Fido Family Friendly Places

This 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.

Escape 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.

Immerse 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.

This imposing Edwardian country house stands in its own garden overlooking sheep grazing the common at Goathland, whilst the views of moors and forest may be enjoyed from the west-facing terrace. Set in the village of Goathland, perhaps better known as Aidensfield from the TV series Heartbeat, in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, it is in an excellent area for walking – the North Yorks Moors steam railway stops at the village station on its journey from Pickering to Grosmont. Horse riding can also be found nearby.
Whitby being only 9 miles away is a picturesque seaport famous for its Captain Cook connections, where the cobbled streets and yards stand in the shadow of the Abbey, overlooking the harbour. The 3 miles of sandy beaches lead to the pretty coastal village of Sandsend. Robin Hood’s Bay (renowned as a bygone smugglers’ haunt), Runswick Bay and Staithes are all worth a visit. Inland, the moors are scattered with villages, many with excellent inns. Goathland itself offers an excellent choice of inns and restaurants, in addition to local shops, post office and cafés. Scarborough 23 miles. York 38 miles. Beach 9 miles. Pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Perfect for a large family gathering or celebration, Oswald House offers spacious and stylish accommodation for a splendid holiday. The vast kitchen and dining space is the social hub of the home and large bi-fold doors open up onto the outside space with a superb hot tub and barbecue; the ideal spot for relaxing in after a busy day sightseeing. Situated in the village of Llanon with a pub and shops within walking distance, this holiday home is the perfect base for immersing yourself in all that the area has to offer. With a superb mix of coast and countryside, Ceredigion is a large and beautiful place to visit. Award-winning beaches, perfect coves, iconic castles and pretty harbours make days out by car or on foot along the 60 miles of Heritage coastline a must. This region inspired Dylan Thomas to write some of his finest poetry. It is framed by the Cambrian Mountains, known as the backbone of Wales, and is so rich in wildlife, legends and fascinating landscapes. Look out for birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards soaring high above, and dolphins or seals in the waters. Drive along the Plynlimon Mountains, through the Tywi Forest or visit the impressive Abergwesyn Pass, and marvel at the solitude.

For a truly authentic Welsh family holiday experience, this is the area to be. The locals are justifiably proud of this region with its rich local folklore which tells of tricking the devil, mermaids, shipwrecked kings and princesses, and even an explanation of why gulls sound as if they’re crying. The little gems of Georgian Aberaeron, historic Cardigan, salty New Quay, traditional Tregaron and Lampeter are waiting to be explored. To the south, the coves of Mwnt, Cwmtydu, Penbryn, Tresaith – which resemble illustrations from books about pirates, are all within easy reach. To the north, around Aberystwyth and Borth, there are vast stretches of sand. Food plays a big part in the experience of Ceredigion, and a wide choice is to be found in the shops, restaurants and cafés offering regional products and ingredients such as the world beating Teifi Valley cheeses, the ubiquitous Welsh cakes, bara brith and of course, some spectacularly good seafood from the coast.

No visit to the area would be complete without a ride on the steam railway. From the coast at Aberystwyth, watch the scenery change whilst travelling through ancient woodland and rugged mountain scenery, with the line clinging to the hillside to reach Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous Mynach Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl. Come and escape to this magnificent area and let Oswald House be your home for a holiday to remember!
Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 600 yards. This property can be booked together with Ty Fynnon (HW7601) and Oswald Lodge (HW7804) to accommodate larger groups.

Perched on the Dale Peninsula, high above the crashing waves and just 300 yards from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Musselwick Farm Luxury Cottages enjoy truly sublime sea views, nestled within the owners 232-acre arable farm. The Millhouse is one of five superbly finished and unique cottages that have been individually designed and styled to offer the perfect luxurious stay. Situated between the coastal village of Marloes and the picture-postcard hamlet of St Brides, this wonderful collection of exquisite cottages have been meticulously transformed from the original farm buildings to offer the perfect stay for family and friends.

This large detached cottage offers a spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area, with a focal island with solid oak worktops and Belfast sinks. There is a decked terrace just off the living room, and the master suite on the ground floor provides a lovely four poster bed. All bedrooms have been lovingly furnished and enjoy their own en-suite facilities. Outside, guests can enjoy the shared courtyard area, where you can have a go at making pizzas, or perhaps light the BBQ and dine alresco whilst enjoying the fresh sea air sat around the fire pit. For the children, there’s table tennis and five-a-side football, and for those who enjoy fishing, there are trout and course fishing ponds.

