Dog-friendly Romantic Breaks

Lovely detached studio lodge set in beautiful countryside in Linchmere within the South Downs National Park. Sauna. Private decked area. WiFi. Perfect romantic retreat, ideal base for walking and cycling. Pet-friendly. Midhurst 5 miles.

This detached barn conversion, adjacent to the owner’s home, is located just outside the lovely conservation village of Fordyce, 1½ miles from the Moray coast. A magical place, the village is a warren of narrow streets and beautiful houses still following a medieval plan, and all wrapped around a magnificent centrepiece, Fordyce Castle, simply sitting on a bend in the village street. The holiday cottage is very spacious, comfortable and warm, and takes advantage of the panoramic views of both sea and countryside, with the arched French doors in the living room leading to a sunny sitting-out area at the front. Set within 1 acre of private grounds with dedicated guest outside area with garden furniture and BBQ available.

Fordyce also offers an attractive park opposite the old kirkyard as well as a Victorian garden. The sandy beach at Sandend is a quick drive or a 45-minute walk from the cottage, where local fish can be bought and surfers enjoy the waves. Good coastal walks abound through the old fishing villages of Portsoy and Cullen, or alternatively travel inland through castle and whisky country. There are plenty of golf courses in the vicinity, and the variety of bird and wildlife both onshore and off will please the keen nature lover. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

Fabulous detached cottage in Hellingly near The Cuckoo Trail. Superb countryside views, WiFi and hot tub. Ideal for a romantic getaway. Underfloor heating. Pet-friendly. Herstmonceux 2.2 miles.

This semi-detached, period holiday cottage is a haven of peace and tranquillity, set in 6 acres of private woodlands and is just a stone’s throw away from the town of Newcastle Emlyn, famous for its 13th-century castle and traditional Welsh pubs and restaurants. Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park and other attractions including Dynevor and Dryslwyn and the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

A charming two-bedroom cottage perched in Bleadon, Somerset. Near an AONB. Ground-floor bedroom. Dog-friendly. Weston-super-Mare 5 miles; Brean 7.3 miles; Glastonbury 18.2 miles; Bristol 23.2 miles

Birdsong Cottage is the perfect escape for couples and is close to the North Devon and North Cornwall coasts. This pretty semi-detached cottage is surrounded by hundreds of acres of Forestry Commission Land. It is just 2 miles inland from the Atlantic Highway (A39) on the North Devon/Cornwall border in between Bideford and Bude, an is the ideal choice for a relaxing break
Surrounded by beautiful countryside and birdsong, you can relax in the large enclosed lawned garden accessed from the court yard and enjoy a lazy breakfast whilst you plan your day. Lovely country, woodland and coastal walks abound, and there many dog-friendly beaches close by. This really is the perfect spot to relax and unwind at any time of year, just 4 miles from picturesque Clovelly with its donkey transport and quaint cottages lining its cobbled lanes. Just a short drive from the secluded, dog-friendly, sand and shingle beach in the tiny clifftop hamlet of Bucks Mills, one of the most beautiful villages in North Devon. This secluded hidden gem has pretty white washed cottages speckled along a wooded valley at the end of a no-through road.
A village store and post office is just 3 miles away for your daily essentials, and the popular village inn at Woolsery has a highly acclaimed restaurant and adjacent fish and chip shop, perfect for an evening out or an evening in with fish and chips. Fabulous beaches for relaxing and surfing can be found at Westward Ho!, Saunton Sands, Woolacombe and Croyde Bay, and are all within easy reach. Visit the bustling resort of Bude, the spectacular coastal pathways around Hartland Point and the market town of Bideford, from where visitors can take boat trips to the island of Lundy, England’s only marine nature reserve.
The owner supplies a fishing pass so you can enjoy the adjacent lakes, and golf, surfing, sailing and horse riding are all on offer close by. For cycling enthusiasts and walkers, the nearby Tarka Trail is not to be missed and there are numerous National Trust properties in the area. Beach 6¾ miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Nestled within a serene landscape, this charming cottage offers a tranquil retreat near the picturesque village of Blisland, renowned for its award-winning pub, the Blisland Inn, pretty stone cottages and village green. As you pass through the private gateway, over the stream, you get a sense of how peaceful a location this is as a meandering driveway leads you to the heart of this enchanting abode. Step into the cottage, where a conservatory with a dining table and garden-facing doors welcomes you.
The open-plan kitchen and lounge boast a super-comfy corner sofa and a delightful woodburner, creating a cosy ambience. The well-equipped kitchen, adorned with character, provides the perfect setting for culinary adventures. Descend a few steps down to discover a twin bedroom with doors opening to the patio and garden outside. The family bathroom, featuring a bath and shower, completes this level. Ascend the stairs to the delightful first-floor bedroom with eaves, showcasing charming stonework and a snug double bed. Throughout, the cottage exudes a warm and cottagey feel, creating an inviting atmosphere.
The surroundings are exceptionally peaceful, immersed in the breathtaking countryside near Bodmin Moor, where owls, badgers, kingfishers, and herons grace the landscape, and wild deer roam freely and buzzards wheel high above. The garden outside invites you to unwind with its seating area and barbecue, providing the perfect space for al fresco dining under the dark sky nights, ideal for stargazing and catching a glimpse of the Milky Way. Opposite the driveway, the renowned Camel Trail awaits, offering a 17-mile mostly flat pathway from Bodmin to Padstow, perfect for both walkers and cyclists, with unrivalled scenery along the way.
For fishing enthusiasts, the nearby river originating from the moody Tors and stone structures high up on the mysterious Bodmin Moor presents an opportunity (permit required). Explore the fascinating villages of Port Isaac and Boscastle, both a short drive away, or venture to the golden sandy beaches of Polzeath or Port Gaverne for a day of exploration, surfing, and swimming. Bulls Cottage is within a short driving distance of many of Cornwall’s fabulous attractions. Visit the Eden Project, Lanhydrock House (NT) and Golf Course, the harbour villages of Padstow, Looe and Fowey, or surf the North Cornwall Coastal beaches. The area is popular with cyclists who will enjoy the Bodmin Beast Trial, a 12-mile off-road mountain bike trail at Cardinham woods. There is something for everyone: children and adults, not forgetting a great selection of local pubs and fine dining restaurants.