Fido Family Friendly Places

Offering superb sea views, this spacious home is situated in an enviable position along the sea front and boasts a large heated outdoor swimming pool. This holiday cottage, attached to a self-contained annexe which is occupied by the owner, is ideal for couples or family get togethers. Summer evenings can be savoured relaxing on the large patio - perfect for relaxing and enjoying an aperitif! Hayling Island is renowned for its sailing activities and windsurfing with lessons available close by. Every year there is a national windsurfing event and a plethora of sailing and nautical activity can be seen along the coastline. Many activities can be enjoyed locally, including golf, riding and boat trips, and scenic walks along the South Downs National Park. Chichester, with its beautiful cathedral, festival theatre, leisure centre, Roman Villa and Fontwell races, is definitely worthy of a visit. Visit Portsmouth with waterside dining, ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, designer outlets, Natural Museum, leisure facilities, Spinnaker Tower, HMS Victory or the maritime history at Southampton. Winchester and The New Forest are within easy driving distance. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

This attractive and spacious single storey holiday home offers stunning panoramic views over the countryside and downs. Located within the grounds of a peaceful caravan site in the delightful village of Newchurch which has a renowned pub and the famous Garlic Farm slightly further. It is ideal for families wishing to enjoy the numerous sight seeing attractions that this popular island offers, and there are also super walks locally. The seaside resort of Sandown, with its long golden stretch of sandy beach, pier and promenade is about a five minute drive, with various entertainment including trampolines, fun-rides, putting, crazy golf, leisure centre with indoor pool, the zoo (where Tiger Isle was filmed), slides, and many cafes, bars, restaurants and pubs. Also within easy driving distance are National Trust homes and gardens and the English Heritage Property; Osborne House, where Queen Victoria used to reside, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Mottistone Manor. Other places of interest are The Needles, Blackgang Chine, Donkey Sanctuary, Rosemary’s vineyard, Havenstreet steam train, Shanklin Chine, Dinosaur Isle and Tapnell Farm Park. There are many quaint villages with thatch-top roofs, bays, coves and woodland to discover, as well as walks along miles of heritage coastline. Shop 2 miles, pub 0.5 miles, restaurant 4 miles.

The Cottage has commanding, stunning views across the English Channel. This attractive, spacious, family home for all seasons is the ideal property for a relaxing holiday with both friends or relatives.

There is a private hot tub at The Cottage, and the property offers 2 games rooms, 1 in the house with children’s toys, a library, games and 2 table football tables. There is a large, second games room in the garage next to the house which offers a number of activities including: table tennis, pool table, darts, bows and arrows, basketball (outside the garage). These games rooms also feature a kitchenette with a fridge, and seating area with a large sofa, ideal for all ages. Please note this games room is not heated.
A decked terrace runs the length of the property, an ideal spot for soaking up the sun or relax after a brisk winter walk in front of a glowing log burner in the cosy living room, overlooking the frothing waves. Four of the six bedrooms have sea views and the other two have attractive garden views.
The white chalk cliff above St Margaret’s Bay is said to be the first place the sun reaches each morning on mainland Britain! The beach is famous for being the closest point to France and is the spot where Channel swimmers begin their marathon 21 mile swim.
The village itself offers good pubs, restaurants and local shop within walking distance. The coastal path leads to the famous White Cliffs of Dover, gateway to England and now one of the UK’s protected Heritage coasts offering some of the best cliff coastal walking in the country. The lighthouse is the place where Marconi transmitted his first radio broadcast to France. Closer to France than London, bring a passport, catch a ferry from Dover and visit the French markets in Calais and Boulogne for the day.
Visit Dover, Deal and Walmer Castle, Pines Garden and Metropole Galleries Folkestone. Canterbury 17 miles. Golf, sailing, cycling, horse riding locally. Shops and pubs 500 yards.

