Fido Family Friendly Places
Take the whole pack on an adventure! These Fido Family Friendly places are ideal for four-legged families, with plenty of activities for children, parents and dogs to enjoy.
- Folkestone, EnglandThe property is designed with modern living in mind, yet with the cosy comforts you would hope for of a countryside retreat. The beautifully cladded larch exterior opens up to an impressive open plan space, with an interior combining polished concrete and plywood, textured fabrics and pops of muted colour, mixed with a warming wood burner and sumptuous sofa to curl up on after a day of exploring the picturesque North Downs.
Come sundown, retreat to the comfort of the master bedroom, with a kingsize bed, and mezzanine children’s twin tucked away on the first floor, with white cotton bed linen to wrap yourself up in and sink into a deep slumber. Then wake up to a breakfast of fresh eggs from your welcome pack laid by the resident hens.
Beautifully landscaped, shared gardens wait to be explored or simply gazed over whilst having a meal alfresco on your private dining terrace. Tucked away out of sight, the private hot tub awaits, immerse yourself in the bubbles and unwind. Open from May-September (from August during 2022) the beautifully dubbed ’secret garden’ awaits, take a dip in the large shared swimming pool with solar heated cover, fully relax on one of the loungers or on the outdoor sofas with a bar area for keeping your drinks cool, and pool table for a competitive game or two.
A true haven for those who wish to explore on foot, with miles of beautiful countryside surrounding you, the North Downs Way can be reached via footpaths from the door and a choice of locally renowned gastro pubs 2 miles away. Nestled between the historic city of Canterbury, and the coastal towns of Hythe and Folkestone, the coast, countryside and city can easily be explored.
The ideal hideaway for couples, friends or family, with the neighbouring The Old Piggery (M555071) bookable for larger groups to accommodate up to 8 guests.£130From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Rye, EnglandThis stunning Victorian mansion has been renovated in 2020 to an exceptionally high standard throughout. Large, social living areas with an open flow make Harbour Retreat the perfect escape for all your friends and family. It has been finished to a very high standard with a real touch of elegance and this luxurious, modern space is incredibly light and airy throughout. With many different aspects, this allows sunlight to pour into the property creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Soak up the sun in the private rear courtyard and enjoy a nice glass of wine in the evening or snuggle up in either of the two living rooms. Perfect for celebrating that special occasion or just getting everyone together, this detached holiday home is sure to create many happy memories and a fantastic stay.
Just a short walk away is the medieval and historic hilltop town of Rye. With its famous cobbled streets, lined with interesting historic buildings, an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, interesting art galleries and museums, as well as cosy and inviting pubs. Head to the harbour for quiet beaches, picturesque walks and coastal birdlife.
Rye is steeped in history and is well worth exploring, with a range of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and historical sites. Wander through the historic Landgate and along the cobbled streets to admire the House with Two Doors (filmed as part of the BBC Series ‘Mapp and Lucia’ and the infamous Mermaid Street). Take lunch at one of the lovely pubs serving food, followed by a visit to Rye Pottery for a creative afternoon. The glorious long sandy beaches and dunes of Camber Sands are also just 5 miles up the road. For wine enthusiasts, Chapel Down and Gusbourne Vineyards are well worth a visit where local wine can be sampled or enjoyed within the restaurant. Further afield are the interesting historic towns of Hastings and Battle. The Old Town in Hastings is a popular historic area with numerous traditional pubs with a vibrant music scene. A busy day of exploration can be rounded off with fish and chips on the seafront. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.£317From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Scarborough, EnglandThis single-storey, semi-detached barn conversion, next to the owners’ home, has been renovated with great attention to detail, with eco-friendly, underfloor air source heating throughout and a very good standard of fixtures and fittings. Beams have been left exposed, and there is a large open-plan living area make this a great area in which to socialise with all the family and friends together.
