Dog Friendly Holidays Mendip Hills

This beautifully appointed and restored 18th-century semi-detached holiday cottage is located in the village of Washford, a short distance from the West Somerset coast (Blue Anchor and St Audries beaches) and Exmoor National Park. The property enjoys a large living room with cosy woodburner, a second garden sitting room boasting an inglenook, a kitchen overlooking the garden stream and an antique king size bed in the main double bedroom. The River Washford flows unfenced beside the holiday cottage and runs the length of the garden, which has a summer house and other sitting-out areas with plenty of high grade garden furniture. Superb scenery and walking on the South West Coastal Path or inland on the moors. Dunster Castle and Watchet Harbour nearby. Washford has its own station on the West Somerset Steam Railway. There is a shop within 500 yards, and pubs within walking distance, including one in ¼ mile and one ½ mile away.

Elsie has been lovingly restored by her owners in 2020, to offer a wonderful holiday for families or friends, she is situated right by the West Somerset Railway line that runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and also offers sea views from every room! Every detail has been considered to make your stay as perfect as possible. Head up the steps and through the door, where you will enter into the living/dining room, with comfortable sofas and dining table comfortably seating 6 people, off the living space is the very well equipped (and fabulous sized) kitchen with full cooking facilities as well as a full fridge/freezer, microwave and washer/dryer! Head down the narrow hallway to your sleeper cabins, one of which is a small double with sea and railway views plus a TV, while the other two bedrooms feature bunk beds (original but made safe for 21st century use!) both feature sea and track views, TVs and one has an XBox to keep the kids happy after a day exploring the beach or on Exmoor! At the end of the carriage is the shower room with a large shower. Outside you have a large grass area for games and relaxing, plus private parking. *Please note, the underside of the carriage is open and the working track can be accessed, please ensure that dogs are kept on a lead at all times and children are fully supervised while outside*
Blue Anchor is a wonderful seaside village, set between Minehead and Watchet, with a fabulous stretch of beach which is perfect for year round use and is also dog friendly at all times! The beautiful West Somerset Steam Railway which runs through Blue Anchor has a stop here and they offer wonderful trips as well as speciality trips with steam fairs, afternoon teas, candlelight dinners and the amazing Santa Express! Nearby, head to the medieval village of Dunster with its wonderful castle, spend a day at the arcades or shopping in Minehead, pop to Watchet and stroll around the Harbour or head inland onto Exmoor.

Welcome to Thornes Farm Cottage, a delightful home from home nestled on the owners’ farm and set at the foot of the Quantock Hills - a fantastic base to explore the area from! Inside the cottage you have a step up from the hall to the kitchen/dining area, which is very well equipped with everything you will need during your stay. Head through to the living room with its French doors that look out over the garden and fields beyond. There are also comfy sofas which are ideal to snuggle up on after a day out, and the wood burner is perfect for those cooler evenings to relax in front of with a cuppa or something stronger! Step down into the inner hallway, where you will find the bedrooms (two double and one twin) and the shower room that has underfloor heating to save you getting cold feet after your shower!
Outside, from the French doors you have a small sunny seating area, perfect for your morning hit of Vitamin D, in the afternoon the larger enclosed courtyard to the front is the ideal sun trap and a wonderful place to enjoy al fresco dinners or laze the afternoon away with a good book. Set on the owners’ working farm, there is always something going on around you, whether it be the cows coming in, the horses galloping in the fields or the sheep grazing lazily. At certain times of year, the owners would be delighted to show you new-born lambs, calves and even kid goats! Stabling is available at cost by arrangement, which is perfect as the rides around here are endless across the Quantocks. The Coleridge way passes within half a mile.
There is so much to do nearby you will be spoilt for choice! Exmoor and the Brendon Hills are easily reached on a day trip. Pop on the Exmoor coaster, one of the UK’s most spectacular open top bus rides. Explore the beaches of Minehead, Blue Anchor or Doniford Bay, wander around the harbour at Watchet, hunt for fossils at Kilve or jump on the West Somerset Steam railway that chugs merrily along from Bishops Lydeard through the countryside and along the coast to Minehead. Tropiquaria is a great day out for the family or head over to Lynton & Lynmouth to ride the Cliff Railway, the highest and the steepest fully water-powered Victorian railway in the World! Pubs 1 mile and 1¼ miles. Beach 3 miles.