These purpose-built holiday cottages (refs 24574, 27255 and 27257) have been constructed or converted from the original farmhouse buildings and an old Welsh longhouse. Welsh craftsmanship at its best - only the finest local tradesmen and materials have been used for the conversion of these buildings. They are situated in an elevated position on the edge of Broadlay near Ferryside on the old pilgrim road to St David’s Cathedral.

There is generous amenity space, dog walking paths and a country adventure play area for small, accompanied children. The complex is on the local bus route which connects to Carmarthen via the hotel and Ferryside railway station. In the opposite direction, Kidwelly and Swansea are en route. Ferryside is uncommercialised, peaceful and quiet; the ideal getaway for a perfect weekend (or longer) break. It is also, due to its proximity to Carmarthen, Llanelli and other centres, an ideal corporate meeting place. Kidwelly, with its Norman castle, industrial heritage museum, Pembrey Country Park and Motorsport Centre, within approximately 10 minutes’ travelling time.

The National Botanical Gardens, Laugharne (famous for Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse) and many Pembrokeshire attractions are about half an hour’s drive. There are many places to visit including Dylan Thomas’ cottage, where he spent the last years of his life. The Millennium Coastal Cycle Path, part of the national cycle path network, meanders through approximately 20 miles of local coastline, passing through local areas of interest. Places to visit include Kidwelly Castle, the Penclawydd Wildfowl Centre, and the Loughor Estuary with views of the Mumbles Peninsula south of Swansea. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Set in the heart of the picture postcard harbour village pf Craster and perched on the edge of this stunning coastline with outstanding sea views, Water’s Edge offers excellent holiday accommodation for families or groups of friends. With spectacular views towards Dunstanburgh Castle to the north and the beaches as far as Amble and Coquet Island to the south and panoramic views out to the sea, this detached property offers a sunken sheltered area of garden, making a perfect area for family barbecues whilst listening to the waves crashing below. A stone wall is all that separates the lawn from the yawning and rocky beach. French doors from the two living areas lead straight out to the well maintained gardens should you wish to relax and unwind. Craster village lies halfway along the Heritage Coastal route in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is still famous today for its smoked kippers and seafood. The walk along to Dunstanburgh Castle has featured in the top ten walks in Britain and can be started from your door. Golf available nearby. A fabulous base from which to explore this magnificent county peppered with castles and friendly villages. Shop, pub and restaurant 90 yards.

Degnish Farmhouse sits proudly alone within a 1100-acre working hill farm at the western end of Loch Melfort and has spectacular panoramic sea and adjacent island views. Surrounded by abundant wildlife, including otters, seals and birdlife and with easy access to golf, horse riding, sea kayaking, fishing and sailing, this comfortable south-facing detached holiday property offers a perfect retreat in a glorious setting.
The house has been lovingly re-built to a very good standard, with underfloor heating, double glazing and an emphasis on the wonderful views.
Ideally based for exploring the west coast, there are plenty of ferry trips nearby to Mull, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Colonsay or Tiree. The bustling harbour town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, is a scenic drive north and is home to an array of shops and restaurants. Inveraray Castle, historic Kilmartin Glen, and the Crinan Canal make for wonderful days out. Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens are 3½ miles over the hill, and can be accessed on foot, by 4-wheel drive or via the road to Seil Island. Guests enjoy free access to the gardens and are also welcome to use the estate’s tennis court. Small motor boats can be hired at Ardmaddy. Free fishing can also be arranged on the estate’s well-stocked hill loch.
There are plenty of hill and forest trails for mountain biking and leisurely walks, or visit one of the magnificent local gardens. Whilst there is the farm and miles of coastline to explore, there is also an enclosed garden and covered outdoor BBQ area ensuring the safety of younger children whilst allowing the grown-ups to enjoy an al-fresco lunch. Shop and pub 5 miles.

