of wine, Dorset delivers. Plus, towns like Lyme Regis and Bridport are great for foodies, art lovers and boutique shopping. 

Dorset is best known for the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fossils, dramatic rock formations and beautiful beaches. It’s also famous for the rolling Dorset countryside, traditional market towns and historical sites like Corfe Castle and Maiden Castle. On top of that, Dorset has literary ties – it’s the home of author Thomas Hardy, and many of his novels are set in the area. And let’s not forget the iconic Durdle Door – one of the most photographed spots in the UK! 

Many would argue that Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door top the list – the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs are absolutely breathtaking. For countryside charm, Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill is pretty unbeatable. And if you want coastal charm, Lyme Regis is a winner with its historic harbour and fossil-rich beaches. 

Corfe Castle is a must-visit for history lovers and photographers. This ruin is steeped in stories from the English Civil War, and its silhouette is instantly recognisable. Wander through the castle grounds, explore hidden nooks and towering remains, and imagine what life was like centuries ago. Thanks to its hilltop position, you’ll also be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Purbeck Hills – perfect for a peaceful picnic or a photo.  

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an incredible 95-mile stretch of coastline packed with natural wonders, fossil-rich beaches and towering cliffs that tell the story of 185 million years of Earth's history. Ideal for hiking, swimming, fossil hunting or simply admiring the view, this coastline runs through Dorset and East Devon and includes stunning spots like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.  

If you’re into history, literature or archaeology, the Dorset County Museum is a must-visit. It’s especially exciting for fans of Thomas Hardy – the museum houses the largest collection of Hardy-related items in the world, including manuscripts, letters and personal belongings. You’ll also find a wide range of local treasures, from prehistoric fossils to Roman mosaics and Bronze and Iron Age artefacts.  

Dorset is packed with free things to do. Walk along the Jurassic Coast and hunt for fossils at places like Charmouth or Lyme Regis. Explore Lulworth Cove and see the iconic Durdle Door. Stroll through Weymouth’s harbour, wander around Dorchester’s Roman ruins or enjoy the views from Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill. There are also loads of scenic walking routes through countryside, cliffs and forest – totally free. 

Yes, Dorset is brilliant for kids! The beaches are perfect for bucket-and-spade fun, paddling and exploring rock pools. Families can visit fun attractions like Monkey World, The Tank Museum and Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park. There are also castles to climb, fossils to find and plenty of ice cream to enjoy along the coast. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.