Goodwin House is a charming retreat nestled in the picturesque village of Shepton Beauchamp, near Ilminster. Recently renovated to an exceptionally high standard, this holiday cottage offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm. As you approach the cottage, you’ll be pleased to find ample parking, making it convenient for guests to arrive with ease.
A highlight of this cottage is its patio and garden area, accessible through bi-folding doors from the spacious kitchen/dining room. This area serves as a fantastic entertaining space, with outdoor furniture providing an ideal setting for al fresco dining or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. The utility room also offers direct access to the garden, making it a convenient entry point for your four-legged friend, ensuring that your dog can enjoy the outdoor space as much as you do. Inside the cottage, the warm and inviting lounge features an inglenook with wood burner, creating a cosy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing in the evenings. The three bright and airy bedrooms are tastefully decorated, offering a cottage feel with modern touches. With two well-appointed bathrooms, the cottage provides all the amenities needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Goodwin House holiday cottage promises a memorable and delightful experience for anyone seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of the English countryside.
Shepton Beauchamp is a charming and picturesque village situated near the town of Ilminster in Somerset, England. This quintessential English village exudes a serene and idyllic atmosphere and offers a tranquil escape, with a rich historical heritage, evident in its centuries-old buildings and landmarks; Barrington Court just being over the hill. Nearby Ilminster, a market town, provides a range of amenities and services, including quaint shops, cosy cafés, and local markets, while also being a gateway to the stunning countryside of Somerset. Together, Shepton Beauchamp and Ilminster create an enticing blend of rural beauty and convenient urban accessibility for those seeking a quintessential English experience. Beyond Ilminster, there is a wealth of activities to enjoy in Somerset and the surrounding areas. Discover the rich history of Taunton and Glastonbury, explore the stunning landscapes of the Blackdown Hills and Somerset Levels, or venture to the Jurassic Coast for coastal adventures.

Old Farm is a stunning Barn conversion in Southwood, just outside of Glastonbury. Converted to an extremely high standard in 2021, it’s the perfect base from which to explore Somerset. Drive past the orchard and enter through the gates into your private driveway where Old Farm awaits you, through the large Oak front door the bright and airy living space opens in front of you to welcome you in. The central open plan living space has beautiful large doors opening to the garden, a wood burner for those cosy evenings and sumptuous furnishings to allow you to relax into whilst watching TV or chilling with a glass of your favourite tipple. The kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, fridge freezer and washing machine as well as everything else you will need to whip up a fantastic dinner or just a simple breakfast. There is also a sitting room with large floor to ceiling windows, you can also sleep up to two extra guests on the sofa bed in here. Off the open plan living area you will find the fabulous bedrooms, both have double beds, hairdryers and en-suite bathrooms. Outside you have your private garden, with outdoor seating area and fantastic views across the fields.
There are fabulous walks in all directions that can be taken from the doorstep, whilst the towns of Glastonbury and Street are just under 15 minutes drive away. Glastonbury, famous for its festival and ancient legends, has a great mix of eclectic shops and larger stores whilst Street is well known for its outlet shopping centre, Clarks Village, where designer bargains are to be found! Within an hour’s drive you have a wealth of National Trust properties to explore as well as fun days out at the likes of Longleat and Haynes Motor Museum.

Tucked away in rural Somerset on the edge of Exmoor, down a private track in 15 acres, this detached barn conversion, decorated and furnished to a very high standard, has an indoor heated swimming pool and games room. Enjoy walks from the door, or in the private grounds.

