Fido Family Friendly Places

This family-friendly farm is the perfect choice if you are looking for a rural retreat just minutes from the seaside. Set on a 120-acre, family-run working farm, these two lovely cottages (Goose Cottage ref UKC2676 and Barn Cottage ref UKC2682), offer comfortable and welcoming accommodation. Located just ¾ mile from Widemouth Bay, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in north Cornwall, there is something here to suit guests of all ages. You could even book both of the properties together for extended family or friends.
The larger cottage, Goose Cottage is a charming barn conversion and boast lovely views of the surrounding rural landscape. With spacious open plan living space, it is ideal for enjoyable gatherings of families or friends. Barn Cottage offers a first floor living room, complete with doors which open onto a small decked balcony where guests can admire the magnificent views across rolling fields and out to the sea. Both properties enjoy shared access to the range of facilities found on-site, including a tennis court and a children’s outdoor play area with slides, swings and a climbing wall. Why not take a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool, or challenge friends and family to the variety of games found in the small indoor games barn including table tennis, air hockey and a small pool table. A communal utility room with washing machines and a tumble dryer is available for both properties. Friendly chickens, ducks and geese roam the courtyard, and the tame peacock may pay you a visit to your door. There is a woodland walk to the rear, and a 20-minute walk on a footpath across the fields to the front will take you across sheep grazed meadows to Widemouth Bay.
Widemouth Bay is an extremely popular holiday destination and is world famous for surfing. It has far reaching, exceptional sandy beaches, and provides miles of coastal paths for enthusiastic walkers. The well loved tourist town of Bude is just 3 miles further up the coast. The town offers an indoor swimming pool, shops, restaurants, horse riding, a golf course and tenpin bowling. For the keen walker there are many opportunities both along the south west coastal path route, which runs the entire coastline of Cornwall and offers stunning cliff walks, and on nearby Bodmin Moor. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Discover Tranquillity, a stunning property perched on the dramatic north Pembrokeshire coastline, within the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Enjoying uninterrupted sea views, the property is just a stones throw away from this sublime coastline. Wake up in the morning and stroll along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Cwm-yr-Eglwys, Pwllgwaelod and Aberfforest beaches. These three spectacular beaches are right on your doorstep, where you can explore rock pools, take a swim or build sandcastles. This 186-mile coastal path is ideal for discovering all this coastline has to offer, not forgetting the hidden waterfall.

In the evening, sit out on the large raised decked area and take in the magnificent sea views and watch the sunset. Tranquillity is set within 22 acres of landscaped grounds within Dinas Country Club, complete with a 13th-century country club bar (weekends and peak season only), outdoor heated swimming pool (peak season only), children’s play area, football field and boules. This location really does have it all! This cosy property has been finished to an good standard throughout and offers a truly superb base. Complete with a spacious open plan living space with a galley style kitchen and large patio doors and mood lighting. There is also a full BT package which includes BT Sport, children’s channels and films.

Nestled within the hamlet of Dinas and close to the harbour town of Fishguard, complete with a host of restaurants serving local produce, you won’t be stuck for things to do. Locally you will have the chance to spot a dolphin with boat trips from nearby Cardigan. Inland, visit the majestic Cenarth Falls, which if you time it right in the autumn you can see the salmon and sea trout leaping up the falls which really is a magnificent sight to see. Beach 400 yards. Shop 800 yards, pub and restaurant 50 yards.
Tranquillity can be booked together with Sea View (ref UK6589) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Hewas Water House is perfect for family gatherings, nestled in a relaxing and tranquil setting. This delightful detached and spacious house has a modern design and comfortably sleeps up to ten guests. Perfect for relaxing around the pool or exploring the south coast of Cornwall and all it has to offer.
The town of St Austell is just an 8-minute drive away where you will find local shops, cinema and a choice of restaurants and pubs. The cathedral city of Truro is just a 20-minute drive away, offering a wider selection of amenities. Mevagissey is an ancient fishing village that offers local galleries, craft shops and fresh seafood restaurants. There are many beautiful gardens including the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the world-famous Eden Project and Caerhays Castle and Garden, all nearby. The historic port of Charlestown, one of the settings of TV’s drama ’Poldark’, is nearby as is the Roseland Peninsula. Porthpean and Pentewan Sands are the closest beaches, however there are beaches galore along the south coast. Also available at the village of Pentewan is an off-road cycle and walking trail that leads to the town centre of St Austell. Horse riding, canoeing, boat trips and walking are all catered for locally. There really is no shortage of things to do in this impressive part of Cornwall. Beach 5½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¼ miles.

