Fido Family Friendly Places

Take a beautiful Peak District National Park setting, just 3½ miles from Bakewell, add a historic hall (first recorded in the Domesday Book), and an ancient cluster of listed buildings converted to form superb holiday cottage accommodation, and the result is the captivating blend that is Harthill Hall.

Nestling in 14 acres of grounds on an upland called Priest’s Hill with excellent walking available from the doorstep, the properties have the use of an extensive range of leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, solarium and treatment rooms. Noble names have woven the threads of the hall’s long history including Henry de Ferrers, the Cokaynes and the Harthills. Henry VIII is also believed to have stayed at the hall.

It was here in 1259 that Sir Richard de Hartle was issued a Papal Bull by Pope Alexander II, allowing him to appoint his own chaplain. The chapel ceased its functions as a place of worship in 1546 and now takes the form of The Chapel and Hartle Cottage. The eight cottages are furnished with antiques and surround a medieval cobbled courtyard. They all retain a wealth of original features including thick stone walls, large oak beams, mullion windows and flagstone floors. Derbyshire’s bustling market towns, villages, hills, dales and rivers offer majestic scenery, and a rich variety of customs. Boasting a varied and beautiful landscape, they offer a blend of heritage, history and family attractions.

The beautiful market town of Bakewell (3½ miles) is situated on the River Wye, crossed by a 13th-century five-arched bridge which has coffee shops and restaurants. Within easy reach are Matlock, Hall Leys Park, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Buxton. National Trust properties and gardens nearby include Riley Graves, Longshaw, Mam Tor, South Peak, Dovedale, Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall. Close by are both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Golf and horse riding are available within 5 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub 1 mile.

Just 500 yards from the glorious sand duned beach at Kessingland, a traditional seaside village on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is this superb, very spacious, detached holiday home. The house has the added addition of a private hot tub, large garden, its own cinema room with a 2½ metre screen and a games room, and is the ideal base for a family holiday or for friends to get together to relax and unwind. Only 4 miles away is the popular resort of Lowestoft, which offers traditional seaside entertainment, and children will love Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, which is just a short drive away. Just down the road is Africa Alive, or visit the lovely seaside resort of Southwold, famous for Adnams Brewery, the pier and summer theatre. Dunwich Heath and Beach, RSPB Minsmere, Aldeburgh with its fishing boats and local seafood, and Snape Maltings Concert Hall are also easily accessible. Hire a boat on the glorious Norfolk Broads and watch the weekly speed boat racing on nearby Oulton Broad. The medieval city of Norwich, with its fine shopping, castle, cathedral and museums, is an easy drive. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

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.

The Old Roundhouse is a unique escape in sumptuous accommodation, the perfect holiday retreat in genuine peace and tranquillity. This stunning, spacious, detached barn conversion with original roundhouse enjoys total seclusion within its own large gardens on the edge of the owner’s farm, with no near neighbours. Nestling in this designated AONB, uninterrupted and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside abound and lovely walks can be enjoyed from the property. A 10-minute walk over the owner’s fields and woods leads to Hartland village with shops, three pubs and a lovely coffee shop. Sandy Spekes beach is just over a mile walk. A fabulous, picturesque, hidden treasure, great for rockpooling and surfing. The owners have maintained many original features - exposed internal stone walls, beams and wonderful slate floors with underfloor heating throughout. Everything has been thought of to ensure an incredible holiday to please everyone. The Old Roundhouse is a really special holiday home and a warm welcome awaits with complimentary chilled beer and wine, cream teas, fresh flowers and toiletries - all ingredients for a well earned break. The stunning World Heritage coastline abounds with family activities, from pretty beaches to hidden coves, once the haunt of smugglers. Hartland Abbey is worth a visit, as is the famous Clovelly. Bude and Bideford are within easy reach with their shops, attractions and leisure pursuits. Shops ½ mile.