Explore both the coast and the countryside from this property, as it is an excellent base for walking and touring. The Yorkshire Wolds, one of Britain’s best kept secrets, runs to the south of the village, and there is miles and miles of long countryside walks. The North Yorkshire Moors and the east coast are just a short drive away, and the seaside resorts of Filey and Scarborough have great beaches for the family for that traditional seaside holiday. Within the hour you can be in the city of York with its abundance of renowned attractions, including the iconic Minster, Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. York is a fabulous city to visit during your stay and is one of the reasons why it is voted in the top 10 cities to visit every year. Beach 5¾ miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 300 yards.
Willow Cottage can be booked together with Reed Cottage (UK37478) to accommodate up to 17 guests.£122From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Gloucester, EnglandEscape the city smog, for this cool and snazzy abode sitting pretty within its own Gloucestershire farm. Go Cart Barn is totally unique, inside and out with a sprinkling of retro cool. It has been designed and renovated to a high standard and boasts the very best fixtures and fittings. The property is set within the grounds of a private farm - as you drive down the private track surrounded by pastures you get a mix of pure relaxation and excitement for what awaits. If access for the less mobile is required, please advise the owners prior to arrival.
With an open plan living/dining room this social design is great for bringing everyone together, wine dine or chill it’s all catered for. A top of the range kitchen with feature electric range, great for whipping up culinary delights during your stay, accompanied with state-of-the-art appliances throughout. After dining, retreat to the cosy sitting room area, with projector to stream the latest movie releases. Outside, guests can enjoy the six-person hot tub, barbecue, fire pit, elevated patio, large walled garden so that all the fun is contained within your own private space.
Beyond your trendy Forest of Dean bolt hole, Wye Valley and the Welsh Border Country are easily accessible, as is Cheltenham with its races. Picturesque Cotswolds towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton on the Water and Burford, and many National Trust properties are all worth a visit, as well as lovely towns and villages such as Newent, Ross, Newham and Monmouth. If exploring and adventure is on the agenda, you are spoilt for choice with the Forest of Dean, Severn and Wye Valleys, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds all on your doorstep. Perfectly located to enjoy a trip to the ancient cathedral and historic docks of Gloucester, and approximately half an hour’s drive from Cheltenham’s festivals and regency promenade for a spot of designer shopping and fine dining. There are excellent walks and mountain biking trails directly from the farm to May Hill and the surrounding area.
The Red Lion pub is just 5 minute’s walk, The Leaf café and garden centre 3-minute walk. May Hill brewery, Longhope bakery and Harts Barn craft centre just a 5-minute drive. There’s an outstanding restaurant and wet fish counter at Severn Wye smokery, Chaxhill (10-minute drive). Also, a private chef can be arranged from Harts Barn cookery school if required. It is also close to the International Centre for birds of prey and the Three Choirs Vineyard nearby for a spot of bird watching followed by some wine tasting. Within easy reach of the picturesque Wye Valley, including Tintern Abbey and Symonds Yat. Adrenalin junkies are well catered for too, in Gloucester you have the dry ski slope for a day of boarding or tobogganing, off road cycling and treetop rope adventures to be found within the Forest of Dean. Paddle boarding is a firm favourite and available at Gloucester Docks and the picturesque Symonds Yat on the Wye River.£216From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Dornoch, ScotlandOsprey Lodge is situated in an elevated position, deep in the Sutherland hills, tucked away down a private track, and enjoying unbelievable views across the surrounding hills and open countryside. This superb, detached solid wood lodge enjoys total peace and privacy, set in 50 hectares of croft land. The accommodation is presented to a very good standard throughout. The delightful open plan living space features a welcoming wood burner in the living area, as well as patio doors that open onto the raised decking, with a private hot tub and sitting-out area. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms with colour coordinated soft furnishings allowing for a good nights’ sleep. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.
Situated on a working farm where the friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, this is a haven for wildlife and you may also stumble upon osprey, deer, pine martin, red kites, golden eagles and curlews. Whilst completely private, it is just over 1 mile to the pretty stone village of Rogart which is home to a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin, and mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away, where you can visit the sandy beach and the renowned championship golf course, as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 17¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£216From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Blackpool, EnglandThis stunning semi-detached barn conversion provides spacious and luxurious accommodation. Located in the quiet rural village of Stalmine, the property is ideally placed for exploring Lancashire, the Fylde Coast and beyond. Thoughtfully designed both inside and out, the barn offers luxury comforts including a beautiful and well-equipped kitchen, contemporary bathrooms, attractive comfortable bedrooms, Wi-Fi, and a wood burner which is perfect for those winter evenings.
