Dog-friendly Cottage Getaways

Nestling in the pretty Norfolk countryside close to the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Willow Barn (ref CZB) and single-storey Beech Barn (ref CZU) and Alderfen Barn (ref UK30458) are detached holiday properties dating back to the 1700s, situated in the grounds of the owner’s home. Providing a perfect retreat for discerning larger family groups, these converted barns offer spacious and comfortable accommodation boasting beamed interiors, wood-burning stoves and enclosed separate gardens with private hot tubs, and for a special meal or family celebration gourmet meals can be arranged with the owner.
For Beech Barn (ref CZU), between Easter and the 16th July, and the 1st September-1st November, for 7 night bookings the owner is offering free boat hire for one day.
Beech Farm Barns are ideally located for all the family and for nature lovers there is an abundance of bird life. Within walking distance is Alderfen Broad, which is situated in The Broads National Park, a bird watcher’s delight. For the children there is BeWILDerwood Adventure Park with its treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges and boat trips, which all combined makes a great day out. Nearby is the attractive Broads village of Horning with its selection of tea shops, restaurants and pubs. A day boat can be hired directly from the owner, or book a trip on the Mississippi steamer. The sandy beaches of the North Norfolk Coast are only 10 miles away. Alternatively spend a day in the fine city of Norwich with its magnificent cathedrals, castle, museums, theatres, market and vast array of cafes and shops. There is a wealth of National Trust properties to visit in the area which include Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park (one of the finest 17th-century country Jacobean houses in East Anglia), Blickling Hall (a magnificent house with woodlands and lakeside walks) and Sheringham Park (beautifully landscaped and renowned for its spectacular displays of azaleas and rhododendrons in late spring). Shops and pub 1½ miles.

Beech Barn (CZU), Willow Barn (CZB) and Alderfen Barn (UK30458) can be booked together to accommodate up to 32 guests.

This traditional flint and brick holiday cottage is one of a pair tucked away in a small courtyard of four properties in the heart of this bustling seaside town, within walking distance of the harbour. An excellent sandy beach is 1 mile further. Ideal for a family holiday by the sea and exploring the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. Sailing, windsurfing, boat trips, riding and cycling available locally. RSPB bird and nature reserve close by. Holkham Hall parkland and beach are 2 miles. Bustling Burnham Market, 5 miles. The Sandringham Royal Estate and museum, 10 miles. City of Norwich for theatre, excellent shopping malls, outdoor market and the famous Norfolk Broads are an hour’s drive. Shops and pubs 800 yards.

A spacious, detached house furnished to a good standard, with some sea views from upstairs. Situated in a quiet residential area, just a few minutes’ walk from sandy Seagrove Bay. At low tide you can walk miles along the sands in either direction to unspoilt Priory Bay or to Puckpool Park for cycling and play area. Seaview village is ½ mile away with excellent pubs and food, right on the seafront. There are many attractions on the island to suit the whole family, including Carisbrooke Castle and Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Visit Osborne House and gardens, once the summer time home of Queen Victoria, now open to the public during the summer season. The nearby town of Ryde offers something for everyone including bowling alley, ice rink and indoor swimming pool, as well as many shops, pubs and restaurants. The picturesque maritime town of Cowes, the yachting centre of the world offers a shopping area, museums and historic buildings, and car ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth offer alternative days out. With its temperate climate and superb sunshine record, this makes an ideal location for holidays to suit all the family, at any time of year. Shop and pub ½ mile.