Kingates Farm nestles between the beautiful villages of Whitwell and Niton, on the southern point of the Isle of Wight. This wonderful holiday cottage includes many facilities to enable you to explore, unwind and indulge yourself in stunning surroundings. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the location offers guests amazing panoramic views of rolling hills, nearby white cliffs and the coastline. This self catering holiday property have been converted from original farm buildings and offer spacious accommodation, enclosed gardens and paddocks with direct access to foot and cycle paths.
The Stables is a perfect romantic break for two. This detached, single-storey property has vaulted ceilings, a well-equipped kitchen and a cosy wood burner. You can enjoy a peaceful nights’ sleep in the super kingsize bed, and the en-suite boasts a roll-top bath and large walk-in shower. Step out of the large patio doors to a private seating area with a barbecue and enclosed garden with far-reaching views to watch the abundant wildlife.
A welcome hamper will be waiting for you on arrival with fresh milk, butter, eggs, homemade bread and local produce (extra supplies and/or dietary alternatives available on request). All produce is locally sourced where possible and you are welcome to seasonal fruit or vegetables from the main garden.
Friendly, sociable adult dogs (over 12 months old) are welcome on holiday too but NOT left alone unless totally happy/settled in and agreed with owner in advance, while making use of the pool. They have their very own pet hamper with a microfibre mattress, towels, natural shampoo, toys, treats and pet ID tag.
There are further gardens, walking paddocks and a central outside hot and cold water hose for muddy dogs, boots or bikes. The owners, who live on-site along with their dogs and animals, are available should you need any help. You are welcome to join them for a walk or cycle to the nearby St Catherine’s Oratory or ‘Pepperpot’, as its known locally, with many options to venture further afield should you wish.
Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, cycling, paragliding, water sports and golf. There are numerous attractions to discover for all ages. Pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens, Blackgang Chine, the oldest themed attraction in the UK, the famous Needles, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park, Carisbrooke Castle or the sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes. There is plenty to discover and keep you entertained. There are local takeaway options if you fancy dining alfresco and making the most of the wide valley sunset glow. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.
The Stables can be booked together with Farm Cottage (ref UK11246) to accommodate up to 6 guests.

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, a children’s living area and a dining room which seats up to 18. There is also an indoor swimming pool and an external games room, making it ideal for family gatherings and celebrations. The old creamery, located in a separate building, 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.

Set in the heart of rolling Devon countryside, the privately owned Ashcombe country estate nestles in a quiet, beautiful valley filled with things to do and a short drive from the sandy beaches of Dawlish and Torquay. Enjoy walking around the estate’s hills and woodlands, swim in the heated indoor swimming pool, or relax in the sauna at Woodhouse Farm while children play on outdoor playground. Both The Cider Barn, a mile away and sleeping 16, and Nut Tree Farm, sleeping 28, have their own outdoor swimming pools for the summer.
The cottages are both comfortable and practical, with a wide range of Devon attractions right on the doorstep. All are maintained to very high standards with leather sofas, superfast Wi-Fi, flatscreen Smart TVs and very comfortable beds. Many retain original features, including oak beamed ceilings, and all have either Italian-tiled or wooden floors.
Sleeping from 4 to 22 people, and rated either 4 or 5 stars, the cottages can accommodate almost any party size, and an in-house chef (arranged direct with the owner) can be booked to take care of the catering.
The brilliant Ashcombe Adventure Centre for outdoor activities, is just under a mile down the lane. Available at extra cost for those 14 years and over, it offers quad bike safaris, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintballing and more. Also located on the estate is ’A Touch of the Wild’, a camp-based forest activity club. Children can take part in bush-craft courses and activities ranging from camp fire cooking and toasting marshmallows to bug hunting and learning woodland skills - a day with the experienced staff will ensure youngsters come away with a new found love of the great outdoors. The Ashcombe Village Club opens on various evenings providing cheap beer in a cheerful atmosphere, event evenings, traditional summer fêtes and shows. Guests at Ashcombe can also enjoy foraged and wild walks that take place every Tuesday and last for around two hours. You can discover the simple pleasure of foraging from the abundance of wild foods in the Devon countryside, and also experience the perfect evening out dining under canopies in the Ashcombe Woodland at the Woodland Kitchen, open on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Both Dartmoor National Park and the historic city of Exeter are only a 20-minute drive away, while the famous South Devon Coast, with wonderful sandy beaches, is barely 3 miles. Exeter and Newton Abbot Racecourses, several golf courses, loads of family theme parks, zoos, sailing and fishing are all within easy reach, not to mention the many excellent pubs and restaurants that Devon is famous for. Walk in the wild beauty of Dartmoor with its abundance of wildlife and dramatic landscapes, or visit the numerous nearby National Trust properties including Agatha Christie’s house, Greenway. Steam trains travel from Kingswear to Paignton and Totnes to Buckfastleigh. Visit historic Dartmouth with bustling boat harbour, castle, contemporary art galleries and boutiques and brilliant Regatta Week and Air Show. Salcombe with its beaches, sailing and water sports is also easily accessible, as well as Blackpool Sands, Slapton and picturesque Dittisham. Slightly further afield, East Cornwall and the Eden Project are within an hour’s drive. Other activities of interest include Backwater Adventures to explore Devon’s rivers and countryside with professional guidance and supervision, or Rock Solid Coasteering to explore the Jurassic coastline.
All in all Ashcombe is an excellent base from which to explore, experience and enjoy ‘The Cream of Devon’. All big supermarkets deliver direct to your cottage. Main shops 3 miles.

