Fido Family Friendly Places

A meandering stream trickles through the stunning landscaped gardens of this 150-year-old detached farmhouse. Nestling in the sleepy hamlet of Barmby Moor (there may be some noise from farm traffic) and set in its own grounds, the property also boasts an outdoor swimming pool heated by solar panels (temperature is dependent on weather) and outdoor 6-seater hot tub. Just under a mile away lies Allerthorpe Common which offers wonderful walks and picnic areas amidst thousands of well-kept acres of land. This truly is the perfect holiday location for getting away from it all or discovering local culture.
Scattered amongst the spectacular countryside are many picturesque villages and ancient market towns such as Pocklington, Howden and Driffield. Beverley, capital of the Wolds, is home to a beautiful Gothic minster, old buildings and a racecourse. Described as a jewel waiting to be discovered, the Yorkshire Wolds boast countless villages, ancient inns and historic houses. Burnby Hall Gardens, Burton Agnes Hall and Burton Constable are all close by. Three miles away in Barmby Moor, the Wolds Gliding Club offers trial flights all year round.
Just 4 miles away is the Buddhist Centre at the wonderful Georgian mansion of Kilnwick Percy Hall, which offers lessons and courses in meditation. Aircraft enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the Real Aeroplane Museum (Selby, 25 miles) where a magnificent Hawker Hurricane and P-51 Mustang can be seen, and the Yorkshire Air Museum (Elvington, 5 miles) with a superb collection of pre- and post-WWII aircraft. The ancient walled city of York is only 12 miles away, and boasts plenty of attractions for all the family, including the Castle Museum, York Dungeons, National Railway Museum, York Racecourse and the famous Jorvik Viking Centre. Golf, fishing and gliding are all available locally. Pub and restaurant 2 miles.

This excellent property stands detached amid its own enclosed garden, in a peaceful setting, in the attractive Shropshire village of Baschurch. Spacious rooms, seating in the dining room for 14 guests, modern conveniences, and a full range of leisure amenities make it an excellent choice for large family holidays or group gatherings whatever the season. Adding to the family-friendly atmosphere, bedroom 2 and bedroom 6 both have a permanent cot available. Suitable for less mobile guests the property benefits from a double bedroom on the ground floor along with a toilet and shower facility. Guests also benefit from year-round use of an indoor heated swimming pool (approx. 28 degrees), gym, indoor 7-seater hot tub (with 62 jets) and games room with pool table and darts, all available 2 pm-7 pm, as well as their own enclosed lawned garden complete with furniture and barbecue.
Close to the village church, the house is also conveniently located within a short walking distance of 2 pubs/restaurants and a village shop. Just northwest of historic Shrewsbury and close to the Welsh borders, Field House stands in an ideal position for exploring and sightseeing within this lovely region. England’s largest inland county, Shropshire remains one of the country’s least populated and unspoilt landscapes, where bustling ancient market towns lie encompassed by acres of countryside. This is an area immersed in history, with the Domesday Book association, noteworthy castles which include the English Heritage castle at Moreton Corbet, the hilltop remains at Montgomery and Clun to the south, and of course, the splendid sandstone fortifications which dominate the centre of Shrewsbury.
Whether you crave activity, history, culture or shopping, nearby towns have plenty to offer all tastes and ages. Oswestry boasts the legendary King Oswald’s Well - said to have curative powers, Wroxeter the fourth largest city in Roman Britain is only 5 miles outside of Shrewsbury on the way to the historic Ironbridge Gorge and Blists Hill Victorian Town. The RAF Museum at Cosford, Attingham Park (National Trust), Hawkstone Historic Park and Follies, a 10-mile ride on the Llangollen railway through the stunning Dee Valley, or 18 holes of golf at Oswestry Golf Course - all are within easy reach of Field House. Shops ¼ mile, pub 300 yards.

Nestled in the Peak District National Park, this 16th century manor house shares 14 acres of grounds with the owners’ other holiday homes and is furnished in a shabby chic style with antiques, wood panelling, beams, stained glass window in the ground floor bedroom and mullion windows (low ceilings, low doors and uneven floors in some rooms). There is use of a range of facilities (1 hour per day private use via booking system), including a shared indoor pool, sauna, solarium and treatment room.
Bakewell, 3½ miles, offers shops, bars, a bistro, restaurants, twice weekly market, antique country fairs and music festivals. Stroll alongside the River Wye or a circular 3½-mile walk on part of the Monsal Trail. Chatsworth House, 5 miles, is set in 1000 acres and visitors have the opportunity to see the wild deer grazing. Other places to visit include Carsington Water and Buxton Opera House, both a short drive. Golf and horse riding are within 5 miles. Shops 3½ miles, pub 1 mile.

