Dog-Friendly Holidays England

This delightful cluster of converted barns can be found deep in the Suffolk countryside, set in 80 acres of grazing meadows on the owner’s working beef farm where the owner lives. Henry’s Barn (ref UKC3168) is a semi-detached barn conversion and can accommodate up to six guests including two guests with restricted mobility, on the ground floor. The Old Dairy (ref UKC3169) is also part of a barn conversion ideal for a couple or small family. The Old Corn Mill (ref UKC3170) is another semi-detached barn conversion and has a large communal seating area, ideal if all properties are booked together, accommodating up to 16 guests.

Whilst offering holiday makers a cosy and comfortable stay, these 18th-century barns have retained much of their charm and character, and share use of an indoor heated pool which can be booked for private sessions, and is open from Easter to September (please bring your own towels). There is also a large games room with an indoor astro turf pitch for football, hockey and tennis. Ideal for families and larger groups, there is a real emphasis on guests’ comfort. The properties are decroated with a Christmas theme during the festive season, perfect for breaks all year round.

The village of Walpole is in the Suffolk Blyth Valley on the outskirts of Halesworth, close to the River Blyth. It is an ideal location from which to explore the Suffolk Heritage Coast at Southwold with its brightly coloured beach huts lining the promenade, Aldeburgh for traditional fish and chips on the seafront, or Dunwich to explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the RSPB Minsmere, all offering a distinctly individual coastal experience. You are also ideally located to discover the Suffolk countryside locations of Framlingham and the infamous Castle on the Hill, the market town of Halesworth for a spot of retail therapy and the equally beautiful Beccles, a market town situated on the southern network of the Norfolk Broads National Park. Beach 8 miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.
Properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

Set in the heart of the Nene Valley countryside, this beautiful stone cottage is perfect for a family holiday or a quiet retreat. Lily Pad Cottages are set around a courtyard, have all been thoughtfully designed and are wheelchair accessible. Lily Pad 2 offers three bedrooms, one on the ground floor, and all can be made as super kingsize doubles or twins. There is also the option to request a Z-bed if flexible sleeping arrangements are preferred, by prior arrangement directly with the owner at an additional cost. There is an open plan living area and kitchen, and a ground floor bathroom with wet room-style shower area. Outside there is a patio and garden to sit and enjoy the sun. There is a beautiful relaxing indoor pool area which can be booked for exclusive use (free of charge) and it boasts comfortable seating, changing rooms, showers and a table tennis area.
Visitors to Lily Pad Cottages are spoilt for choices when it comes to entertainment, there is something for everyone in the family. Within walking distance of the cottages is a world of footpaths and greenways, winding alongside the stunning River Nene and out across the countryside. Many of these trails end at some very accommodating pubs that offer delicious food and drink, as well as a range of local beers. There are great street markets in Oundle (on Thursdays) and Stamford (On Fridays) which are both well worth a visit, while the beautiful Rushden Lakes development is just a 30-minute drive away, offering retail, entertainment and eating options all set around the Nene Wetlands conservation area. Burghley House and Park is only a short drive away, and Stamford is worth a visit.
Indeed, if wildlife and nature are of interest, Rutland Water is only a 20-minute drive and offers great leisure activities from a waterside stroll, learn to sail, windsurf or hire a bike and cycle around the reservoir, stopping for a picnic. Sacrewell Farm Park is home to the giant Shire Horses. Hamerton Zoo Park is 15 miles away but is so popular with visitors as it has some great exhibits, and children love the monkeys. For a day at the beach, Snettisham is a hive of activity for nature lovers and walkers, backing onto a coastal park with reed beds, scrub and marshland behind the shingle beach. It’s also adjacent to the RSPB Snettisham Reserve which hosts an incredible display of knot and pink-footed geese when the tides are right. Sandy beach at Hunstanton is great for children to search for sea life in the rock pools.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 42 guests.