Uncover the delights of Oak Cottage nestled within the quaint hamlet of Walwyns Castle, in the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside near the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Footpath, and close to St Brides Bay, complete with a plethora of picture-postcard beaches including St Brides, Little Haven and Broad Haven. In an evening after a busy day sightseeing, relax in your private hot tub with a glass of bubbly, relax those muscles and take in the stars. On-site there is plenty to keep you busy with a large shared games room boasting a full size pool table, table football, table tennis and soft play area for the young ones. For those more active, enjoy a game of tennis or keep fit at the gym. There is also an outdoor climbing frame and slide to keep the children entertained.

Oak Cottage is set all on one level within the mature grounds of the owner’s home and is the end of a row of three beautiful holiday cottages. The contemporary, galley-style kitchen offers the perfect space for testing your culinary skills, or you may prefer to dine al fresco in the south facing courtyard, perfect for evening sunsets. Both bedrooms have been lovingly furnished to a very good standard.

The coastal hamlet of Little Haven is 10 minutes away where you can enjoy fresh line caught fish or an array of shellfish, and the local inn/restaurant serving local ales. Travelling further south west, visit the boating village of Dale and enjoy some fantastic walks, boating, kayaking and fishing, or for some birdlife, take a trip to Skomer Island with boats departing from St Martins Haven. Tenby, Folly Farm Zoo, Heatherton World of Adventures and Oakwood, Wales’ largest theme park, are all within 40 minutes’ drive and perfect for all the family.

Oak Cottage can be booked with Ash Cottage (ref UK11213), two doors apart, to accommodate up to 8 guests.

This lovely, large detached property, situated next to a chicken farm, is just 4 miles from the town of Newtown yet sat in a rural location with great views of the rolling countryside. This property is an ideal base for groups of friends and large family gatherings. It comprises of an open plan kitchen/dining room which leads into a large conservatory, great for watching the wildlife in the area as it opens onto the large lawned garden and patio area, which hosts the private hot tub. The living room has a wood burner and again some fabulous views of the countryside. This room leads into the cinema room which boasts a 60" screen - great for movie nights! Upstairs there are four bedrooms, two doubles with en-suite facilities and two further twin bedrooms sharing a family bathroom. There is also a games room on the ground floor of the property. Plenty of walks can be had from the property so this is a great place for taking your four legged friends too. There is so much to do and see in the town of Newtown, with its array of shops, coffee shops and restaurants, and the coast is a short drive away. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Ladysmith is a fabulous detached former farmhouse, superbly located within open countryside with uninterrupted views, yet close to the seaside resort of Hornsea and just outside the village of Brandesburton. It is situated in an idyllic rural location amidst agricultural land that grows a variety of crops. On a clear night it is possible to see the night sky in all its glory, due to the rural location there is very little light pollution. There are stunning views from every window in this very impressive holiday home, which offers comfortable and spacious accommodation for groups of friends or family wishing to make memories and enjoy some quality time together.

Ladysmith offers rural tranquillity in accommodation that offers space to relax with all the amenities and offers a well-equipped family kitchen, separate utility room and toilet. The dining room and living room has plenty of seating to accommodate everyone in the group. The addition of a family games room complete with pool table, dart board, books and games is the perfect place for some friendly rivalry on an evening after a long day exploring the local area of just a relaxing space for the younger members of the group to chill whilst the adults enjoy a glass of wine.

The first floor offers five bedrooms, each named after wildflowers you can find in the locality. Offering a mixture of family rooms that have both king size and twin beds, two of which have en-suite bathrooms. The race will be on to see who chooses Sulphur Cosmos, with its feature bath in the bedroom which overlooks miles of open countryside or the family room of Fairy Toadflax with feature sunroom and additional seating. The accommodation is completed with a shower room. Ladysmith offers enclosed gardens to the front, rear, and side of the property along with a large patio area, which is where you can find the hot tub.

The outside seating is ideally located to enjoy an al fresco breakfast or an area to sit with a coffee and a good book whilst watching your fellow house guests enjoy a game of football, cricket, or chess.

