Fido Family Friendly Places

Set in 27 acres of grounds, this delightful house forms the north wing of the owners’ mansion. Dating back to 1687, the house is steeped in history and The Mews was added in 1842. The house has its original 1840 layout. Unfortunately there are no upstairs bathrooms as planning will not allow as the building is B listed. The house is conveniently laid out for family groups or couples with the bedroom areas accessed by two separate staircases on either side of a central lounge and kitchen area. On one side there are 2 adjoining bedrooms one can only be accessed via the other one, ideal for a family but not suitable for unrelated couples. There is a 48 bottle wine fridge in the kitchen which is well equipped but not overly large though you can seat 4 for dining. The dining room seats 8 in comfort.
Outside, guests have free access to the extensive walled garden at the rear and the parkland at the front, inhabited by the owners’ miniature Shetland pony herd and which leads down to a beautiful small lake with an island. An idyllic retreat, guests can explore the grounds or enjoy the many activities available in the area. Nearby, the Hill of Bennachie is a great place for walks, whilst the Lochter Centre near Inverurie (11 miles) offers outdoor activities to suit everyone, from archery to Segway and from go-karting to clay pigeon shooting, and much more! This is castle country and there are 14 of Scotland’s finest to choose from. Golf, fishing, and riding are all within easy reach in the area and there is a good selection of shops and eating places both in Insch and nearby Inverurie. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 800 yards.

In a rural setting but located just five miles east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth, and with beautiful views of the Rheidol Valley, Maes Rheidol is a detached property, furnished and equipped to a very high standard. With all rooms on the ground floor and with the added bonus of a conservatory and outdoor hot tub in the patio garden, you can enjoy relaxing in this wonderful location.

Picture yourself sitting on a sandy beach overlooking Cardigan Bay watching dolphins, cycling down country lanes, walking in the hills, or just strolling through one of many market towns. You can escape life’s hustle and bustle and enjoy this region in so many ways. It’s the perfect location to book a family holiday, a romantic getaway, a short break or a weekend away.

The dignified Victorian resort of Aberystwyth with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier is close by, as are the compelling Cambrian Mountains, dotted with hill sheep farms, forest and lakelands. Take a stately meandering train ride on what was once a working link between local lead mines and the harbour; the Vale of Rheidol Railway now runs a steam train service through the Rheidol Valley terminating at Devil’s Bridge. Here you can choose to go and see the three bridges over the river, or visit some of the other attractions such as the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder.

When you have finished exploring, the cottage is within half a mile of a gastro pub. Come and stay at Maes Rheidol and immerse yourself in all that this part of Wales has to offer, you won’t be disappointed.

These delightful holiday cottages are set in the peaceful conservation village of Puncknowle, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Jurassic Coast is just 1½ miles away with superb scenic walking. Each cottage is finished to a high standard offering very comfortable holiday accommodation and is set in the same smart courtyard area as the owners’ homes. The ‘chocolate-box’ village of Burton Bradstock is 3 miles with a good small beach. Abbotsbury, along the coast, has its famous swannery and sub-tropical garden. Further east is the Victorian seaside town of Weymouth, with Blue Flag beach, sea fishing, windsurfing, Sealife Centre and two RSPB nature reserves. Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool are great places for a family day out. Dorchester, the county town also known as Thomas Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’ is 30 minutes’ drive and has a lively weekly market and beautiful Maiden Castle. To the west is the market town of Bridport which was Thomas Hardy’s ‘Port Bredy’ and has the twice weekly market as featured in the popular TV programme River Cottage. The picturesque harbours of West Bay are a great place for fishing. Lyme Regis is an attractive seaside resort which enjoys a dramatic setting with high cliffs, landslips and handsome harbour, known as The Cobb. Both Lyme Regis and Charmouth are renowned for their prehistoric fossils which are displayed in the local museum and on sale in the fossil shops. Local pub serving good food 250 yards.

Set in the Clun valley, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this converted property was originally part of an old sawmill. Now providing spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation of a high standard, it makes a wonderfully relaxing base, ideal for walkers and cyclists – the Offa’s Dyke long distance footpath can be joined nearby. Ludlow, home to many renowned restaurants, a splendid castle and an annual festival, is just 13 miles away as is historic Church Stretton. Shrewsbury, Hereford and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum are all well worth exploring. Shop 2 miles, pub ½ mile.
The Old Sawmill can be booked together with Little Brampton Farmhouse (ref E3974) to accommodate up to 39 guests.

