#{ServerName}
1 / 17  
2 / 17  
3 / 17  
4 / 17  
5 / 17  
6 / 17  
7 / 17  
8 / 17  
9 / 17  
10 / 17  
11 / 17  
12 / 17  
13 / 17  
14 / 17  
15 / 17  
16 / 17  
17 / 17  

The Arc

Swanage, Dorset
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Romantic
Open fire / wood burner
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
9 more

At a glance

  • Pretty Purbeck stone cottage with period features and coastal interiors
  • A cosy, family-friendly hideaway, well equipped for extended stays
  • Quiet and restful location, close to both the beach and town

Property code: OC-WY501

Up to four guests and two canine companions can enjoy a memorable coastal break in this characterful and tastefully decorated, stone-built cottage. With a wood burner in the lounge, a garden and a town-centre location, you’ll be sure to have a relaxing time on the Isle of Purbeck. Spend your time away discovering the natural beauty and history of the Dorset National Landscape with castles, beaches and Old Harry Rocks nearby.

Enter the property to find yourself in the rectangular lounge/diner with traditional flagstone floors and a cosy wood burner. This space is decorated with neutral tones and wooden furnishings, with a plump sofa sitting opposite the Smart TV. Adjacent is a wooden dining table with four chairs. Continue into the stylish white and wooden kitchen with a Butler sink, a breakfast bar and a one-wall fitted unit. Climb the stairs to reach a family bathroom plus two bedrooms – a twin and a double. Outside is a courtyard garden with furniture. Parking is on-street, subject to availability.

Get to know Swanage by wandering along the town’s high street past pubs and boutique shops to reach the seafront (0.5 miles). Along here you’ll find the Victorian pier (0.5 miles) and the sandy Swanage Beachfront (0.5 miles). Hop on the steam train from Swanage Railway (less than 300 metres) to see the 1000-year-old Corfe Castle (6 miles). Pack a picnic and head to the tranquil Durlston Country Park (1.5 miles) or follow the wildlife walking trails through Townsend Nature Reserve (0.5 miles). Visit the striking white sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks (4.5 miles) and walk along the South West Coast Path to Knoll Beach (7 miles).

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC
  • Gas hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • Wood burner (first basket of logs supplied)
  • Smart TV
  • Courtyard garden on 2 levels, shared with the property next door (not enclosed)
  • On-street parking
  • Shop and pub 200 metres
  • Beach 0.5 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Samantha Banner

This property is personally managed by Samantha.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 23 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 stars4.4
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 stars4.3
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 stars4
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by Tom 19th July 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Corrine 9th June 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

This cottage was very good for our needs, there was a small area with seating and a further communal grassy area. A large bath in the cottage was much appreciated by my very tall husband 6 ft 3, and the shower was good too for me. There was plenty of crockery and cutlery.

Reviewed by Victoria 2nd May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Exceptional time. Due to a mechanical fault with our van we stayed an extra week and that still wasnt long enough.

Reviewed by Stephen 19th March 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The cottage was perfect for a short break.

Reviewed by Donna 14th March 2026

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

A very cosy cottage in a great location of Swanage. Great walks from here and very close to The Black Swan which serves great food, although not a drinking pub. Although not plush, the cottage is really well equipped and very warm but also has the additional cosy log burner, it was great for the two of us. Just a few improvements can be made to iRead moremprove the cottage, the garden needs to be tidied and isn't self contained, it could be very sweet. The carpets could do with a clean but not horrendous. We thought it was value for money. Hide

Reviewed by Sue 1st February 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Compact little cottage within easy walking distance of shops, pubs, restaurants and the seafront. Ideal for a few days away without having to drive any further afield. Plenty of attractions within easy driving if you do wish to explore further. Would recommend.

Reviewed by Linda 31st December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Wonderful cottage warm and welcoming. Location is superb easy walk to town and beach. Comfortable and charming

Reviewed by Annette 28th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Christopher 21st September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Cottage was really well equipped, everything you need for a holiday. Location excellent, short walk to spar and black swan. Recommend black swan for meal and good pint.

Reviewed by Natalie 7th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Sarah 26th July 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

A very charming little stone cottage, furnished with great attention to detail. We found it very cozy. Well located in a lovely neighborhood, with a grocery store within walking distance.

Reviewed by Jonathan 20th July 2025

Guest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 stars

Reviewed by Susan 13th July 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Loved the cottage especially the well equipped kitchen. Was advertised as pet friendly but the garden was shared and this was not clear at time of booking. Dog could therefore only go into garden on a lead. Worked around it but that and only that would deter me from revisiting. It occurred to me that a screen type fence with a gate would solve Read morethe problem and provide a little privacy too. As it was I couldnt use the garden which was a great shame as it looked a nice spot relax in. Hide

Reviewed by Anne 25th June 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Cottage delightful, no milk left for us, which might have been a nice welcome. We have to keep our dogs on leads as the garden is not fenced in. This detracted from an otherwise charming cottage.

Reviewed by Wendy 11th June 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

I had a lovely stay at Arc cottage, well equipped and comfortable apart from the slight aroma of dog. This probably wouldnt bother dog owners but not being one I noticed it. Great location and close to town Parking a bit of an issue but managed to find a space each time.

Reviewed by Jonathan 17th February 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lovely cottage great location.

Reviewed by Melissa 6th January 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved The Arc, didn't want to leave! Cosy and well located, loved the wood burning fire, it was just a lovely place to unwind. We even cancelled a day out on the last day to cosy up in front of the fire with a book. Loved it. 10/10.

Reviewed by Fiona 3rd January 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Excellent location for bellringers - I had a really good time joining the local ringers for all the extra Christmas ringing.

Reviewed by Richard 8th December 2024

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Characterful (if slightly tired in places) cottage in great location in the heart of old Swanage, a stones throw from shops, restaurants and the sea. Would happily stay again.

Reviewed by James 16th November 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Excellent location and cozy cottage. Unfortunately the beds were very uncomfortable and spoilt our holiday.

Reviewed by Allen 25th October 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Reviewed by Janine 30th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Victor 26th September 2024

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

A lovely cottage in a great location.

21 more
Show 5 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Island Cottage Holidays is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.