These four holiday properties are situated on the edge of the owners’ livery yard, which houses ponies and horses. The Old Stables (ref UKC3371) has been restored to retain its period charm, and features include beams and exposed flint and brick, whilst hosting a contemporary finish and very comfortable furnishings. The kitchen leads out to the enclosed lawn garden with steps to hot tub. Guests can relax and unwind on the large comfy sofa, or enjoy time sat out on the patio. Maybe even a tranquil night under the stars relaxing in the hot tub, whatever takes your fancy, The Old Stables caters for everybody.
The Cart Shed (ref UK10576) is a wonderful, semi-detached barn conversion, also with its own hot tub, and has uninterrupted, picturesque Norfolk countryside views. It has contemporary, first floor open plan living and has a raised decked area outside which offers the opportunity for simply relaxing or dining al fresco whilst enjoying the views across the fields with its visiting wildlife. The hot tub is tucked underneath the decking and screened to retain its privacy, but still benefits from countryside views.
The Tack Room (ref UK31753) has been newly converted during 2021, beautifully fusing traditional and contemporary design to offer a very comfortable holiday home. Guests can relax and unwind on the large comfy sofa, or enjoy time sitting out on the patio, maybe even enjoying a tranquil evening under the stars relaxing in the hot tub.
Jupiter Barn ref UK31757) is semi-detached and has been cleverly restored with charm and hosts a contemporary finish and very comfortable furnishings. The open plan accommodation leads out to the enclosed lawn garden with private hot tub.
These properties provide excellent walking direct from the doorstep, and miles of footpaths and trails to explore, including local woods. It is situated in an ideal location to explore the excellent sandy beach of the North Norfolk Coast and the Norfolk Broads, which are both within a 30-minute drive. Cromer and Sheringham, also have glorious sandy beaches and are host to many attractions, perfect for everyone. Cromer boasts a pier, with a carnival week which is held in August and, weather permitting, a spectacular New Year’s Day celebration, complete with fireworks.
Places of historical interest and stately homes can be found within easy driving distance, and Blickling Hall boast open air concerts during the summer season. Perfect for entertaining the younger generations, these properties are also close to Banham Zoo, Wroxham Barns craft centre and play park, Dinosaur Adventure Park at Lenwade and BeWILDerwood at Horning. There are also many places within driving distance, ideal for walking your four-legged friends, including Blickling Park, where you can also enjoy lunch afterwards at the local pub. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 20 guests.

This welcoming, detached family home enjoys a lovely location, standing within 2 acres of extensive lawned gardens and overlooking the surrounding fields and countryside. Arnewood Corner is an ideal base for gathering family and friends, with many thoughtful touches and home comforts found throughout. Enjoy the games cabin, complete with a pin-ball machine, juke box, and a selection of games and toys, as well as the private hot tub, children’s play area and the outdoor heated swimming pool. There are six bedrooms found inside the main house, two of which are on the ground floor. There is a juke-box in the dining room and a piano in the living room.
This lovely property is located just a mile away from the pretty village of Sway, which has a village shop, family butchers, post office and a selection of pubs and restaurants. The ever popular New Forest National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is a haven for wildlife, is nearby with many roaming ponies and cattle along the roadsides and across the heathland, as well as extensive walking, cycling and horse riding routes. There is plenty to do in the area for all ages, all year round; picturesque villages serving cream teas, vineyards, golf courses, stately homes and many family attractions. Brockenhurst is nearby, as is the popular sailing town of Lymington, which is only a 5-minute drive, with its pretty harbour, fishing trips, cobbled streets, boutiques, pubs, restaurants and day trips by ferry to the Isle of Wight.
Other places of interest nearby include Beaulieu Motor Museum, the riverside village of Bucklers Hard, Exbury Gardens, Marwell Zoo, Peppa Pig World and New Forest Owl and Otter Park, to name but a few. Further afield, but well worth the trip, are Monkey World and the Tank Museum at Bovington. The property is also within easy reach of many beaches including Mudeford, Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth, the nearest beach being 4 miles away at Milford-on-Sea – also great for crabbing! Along the coastline, there are a many popular activities such as windsurfing, boating and swimming. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Island Farm House is situated just outside the village of Staintondale and set amongst rolling fields of the North York Moors National Park. It has a large kitchen with a seating area, a tastefully furnished dining room, a spacious living room with a wood burner and a large TV making it perfect for a large family gathering, and all seven bedrooms are en-suite for your own privacy. There is even a pool room and a tennis court on-site along with a large lawned garden to play or relax.
Island Farm House is nestled half way between Whitby and Scarborough on the North Yorkshire Coast. There are wonderful walks and cycling straight from the door and out into the National Park and there is bike storage available on-site. Enjoy the many delights of the area including hidden coves and beaches, exhilarating cliff top walks and coastal villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay, and Ravenscar where you can walk down to the foot of the cliffs to view the seal colony. Wonderful Whitby is further north with its busy cobbled streets and independent shops offering everything from Gothic clothing to jet stone jewellery. There is an abundance of traditional pubs with live music that accept pets, coffee shops and tea rooms, and an increasingly popular food scene with gastro pubs and bistros complementing award winning fish and chip shops. There are plenty of dog friendly beach areas to explore where you can enjoy rock pooling and fossil hunting. Keep an eye on the events calendar as there is always something happening in Whitby from the famous Goth weekends, a regatta, music festivals and a folk week being highlights of a year round calendar. Just south of Staintondale you will find the traditional seaside resort of Scarborough with its busy amusement arcades, a waterpark and sandy beaches. The open air theatre hosts live international acts throughout the summer, and no trip to Scarborough is complete without a stroll around Peasholm Park and the world-famous Peasholm Park Naval Warfare which takes place throughout the summer.
With the North York Moors National Park right on your doorstep there are many walks and cycle routes to explore, or just enjoy a drive through some of the most stunning scenery. There is so much to see nearby but you may fancy a trip further afield to the vibrant walled city of York, an hour away, with its ancient minster and historic buildings. For a family day out visit Flamingo Land Theme Park or perhaps a scenic drive over to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Beach 1½ miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

