Fido Family Friendly Places

Set in open countryside, above the charming seaside village of Portmahomack, Sheaf Dale is a beautifully presented cottage with a private hot tub in the gardens and a rear gated parking area, ideal for trailers with canoes, bicycles or other equipment. This single-storey, terraced, whitewashed stone cottage is tucked away along a quiet lane on the owner’s working arable and sheep farm. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated throughout and provides a good standard of accommodation in a peaceful yet accessible location. The large, airy living room looks out across the fields, and there is a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room, with plenty of room for up to six guests. The master bedroom features a super kingsize bed and a wall-mounted TV, and both the double bedroom and the bunk bedroom are superbly presented with colour-coordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the local area add to the property’s charm. There is a secluded lawned garden with a sandstone patio area that leads down to the feature hot tub, making this an ideal property for couples, honeymooners and families wishing to have a relaxing, pampering holiday.

The picturesque seaside village of Portmahomack is just 1 mile away, with its sweeping sandy beach and stunning mountain backdrop, it is a superb spot to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. There is a small harbour with a pier, ideal for a spot of crabbing or fishing. The village has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub and café, as well as a renowned seafood restaurant. A traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club which is open to visitors, is just a short walk away and there are numerous other renowned golf courses in the area including Royal Dornoch and Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. The region is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Within a 10-minute drive lies the Royal Burgh of Tain, established as a Royal Burgh in 1066, and the Tain Museum houses the famous original Tain Silver Collection. Predominantly built out of local sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town which offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of the famous Glenmorangie Distillery where you can take a tour and sample the single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course.

This lovely cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. When you return at the end of the day, relax in the hot tub whilst you drink in the uninterrupted views across the countryside to the sea beyond. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Sheaf Dale can be booked together with The Paddock (UK5049) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

This stunning detached property sits in an elevated position in the grounds of the owners’ land and working farm in the Angus countryside. Commanding magnificent views towards Montrose Basin, a land locked estuary at the mouth of the River South Esk, renowned for its bird and wildlife sanctuary. The property has been a recent barn conversion and tasteful décor and attention to detail is evident throughout. An ideal house for family get-togethers, visitors have use of a private hot tub in the garden as well as access to the peaceful walks around the farmland surrounding the property.

Located just 4 miles from the centre of Montrose and a couple of miles from the nearest shop and pub, there is plenty to discover in the area. Glorious sandy beaches in Montrose, Lunan Bay or St Cyrus are wonderful for bracing walks or playing in the sand. Montrose Basin is a renowned Nature Reserve and Wildlife Centre and in the winter, thousands of pink footed geese make a spectacular sight taking off in the early morning to feed in the surrounding countryside. Away from the coast are the Angus Glens which form the foothills of the Grampian Mountains with myriad walks and trails to be discovered. Golf, tennis and a leisure pool are in the town itself, or further afield the cities of Dundee and Aberdeen are almost equidistant and have plenty of shops, eateries and theatres for an alternative day out. Beach 3 miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub 2½ miles.
This property can be booked together with The Shepherd’s Hut (UK31572) to accommodate up to 4 guests.

Welcome to Bunny Meadows, here you will enjoy the freedom of a country holiday in a large detached, tastefully decorated farmhouse with a good standard throughout. A truly home from home experience providing en-suite bedrooms, every room being well-equipped and thought out with plenty of space and providing a relaxing atmosphere. Bedroom 4 and 5, on the first floor have interlinking doors, great for families with small children. It is the perfect location for a family get together to remember, with your own private paddock to enjoy with glorious views across the owner’s horse farm.
Bunny Meadows has been thoughtfully and tastefully decorated throughout with soft furnishings. No expense has been spared on the comfortable beds and of course those little touches which will make your holiday extra special, including the huge farmhouse kitchen with Range cooker. For alfresco dining a barbecue can be found on the patio, or stretch your legs around your private paddock and enjoy the freedom which it offers.
Not too near but not too far, Bunny Meadows is surrounded by a wealth of historic attractions and you will be centrally located for Pembrokeshire and the whole of south Wales. The Gower has lots to offer and many tourist attractions are only a short drive away. Locally the towns of Carmarthen and St Clears are only a 6 minute drive. The village shop, pub and restaurant are only 1½ miles….no hustle and bustle of busy tourist towns here!
Take a trip to Llanstephan and enjoy afternoon tea in the mansion house or walk on the sandy beach and then visit the castle. Only 15 minutes away is Laugharne, home of Dylan Thomas, again with a beautiful sandy beach and castle with a tearoom. There is also Pembrey Country Park or Heatherton and Oakwood theme parks to visit or for younger guests (and parents!) visit Folly Farm with lambs, all things fluffy and even tigers and giraffes. A short drive away is Skanda Vale a multi faith ashram which welcomes 90,000 pilgrims a year for those who need a peaceful retreat to stay whilst visiting the temples. A great location for a fantastic holiday with something to suit everybody. Beach 4½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and ideally located for year round holidays, this semi-detached, converted former farm building offers spacious and comfortable accommodation within easy reach of numerous family attractions and the port of Holyhead for day trips to Ireland. Bronallt Barns is a perfect base for exploring the lovely beaches of Anglesey and is within a mile of shops, pubs and restaurants in Valley. It is also close to wonderful walking opportunities on the Anglesey Coastal Path. Birdwatchers will enjoy the RSPB Reserve at South Stack, and a myriad of exhilarating outdoor pursuits can be easily accessed in the nearby Snowdonia National Park. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Llofft Storws can be booked together with Yr Hen Feudy (ref UK6292) and Yr Hen Stabal (ref UK6293) to accommodate up to 22 guests.