Minehead is just 15 miles away, where visitors can enjoy golf, tennis, the West Somerset Railway and lovely sandy beaches. The county town of Taunton offers shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Nature can be seen at its best within the wonderfully unspoilt and peaceful Exmoor National Park, which is among the UK’s greatest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In this stunning landscape, wildlife lovers can observe majestic red deer, Exmoor ponies and hundreds of different species of birds. There are ancient wooded valleys with magical waterfalls, a dramatic coastline with secluded beaches and miles of open moorland. The medieval village of Dunster is nearby, with its NT castle and terraced gardens. Activities to enjoy locally include horse riding, fishing, bird watching, water sports and cycling. Within easy driving distance are Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, Wells, Glastonbury, Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and Haynes Motor Museum. Shops and gastro pub 2 miles.

’Spacious, fully refurbished throughout, well-equipped cottages...with an idyllic rural setting amidst a chorus of wildlife’

Conveniently located for Longleat, Bath and the Mendip Hills and Gorges, Moorleaze nestles on the border of Somerset with Dorset and Wiltshire. Enjoying a tranquil setting with stunning views all around, it provides the perfect retreat at any time of year. Built from local stone and boasting every modern convenience, the cottages offer spacious and superbly fitted accommodation, presented to 5 Star standards. The 40-acre grounds include farmland, woodland, orchard and two lakes, whilst the glorious views encompass fields and gently wooded hills. A haven for wildlife, deer and hares abound, often coming within yards of the cottages. Buzzards, kestrels, tawny and barn owls, pheasants, swallows and many other species nest here. The lower lake is stocked with carp, tame enough to feed from guests’ hands - so no fishing! The idyllic village of Witham Friary, complete with an unspoiled pub and children’s playground is a few minutes’ stroll and found fame as the setting for the TV series Building the Dream.
Benefiting from its countryside setting, Moorleaze also affords easy access all year round and is within a short driving distance of many famous locations. Longleat is close by, as are Wookey Hole and the Yeovilton Aircraft and Haynes Motor Museums. Bath, designated a World Heritage Site, boasts many delights including the Roman Baths. Nearby Frome has even more listed buildings than Bath and hosts a renowned arts and music festival in early July. Salisbury, Wells, Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Avebury are also popular places to visit from Moorleaze. NT properties include the incomparable Stourhead, just minutes away. Walkers are spoilt for choice, from the local countryside to the splendour of the Mendips, including Cheddar Gorge. With its magnificent indoor pool, games room, tennis court, climbing frame and idyllic setting, The Sunday Times described Moorleaze as
’a sure-fire child pleaser’, and it’s just as popular with adults, an ideal break at any time of the year. The village pub is within walking distance. Shops 6 miles.