Aptly named Lakeside, is nestled alongside the fishing lake, boasting a wonderful and uninterrupted lake view, in a tranquil location within the Carlton Meres Country Park, a short walk away from all the parks’ leisure facilities. Spacious and beautifully furnished with a contemporary modern open plan interior with French doors opening to the seating veranda with table and chairs. The master double bedroom has an en-suite walk-in shower room. The second bedroom has twin beds, is more suited to children, and with further shower room. The well-equipped kitchen allows the opportunity to prepare all your meals.
For those wishing to dine out, you have an on-site restaurant within a short walk, and plenty of eateries within the local surrounding area. The Park has great facilities (day rates are chargeable by the park) including two swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, a crazy golf course, a children’s play park, and the Clubhouse bar and restaurant. Outside is the well-stocked fishing lake, perfect for any fishing enthusiast, a great spot for a walk or just relax and enjoy the uninterrupted lake views with its visiting birdlife.
Within 30 30-minute drive are the coastal delights of Aldeburgh and Southwold. You have RSPB Minsmere, 9.5 miles away and Orford Castle 12th Century former Royal fortress, Otley Hall and Gardens, and Easton Farm Park are all within 12 miles for a great family day out. Also worth a visit is Sutton Hoo, the popular market town of Woodbridge for cafés, shops, and restaurants. The Latitude Festival is 20 minutes’ drive away and is held annually at Henham Park. Explore Constable country having wonderful village settings. Shoppers will delight in the towns of Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, and Colchester all within an hour’s drive. Beach 5 miles. Pub/shop on site. Fishing on the doorstep. Entertainment: Club House is open weekends only in the winter season November to February. Fishing closed from November to February.

Welcome to TH Hollow, a beautiful single storey stable conversion in the heart of the Somerset countryside at the foot of the Quantock Hills. Completed in 2021 and finished to a high standard, there is a central open plan living/dining/kitchen which has a fabulous, vaulted ceiling, comfortable furnishings and comes well-equipped with everything you need for the perfect stay. The kitchen area has electric hob and oven, dishwasher, microwave and fridge while the living area has a 43” Smart TV, perfect for relaxing of an evening.
The bedrooms lead off from the central living area with the master having a king-sized bed and bedroom two having a single bed. The large wet room has non-slip flooring, heated towel rail and shower. From bedroom two you have direct access to the Gym with cross trainer, Sauna and further shower room. Ease of access here has been carefully considered, with ramps leading in from both the front and rear entrances as well as wider doors inside, making this wonderful holiday home suitable for all abilities. To the rear is a large, enclosed courtyard with garden furniture (through access may occasionally be required by the gardener for grounds maintenance) and access from here to the utility area with washing machine and bike store.
TH Hollow also has exclusive use of the owner’s fantastic hot tub, covered heated swimming pool and tennis court at pre-arranged times (9am -1pm unless otherwise agreed with owner). Please note that the swimming pool is available from late-April until Mid-October. Your four-legged family members are welcome here also and have use of the owners fenced dog walking paddock, the perfect spot to soak up the views while your dogs run off some energy!
Set just outside of the village of Bishops Lydeard, with its village pubs and local store as well as access to the brilliant West Somerset Steam Railway, a great way to see not just the countryside but also the coast while you chug merrily along to Minehead. Alight here and spend the day exploring the shops, restaurants and beach. The county town of Taunton is easily reachable within 15 minutes or head over to Exmoor and explore the wonderful villages, walk over the moors and have a cream tea in one of the many tea shops on route. Beach 12 miles.