This stunning, detached, barn conversion has been lovingly crafted to provide a beautiful holiday home for all the family. Spread over four levels, there’s a central ‘atrium’ with views out over the peaceful countryside, with a glass-sided lift connecting all levels – ideal if a member of your party is less mobile or uses a wheelchair. There are wonderful A frame joists throughout this light and airy property, with the main living room, dining room and kitchen being in the central part of the house. On the ground floor there’s also a lovely sun room opening out onto a balcony overlooking the surrounding countryside, a games and media room with PlayStation 4, table football, electric organ, and a curved 65" Smart TV with Blu-ray player – ideal for the full cinema experience! There’s also a playroom packed with toys, games and jigsaw puzzles for the younger members of your party. Two of the bedrooms are on this floor, whilst there are four upstairs on the first floor, from where a minstrel’s gallery overlooks the staircase. On the lower ground floor you’ll find a further double bedroom, accessible wet room with shower and living room, together with a niftily concealed kitchenette – ideal for grandparents staying with family but who like their own space!
No such holiday property would be complete without a hot tub, and you’ll find the one at Y Beudy has some of the finest views from any hot tub as you while away the evenings watching the sun go down. There’s also a fabulous elevated patio area, with ramped access, giving further fantastic views, and an exciting children’s play area which is shared with the owner’s other holiday property. Ruthin is just 4 miles away, home to the Ruthin Craft Centre, and the former Ruthin Gaol, here you will find a great selection of eateries and individual shops in the streets radiating down the hill from the centre of town. A little further afield is Llandegla Forest with its mountain bike centre and great walks, whilst the historic city of Chester with its famous city walls, cathedral and unique shops in the Rows is well worth a visit. Betws-y-Coed, the ’Gateway to the Snowdonia National Park’, is also within easy reach and offers outdoor clothing shops and the amazing Zip World Fforest. Beach 22 miles. Shop and pub 1½ mile, restaurant 4 miles.

Newly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.

In a rural setting, but less than 5 miles east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth, and with beautiful views of the Rheidol Valley, Maesbangor Farmhouse is a large property with lots of room to spread out. Previously two homes, but now combined into one, this spacious semi-detached house offers seven bedrooms sleeping up to 14 guests.

The imposing front of the house looks across the valley, and the front garden even boasts a hot tub where you can relax and take in the view. As you enter inside you will appreciate how ideal the farmhouse is for families or friends who want that extra space, or perhaps a quiet corner. There is a large beamed dining room with a feature wood burner. Leading off is a conservatory overlooking the enclosed terrace with benches and tables as well as a small lawn. The kitchen, complete with a breakfast area, is well-equipped with everything you need to cook up a tasty treat.

On the other side of the house there is a living room with 50" Freeview TV and wood burner, as well as an additional living room. Also on this side of the house you’ll find kitchen number two; smaller than the first but still well-equipped. There are two staircases that lead to the first floor, one leading to four bedrooms, all en-suite, and the other leading to three further bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, and a family bathroom. This is the perfect location for a family holiday, or a break with a group of friends.

Imagine yourself sitting on the the sandy beach overlooking Cardigan Bay, watching dolphins, or perhaps exploring one of the many market towns in the surrounding area. The Victorian resort of Aberystwyth, with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier, is close by, as is the compelling Cambrian Mountains, dotted with hill sheep farms, forest and lakeland. Take a meandering train ride on what was once a working link between the local lead mines and the harbour; the Vale of Rheidol Railway now runs a steam train service through the Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge, where you can see the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder. When you’re done with exploring for the day, come back and relax at Maesbangor Farmhouse or visit the gastro pub, situated within half a mile of the house. Beach 6 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Alexander House is striking. It’s a large property set in a prominent position overlooking Gleneagles and the Perthshire Hills. The house is split into two wings for self-catering holidays. The East Wing is the larger of the two halves of the house and offers a very high standard of accommodation. It’s luxurious throughout and presents a truly special holiday opportunity. It is very comfortable for eight people but caters for up to thirteen. The East Wing is split over three floors, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
You enter the East Wing on the ground floor and arrive at the magnificent dining hall which hosts a beautiful circular table ideal for special occasions. The staircase to the first floor leads up from the dining hall, but first, you’re drawn through to more of the ground floor. The inviting drawing room lures you in with its muted reds and green velvets. It’s a spacious room with a large open fire. It also has a cards table and a games cupboard. It’s a space you will want to spend a lot of time in.
Beyond the drawing room is another fantastic space, a huge double-aspect open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. For more relaxed meals it’s here you’ll want to eat because there’s a huge scrubbed pine table. The living space is very comfortable and where the 50” TV is found. The kitchen has everything you’ll want to cook up a storm for relaxed fare or special suppers. The truly special element of this room though is the light coming in from the south-facing courtyard on one side and the expansive views to the north on the other. The design of the room is sublime.
Back to the staircase and up to the first floor you go. This floor is dedicated to sleeping quarters. There are four en-suite bedrooms. A huge kingsize master suite with a lovely large bathroom hosting a freestanding bath. Another kingsize double room with a sleigh bed. And two zip-and-link twin/double rooms. Up again to the second floor and there are two further bedrooms. A twin room and a triple room. There’s also a family bathroom as well as an extra seating area on the landing with a TV. Back down to the ground floor, access to the courtyard from the drawing room and open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. The courtyard is a special space because it’s very sheltered, surprisingly warm and has a heated swimming pool and a hot tub. The rest of the grounds are shared with those in the West Wing which makes up the other half of the spectacular Alexander House.
It’s a spectacular property albeit with a slightly characterful layout. It offers luxury throughout and would make an ideal base for a family exploring this historic part of Scotland. It will also be a fine choice for those looking to golf at nearby Gleneagles and other quality courses in the area. There are also several estates in the area that offer field sports. And for those that simply like to go for a walk or ride their bicycles, you’ll be spoilt for choice of routes.
Located close to the popular town of Aucterarder, minutes from the world-famous Gleneagles, and the charming town of Crieff all nestled in the heart of Scotland’s stunning countryside, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious amenities. Aucterarder, often affectionately called "Auchter," is a picturesque town brimming with character. Its historic high street is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional Scottish architecture.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 28 guests.