Two bedroom holiday cottage Chickerell near Weymouth

Adjacent to the site is a riding stable, the perfect way for a family to explore the area, and within two miles is Weymouth Golf Course. The lovely Victorian seaside town of Weymouth is a few miles along the coast, where children can enjoy the Blue Flag sandy beach.

A day trip to France or the Channel Islands and even a sea fishing trip can be enjoyed, all leaving from the harbour.

The RSPB has two reserves nearby - Lodmoor and Radipole Lake, the latter having an information centre as well as nature trails where grebes, swans, warblers and other species of birds may be seen. The swannery at Abbotsbury provides the opportunity to observe the resident colony of mute swans, which has been in existence since the 14th century.

From late May, visitors can walk around the nesting area, observing the cygnets at close quarters. Another attraction at Abbotsbury are the sub-tropical gardens, which flourish in a site protected from the cold winds. Here species rare to Britain - such as Japanese camellias and Caucasian Wing Nut tree - can be found.

A drive west from the cottages along the coast road is a delight, where the outstanding views and ‘chocolate-box’ villages can be admired. Shops ¼ mile.