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. Local rural, beach and cliff-top walks, and fishing nearby. Wroxham 12 miles. Norwich 20 miles. Shop, pub/restaurant ½ mile.

Set in the seaside village of Benllech, this three bedroom upside-down mews is a very comfortable home from home. This holiday property has an open-plan living area offering spectacular views over the beach of Benllech Bay as well as far-reaching views of Puffin Island, The Great Orme and Snowdonia National Park. The large sandy beach is just 100 yards from the property making it ideal for family use. For those who enjoy watersports, the areas of Menai and Beaumaris are a short drive away. Anglesey offers excellent cycle and walking routes, along with several golf courses and the historic castle at Beaumaris. Shops 300 yards, pub 400 yards, restaurant 100 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.

This is a birdwatcher’s paradise and is within an easy walk of the village shop, café and hotel. Furnished with care to maximise the light, inside this single-storey property there are full length picture windows in the bright living room and a well-equipped kitchen. The extensive garden with mature trees and expanse of lawn, is a wonderful sun trap to enjoy after a brisk walk along the beautiful sandy beach.

St Cyrus beach is nestled at the bottom of the cliff, which is accessed either by a steep walk from the local church just a few hundred yards away, or for the less adventurous, there is an easy drive down to the beach on the outskirts of the village at the nature reserve. A walk along the shoreline offers a good chance of spotting porpoises and other marine life in the clear waters. The spectacular cliffs and dunes are a National Nature Reserve and home to a variety of wildlife - peregrine falcons and fulmars are often spotted, as well as divers and other sea birds. Deer inhabit the wooded area at the top, and rare butterflies and plants can be found throughout the reserve. The owner has thoughtfully provided binoculars for your enjoyment. St Cyrus is between Montrose and Stonehaven, both bustling seaside towns with golf courses, shops and leisure centres, whilst inland the Angus Glens are easily reached for some excellent walks and spectacular scenery. Fishing is also available locally. Beach 300 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestled in the tranquil grounds of Eastfield Hall on the fringe of the coastal village of Warkworth and commanding uninterrupted rural views across open countryside with the sea and Warkworth Castle as a backdrop, Mahonia Lodge is a spacious detached holiday property in a superb setting.
The open plan, double-height living area is spacious and enjoys a bright and airy ambience. The comfortable seating in the sun room affords fabulous open vistas across fields towards the sea; a relaxing spot to read, relax and watch the ever-changing skyscape. With three bedrooms (en-suite shower room to master) and a family bathroom too, Mahonia Lodge is an excellent choice for families, friends or those couples seeking something rather special. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Princessa Cottage is a welcoming and cosy, terraced coastal cottage within a minutes’ walk of Bembridge beach on the east of the Isle of Wight. The cottage has a sociable and comfortable, open plan kitchen, dining and living area with feature lighting and patio door leading to a rear enclosed courtyard with table and chairs and even a place for buckets and spades. On the ground floor is a separate toilet and bedroom with a single day bed. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and dressing tables, and a family bathroom with shower cubicle and freestanding bath, perfect for a long soak after a day of exploring.
The beach is accessed via steps from the neighbouring gravelled car park. There are two great eateries along this stretch of coast, both specialising in seafood and overlooking the sea. There are also plenty of opportunities to try some water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing or kayaking. Beach 175 yards. Shop ½ mile, pub 175 yards and restaurant 1 mile.

Situated in a conservation area, within easy walking distance of village shop and pub, just a few minutes’ drive from the fine sandy beach at Holme-next-the-Sea making this an ideal holiday base. One of a group of carefully designed cottages, set back off the road, with an enclosed lawned garden and playhouse. Seaside resorts of Hunstanton and Heacham, Sandringham Estate and RSPB bird reserve at Snettisham all close by. Walks from the doorstep and quiet lanes offer good cycle rides. Golf, fishing and horse riding available locally. Shop 10 yards, restaurant/pub 100 yards.

Set across three floors, River Quay is a beautifully renovated terraced property in the popular seaside town of Gorleston-on-Sea. It is close to an award-winning beach making it ideal for families in summer, and during the winter, perfect for dog walkers. Gorleston-on-Sea is just south of Great Yarmouth and offers a promenade, beach side cafés, pubs and restaurants. Throughout the summer there is an Edwardian theatre with a pitch and putt golf course and amusements. Historically hundreds of fishing boats from the herring fleets would sail from the harbour and today this is one of two entrances to the Norfolk Broads National Park. From River Quay you are ideally located for visiting both Norfolk and Suffolk. To the north you have Horsey Beach where during the winter months a seal colony can be found lining the shore, the sand dunes at Winterton-on-Sea are perfect for strolling, and inland the city of Norwich is excellent for shopping, eating and drinking. Suffolk offers an abundance of history at Framlingham Castle, the submerged village at Dunwich and equally stunning is the RSPB Minsmere Reserve. Guests visiting this property in June have the pleasure of being able to go and experience the local Air Show in Yarmouth with The Red Arrows, just 3 miles away. Fishing is also available locally. Beach 700 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

This detached period holiday cottage is tastefully decorated with a beautiful lawned garden area. Situated along a main road, handy for exploring attractions including the stunning Millennium Coastal Path with miles of cycling routes to The Gower Peninsula and the harbour town of Burry Port. Visit Pembrey Country Park offering miles of forest tracks, horse riding trails, dry ski slopes and 7 miles of beach. Nearby is the Jack Nicklaus golf course, Llanelli Scarlets’ rugby stadium, Pembrey motor sports centre and race track and the Ffos Las racecourse. Enjoy Tenby with beaches, restaurants and theme parks. Shop and pub 100 yards, restaurant 1 mile.

Start your holiday immediately on arrival, enjoy this fantastic seaside location just 700 yards walk from the excellent award-winning sandy beach. A perfect choice for families and friends, this single-storey holiday chalet is set within landscaped gardens on this quieter family run park. The chalet is equipped to offer dining at home, and for those seeking to dine out, there is a club house with restaurant, café, and host to live entertainment throughout the summer months within 100 metres. There is a step to the entrance, and so the property is not wheelchair accessible.
There is so much do and see locally. Explore the Coast with its lovely sandy beaches. The Norfolk Broads National Park offer miles of waterways to explore. Why not hire a day boat, for the more adventurous go kayaking, paddle boarding or sit back and enjoy a river trip? Plenty of eateries located alongside the water to enjoy. Visit the Golden Mile at Great Yarmouth and experience a host of traditional seaside attractions including the Pleasure Beach fun fair.
Thrill seekers are also sure to enjoy a day out at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park at Lowestoft. For a change of pace, visit Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens and take the tiger walk across the treetops. Nearby Caister Castle features a classic car museum. Enjoy a day at the races, both horse and dog racing available locally.
Great days out for the children are BeWILDerwood at Horning, the Dinosaur Park at Lenwade, and Sea Life centre at Great Yarmouth. The city of Norwich recently voted one of the top five cities to visit in the UK with its Norman castle and numerous museums, galleries, and theatres. Those who enjoy cycling and walking will discover that there are lots of great routes close by to enjoy as well.