Pet Inspectors, Rufus and Heidi, have been on the road again – this time to two of their favourite places Devon and Cornwall – with lots of walking and splashing in the sea.
Although they love to visit in the summer the intrepid pair paid a visit in April and decided it was just as gorgeous any time of year.
They took in three of our customers’ favourite hotels, the Paschoe Hotel, Hotel Endsleigh in Devon and the fabulous Tresanton Hotel in Cornwall.
Day One
It was Friday afternoon and Heidi and I noticed our bags being packed up. We wagged our tails furiously to show our approval. Beds, toys, treats and our favourite food was packed up and in no time at all, we had left Fulham speeding down the M4 and the A37 on the way to our first stop, Paschoe House – a lovely boutique hotel in Crediton, Devon. Paschoe House opened last year – it’s a fabulous manor house with everything newly renovated. We were shown to our room – described as a Sensational room and it really was. Super stylish with a fabulously comfy bed and gorgeous bathroom with freestanding bath – it also had stunning views of the garden. We all went out for a long walk around the grounds and then Heidi and I, for a special treat, were taken to the Library bar where we were the star turn as usual! Finally headed back to our room whilst the humans enjoyed their delicious five-course dinner. We were tucked up in our beds, provided by the hotel when they came back to join us.
Day Two
We awoke early Saturday morning and Denise and Rory took us for a quick stroll around the grounds before breakfast. We also had a play with the toys the hotel had thoughtfully provided. We were super excited as we were going to meet the owner Tabitha and her two Cavalier Spaniels Truffle and Toffee. The humans told us their breakfast was one of the best they had ever tasted. Next up was had a lovely play and run around with Truffle and Toffee around the sitting room and entrance hall. We all got on really well. After our meeting, we headed off for another lovely walk around the grounds. The hotel is right on Two Moors Way – a coast to coast public footpath which crosses two national parks and over 100 miles of countryside. Reluctantly we left the hotel and headed off to our next stop – the Tresanton Hotel in St Mawes, Cornwall which was just under two hours away. If you are visiting Cornwall it’s such a good idea to break up the journey with a stay in Devon.
Denise had been to St Mawes several years before but hadn’t remembered just how lovely it was with tropical trees swaying in the breeze and pretty coloured houses on a sweeping coast. Heidi and I always get very over excited on coastal trips. I love swimming in the sea, Heidi is not so keen although she likes chasing seagulls. We were going to stay at the super chic Tresanton Hotel owned by fabulous hotelier Olga Polizzi which is perched on the cliffs just above the sea – they even have their own private beach club. We parked the cars and ascended the steps up to the fabulous terrace overlooking the sea -it’s super stylish with wonderful views out to sea and best of all we are allowed there too!
After a delicious cream tea in the terrace with Heidi and I hoovering up half a scone each, we went off to explore the town which is really gorgeous with lots of pet-friendly shops and pubs like the Victory Inn. Next up was a meeting with the charming manager Karen with large g&ts for the humans. Karen told us how much they love dogs at the Tresanton – so much so that they now have their very own Dogs’ bar. Its possible to eat dinner in the main restaurant, outside in the summer, without canine friends but we were happy that Denise and Rory decided we would eat in the Dog’s bar where we were invited along too. Naturally, we got talking to another family with a dog and we all had a very jolly time. They serve the same food in the Dog’s bar as in the main restaurant but its just a little more casual. After dinner, we had another lovely walk around the town and stopped off for a late night drink at the Victory Inn
Off to bed in our lovely room that faced the sea and was furnished with lovely paintings, books and antiques but with a nautical theme.
After another lovely clifftop walk in the morning, a visit to their beach club and I had a little paddle in the sea which was lovely!
Day Three
Next off we decided to explore Cornwall for the day – just a short drive away we stopped at the lovely Lugger Arms for coffee. The hotel is set right on the beach and we were all given a lovely welcome. Next we headed off to Penzance to have a look around and then for lunch at the ultra pet-friendly restaurant The Gurnard’s Head near St Ives where the humans enjoyed Sunday lunch and we were offered some delicious treats. After lunch we got on the road again for our final destination Hotel Endsleigh hidden on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon – just an hour’s drive away. It’s a Grade I historic house set in 100 acres of fairytale woodland.
We were welcomed by Adam, the charming manager, and shown to our fabulous suite (no. 18) in the Stable Block.
The suite is on two floors with a sitting room downstairs with stylish bright floral fabric chairs. The wooden floors are ideally suited to us canines and upstairs is a bedroom and separate bathroom. The stable block has recently been renovated and we felt as though we were in our very own little house. After a little lie down we headed off with the humans for dinner in the main hotel. Adam had very sweetly offered to set up a separate room for dinner for the four of us. We felt very important having our very own private dining room. But apparently, the hotel is happy to offer private dining for their guests who have pets if the room is free. The humans loved it too!
Back to our lovely country tweed beds thoughtfully provided by the hotel and then breakfast the next morning again in our private dining room!! The whole team were delightful and made a huge fuss of us. We even had a cheeky sausage.
After a wonderful walk around the follies and grottos in the amazing gardens, it was time to return home.
We can’t wait for our next trip!