Fido Family Friendly Places

Town Mills is a historic, Grade II listed former Mill and Manor House situated on the banks of the River Torridge on the outskirts of Great Torrington in North Devon. Built by Lord Rolle in 1823 and made famous as ‘Tarka’s Mill’ in Henry Williamson’s book ‘Tarka The Otter’, Town Mills started life as a Grain Mill and a Saw Mill, both mills being powered by waterwheels. Now, almost 200 years later, Town Mills has been sympathetically converted into seven well-appointed holiday cottages all with their own charm and personality.
From a cosy holiday cottage that sleeps three people, to a larger six-bedroom holiday cottage that sleeps twelve, every cottage benefits from character and charm combined with modern convenience. Located in the beautiful North Devon countryside, Town Mills is ideally situated for visiting the North Devon Coast, Exmoor, travelling The Tarka Trail, or visiting our next-door neighbour, the RHS Gardens at Rosemoor.
Tarka is our largest three-storey cottage which sleeps 12. It was originally the Grain Mill at Town Mills and has the Waterwheel on the side. You enter Tarka from the main garden side of Town Mills, entering into a large open plan living/dining area complete with large Smart TV. The well-equipped kitchen, including a double toaster, an extra small fridge for drinks and high quality cooking pans/knives/utentsils is also on the ground floor, and windows to the rear of the cottage look out over the riverside garden/play area and across the river to the fields beyond. On each of the first and second floors is a double bedroom with en-suite shower room. There are also two twin rooms and a separate bathroom with toilet and wash basin. Please note the ceiling height is low on the second floor.
On-site, there is a indoor shared swimming pool which is kept warm between 31-32 degrees, so is suitable for even the smallest guests. The owners offer the opportunity to reserve the pool for your exclusive use, allowing you the chance for a session of family fun, or a quiet moment to relax. There is a games room with a free pool table and a classic table football, along with a dart board and fruit machine. Located by the riverside, but securely fenced, the children’s play area offers picnic bench seating with swings, slide and climbing frame, as well as an elevated playhouse, its the ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon with a picnic whilst trying to spot an otter or some of the other many local wildlife visitors. For younger guests, there is a kids hideaway where they can escape to. On the opposite side of the Mill there is a garden where you can enjoy a few moments, maybe have a picnic or watch the peacocks as they wander around.
The countryside around Town Mills is dotted with sleepy villages nestled among the hills, while extensive woodlands, traversed by many footpaths, offer the chance to experience the area’s natural beauty. Local attractions include the renowned RHS gardens at Rosemoor (adjacent) and Dartington Crystal, offering a factory tour and visitor centre. Great Torrington is only a mile away with good shopping and amenities, and there is golf at nearby Hartland. Town Mills adjoins Torrington Common which extends to 365 acres, incorporating 20 miles of footpaths. The common is a haven for wildlife. The ‘Big Sheep’ and ‘Milky Way’ theme parks are each less than 10 miles away.
The River Torridge runs downstream to the ancient port of Bideford, still with a working quay offering boat trips to Lundy Island. Just around the corner is the attractive little town of Appledore with its colourful houses and narrow streets. To either side lies Devon’s most spectacular stretch of coastal scenery – a chain of magnificent cliffs and rocky promontories, interspersed here and there by long flat sandy beaches, where the Atlantic breakers roll in to create ideal surfing conditions. There are splendid beaches at Instow and Westward Ho!, the latter bordered by the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and the Northam Nature Reserve. Further west is the supremely picturesque Clovelly, with narrow, cobbled main street descending at a dizzying gradient to the little harbour below. The cathedral city of Exeter can be reached via a delightful drive through lush river valleys.
Town Mills offers very attractive accommodation set in 3 acres of beautiful gardens with streams, waterfalls and the water wheel which is still operational. This superb location makes a wonderful holiday base, especially for families, with sandy beaches on the North Devon coast only 10 miles away. Shop ½ mile.

Ash Lodge is a brilliantly spacious and bright three bedroom lodge, refurbished in 2019 and set within the family friendly Retallack Resort. This welcoming lodge is set in a wonderful location, whether you want to relax in stunning rural Cornwall or visit the famous coastline nearby.

When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a large open plan living, kitchen and dining area which becomes flooded with natural light. Whether you want to prepare a delicious home cooked meal for the family, gather around the table or relax in front of the TV with a good film, this is the most inviting space. Ash Lodge also has three cosy bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an additional living and dining area on the first floor which opens out onto a delightful private balcony.

