Fido Family Friendly Places

Extensive sea and inland views can be admired from this Grade II listed former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Built in 1791, it stands in a superb coastal location adjoining Happisburgh’s working lighthouse and within a short drive of the Norfolk Broads. It offers well-equipped, comfortable holiday accommodation; the cellar has been converted into a den for children. The lighthouse is open to the public on some Sundays in high season, when visitors can enjoy the fantastic view from the top. Private tours can be arranged at a cost with the trust. Local rural, beach and cliff-top walks, and fishing nearby. Wroxham 12 miles. Norwich 20 miles. Shop, pub/restaurant ½ mile.

Situated in a quiet rural location, Bardon Lodge is a spacious property attached to the owner’s home and set within 10 acres of grounds. The property is surrounded by fields and woodland, yet close enough to all amenities. The property has been decorated and furnished to a very good standard and is all on one level with both bedrooms having en-suite facilities. There is a living room with patio doors which lead to the decking area, ideal for dining al fresco. The sitting room also has patio doors leading out to the garden. The owner has horses and free range chickens may even come and visit!
There are so many places to visit and so easy to get to. Take a trip to Totnes where there are many shops, markets and walks along the riverbank. Dartmoor is just a short car ride where you can see the ponies, walk the Tors or simply stop off in one of the many villages for a Devon cream tea. Paignton, Torquay and Brixham are also great places to visit, as are Exeter and Plymouth, both within 30 minutes’ drive. There are many National Trust properties including Agatha Christie’s summer home ’Greenway’, well worth a visit. For the children, there is Crealy Adventure park, or Go Ape in Haldon. If you are bringing a bicycle, there are many cycle ways off road to be explored, including Powderham Castle where there is a cycle track all along the estuary. There is so much to see and do in this glorious part of Devon. Beach 6 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This pretty self catering holiday cottage in Kent has been renovated to a high standard with oak beams and an open aspect giving it a real feeling of light and space yet with a cosy wood burner to curl up in front of in the colder months. The calm colour scheme and natural coir matting make this a very attractive and charming holiday cottage. A great area for walking, close to the seaside for watersports and Rye for culture, perfect for everyone!
With two beautiful bedrooms nestled in the eaves overlooking open fields and woodland and a living area that opens onto the private garden space, this is a wonderful location to relax and get away from the stresses of daily life, this luxury cottage is perfect for exploring the countryside. Stylishly furnished, this holiday cottage is light and spacious offering a good standard of self catering holiday accommodation. Added to this there is a tennis court which can be used to make your holiday even more fun (by prior arrangement with the owners).

The Cider Barn is decorated and furnished to a very high standard by the owners who have years of experience in the hospitality industry, and the attention to detail is evident in every room.
Downstairs is a fabulous open plan living space, with wonderful Bi-folding doors that open to allow the outside in and giving you great views over the Blackdown hills. The kitchen is well-equipped with everything you need and the island unit opens it up to the rest of the room, so you can socialise while creating your next culinary masterpiece! The large Master bedroom on the ground floor has a stunning four-poster bed and en-suite bathroom with roll-top bath and separate shower, while upstairs the second large bedroom features a wonderful kingsize bespoke bed, beautiful beamed vaulted ceiling and statement lighting. There is also a shower room upstairs with walk-in shower.
Outside you will find a Mediterranean style covered seating area complete with its own chandelier, barbecue area and private hot tub, all soaking up the wonderful views!
Set in the lovely village of Bishopswood, with the Somerset Wildlife Trust running adjacent to the property, you are only 5-minutes’ walk from the local pub and surrounded by miles of beautiful walks. The market town of Honiton is just 10 miles away and the beach at Lyme Regis can be reached within a 30-minute drive. Heading north, you will find the county town of Taunton with lots of restaurants, cinema, bowling and shopping, and within an hour’s drive you will find Glastonbury, Street, Minehead and the moors of Exmoor! Beach 18 miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

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.

A lovely converted cottage renovated to a good standard with lots of home comforts, comprising of a living room, separate dining room and kitchen, two double bedrooms, a single bedroom, contemporary bathroom and an external utility room.
This great property is located in Garnant, 4 miles from the town of Ammanford and 15 miles from Swansea, a great location for those wanting to explore south wales. Take a bike ride in Lyn Llech Owain Country park, a 158 acre park of woods, lakes and forest tracks for those wanting a more leisurely ride, and for adrenaline junkies you can head to the rough mountain trails. At the end of a busy day, come back and relax in the lovely enclosed garden to the rear of the property and watch the sun go down.
If it is walks you are looking for then there are plenty of sites to visit in this area. Head down to the Four Waterfalls in Ystradfellte and take in the natural beauty of the Welsh land and see the water cascading over the rocks. Head on down to the National showcase caves at Dan yr Ogof for a great day out for kids and adults. Beach 23 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Tucked away on a quiet country lane just 5 miles from the sandy beaches at Chapel St Leonards is this spacious bungalow ideal for a family break with a large garden including a big summerhouse and plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.
Within 15 minutes’ drive you have the traditional seaside resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe, Fantasy Island, Butlins, Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve as well as The Lincolnshire Wolds. A nearby footpath through the field takes you to the village pub where you can have food, and is a 10-minute walk away, before you return to soak in your own private hot tub and enjoy the open view across the fields.
For those wishing to enjoy a very popular gastro pub there is one at Skendleby approximately a 10-minute drive away. You can even bring your family dog, with two small dogs welcome, but please be aware there could be cattle or sheep in adjacent fields. There are very good walks from the door with the area also being very popular for cyclists. Beach 5 miles. Pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