Outside is equally impressive with a decked patio area that enjoys far reaching countryside views. The patio provides a wonderful space for hosting a barbecue, whilst the children can play games on the large lawned garden. The property boasts a private hot tub which can be enjoyed all year round, and should the great British weather take a turn for the worse, you can retreat to your ‘Cave’. This has been built by the owner as an indulgent folly and is weatherproof and with a means of heating.
Stalmine is located approximately 5 miles from the small market town of Poulton-le-Fylde which has a good selection of shops, bars, and cafés. Other places that are worth a visit along the Fylde coast include Thornton Cleveleys with its old-fashioned charm and promenade, 7 miles, Fleetwood with its Freeport Outlet Shopping Village, 10 miles, and of course Blackpool, 9 miles, whose many attractions include The Tower, Blackpool Zoo, Pleasure Beach, Sea Life Centre, and Madame Tussauds.
Apart from being accessible for the coast, Carr End Barn A is also well-placed for exploring rural Lancashire. Ribble Valley with its pretty villages is within an hour’s drive, and it’s an excellent choice for walks and country pubs. The Forest of Bowland, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, can also be reached within an hour’s drive. The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales are also very accessible by road and can be reached in an hour. The city of Lancaster is just 13 miles away and Preston is 19 miles. Beach 9¾ miles. Shop and pub ½ mile, and restaurant 3 miles. This property can be booked together with ref. LR8 to accommodate up to 18 guests.£234From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Preseli Hills, WalesImmerse yourself in the magnificence of this stunning former farmhouse of Fountain Hill Farm which is set on its own in the ‘picture-postcard’ Pembrokeshire countryside. It has fabulous views of the Preseli Hills, while a tributary of the River Nevern meanders at the bottom of the orchard. This grand farmhouse is teeming with character and offers a very high level of comfort throughout, with solid oak floors, beams and an original inglenook fireplace, which really do complement this property. A natural stone porch opens into a large reception area which features a wood burner set in a Welsh stone inglenook fireplace with a slate hearth, and oak stairs to the first floor. A dining room adds to the character and charm, with exposed stonework and a bespoke dining table. Here you can enjoy formal dining with family and friends, or maybe enjoy a barbecue al fresco on the patio, where there are uninterrupted views over the beautiful Preseli Hills, or just relax in your private hot tub. In the evening, you can retire to one of the two living rooms complete with a cosy wood burner - this property really does offer everything for that perfect getaway. The large master suite offers fantastic views, with even your very own observatory making the most of the magnificent views here at Fountain Hill.
Positioned at the foothills of the Preseli Hills, it lies close to the quaint hamlet of Eglwyswrw, and is conveniently on the doorstep of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which offers fantastic walks through the hills and on the coastal paths, as well as horse riding, fishing on the Rivers Teifi and Nevern, and even sea fishing and wildlife spotting. There is also golf within 8 miles, as well as kayaking nearby. The historic market town of Cardigan is only a 15-minute drive away, and nearby are a host of beautiful beaches such as Poppit and Newport Sands or Cwm-Yr-Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod. This rugged and sublime Pembrokeshire coastline really is worth a visit. The historic market town of Cardigan has a bustling high street featuring the famous Cardigan Castle, many antique and craft shops, together with an abundance of restaurants and cafés. Travelling south, you can discover the famous walled town of Tenby with its award-winning beach, or take a trip to Caldey Island or Oakwood (Wales’ largest theme park) or the award-winning Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, all of which will make the perfect day out. Beach 9 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 3½ miles.£289From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Padstow, EnglandThis pet-friendly, bright, semi-detached holiday home is comfortably furnished with plenty of personal touches. The property is situated down a quiet country lane and is surrounded by countryside. The patio doors from the living room lead to a lovely patio area with far-reaching views down to the Atlantic Coast, ideal for a morning cup of coffee or alfresco dining. Just over a mile outside Padstow, you are ideally situated to visit the many tourist attractions that the north coast has to offer. Padstow has an array of shops, pubs and restaurants, including Rick Stein’s fish restaurant. You are close to the Camel Trail, where you can walk or cycle along a disused railway track by the Camel Estuary, taking in the bird life, to Wadebridge and beyond to Bodmin. Just a short drive away are the many sandy beaches of the north coast, including Watergate Bay, the home of extreme watersports. Visit the famous surfing beaches of Newquay, as well as a zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium. Horse riding and golf nearby. Beach 2½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.£90From price per night based on 7 night stay
- EnglandOrrest Howe is situated up the famous Orrest Head walk in Windermere, set in a beautiful woodland garden. You can enjoy sitting out on one of the many seating areas or end your day relaxing in the hot tub whilst taking in the local scenery.