From the living area you can step through the sliding doors onto your own private, decked terrace. On a sunny day you can sit on the comfy chairs, sheltered under the parasol and enjoy a glass of wine or a bite to eat. There’s even a barbecue provided for those summer festivities.

If you don’t fancy venturing too far away from the lodge, there’s plenty on your doorstep to keep you occupied. On-site you’ll find a restaurant and bar, pitch and putt, tennis court and for the adventurous, the Flow Rider wave machine. To see more of the stunning beauty that Cornwall has to offer, you won’t have to travel far to reach picturesque Padstow and its fantastic restaurants.

Ash Lodge has a whole list of doggy extras to make your four-legged friend feel as welcome as you do.
Ash Lodge can be booked together with Beech Lodge (ref BCRETBEE) and Cedar Lodge (ref BCRETCED) to accommodate up to 22 guests.

Enjoying a beautiful rural location, these two properties have shared access to landscaped grounds and free use of coarse fishing lakes. Set on the owners’ working beef farm, Bodrydd (ref UKC3283) is a superbly appointed detached barn conversion and is perfect for a family holidays, reunions and celebrations, whilst Hafen Deg (ref UKC3284) is a delightful, completely self-contained apartment, making an ideal retreat for two people.
The larger property, Bodrydd (ref UKC3283) boasts a truly luxurious interior, with a sumptuous living room with a baby grand piano, and a gas wood burner set into a beautiful stone inglenook fireplace. From the living room, doors lead through to a fabulous conservatory which has views across to the on-site coarse fishing lakes, open to the public. From here, French doors lead out to the spacious decked area and covered, heated plunge pool. The cottage also has a games room, where guests can hang out on a rainy day.
The location on the stunning Llyn Peninsula affords many wonderful walking opportunities, and the pretty fishing village of Aberdaron is close by with a small selection of local shops, pubs and cafés, as well as the fascinating National Trust’s visitor centre, Porth y Swnt. There are many unspoilt beaches to be found in the region, where seals and dolphins can sometimes be spotted. Lively Pwllheli, with its weekly market and larger selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, is 17 miles away, whilst the Snowdonia National Park, with its dramatic mountain scenery and exhilarating outdoor pursuits, is within easy reach. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

In a rural location approached by a private drive, this secluded, detached holiday home has been refurbished to a very good standard, retaining original features. Set within the owners’ 90-acre working farm, it has a large garden, outdoorswimming pool and children’s play area. The property will also be decorated for the festive period. Excellent for walking and touring. Easy access to Beachy Head and Tunbridge Wells. Coast 12 miles. Cuckoo Trail cycle/footpath 1 mile. Fishing nearby. Shops 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

"Peace and tranquillity set amongst Yorkshire’s finest countryside and long stretches of magnificent beaches..."


Steeped in history these former barn buildings have been lovingly restored using all of the original materials. Presented to a very high standard and offering spacious accommodation, each holiday cottage has its own enclosed garden for sole use, to while away the hours overlooking stunning paddocks where deer and foxes play. Guests have free use of the owners’ private indoor heated swimming pool, a communal games room and a children’s play area. The complex is surrounded by open countryside and a newly planted broad leaf woodland area, and is only four miles from the pretty village of Brandesburton. Oaklands wedding venue is situated in the 150 acres of woodland that surround the properties. Struncheon Hill Farm is a haven for those who enjoy having fun around water with a river, lake and pond nearby. Fishing, canal cruises and a Jet Ski and Diving School are less than half a mile from the door. Visitors will find locally an 18-hole golf course, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, a parachute and gliding centre, and an RSPB bird sanctuary.

Just a short drive leads to the traditional seaside resorts of Bridlington, Scarborough and Filey with miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches, colourful promenades, inns and tea rooms in abundance, offering the perfect family day out. Walking and cycling tracks surround the cottages and there is easy access to the Yorkshire Wolds - one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Robin Hoods Bay is well worth a visit, where children will love the chance to search for fossils amongst the rock pools. For stunning views, Flamborough Head is a must and visitors will delight in the puffin colonies that cling to the cliff side. For an alternative day trip, York will not disappoint and meandering along the cobbled streets of ‘The Shambles’, packed with curio and antique shops, as well as many museums including The National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre will keep both adults and children alike amused for hours. Explore British heritage when visiting stately homes and halls such as Burton Agnes Hall with its large collection of Monet and Renoir paintings, or Sledmere Hall with its beautiful gardens only a 30-minute drive away. The attractive market town of Beverley 12 miles away, where visitors can enjoy ancient cobbled streets, quaint shops and friendly local people, completes the area of peace and tranquility surrounding Struncheon Hill Farm. Shops, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Four Bays (IOH), River View (IOJ), Broad Leaf (IOK), Woodlands (IOL), Meadow View (IOM) and The Loft (UKC2652) can be booked together to accommodate up to 50 guests.