A short drive brings you to the village of Brandesburton where you can find a selection of pubs, restaurants, and convenience stores. A little further afield is the seaside town of Hornsea where you can stroll along the promenade or enjoy an afternoon building sandcastles. The stately homes of Sledmere House, Burton Agnes Hall and Sewerby Hall are close by along with the stunning rolling hills of the unspoilt Yorkshire Wolds. This stunning family home has something for everyone. Beach 9 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

This spacious, detached family home, nestled down a private lane, is situated on the owners working farm in the Radnorshire valley. It is a great place for families and friends to get together and has its own hot tub and games room. Set in the open countryside, with fabulous rolling views of the valley to be had from all angles of the property, it’s in an ideal location for those wanting to explore the countryside with Offa’s Dyke being just 15 minutes’ away, as well as other fabulous walks and cycle paths in the area.

After a long day of exploring the area, head back to Upper Close and dry off your four-legged friends with the dog towels found at the property, and tuck into some home made cake from the generous welcome pack provided. Sit back in the living room, complete with a wood burner, or make the most of the views and relax in the oak conservatory. There is also use of a lovely enclosed garden, great for letting your furry friends and children let off some steam. Shop 3½ miles, pub 2½ mile, restaurant 2 miles.
Upper Close (UK10873) can be booked together with Offa’s Dyke Lodge (UK10835), Red Kite Lodge (UK32610), Middle Hanter (UK37355) and Larchwood Lodge (UK42917) to accommodate up to 30 guests.

Glorious uninterrupted sea views abound from this breathtaking location, one of Hartland’s most stunning spots. Atlantic House is a delightful, spacious, detached property, set amidst the owner’s 17th-century working farm at Blegberry. Beautifully converted from a former barn, this stunning property retains plenty of character with beams, stone walls and feature floors and is presented to a very high standard. The large, superb open plan kitchen/dining/living room takes up the main wing of the property and makes for the perfect gathering of family and friends to enjoy time together whilst taking full advantage of the views. Outside, the sunny patio is the ideal spot to relax watching the waves and spectacular sunsets. The property also has a large courtyard garden, ideal for al fresco dining, and the raised decked area and hot tub add the finishing touches for a holiday to remember. A delightful welcome pack awaits you on your arrival with complimentary beer, prosecco and an array of scrumptious goodies.
The magnificent rugged English Heritage coastline of Hartland and beyond runs across the farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a perfect haven for walking and bird watching or just to get away from the hustle of every day life. From your doorstep, meander down the track and through the cornfield to the secluded Berry Beach. With its sandy gullies and shingle beach, you can while away the days here, rock pooling, boogie boarding, fishing or just relaxing with a good book. There are many circular walks through leafy green lanes, ancient woodland footpaths, bridleways and the South West Coastal Path. You can take in sights such as Hartland Point Lighthouse, Damehole Point, where the final scene of the film ’King Arthur’ was shot starring Kiera Knightley and Clive Owen, Berry Head and Blackpool Mill, where much of the BBC series ’Sense and Sensibility’ was filmed. A 40-minute walk from Blegberry along the coast path will take you to Hartland Quay, with its Maritime Museum, gift shop and pub, family friendly beach and breathtaking views. Why not enjoy a traditional pub lunch and a pint and then meander your way back through the beautiful ancient abbey woods.
Children will love the pets corner on the farm, come and meet Hank the donkey a favourite with visitors to Blegberry. There is also a large playing field, and everyone will have fun in the indoor play barn complete with skittle alley, table tennis and pool table, as well as a play area for the little ones. The famous sandy surfing beaches of Westward Ho! and Bude are an easy drive and for family fun, The Big Sheep and The Milky Way adventure parks are close by. There are numerous National Trust properties in the area, as well as the RHS gardens at Rosemoor and Docton Mill. Clovelly, with its quaint cobbled streets and picturesque harbour, is a must. The village of Hartland is just 3 miles and has a good selection of village shops and pubs, all serving local produce. The historic port of Bideford, with its lively market, as well as the Lundy Island ferry and array of shops and other amenities, is just 15 miles. Golf, fishing, sailing, surfing and horse riding available locally. Shops 3 miles, pub 2 miles.