Fabulously appointed over three floors, with a bathroom, 3 double bedrooms on the ground floor. The master bedroom suite has en-suite facilities, great for long soaks in the tub. Two of the bedrooms also have direct access to the lower terrace on the water’s edge, wonderfully relaxing at sunrise with a silky Nespresso. On the first floor you will find the utility room and the open plan social hub of the house. Bright, fresh, and inviting, it features impressive high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows that flood light throughout. The kitchen is well kitted out with everything you need, including an air fryer, for those days when you would rather kick back and relax with friends and family. The kids will love writing up the menu on the two giant chalk boards, and drawing pictures of the wildlife outside! When it’s time to dine, grab a bottle or two from your wine fridge and dine with the backdrop of the lakes. Should you want to make the most of your time with friends and family, why not call in the culinary help of a personal chef (at cost) from the Ballyhoo restaurant, to create a menu and serve you tastylicious plates whilst your pop the bubbles, chink the glasses and get competitive with the board games. Magnificent doors lead onto a raised terrace complete with rattan furniture. Be sure to grab the binoculars for a spot of lakeside wildlife spotting. On the third floor you will find a mezzanine bedroom, which is the ultimate den and sleeping space. All sleeping quarters offer guests fluffy bath towels, quality Egyptian linens and comfy beds.

In addition to the house facilities, guests can experience and enjoy the estate’s ArtSpa. Revive and indulge with indoor and outdoor heated pools, eco-pool, sauna, steam room, gym and treatments by arrangement. On the estate is a tennis court, nature trails, cycle tracks, playground, lake equipment hire and restaurant with farm shop for stocking up yummy produce. On-site are a pub and restaurant, and a shop for essentials (seasonal). A firm favourite with old and young is paddling across the lagoon to spot nocturnal beavers and otters on the Sunset Adventure Safari, rounded off with toasting marshmallows on the fire, total bliss!

Beyond your trendy retreat and within easy reach are many villages and towns such as Cirencester, Bath, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Cheltenham. The Cotswold Water Park just along the lane also offers a host of activities including water skiing, cable skiing, archery, shooting, paintballing, golf, aerial adventure, angling, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and rally driving. Cycle tracks, nature trails and fishing are all available locally. However you choose to spend your time at your stylish abode, whether it is kayaking the lake, jumping in and making a splash, relaxing with a good book, or simply spending that all important quality time making memories with friends and family Firecrest will certainly not disappoint.

Sunset Cottage is a wonderful mid terraced property found in ‘The Bay’ purpose-built holiday village nestling outside the pretty seaside town of Filey on the stunning North Yorkshire coastline. These two bedroomed mid terraced town houses offer stylish accommodation for a small family or friends looking to enjoy a coastal break.
Sunset Cottages offers light and airy open plan living with French doors that lead out to a private patio area. A large chaise sofa and arm chair sit to one end and are perfectly placed to cosy up on an evening an enjoy your favourite holiday movie on the large Smart TV. The dining table sits in front of the French doors and offers lovely views over the shared grounds to the rear of the cottage.
The country style kitchen offers plenty of cupboard space for your holiday essentials and lots of work top space where you can rustle up a picnic to enjoy on the beach or prepare a delicious evening meal if you fancy a night in.
A WC completes the ground floor accommodation. To the first floor are two well-presented bedrooms; a twin with Freeview TV and a master king-size double with walk in wardrobe. The house bathroom sits across the corridor and offers a bath with shower over.
Dogs are welcome at Sunset Cottage and The Bay offers a meadow that is dog friendly, a short walk will also bring you to the beach. On site you can also find a coffee shop, pharmacy and the John Paul Jones family pub and restaurant. The Bay also boast a leisure complex which includes an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
During the summer months visitors can enjoy other activities including a putting green, archery, and tennis courts (additional charges may apply). Take a walk along the beach and find yourselves in the pretty seaside town of Filey, where you can explore quaint streets lined with tea rooms, restaurants, and traditional amusements.
Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park will also provide fun for the whole family. A little further afield is the delightful village of Flamborough with its working lighthouse. A visit here would not be complete without a walk along to cliffs of Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast.
If golf is your thing, then book a round at the Bridlington Links Golf Course. Inland from Sunset Cottage are the unspoilt rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds and the Yorkshire market towns of Malton and Pickering.
This well-presented holiday home makes a wonderful base for a coastal getaway at any time of the year.