Posted By Laura in Family Friendly Holidays, Travel, Travel Tuesday | 4 comments

It’s no secret that we have a small elephant large dog in the house – and last year rather than inflicting her on friends we took Blue the rottweiler to France with us. We were rather dreading what we had taken on… but it turned out to be a brilliant idea. Simple to book, easy to travel, and far less stress than worrying how much of our friend’s wallpaper she’s eating while we’re away. And we’re not alone – we’re a nation of animal lovers and for many people leaving their beloved pooch behind whilst they go on holiday is out of the question as they would simply miss them too much.

We were on a press trip for HomeAway.co.uk (UK’s leading rentals site with over 545,000 properties listed), and finding a dog-friendly property was a breeze with their pet friendly search options.

But they are not the only ones. Most Holiday companies now make it easy to search for properties where pets feel welcome and there are suitable facilities like enclosed gardens. The cost of holidays do add up but by taking dogs with you there is no need for expensive kennel fees or feelings of guilt.

So we have scoured our favourites for our hand picked choice of dog friendly holiday cottages in the UK.

Devon – The Garden Cottage – From £405 for 7 Nights – Sleeps 2

This is a picturesque retreat, quietly situated down a private drive on the edge of the Dartmoor village of Belstone. When you step out of the car, the historic medieval cottage draped in clematis flowers will transport you to a different century, surrounded by peace and birdsong. The accommodation is single-storey with amazing original flagstone floor, huge oak beams, window seat and wood burner to curl up and dream beside. A compact little kitchen and two bedrooms complete the picture. You have your own private garden to enjoy, full of lawn and flowers, with outdoor games provided. For more adventure, there are riding stables nearby, and when you’re ready for town facilities such as a leisure centre, cinema, restaurants and major supermarkets, Okehampton is within a few miles. This is a snug hideaway in the foothills of Dartmoor.

Yorkshire Dales – Mouse Manor – 3 Nights from £763 – Sleeps 4

Luxurious barn conversion sleeping 4 across 2 bedrooms. Make the most of your indulgent hot tub boasting incredible views and infrared sauna, offering the perfect start to your day. Set in an idyllic location in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales offering unspoiled views of the lush green pastures in every direction. Plenty of space to host 2 canine companions alongside the family. Head out to the pub located 2 miles away or pick up some fresh local produce from the shop 4 miles away. When you’ve finished enjoying family dinners, flip over the table to reveal a pool table offering hours of entertainment.

Lake District – Tanner Brow – 7 Nights from £457 – Sleeps 4

Sitting on the western shore of Lake Windermere this first floor apartment is a cosy retreat.

Set back just 130 metres from the western shores of Lake Windermere, two-bedroom Tanner Brow is an idyllic lakeside retreat. It occupies the first floor of a beautifully rugged, semi-detached, stone cottage and is within walking distance of the ferry to Bowness. It was once the laundry for the Belle Isle Estate, the private island visible from the shore and now, after a careful restoration, makes a cosy stay for those wishing to explore the Lake District.   

Walks will lead you in all directions along the lake. Head north for a 4-mile trek to Wray Castle or walk to Claife Viewing Station where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across Windermere at the top. 

For restaurants and retail therapy, Bowness is just a short ferry ride across the lake and Ambleside, at the top of Lake Windermere, is a twenty minute drive. Lakeshore park, Fell Foot is a 35 minute drive to the south. Here you can get involved with a range of activities from kayaking and swimming to Nordic Walking and running. 

Wales – Ty Ucha’r Ffordd – Prices from £343 – Sleeps 2 + 1 Child

Ty Ucha’r Ffordd is one of eight luxury self-catering cottages on The Bodnant Estate near Conwy in North Wales. A perfect outdoor break, the Bodnant Estate is privately owned and this cottage lies off a woodland track from where there are glorious walks along private paths through woods and across farmland. The world famous Bodnant Garden owned by the National Trust, is central to the Estate and within one to two miles’ walking distance from the properties and open 361 days a year. The world famous garden is famed for its laburnum arch, Italiante terraces, waterfalls and National Collections of plants.

Although the cottage is compact, it has been sympathetically extended to provide generous openings between the main rooms. Outside the kitchen there is a terraced area with fine views, and other sitting areas have been created around the house and in the garden.

Exmoor – Poocks Cottage – Prices from £425 for 7 nights – Sleeps 5

Poocks Cottage near Malmsmead on the Devon / Somerset border is a detached property that has recently been refurbished to a high standard; we are delighted to offer this property for holiday rentals for up to five guests. The cottage is situated in a quiet spot on Exmoor between Porlock and Lynmout. Malmsmead is a hamlet on Exmoor which is approximately 2 miles from Poocks Cottage. There is a lovely homewares/gift shop and the ‘Lorna Doone Arms’ where you can get a meal, afternoon tea and cake or take-away food. The Lorna Doone Arms is beside the river just beyond the packhorse bridge in Malmsmead. They are also licensed so you can enjoy a couple of drinks with a meal. Please note that the shop and Lorna Doone Arms is usually closed during the winter. The village of Porlock is approximately 5 miles from Poocks Cottage, it is a traditional Exmoor village and has three pubs, two grocery shops, a traditional local butcher, Post Office, chemist, cash machine, petrol station, hardware shop, visitor centre and a range of independent restaurants, shops and tea rooms. Lynmouth and Lynton are approx 7 miles in the opposite direction, they have similar amenities and a good selection of cafes and restaurants. Both are well worth a visit.