Mackenzie Cottage is a traditional style, detached cottage situated in the charming and renowned village of Poolewe in the north west Highlands. The cottage is beautifully presented throughout, with lots of attractive personal touches reflecting a Highland theme. There is a cosy living room on the ground floor with a feature electric wood burner. The kitchen/dining room is bright, contemporary and very well equipped. There are two double bedrooms upstairs, one with a 6’6" bed that converts into twin beds if required. This room enjoys superb views over the river to the hills beyond. Situated just 30 yards from the beach and with excellent local amenities a short stroll from the cottage, it provides an ideal base for a wonderful Highland holiday.
The immediate area is renowned for its wonderful beaches and breathtaking scenery. Wildlife abounds and otters, seals and a myriad of bird life can be seen locally. The sub-tropical gardens of Inverewe are simply stunning and offer visitors a memorable day out. Due to its temperate climate, which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, an exceptional variety of plants flourish here. The pretty village of Poolewe has excellent local amenities, all within easy walking distance, including café, village shop and even a swimming pool. The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities and places of interest. Loch beach 30 yards.

Welcome to Oak Villa, an enchanting holiday property in the Forest of Dean, a picturesque retreat nestled amidst the lush woodlands of Gloucestershire, England. This charming and cosy accommodation offers a memorable escape for up to five people, providing an idyllic setting for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Nestled within the heart of the ancient forest, this holiday let has direct access to a breathtaking tapestry of vibrant flora and fauna. Tall, majestic trees stand sentinel all around, creating a serene atmosphere that invites you to unwind and embrace the wonders of nature.
The holiday let itself is a rustic cottage, designed to harmonise with its surroundings. The exterior boasts a traditional stone facade, while the interior features home-from-home comforts and amenities to ensure a delightful stay. Inside, you’ll find a spacious and inviting living area, adorned with comfortable furnishings and a cosy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings with your loved ones. Large windows bathe the space in natural light, allowing you to appreciate the stunning views of the forest from the comfort of the indoors. The well-equipped kitchen provides everything you need to prepare delicious meals, and the dining area offers a charming spot to enjoy them together with its six-seater dining table. Alternatively, step outside onto the private patio and take a soak in the private hot tub, where you can also relish al fresco dining amidst the peaceful ambience of the forest.
The accommodation boasts two lovely bedrooms on the first floor, and a charming loft room accessed by a staircase, each thoughtfully decorated to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Imagine waking up to the soft sounds of birdsong and sunlight filtering through the leaves. As guests, you’ll have access to nearby walking trails that meander through the forest, perfect for strolls or invigorating hikes.
Explore hidden waterfalls, and ancient ruins, and encounter the diverse wildlife that calls the Forest of Dean its home. The Beaver Sanctuary is also a fantastic place to visit, just 200 yards away. Whether you seek a serene retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this property in the Forest of Dean promises an unforgettable experience for you and your group. Come and create treasured memories amidst the splendour of nature’s embrace.

Old Low Farm Cottage is a charming, white washed, detached cottage situated on the cliff side, just outside the village of Aldbrough and near Hornsea. Located on a working sheep farm, this spacious property is perfectly placed to enjoy a family holiday in a peaceful setting, yet central enough to explore the delights of a traditional seaside town.
The cottage is single-storey with well proportioned rooms. Upon entering you will find a good-sized hallway with plenty of space to hang coats and store your buckets and spades. The kitchen is to the rear of the cottage with a family dining table, offering lovely views across open fields to the sea. With modern units and appliances, the chef in the group will enjoy preparing delicious, home cooked meals here. The spacious living room has large, comfortable sofas which surround the hearth and wood burner, and the large windows let in lots of light giving this room a homely feel. There are a selection of games and books to while away some time during the evening. There are three well-appointed and attractively decorated bedrooms, with two doubles and one single. The shower room features a large shower and plenty of storage space for all your holiday essentials. Outside the cottage is an enclosed garden, a great spot for children and your four-legged friends to play. The hot tub is nestled to one side of the garden with seating opposite. This is an ideal space to enjoy an al fresco breakfast or to watch the evening dusk over the English Channel.
The village of Aldbrough is a few minutes’ walk away in which you will find the village shop and the local pub. The town of Hornsea is no more than 10 minutes’ drive and has everything to entertain families, from a long sandy beach, central garden and a traditional promenade to amusements and lots of ice cream and fish and chips shops! Hornsea Mere offers watersports and fishing opportunities whilst Hornsea Freeport is a shopper’s paradise. Beverley is a short drive from the coast and has an excellent racecourse with a full racing calendar throughout the year. The market towns of Driffield and Market Weighton are also well worth a visit. A little further afield is the historic city of York. For those who enjoy exhilarating cliff walks, Flamborough and the Bempton Nature Reserve are close by, providing the opportunity to see puffins during the summer months. The stately homes of Burton Constable Hall and Grounds, Sledmere and Burton Agnes Hall aren’t far away and for a rainy day, a visit to The Deep, a spectacular aquarium based in Hull, is an absolute must. With the unspoilt Yorkshire Wolds on the doorstep, offering miles of cycling and walking opportunities, this pretty Yorkshire coast cottage is an excellent base for a wonderful holiday. Beach 3 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub 1 mile and restaurant 3 miles.