Set in a beautiful tranquil countryside location, off quiet single-track country lanes, in the heart of South Devon, this delightful holiday property is ideal for all age groups. It provides a quiet rural base, yet within driving distance of the many splendid beaches and interesting towns that the area has to offer.
Garden Cottage is a smaller more traditional barn conversion with a lovely conservatory overlooking the garden. The open plan living/dining room has a vaulted ceiling and A-frame beams, and the bedrooms are comfortable and cosy.
It is set in rural farming countryside on Higher Poulston Farm just on the outskirts of the vibrant town of Totnes, nestling on the River Dart. Many visitors find themselves revisiting Garden Cottage year after year. There is plenty of parking for all on-site. Tucked away along quiet country lanes, and close to a working dairy farm. Away from the farm there are many interesting places to explore. For your local shopping, Harbertonford, 1 mile, has a small village shop and post office. Also, the village of Moreleigh, 1 mile, has a highly rated pub serving good traditional food. The ancient town of Totnes, just 3 miles away, has a range of quirky independent shops and bistros and is a vibrant and interesting place to visit, especially on Fridays when the market comes to town.
The South Devon coastline is close at hand, has many beautiful beaches and coves, scenic walks and pretty villages including Blackpool Sands and Slapton. Enjoy a day out in the beautiful riverside marine town of Dartmouth and take a cruise along the river to Totnes or the ferry across to Kingswear, and the quaint fishing town of Brixham, then ride on the steam train to Paignton or Buckfastleigh. Within easy reach are the English Riviera resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the boating and sailing centre of Salcombe on the estuary and the historic town of Dartmouth, nestling on the banks of the River Dart. Woodlands Fun Park is a great tourist attraction and fun day out for families, as is Dartmoor National Park, with its hundreds of acres of wild rugged moorland, both about 4 miles away. Close to Dartmouth you can also play golf on an 18-hole championship course.

Scarning Dale House is an elegant property occupying a peaceful and relaxing setting set amidst 25 acres of landscaped gardens with waterfall and pond, meadow and woodland with lake. Each of the holiday cottages is separately set within the grounds, although Lodge Cottage (B6008) is an annexe attached to The Lodge (B4013). Each has its own garden and seating area, ideal for couples and families alike. The grounds are abundant with nature and wildlife, with designated trails and pathways leading through meadow and woodland, offering excellent walking and bird watching opportunities direct from doorstep. Guests can enjoy a swim in the indoor heated swimming pool (by arrangement), table tennis and snooker room. Within easy reach of the magnificent North Norfolk coastline for wealth of sandy beaches, nature and RSPB reserves. The famous Norfolk Broads are within 40 minutes drive, with riverside restaurants, cafes, shops, daily boat hire and river trips available to explore the expanse of waterways abundant with bird and wildlife, with many picnic opportunities along waterside. Market town of East Dereham, 2½ miles, has weekly street market, shops, restaurants, cinema, swimming pool and golf course. Gressenhall Rural Life Museum and Union Farm, 3 miles, offers an interesting day out. Thetford Forrest Park with miles of walking and cycle trails to explore and ’Go-Ape’ adventure playground and assault course, 20 miles. Many places of interest and historical houses and sites surround the area, Houghton and Holkham Hall, the Royal Sandringham Estate and museum, Walsingham Shrine and Abbey ruins and Castle Acre and Priory ruins. Traditional seaside resort of Hunstanton, Wells Next The Sea, Sheringham and Cromer offer an array of attractions for all ages. Coastal Path and Peddars Way offer excellent walking and cycling opportunities. Great Witchingham Wildlife Park and Falconry and Dinosaur Park at Lenwade, approximately 12 miles.

"Peace and tranquillity set amongst Yorkshire’s finest countryside and long stretches of magnificent beaches..."