In a tranquil wooded setting beside Tunstall Forest and just 3 miles from Orford on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, this characterful cottage is perfect for walkers, bird watchers and riders. Visitors are welcome to bring their own horses, and stabling is available for 4 horses (by arrangement, direct contact is advised) as well as grazing for more. Although this is a peaceful holiday location, wi-fi is provided free of charge for those still wanting to keep in touch whilst away from home. Miles of quiet roads and forest tracks between Snape and Woodbridge offer lovely cycling, whilst river boat trips, Snape concert hall and craft centre, and Aldeburgh are all nearby. Shops, inns and castle 3 miles.

Two purpose built contemporary lodges, set in an elevated position above the owners farmland with far reaching views across meadows and a small lake in the valley. Guests are enchanted by the beautiful location, the quietness and dark starry night skies. Both properties are extremely well appointed and spacious both inside and out, each boasting large decked terraces, with gates for keeping both pets and children from roaming, and each having their own private hot tub. The perfect location for families or friends looking for a peaceful retreat for a holiday or celebrating a special occasion, and the perfect spot for those looking to explore the wider surrounding area. A well established hedge provides complete privacy between the two lodges, but a small access path means that the two can be hired together for large groups.
Close by, the Grand Western Canal and Country Park, offers boat trips and great walking and cycling, Knighthayes National Trust, 3 miles, Killerton and Powderham Castle. Exmoor’s seaside resorts, Dartmoor, the city of Exeter, south coast towns and north coast surfing beaches are easily accessible. Beauty treatments, local veg and meat box and home cooking can all be arranged (at extra charge). Shop/Post Office 2 miles, pub 1 mile.

Nestling peacefully down a country lane, this spacious and well-appointed, charming barn conversion, with decorations and tree provided for Christmas bookings, enjoys panoramic views of the coast and over to the mountains of Snowdonia. Enjoying its own fully enclosed garden and patio with hot tub, this holiday property sits within the grounds of the owner’s home just 1 mile from an award-winning sandy beach. Historic Caernarfon, 6 miles, is home to a magnificent castle, golf, riding and a narrow gauge railway that winds its way through the spectacular Snowdonia scenery to the pretty little harbour town of Porthmadog, where the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway takes you on another scenic ride to the home of Welsh slate - Blaenau Ffestiniog. A myriad of outdoor pursuits and family attractions are all easily accessible. Fishing available nearby.

"Peace and tranquillity set amongst Yorkshire’s finest countryside and long stretches of magnificent beaches..."


Steeped in history these former barn buildings have been lovingly restored using all of the original materials. Presented to a very high standard and offering spacious accommodation, each holiday cottage has its own enclosed garden for sole use, to while away the hours overlooking stunning paddocks where deer and foxes play. Guests have free use of the owners’ private indoor heated swimming pool, a communal games room and a children’s play area. The complex is surrounded by open countryside and a newly planted broad leaf woodland area, and is only four miles from the pretty village of Brandesburton. Oaklands wedding venue is situated in the 150 acres of woodland that surround the properties. Struncheon Hill Farm is a haven for those who enjoy having fun around water with a river, lake and pond nearby. Fishing, canal cruises and a Jet Ski and Diving School are less than half a mile from the door. Visitors will find locally an 18-hole golf course, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, a parachute and gliding centre, and an RSPB bird sanctuary.