Offering far-reaching views over fields and surrounding countryside, this compact, detached, single-storey holiday property offers superb walks from the door across miles of countryside. Standing next to the owners’ home on an unadopted lane on the edge of the charming village of Niton, a 10-minute walk, with a church, local shops, post office, library, chemist, hardware/gift/pet supplies shop, a GP centre and a pub serving food. The island is renowned for ramblers and has a 500-mile network of footpaths, including a 68-mile coastal walk with spectacular views. The nearest beach is a 10-minute drive, an observatory and St. Catherine’s Lighthouse are also nearby. Water sports, cycling, riding, sailing, fishing and golf can be found on the island. Blackgang Chine Theme Park is ¾ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Directly opposite Sandown’s popular sandy beach and offering superb far reaching sea views, this delightful terraced Victorian former coastguard’s cottage is one of a row of similar properties set back from the road which leads to the town in one direction and Bembridge in the other, with local buses stopping close to the property. Having been refurbished, Culver Cottage offers comfortable and homely family accommodation. There is a sun room to the front of the holiday property, which is also ideal for storing beach kit or bikes. Sandown is well known for its seaside entertainment, including a zoo (where Tiger Island is filmed), amusement arcades, and outdoor fun such as putting, trampolines, crazy golf, as well as a leisure centre with indoor pool and various pubs and restaurants along the seafront. Scenic walks can be enjoyed along cliff-top paths, and much of the coastline is designated Heritage status. Also for the outdoor enthusiast, try watersports, golf, riding, fishing, hang-gliding, sailing or birdwatching. Other places of interest include Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, the rock formations of The Needles, Blackgang Chine, Robin Hill Adventure Park, the Garlic Farm, the Donkey sanctuary, Amazon World, the steam railway, Flamingo Park, Falconry centre, Dinosaur Museum, Pearl Centre and butterfly park. There are many hidden coves dotted around the island, or why not enjoy a cream tea at one of the various tea rooms located in the historic villages of Godshill, Old Shanklin or Brighstone. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Shoreline Cottage is a charming, Victorian, former navy coastguard cottage, situated on the sea front, overlooking Sandown’s popular wide sandy beach. This delightful terraced, three-bedroom, three reception room cottage has undergone careful renovation, yet still retains some original features, such as exposed brick fire surround. Stunning sea views can be enjoyed from the rooms at the front. Perfect for families, there are plenty of games, books, DVDs and a bike store.
Sandown is ideal for families and those who like cliff-top walks, cycling, fishing and golf. There are plenty of shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and the pier and its amusements, all within 5 minutes’ walk. Also nearby is the Isle of Wight Zoo, Dinosaur Isle, pitch and putt, trampolines, crazy golf and the Heights Leisure Centre with indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam spa. Further afield, visit Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, Flamingo Park, Blackgang Chine, Robin Island Adventure Park, Amazon World, steam railway, the garlic farm, Ventnor Botanical Gardens or a donkey sanctuary. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Located in the village of Lake, between the popular resort beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, the property is set adjacent to the owner’s home. The chalet benefits from a fully enclosed south-facing rear garden and has a rear gate that provides access directly out onto the cliff top coastal path, presenting you with a stunning view over Sandown Bay and its pier.
The beach at Lake can be accessed from a set of steps from the top of the cliff path, alternatively you can gain access from Shanklin or Sandown Esplanades via a short walk in either direction along the sea wall. Because this beach is tucked away and not as straightforward to reach, it is very often quieter than its resort neighbours Sandown and Shanklin during the busier months, making it a peaceful alternative for a day on the beach. As the waters are quieter, this is a great beach for surfing and water sports, as the sea is shallow and clear. There is an instructional school which is located nearby that offers a whole range of activities for all ages and abilities, there’s also a café and barbecue area which is always popular during the summer season. There’s also beach huts which you can look to hire and a number of benches to sit on along the sea wall path when the tide is further in. The walk along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin along the back of the beach is highly recommended as it offers a wide, flat path which is ideal for both walkers and cyclists.
For guests choosing to visit the island without their car, a favourable way to reach the property is to take the Wightlink Fast Cat service to Ryde Pier head and then the train to Lake Station which is only a 3-minute walk from the property. The island has become a real hot spot for cycling enthusiasts, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks running along former railway lines. You can cycle across the width of the island to the famous Needles landmark, or try the full round the island route, which is 66 miles long and is used for the annual Isle of Wight Randonnee held over the bank holiday in May. You can also travel along the route at a more leisurely pace, stopping off along the way at one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafés that can be found in the quaint villages and towns.
Sandown is a truly traditional British beach resort with pier, amusements, pitch ’n’ putt, Isle of Wight Zoo, children’s play area and the Dinosaur Isle attraction at the northern end of the esplanade towards Yaverland and Culver Cliff. The town is brimming with attractions to entertain visitors, most of them right on the beach front itself, so you never have to stray too far from the golden sands. At the other end of the path you will reach Shanklin Esplanade which is again packed full of amusements and crazy golf, as well as several places to eat. Away from the beach the main town hosts a multitude of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The old village is world famous with its pretty thatched cottages, cosy tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and craft shops to discover. Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, paragliding, golf and water sports. There are numerous attractions across the island to discover for all ages, such as The Needles (with its chairlift, amusement park, boat rides, lighthouse and coloured sands of Alum Bay), Blackgang Chine, Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park and Carisbrooke Castle - or why not pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens? The sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes also make for a great day out. Beach 500 yards. Shops, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Dating back to the 17th Century and surrounded by open countryside, this detached farmhouse nestles on a 400-acre family-run working farm, with cattle, sheep and chickens, and where a warm welcome is assured. Trowley Farmhouse is situated in a tranquil, unspoilt location at the end of a private lane. Ideal for getting friends and families together, there is space to socialise with two lounges and a large farmhouse-style kitchen. There is also a private garden and nearby orchards and fields to have fun in or to simply relax. Stepping into the flagged stone entrance porch and through the grand oak door into the panelled hallway, you will get a sense of the history of this wonderful house. With oak beams, thick stone walls and original bread oven in the kitchen, the property retains much of the character of the original building, whilst every modern convenience is provided to make your stay comfortable whatever the season. On chillier evenings, the wood burner and open fire will provide the focal point for cosy nights in. Enjoy extensive views of the Begwn Hills and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, along with woodland and wildlife. The owners are happy to offer farm tours subject to availability.


The location is a must for nature lovers with red kites and buzzards often spotted, and up on Painscastle common, just a 20-minute walk, there are red grouse and curlews. Nearby is Rhosgoch Bog, a conservation area perfect for birdwatchers. At the highest point, known as the ‘Roundabout’ on the Begwn Hills, there are spectacular views and you can see seven counties on a clear day. The nearby town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for having close to 40 book shops, has plenty to keep you busy and one visit just isn’t enough. There are characterful antique shops and cafés, as well as many shops for those looking to discover a rare edition or bygone childhood book. Explore the atmospheric ruins of nearby Llanthony Priory, an early 13th Century Augustinian church which is open all year and entrance is free. Apart from being home to the internationally famous Royal Welsh Show, along with a host of other events, nearby Builth Wells offers everything from sports and leisure facilities, to an 18 hole golf course, pony trekking and renowned angling spots. The red kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm offers the opportunity to come in close contact with these rare and magnificent birds on a daily basis.