Nearby, enjoy the golden sands of Marloes or take a boat trip to Skomer Island to discover a host of wildlife and sealife. Surrounded by rolling countryside and a plethora of walks from the doorstep, you won’t be short on things to see and do. The coastal resort of Little Haven provides a selection of highly acclaimed restaurants and traditional Welsh pubs. A visit to the area would not be complete without a memorable trip to the small city of St David’s, where a plethora of eclectic gift shops, stylish cafés, tasteful restaurants and the iconic 12th century cathedral can be discovered. Alternatively, for those looking for an adrenaline adventure, head east and visit the award-winning theme parks of Heatherton, Oakwood or Folly Farm, famed for its roller coasters, fascinating wildlife and family entertainment.
The Millhouse can be booked together with The Cornstore (UK32513), The Stables (UK32514), The Cart House (UK32515) and The Cowshed (UK32570) to accommodate upto 30 guests.

Town House II is situated in a prime position in Scarborough, just a short walk from the North Bay. All the bedrooms have TVs and en-suite facilities, and the icing on the cake is the enclosed hot tub in the courtyard!

The town and shops are within walking distance with a great indoor shopping centre and lots of boutiques, and for those who prefer the nightlife, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs and a casino. Just around the corner is the Scarborough cricket ground where the famous Scarborough Festival is held each year, an end of season competition featuring Yorkshire County Cricket Club. For those who love a faster sport, there’s Oliver’s Mount racing track with high powered road race bikes. As you walk to the beach you pass one of the entrances to Peasholm Park. Take a detour and walk around the park with its stunning gardens, lakes and waterfalls. There are boats and pedalos, and in summer, a brass band to entertain you. The park is famous for the Naval Warfare Battle where model ships re-enact a battle on the lake. It’s great entertainment for the kids and has been for the last 80 years.

One of the best things about Scarborough is that it has two bays, quite different from each other. The South Bay is a traditional seaside resort with donkeys, amusements and shops, whereas the North Bay is much quieter and more relaxed. Half way between the two bays, the castle stands proud on the cliffs above. You can walk the full length of Marine Drive from North to South Bay and it’s nice and flat making it easy for that evening stroll. If you prefer, there are the open top buses that run along the seafront. At the far end of North Bay is the Sealife Centre and the open air theatre, one of the largest outdoor theatres in Europe where international acts play during the summer.

Further down the coast is Filey, Flamborough and Bridlington. The RSPB bird sanctuary at Bempton is worth a visit where you can see puffins in their natural habitat. North of Scarborough are the beautiful North York Moors, and Whitby, a bustling fishing town famous for Whitby Jet Jewellery and the Goth weekends. You are only an hour away from York, a beautiful medieval city where you can visit the Railway Museum, take a leisure cruise on the river or walk the city walls which surround it. Beach 700 yards. Shop and restaurant 200 yards, pub 400 yards.
Town House II (ref UK12892) can be booked together with Townhouse 1 (ref UK12894) to accommodate up to 24 guests.

Nestled on the Welsh borders in hundreds of acres of rolling countryside, this superb holiday cottage complete with hot tub combines bright contemporary style with rural charm. The Woodlands Farmhouse is surrounded by the most beautiful countryside for as far as the eye can see and being set on a working farm, offers a unique insight into everyday rural life.

Spaciously set out over one level, means the property is perfect for generations of family and those special group occasions, with each of the six individually designed bedrooms boasting en-suite facilities. Outside in the enclosed gardens, those with children and four legged friends can truly relax and take in the peaceful and tranquil surroundings.

At night you can also discover a world of wildlife in the darkness, with visitors ranging from foxes and badgers, to owls and bats. The lanes around the property are perfect for gentle strolls and bike rides with circular routes ranging from 3 to 5 miles and beyond. For those wanting to explore the surrounding area, the location is perfect for discovering the hidden beauty of Shropshire, Cheshire and the Welsh borders. The farmhouse itself lies just on the Welsh side of the border, however the brook on the adjoining farm takes you into Cheshire, and the county of Shropshire is just a few miles away.

For lovers of the great outdoors the Clywdian Range, Offa’s Dyke, Ceiriog Valley and the Coed Llandegla Forest are all accessible within an hour. An abundance of towns, villages and attractions are also readily available, to name but a few: Ellesmere (25mins), Hawkstone Park Follies & Beeston Castle (30mins), Llangollen, Chester & Chester Zoo (40mins) and Shrewsbury (55mins). There really is something for everyone.