Just a short drive leads to the traditional seaside resorts of Bridlington, Scarborough and Filey with miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches, colourful promenades, inns and tea rooms in abundance, offering the perfect family day out. Walking and cycling tracks surround the cottages and there is easy access to the Yorkshire Wolds - one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Robin Hoods Bay is well worth a visit, where children will love the chance to search for fossils amongst the rock pools. For stunning views, Flamborough Head is a must and visitors will delight in the puffin colonies that cling to the cliff side. For an alternative day trip, York will not disappoint and meandering along the cobbled streets of ‘The Shambles’, packed with curio and antique shops, as well as many museums including The National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre will keep both adults and children alike amused for hours. Explore British heritage when visiting stately homes and halls such as Burton Agnes Hall with its large collection of Monet and Renoir paintings, or Sledmere Hall with its beautiful gardens only a 30-minute drive away. The attractive market town of Beverley 12 miles away, where visitors can enjoy ancient cobbled streets, quaint shops and friendly local people, completes the area of peace and tranquility surrounding Struncheon Hill Farm. Shops, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Four Bays (IOH), River View (IOJ), Broad Leaf (IOK), Woodlands (IOL), Meadow View (IOM) and The Loft (UKC2652) can be booked together to accommodate up to 50 guests.

"Peace and tranquillity set amongst Yorkshire’s finest countryside and long stretches of magnificent beaches..."


Steeped in history these former barn buildings have been lovingly restored using all of the original materials. Presented to a very high standard and offering spacious accommodation, each holiday cottage has its own enclosed garden for sole use, to while away the hours overlooking stunning paddocks where deer and foxes play. Guests have free use of the owners’ private indoor heated swimming pool, a communal games room and a children’s play area. The complex is surrounded by open countryside and a newly planted broad leaf woodland area, and is only four miles from the pretty village of Brandesburton. Oaklands wedding venue is situated in the 150 acres of woodland that surround the properties. Struncheon Hill Farm is a haven for those who enjoy having fun around water with a river, lake and pond nearby. Fishing, canal cruises and a Jet Ski and Diving School are less than half a mile from the door. Visitors will find locally an 18-hole golf course, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, a parachute and gliding centre, and an RSPB bird sanctuary.

Just a short drive leads to the traditional seaside resorts of Bridlington, Scarborough and Filey with miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches, colourful promenades, inns and tea rooms in abundance, offering the perfect family day out. Walking and cycling tracks surround the cottages and there is easy access to the Yorkshire Wolds - one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Robin Hoods Bay is well worth a visit, where children will love the chance to search for fossils amongst the rock pools. For stunning views, Flamborough Head is a must and visitors will delight in the puffin colonies that cling to the cliff side. For an alternative day trip, York will not disappoint and meandering along the cobbled streets of ‘The Shambles’, packed with curio and antique shops, as well as many museums including The National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre will keep both adults and children alike amused for hours. Explore British heritage when visiting stately homes and halls such as Burton Agnes Hall with its large collection of Monet and Renoir paintings, or Sledmere Hall with its beautiful gardens only a 30-minute drive away. The attractive market town of Beverley 12 miles away, where visitors can enjoy ancient cobbled streets, quaint shops and friendly local people, completes the area of peace and tranquility surrounding Struncheon Hill Farm. Shops, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Four Bays (IOH), River View (IOJ), Broad Leaf (IOK), Woodlands (IOL), Meadow View (IOM) and The Loft (UKC2652) can be booked together to accommodate up to 50 guests.

Standing peacefully in the heart of picturesque Ryedale, this carefully converted detached barn offers superb quality spacious holiday accommodation perfect for families and groups of friends. Situated in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are walking and cycling tracks in abundance, an ideal way to enjoy the stunning scenery, quaint villages and market towns. Hovingham (3 miles) is the ancestral home of the Duchess of Kent and this picturesque village has a bakery where visitors can enjoy freshly baked bread and pies. The magnificent 18th-century house at Castle Howard, location for the filming of Brideshead Revisited is close by and hosts annual events and concerts, has an award-winning farm shop and beautiful gardens. Local places of interest include Nunnington Hall, Rievaulx Abbey, Eden Camp Museum and Flamingo Land, and you can find out about their opening times on one of the touch screen computers we provide. Helmsley (10 miles), with its Walled Garden, Duncombe Park and an open-air swimming pool (summer season only), has a variety of individual shops, inns and traditional tea shops, and from Pickering (13 miles) you can board the famous steam train and travel through the scenic North Yorks Moors National Park to the fishing resort of Whitby. Along the Heritage Coast there are miles of sandy beaches and smugglers’ coves can be found at Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay. The historic walled city of York (20 miles) holds irresistible appeal for all ages with its minster, castle and railway museums, Jorvik centre, river cruises and ghost walks. Shops and pub 1½ miles.