This comfortable and welcoming, thatched, detached former farmhouse dates back to 1750, and has many features such as beams, low lintels and sloping floors. The main house has two living rooms and a dining room which seats up to 18. There is also an indoor swimming pool and a games room, making it ideal for family gatherings and celebrations. The old creamery, located in a separate building next to the main house, has been converted into an annexe with an additional two en-suite bedrooms, and still has the exposed stone walls and floors! From the farmhouse gardens there are far-reaching views over countryside and rolling hills and it is conveniently located for trips to Lyme Regis, West Bay and Bridport. There is a local bus service for those wishing to explore the area without using the car. Park Farmhouse is located on the coast road in the heart of the charming historic village of Chideock with a pub and restaurant a couple of doors away. Julia Bradbury’s ‘Best Walks With A View’ includes a walk which encircles Park Farmhouse. A popular farm shop is about a mile away with outside seating with glorious views over the National Trust land and the famous Golden Cap which is the highest point on the south coast!

Steeped in history, Chideock was recorded in the Domesday Book as Cidihoc. In 1379-80, John de Chideock, a manorial lord, built Chideock Castle, just north of the village. During the Middle Ages, ownership passed to the Catholic Arundell family, who used it to provide refuge for priests and loyal followers during subsequent persecution. In 1802 the Arundells were succeeded by the Weld family of Lulworth Castle who in 1810, built Chideock Manor. Park Farmhouse once served the occupants of the manor for many years with cream from the creamery.

The stunning and dramatic Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site covering 96 miles of coastline and is less than a mile away at Seatown. It is also known for its fossil hunting. The beaches of West Bay and Lyme Regis have a traditional feel with gift shops, tea rooms, inns and restaurants. Lyme Regis with The Cobb and harbour was the setting for the filming of The French Lieutenant’s Woman. More recently, Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ and Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far from The Madding Crowd’ were both filmed here. Renowned TV chef Mark Hix has an Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis. There are other pretty villages such as Beer and Branscombe within easy reach or you may wish to visit the numerous stately homes and gardens in the area. You can also discover Dorset’s sandy bays, rugged hill top walks and tiny coves. Fishing is available locally. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 240 yards, pub and restaurant 50 yards.