Dolphins

Dolphins dates from 1873 and was a sweet shop in the 1950s. It is a three-bedroom cottage for five just off the main street of Swanage, and the beach is less than 200 metres away. Three steps lead down from the porch into the lounge/diner, which has a Purbeck stone fireplace, a wood burner-effect electric fire and a window seat looking towards the town centre.

The dining area sits beside the kitchen, which has glass doors, a serving hatch, an electric oven, a gas hob, a fridge/freezer, a microwave, a dishwasher and a washing machine. There is a shower room on the ground floor. Upstairs are a family bathroom with a bath, a shower and a WC, and three bedrooms. The king-size has its bed on a raised plinth, built-in wardrobes, seating and a Juliet balcony with views out to sea. The second bedroom is a twin, and the third is a single with a 4ft bed on a raised platform and reduced head height.

Outside is a small, gated courtyard with outdoor furniture. Parking is for one medium-sized car. A travel cot and a highchair are available if you bring your own cot linen. The TV comes with a DVD player and a radio. Guests bring their own beach towels, and dogs are not allowed. Check-in starts at 4pm, with departure before 10am.

It suits a family of up to five, or friends sharing, who want a beach within a short walk and a cottage with a bit of history.