Care Homes in Dorset

Finding the right care home in Dorset can feel overwhelming, but with Lottie, it doesn’t have to be. Our team of Care Experts has handpicked some of the county’s top-rated care homes, helping you compare options quickly and feel confident in your next step.

Dorset, with its scenic coastline and unhurried pace of life, offers a calming and attractive setting for later-life care. Many of the homes we list are surrounded by countryside or coastal views and offer beautiful gardens, walking paths, and outdoor seating areas that promote daily connection with nature. Towns such as Poole, Dorchester and Bournemouth also offer a choice of green spaces and coastal paths - ideal for relaxed visits with family and friends. In the event of a medical emergency, or when further support is needed, Dorset County Hospital provides reliable care.

Whether you're looking for a luxury care home like Spetisbury Manor with idyllic gardens and outdoor terracing, a specialist dementia home like Maiden Castle with round-the-clock support, or a cosy, affordable setting such as Trafalgar, we’ve made it easier to compare what really matters.

Our listings highlight homes that are the best for facilities, best for cost, or best for couples, so you can make the right decision for your family. Each listing includes clear fee guidance, available care types, and verified Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings. If you’re unsure where to begin, our Care Experts are here to help - offering free, one-to-one advice and a personalised shortlist of care homes in Dorset that suit your needs, sent straight to your inbox.

 

Best care homes in Dorset

• Aranlaw House - This home offers an exceptional standard of dementia care. With an 'Outstanding' CQC rating - the highest available - Aranlaw House features 46 en-suite bedrooms across three floors. Residents benefit from a warm, familiar setting with daily activities such as baking, gardening, and outings to the seafront. Additional services include respite and nursing care, along with convalescent, day, and palliative care options.

• Queensmount - Located in the vibrant town of Bournemouth, Queensmount provides top-notch residential, nursing, respite, and palliative care. With an 'Outstanding' CQC rating, Queensmount has 49 bedrooms, most offering en-suite facilities. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including an on-site restaurant, hair salon, and soothing animal therapy. The care home’s activity coordinator organises engaging activities and regular outings to local attractions like Bournemouth Beach.

• Fernhill - This home is in the town of Ferndown. Another ‘Outstanding’ rated home, Fernhill offers beautifully designed en-suite rooms, an on-site café, and wonderful gardens. Residents can also take advantage of the home’s minibus for local trips. The dedicated activities team ensures every day is filled with joy and enrichment.

• Muscliff - Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, Muscliff offers a welcoming atmosphere for up to 41 residents. Known for its community engagement and unique facilities like a sensory room and Tovertafel Magic table, Muscliff provides exceptional residential, dementia, nursing, and respite care. The home features en-suite rooms, hydrotherapy bathrooms, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Daily outings and frequent visits from local schoolchildren add to the home’s vibrant community spirit.