Situated in a quiet part of Cadeleigh, these beautiful, detached, barn conversions overlook the ponds and the deer with amazing views across the rolling hills of Devon. Set 100 yards apart within the owner’s 40-acre deer farm, nestled next to the ponds, the properties are accessed by an unmade track and provide beautiful, spacious accommodation. Perfect for friends to get together, celebrations or a family holiday.

The Otters (ref UKC3930) has been decorated and furnished to a good standard, each bedroom has en-suite facilities, and there is a spacious open plan living area with underfloor heating.
The Linhay (ref UKC1290) has a kitchen/dining room with large picture windows offering lovely views down the valley; the living room has a wood burner, ideal for those cosy nights in throughout the winter, and most of the bedrooms have en-suite facilities.

Kingfishers Lodge (ref UK36063) is a luxurious and spacious three-bedroom barn conversion, showcasing open plan living, underfloor heating, a private hot tub and bi-fold doors.

Deer Park (ref UK36064) is a luxurious and spacious three-bedroom barn conversion, showcasing open plan living, underfloor heating and bi fold doors seamlessly blending the living spaces with the outdoor landscape. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is also a utility with a washing machine.

All of the properties have their own private garden and on balmy summer evenings, is the ideal spot to relax with the prossecco which the thoughtful owners will leave for your arrival. Most of the properties have a private hot tub, except Deer Park, so don’t forget your towels!

With these properties being located on a deer farm, red deer and amazing stags can be seen close up, and there are sometimes otters in the ponds. Although the ponds are unfenced, the properties gardens are fenced, so there is some barrier between the garden and ponds.

The village of Cadeleigh lies just 9 miles from Exeter, with its magnificent cathedral and many shops and canalside pubs. Tiverton is just 6 miles away, and Bickleigh Mill with its lovely river walks, small fun railway, shop and café, is nearby. Spend a day exploring tranquil moorland and winding rivers in the Exmoor National Park, as well as the breathtaking coastline full of secluded bays and spectacular cliffs. Exmoor is sprinkled with quaint villages, attractive towns and charming harbours. Enjoy a day out at Tiverton Canal, walk with the horse drawn canal boat or enjoy a boat trip. Alternatively, take a trip to the north Devon coast and explore the dramatic coastlines and sandy beaches. Beach 24 miles. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 40 guests.

Located moments away from the stunning Malvern Hills, Learpool Barn sits in a private and rural location in Welland on the edge of Castlemorton Common. This six-bedroom barn conversion, set in five acres of land, is the perfect location to escape to as a group to celebrate at, or simply relax in. This property is perfect for families or friends to get together. Inside, the beautiful barn conversation features a full well-equipped kitchen, impressive living room, the hall with wood burner and a full spa consisting of Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Outside you will be able to enjoy the spacious mature gardens, tennis court and hot tub.

The thriving village of Welland lies south-east of the magnificent Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, with a post office, village shop and its very own family-run vineyard, producing award-winning wines which can be purchased directly from the owners. Castlemorton Common provides many lovely walks and cycle rides, part of which is a designated site of special scientific interest due to its vast array of wildlife, flora and fauna.

The beautiful Worcestershire town of Malvern dates to the Bronze Age and is situated on the eastern side of the dramatic Malvern Hills. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hills form a nine-mile range of ancient rock, which offers one hundred miles of footpaths and bridleways with natural springs and long-distance views in all directions. The town holds antiques fairs, WI country markets, farmers’ markets and many auctions throughout the year, as well as the Great Malvern Food Festival in June. The Malvern Theatre welcomes productions from the West End and the Royal Shakespeare Company, so why not take a trip to the theatre? Fishing and river cruises are available nearby and there are National Trust properties and gardens to visit in the area. Malvern has many individual shops, cafés, art galleries, restaurants, a luxurious spa, and is also home to the Three Counties Showground. It is the home of the Morgan car, which makes this area popular with enthusiasts.

The pretty town of Upton-upon-Severn lies on the banks of the River Severn and boasts a variety of delightful 17th-century buildings and attractive shops, including The Pudding Shop, traditional inns, cafés and its very own museum. It also plays host to many annual festivals, including jazz, folk and blues festivals, as well as the Sunshine Music Festival. This small, thriving town has its own marina, a vineyard and a well-stocked farm shop at the local fruit farm, plus the town’s medieval church, which is now a heritage centre, is topped by a striking 18th-century cupola, known locally as The Pepperpot. The picturesque Forest of Dean, with its range of attractions, is only 30 miles away, and the cathedral city of Worcester and waterfront city of Gloucester are also close by.