In a rural setting, but less than 5 miles east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth, and with beautiful views of the Rheidol Valley, Maesbangor Farmhouse is a large property with lots of room to spread out. Previously two homes, but now combined into one, this spacious semi-detached house offers seven bedrooms sleeping up to 14 guests.

The imposing front of the house looks across the valley, and the front garden even boasts a hot tub where you can relax and take in the view. As you enter inside you will appreciate how ideal the farmhouse is for families or friends who want that extra space, or perhaps a quiet corner. There is a large beamed dining room with a feature wood burner. Leading off is a conservatory overlooking the enclosed terrace with benches and tables as well as a small lawn. The kitchen, complete with a breakfast area, is well-equipped with everything you need to cook up a tasty treat.

On the other side of the house there is a living room with 50" Freeview TV and wood burner, as well as an additional living room. Also on this side of the house you’ll find kitchen number two; smaller than the first but still well-equipped. There are two staircases that lead to the first floor, one leading to four bedrooms, all en-suite, and the other leading to three further bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, and a family bathroom. This is the perfect location for a family holiday, or a break with a group of friends.

Imagine yourself sitting on the the sandy beach overlooking Cardigan Bay, watching dolphins, or perhaps exploring one of the many market towns in the surrounding area. The Victorian resort of Aberystwyth, with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier, is close by, as is the compelling Cambrian Mountains, dotted with hill sheep farms, forest and lakeland. Take a meandering train ride on what was once a working link between the local lead mines and the harbour; the Vale of Rheidol Railway now runs a steam train service through the Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge, where you can see the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder. When you’re done with exploring for the day, come back and relax at Maesbangor Farmhouse or visit the gastro pub, situated within half a mile of the house. Beach 6 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Set on the edge of the Blaithwaite Estate, this is the perfect getaway for couples or a small family looking to explore the many wonderful sights and attractions that can be discovered nearby.

Overlooking woodlands and fields, Blaithwaite Cottage is nestled in 80-acres grounds. The patio doors from the living room open out onto a patio area, the perfect place to sit, watch and listen as you take in the many sounds of the neighbouring wildlife. South facing, you will find it hard to pull yourself away from here on a sunny day. The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to make a hearty breakfast. Let the dishwasher do all the hard work for you as you head out to start you day. The utility room can take care of those wet, muddy clothes on damper days, and for a good night’s sleep, upstairs there are two comfortable bedrooms, one double and one twin, with sumptuous beds. No need for awkward queues in the morning as there are two shower rooms, one on each floor complete with heated towel rails for cosy warm towels.
Outside is a large mature garden, ideal for your children or the dog to play in, alongside parking for two cars and a bike store. You don’t have to go too far to explore, as the estate grounds offer a wealth of activities, available (at cost) are laser tag, or bushcraft, and seasonal event days. For something a little gentler (at no cost), play crazy golf, play on the play areas, and footie fields, take a walk around the woodland including a specialist arboretum and wetlands that you can explore, you can even grab the estate nature passport to assist with your exploring!
Set midway between the popular Lake District market town of Keswick, 18 miles and the historic city of Carlisle, 16 miles, steeped with Roman history from neighbouring Hadrian’s Wall and the prominent castle that has played garrison to soldiers for hundreds of years. The Solway Coast, 10 miles, forms a border between England and Scotland, and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, considered to be one of the most scenic stretches of English coastline. Shop 1½ miles, pub 2 miles and restaurant 5 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate larger groups.

Escape to this stunning, detached eco-build which is made of Canadian red cedar, and enjoy glorious, sheep-filled rural views across the picturesque Brede Levels. Situated on the edge of the Cinque port town of Winchelsea and just 3½ miles from the medieval market town of Rye. This is an ideal holiday destination for friends and families, with an inviting wood burner for cooler evenings, a galleried landing leading to a balcony offering superb, elevated, picture postcard views and bi-folding doors on the ground floor that open out onto a terrace with an inviting hot tub. Ideal walking territory, with footpaths from the doorstep, or stroll beside the Royal Military Canal, which stretches from almost Hastings to Hythe. Bring your binoculars and head towards Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, which offers five bird watching hides with easy access - hear the nightingale sing in the springtime. The comedian Spike Milligan’s headstone can be spotted in the church yard in Winchelsea, with the immortalized words ’I told you I was ill!’ Take a swim at Camber Sands or Winchelsea Beach, discover 4000-year-old fossilized forests or spot a shipwreck along the Hastings coast. Battle Abbey also makes for a great day out. Beach 2 miles. Shop and pub 1 mile, restaurant 300 yards.