Peak District – Hen Cottage – 7 nights from £284 – Sleeps 2

Commanding a spectacular position on the south west edge of the Peak District National Park. The cottage is an ideal choice for those wanting to explore the many attractions of this beautiful part of the world.

The cottage offers guests breathtaking views across the valley to Tittesworth Reservoir and The Roaches, a dramatic ridge line dominating the surrounding moorland. Here guests can feel part of nature, waking up to the sound of skylarks, lapwing and curlews, enjoy the sound of bees, and watch the ever changing cloudscape from the garden. The cottage is reached via a short private drive and is located next to the owner’s farmhouse. The property can be booked with Cloud Loft. The property is sustainably run and has been awarded the Peak District Environmental Quality Award.

Guests approach the cottage via the charming garden and entrance which opens out into a hallway. A bathroom with a shower, toilet and hand basin is located up one step from the hall.

The cottage has a good size open plan living space with views of the garden and distant moors . Vintage furniture and fittings, home made pottery and a woodburner ensure the cottage is both welcoming and perfect for cosy nights in. The kitchen, located just two steps from the lounge and contains all the necessities that guests require during their stay. The bedroom with its far reaching views of the surrounding countryside has a super king size bed which can be split into two three foot single beds if required. Outside the bedroom window there is a seating area for relaxing and drinking in the breathtaking vistas of the weathered landscape of the Peaks.

Dogs fees are charged per dog at £20 for up to 7 nights, £40 for up to 14 nights and an additional £20 for every week or part week thereafter.

Norfolk –  Alethorpe Barn – 7 Nights from £474 – Sleeps 4

A beautiful barn conversion property offering spacious and stylish accommodation for four guests, enjoying a fantastically tranquil rural location just 3-miles from the market town of Fakenham.

This barn conversion cottage is one-of-two properties situated in this stunning rural location surrounded by open fields in the North Norfolk countryside. The peace and quiet and relative seclusion are the real draws of this property, making it particularly suitable for those who truly wish to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the simple pleasures of enjoying glorious sunsets, taking relaxing country walks, and waking up to the sound of birdsong. This does not, however, mean that the property is completely cut-off as the market town of Fakenham lies just 2 miles away and offers a good range of shops, restaurants, and a weekly market. To the north of the cottage, within a 20-minute drive, the seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea is a particularly attractive place to spend a day, with its wide pine backed sandy beach, busy harbour, pretty park, and elegant Georgian architecture.

Within walking distance of the barn is the Multiple winner of Norfolk’s Best Large Attraction, Pensthorpe Natural Park, which is a great day out for the whole family! Explore one of the largest Wildflower Meadows in Norfolk, enjoy the beauty of 4 stunning gardens, meet some of the rare and native species of wildfowl and kids can run wild in WildRootz, an outdoor adventure play! Whatever the weather, kids can also come in for an epic indoor adventure in Hootz House, the award winning indoor adventure play.

Scotland – The Old Farm House – 7 Nights from £447 – Sleeps 5

This wonderful 18th century property is situated next to the farm steading, on a large private farm estate and offers cosy and tranquil country living, yet is also accessible to all local amenities.

Located in Scotland’s central Highlands on the famous whisky trail lying just 6 miles south of the stunning Moray Firth coastline with the city of Elgin only 2 miles away with its beautiful cathedral, array of shops, pubs, restaurants and train station making this a fantastic base for your holiday. Close to beautiful sandy beaches along the coast. Enjoy a spot of fishing on the rivers close by or play a round of golf at the award-winning golf course in Lossiemouth. Take a day drip to the historic Cawdor Castle, Brodie Castle and visitors centre, the beautiful seaside town of Nairn, Loch Ness and the Cairngorm National park all within easy driving reach.

Enter this charming detached period property and you will find the utility area with storage space and tumble dryer. Next you will find the large country style kitchen/diner with Rayburn, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, washing machine, microwave and dining area with lovely countryside views. Leading through the hallway to the spacious comfy lounge where you can have a cosy evening in front of the woodburner. Relax in front to the TV/DVD and hi-fi or enjoy the selection of books and board games available. The family bathroom with shower over bath and WC is also on the ground floor. The stairs take you to the three bedrooms on the first floor, one spacious king-size, one twin and one single with countryside views. There is also a separate WC on this level.

Stepping back outside from the door in the hallway, takes you to the large mature gardens with seating where you can enjoy alfresco dining in the beautiful countryside. Ample off-road parking to the rear of the property.