This detached five bedroom property is a mixture of modern living combined with the period features of a Lakeland house, with two living rooms, plus plenty of room for dining, and a big modern fitted kitchen, including a large wine chiller, perfect for your party of up to ten. With three of the bedrooms en-suite, a family bathroom with a shower over the bath, plus an extra two separate toilets, your comfort levels are really catered for. There are views onto the front garden from four of the bedrooms which also look out over the tree tops onto Windermere.
With bars, restaurants and shops within an easy walk from the front door you will find your stay very relaxing. Alternatively just a few steps and you can head on up Orrest Head for a bracing walk and take in even more of what the Lake District has to show you! Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.£301From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Horning, EnglandCelebrate in style with friends and family at this substantial venue, sleeping up to fifteen guests. You can either relax at the property in the hot tub or large garden or explore the many things to see and do in the surrounding area. You can also enjoy a game of pool in the utility room which has a pool table and seating along with the washing machine, tumble dryer and Belfast sink. The kitchen has a warming Aga, and steps lead down to a breakfast area with a dining table and seating for eight guests. The larger, formal dining room has a dining table and seating for 12-14 guests.
This elegant, detached house is ideal for groups, families or couples and blends character with every day modern day comforts. It is perfectly positioned to explore the Norfolk Broads National Park and Norfolk’s amazing coastline with sandy beaches and RSPB bird reserves. Neighbouring the owners’ working arable farm (not accessible to guests) it is privately surrounded by its own large garden.
It has nearby links to public footpaths and bridleways, including Weavers Way, winding 61 miles through the North Norfolk countryside. Another way to enjoy the area is on horseback; there is a equestrian centre nearby (within ½ mile) where you can hire a horse for the day, or you can even house your own horse, with a variety of livery options available. The centre is registered with Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) charity. There are tremendous circular cycling routes via Dilham Canal and a wealth of opportunities for walking direct from the doorstep, so do remember to pack your walking boots. For anglers, there is carp fishing within ½ mile.
The market town of North Walsham, 6 miles, has a good selection of shops, supermarkets, bank, a weekly market, bowling alley, leisure centre with swimming pool, restaurants, and cafés. Worstead church is a superb 14th-century building, full of historic and architectural interest. Wroxham, the capital of the Norfolk Broads is 6½ miles for daily boat hire and river trips, waterside restaurants, cafés and shops. It also has a train station with links to Norwich city, 13 miles, for excellent shopping centres, theatre, market, castle museum, cathedral, cafés and restaurants, and coast and Bure Valley Steam Railway; a nostalgic 18-mile trip by steam on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway which runs between the historic market towns of Aylsham and Wroxham, with wayside halts serving the picturesque Broadland villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall, where you can hop off and on to explore by foot. The popular seaside town of Cromer, 15 miles, has a beach, promenade gardens, pier, shops, cafés and restaurants. There are sandy beaches at Happisburgh, Mundesley and Bacton within 20 minutes’ drive. Felbrigg and Blickling Halls (National Trust), and Sheringham Park are all within a 30-minute drive. A must for families is BeWILDerwood at Horning, a tree top adventure woodland, 7 miles and Dinosaur Park at Weston Park, 19 miles. Beach 8 miles. Pub 1 mile, shop 5 miles and restaurant 4 miles.£511From price per night based on 7 night stay