Welcome to The Penning’s, a wonderful 5-star holiday home nestled in the picturesque village of Middlezoy in north Somerset. This stunning retreat boasts four spacious bedrooms, including two en-suite rooms and a family bathroom, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests. The thoughtfully designed layout ensures comfort and privacy, with two of the bedrooms featuring French doors that open onto a charming courtyard.
Upon entering The Pennings, you’ll be captivated by the expansive open plan living, kitchen, and dining area. The fully equipped kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s dream, complete with an American fridge/freezer, double wine fridge and a convenient island unit. The dining area is elegantly furnished and provides seating for eight, perfect for enjoying delicious meals together, while the living area has a wood burner to snuggle in front of.
For those seeking entertainment, the sitting room is equipped with a 55" smart TV, creating a cosy space for movie nights or catching up on your favourite shows. Additionally, the games room offers a lively atmosphere with a table football set and a dartboard. You’ll also find a convenient kitchenette here, allowing you to grab refreshments without interrupting the fun.
Stepping outside, you’ll discover a large garden that serves as a haven for relaxation and play. Children will delight the specially designed playset, providing endless hours of entertainment. A pétanque court offers an opportunity for friendly competition and the expansive lawn space invites outdoor activities and picnics on sunny days.
While The Pennings is a remarkable holiday home in itself, north Somerset offers a wealth of attractions and activities to enhance your vacation. One of the main draws is the stunning coastline, with several beautiful beaches to explore. Weston-super-Mare is a popular seaside destination, boasting a long sandy beach, a vibrant pier with amusement rides, and a variety of water sports opportunities.
Just a short drive from Middlezoy, you’ll find the picturesque town of Clevedon. Take a leisurely stroll along Clevedon Pier, one of the most beautiful Victorian piers in England, and enjoy breath-taking views of the Bristol Channel. Clevedon also offers charming independent shops, cafés, and a delightful coastal park, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to the city of Bath is highly recommended. Famous for its Roman Baths, stunning Georgian architecture, and the majestic Bath Abbey, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of history and contemporary culture. Explore the Roman Baths, soak in the natural hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa, and wander through the elegant streets lined with boutique shops and restaurants.
Another must-visit destination in North Somerset is the enchanting Cheddar Gorge and Caves. Embark on a guided tour of the ancient caves, marvel at the impressive stalactite formations, and learn about the rich history and geology of the area. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the gorge offer breath-taking views and opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and nature walks.
Whether you choose to indulge in the comfort and luxury of The Penning’s or venture out to explore the captivating attractions of North Somerset, your holiday promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. Embrace the beauty of the coastline, immerse yourself in history and create lasting memories in this remarkable corner of England.

Woodlands is a warm, spacious family property located in a rural area, just outside the village of Langford Budville in Somerset adjacent to a small garden nursery, and has an adjoining 220-acre nature reserve. This semi-detached property, which is quite private and not overlooked, is set between woodland and open countryside, with panoramic views to the Blackdown Hills in the lovely vale of Taunton Deane, on the Somerset/Devon border.
Woodlands has everything you need for a family holiday. It is well equipped for children, with children’s toys, games and DVDs, and even direct access to a shared playground with swings and slides. Guests can relax in the heated, outdoor 6-person hot tub in the garden, even in the winter time as it has a roof cover. Pure luxury! There is also a corner whirlpool bath in the main bathroom, a shower in one of the bedrooms which is en-suite, and another in a separate shower room. Coffee, cakes and light lunches are served in the cafe nearby and the village pub is within walking distance with real ales, open fires and good food.

Situated in the highly sought-after village of Burnham Market, voted the best place to live in Norfolk, there is much to love about Downlands. Tucked away in a quiet side street but just footsteps from the high street with its array of cafés, bistros, shops and pubs, you really are close to lots of lovely places to eat and drink but secluded enough to be sure of a great night’s sleep.
Stylishly decorated and furnished throughout, this light and airy property is perfect for discerning guests who are looking for a high-end escape close to the stunning coastline. Boasting a living room with a cosy wood burner, French doors on to a beautiful mature garden and three double bedrooms, you are sure to enjoy your time in this well-equipped family home, which is the perfect place to relax, unwind and leave the every-day stresses behind. Venture out however and you will find yourself just a short drive from the pretty seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea with its insta-opportunities galore. Sit at the beautiful quayside and watch the pretty little sailing boats bob on the tide. Explore Staithe Street with its quaint assortment of traditional seaside and artisan shops and cafés, or head to the wide sandy beach resplendent with painted beach huts.
Head east from here and enjoy a spot of crab lining at Blakeney or a stroll along Cromer Pier, or head west and enjoy Hunstanton with its stripey cliffs and host of family amusements including a Sea Life Centre. Make sure you allow lots of time for your journeys along the coast roads however as each village brings a new coastal habitat and somewhere new to eat or shop, so it may well take you a while to reach your destination!
History buffs should make time to visit the Holkham, Houghton and Sandringham Estates as well as visiting the Hanseatic Quarter of Old King’s Lynn. And nature lovers will be truly spoilt for choice too. Add in great walks and cycle routes, numerous golf courses and so much more and you will be sure to book a return visit to Downlands, just to fit it all in. Just lovely!