A stunning property, with a private hot tub, set in a secluded rural location within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Overloooking the Alkham Valley, it is located on a 50-acre working farm, with horses, rare breed sheep and alpacas. It adjoins the owners’ home at one side of the livery yard. Steps lead from the terrace and hot tub down to a paddock, which is backed by woodland and is an ideal place for enjoying a picnic. In the cooler weather or in the evenings, you can light the wood burner, settle down in front of the huge cinema screen and open the popcorn! Enjoy sitting on the balcony with sea glimpses accessible from one of the bedrooms.

Walks are available from the doorstep, or you can gather your buckets and spades and head to Folkestone, 3 miles, where you will find the aptly named Sunny Sands Beach by the harbour wall, and where you can treat yourself to fish and chips. For animal lovers, Port Lympne Zoo and Howletts Zoo make great days out, whilst Canterbury is a ½-hour drive. Visit the magnificent cathedral there, or take a boat or punt out on the River Stour. The bargain hunter is also well catered for at McArthur Glen designer outlet at Ashford and the De Bradlei Wharf in Dover. Whilst there, visit imposing Dover Castle, or bring your passport and take a ferry from Dover to Calais, or take the train and have lunch in Paris. Beach 3 miles. Shop and pub 500 yards, restaurant 1½ miles

Nestled within the quiet village of Gimingham, but under 2 miles from the coast, Hall Farm Barns have been thoughtfully furnished and equipped to ensure guests have everything they need for a great stay. Light and airy throughout, these semi-detached barns can be booked individually or as a group for those wishing to accommodate large numbers while still retaining some privacy. The largest of the barns, The Great South Barn (UKC2527), sleeps twelve and benefits from four bathrooms, three of which are en-suite. Just as impressive, The Great North Barn (ref UKC2526), sleeps ten and has a glass ceiling area that is just perfect for gazing at blue skies and stars alike. The smaller, but perfectly formed Courtyard Barn (ref UKC2525), sleeps six and offers integrated ceiling speakers and retains an air of spaciousness, making it a great place in which to relax and unwind.

Close by lies the seaside village of Mundesley which offers a lovely sandy beach, a firm favourite with the locals but something of an undiscovered gem compared to its larger neighbour Cromer. Do make time to visit Cromer though, as here you will find a celebrated Edwardian seafront, a long promenade to stroll along and a famous pier, which often offers end of pier shows. Both seaside resorts also offer lots of places where you can eat and drink, and Cromer also has a cinema and Amazonia Zoo.

Close by also lies the gateway to the Norfolk Broads, Wroxham, which offers lots of attractions, including the opportunity to hire a day boat or join a charter as it glides through these famous waterways. There is so much to do in the area that whichever barn you choose, you will book to come again, just to fit everything in. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 28 guests.

Offering spacious, luxurious holiday accommodation, Castlebar is ideal for families and friends wanting comfortable surroundings with excellent amenities in a very accessible location. Set back from the main road with gated access and plenty of parking, Castlebar is a substantial detached home which offers all the comforts one expects from a holiday home including Wi-fi and Sky TV. The entrance hallway features a cocktail arcade machine, and the ground floor offers contemporary living with a large living room and a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room leading to a games room which overlooks the garden. There are also 2 bedrooms on the ground floor, one with an en-suite shower room. There are a further 4 bedrooms on the first floor, all of which have a Freeview TV. The master bedroom also has its own dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Enjoy a barbecue in the large enclosed garden, complete with a private hot tub and cycle store. There is an electric vehicle charging point available free of charge.

Thanks to its proximity to the road network and with so much to see and do within easy driving distance, Castlebar makes the ideal touring base. It is conveniently located close to the Fylde Coast and just 5 miles from the popular seaside resort of Blackpool. Poulton-le-Fylde is just 1½ miles away which has a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. There are also lots of family friendly pubs in the area as well as play centres for the children. Activities available locally include golf, fishing and horse riding, as well as plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling.

Blackpool, whose many attractions include the famous Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach, Sea Life Centre, Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Zoo and Sandcastle Water Park, is just 5 miles away. For a more laid back seaside experience, Cleveleys, 5 miles, has an award-winning seafront, and the cosmopolitan town of Lytham St Annes, 13 miles, is famous for its 5 championship golf courses and annual Proms. Other places within easy driving distance include Preston, 15 miles, and Lancaster, 20 miles. Lancashire’s beautiful Ribble Valley, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are all within an hour’s drive. For those who prefer to leave their car behind, there is a good public transport network in the area with buses from the main road into Blackpool. Alternatively, trains run from Poulton-le-Fylde to Blackpool, Manchester and Preston. Beach 5 miles. Shop 50 yards, pub 1 mile and restaurant 1½ mile.