Steeped in history these former barn buildings have been lovingly restored using all of the original materials. Presented to a very high standard and offering spacious accommodation, each holiday cottage has its own enclosed garden for sole use, to while away the hours overlooking stunning paddocks where deer and foxes play. Guests have free use of the owners’ private indoor heated swimming pool, a communal games room and a children’s play area. The complex is surrounded by open countryside and a newly planted broad leaf woodland area, and is only four miles from the pretty village of Brandesburton. Oaklands wedding venue is situated in the 150 acres of woodland that surround the properties. Struncheon Hill Farm is a haven for those who enjoy having fun around water with a river, lake and pond nearby. Fishing, canal cruises and a Jet Ski and Diving School are less than half a mile from the door. Visitors will find locally an 18-hole golf course, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, a parachute and gliding centre, and an RSPB bird sanctuary.

Just a short drive leads to the traditional seaside resorts of Bridlington, Scarborough and Filey with miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches, colourful promenades, inns and tea rooms in abundance, offering the perfect family day out. Walking and cycling tracks surround the cottages and there is easy access to the Yorkshire Wolds - one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Robin Hoods Bay is well worth a visit, where children will love the chance to search for fossils amongst the rock pools. For stunning views, Flamborough Head is a must and visitors will delight in the puffin colonies that cling to the cliff side. For an alternative day trip, York will not disappoint and meandering along the cobbled streets of ‘The Shambles’, packed with curio and antique shops, as well as many museums including The National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre will keep both adults and children alike amused for hours. Explore British heritage when visiting stately homes and halls such as Burton Agnes Hall with its large collection of Monet and Renoir paintings, or Sledmere Hall with its beautiful gardens only a 30-minute drive away. The attractive market town of Beverley 12 miles away, where visitors can enjoy ancient cobbled streets, quaint shops and friendly local people, completes the area of peace and tranquility surrounding Struncheon Hill Farm. Shops, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Four Bays (IOH), River View (IOJ), Broad Leaf (IOK), Woodlands (IOL), Meadow View (IOM) and The Loft (UKC2652) can be booked together to accommodate up to 50 guests.

Welcome to Mow Barton, a stunning 3-bedroom holiday home set on the beautiful Wellesley Park Estate, surrounded by countryside yet only a 25-minute walk to the city of Wells.
This fabulous home, set all on one floor, has an open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area with vaulted ceiling and huge floor to ceiling windows that let in the light, and look over the garden to the fields beyond. Speakers in the ceiling, connected to Spotify, allow you to play music throughout the living areas, while statement and mood lighting gives an ambience for any time of day. The high-end kitchen is fully equipped with American fridge/freezer, wine cooler, double ovens, steam oven, microwave, induction hob, washing machine and tumble dryer. A wonderful island opens the kitchen up to the dining area, with large dining table, which leads to the lounge area with large L shape sofa, Smart TV and gorgeous views. The master bedroom has a kingsize bed with en-suite shower room, bedroom 2 has a double bed, and bedroom 3 has a kingsize bed which can be turned into twins, giving you flexible sleeping arrangements depending on your party. The main bathroom has a shower over the bath.
Outside, you have a wonderful large terrace seating area with L shaped garden furniture and a lawned area. Mow Barton has the huge bonus of access to Wellesley Park’s fabulous leisure complex, with a fantastic indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room, gym, library and outdoor tennis court. All of these are bookable for private use with booking slots and are included in the price of your stay. Set just 2 miles from the smallest city in the UK, Wells, which can be reached on foot in just 25 minutes and has an array of shops, bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. The Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty can be reached on foot also for fabulous walks. Slightly further afield you have the ancient historic town of Glastonbury, famous for both its music festival and its Tor, it has a rich history to explore and uncover. The larger city of Bath can be reached in under an hour by car and there are plenty of national trust properties nearby to visit and enjoy.

"Peace and tranquillity set amongst Yorkshire’s finest countryside and long stretches of magnificent beaches..."


Steeped in history these former barn buildings have been lovingly restored using all of the original materials. Presented to a very high standard and offering spacious accommodation, each holiday cottage has its own enclosed garden for sole use, to while away the hours overlooking stunning paddocks where deer and foxes play. Guests have free use of the owners’ private indoor heated swimming pool, a communal games room and a children’s play area. The complex is surrounded by open countryside and a newly planted broad leaf woodland area, and is only four miles from the pretty village of Brandesburton. Oaklands wedding venue is situated in the 150 acres of woodland that surround the properties. Struncheon Hill Farm is a haven for those who enjoy having fun around water with a river, lake and pond nearby. Fishing, canal cruises and a Jet Ski and Diving School are less than half a mile from the door. Visitors will find locally an 18-hole golf course, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, a parachute and gliding centre, and an RSPB bird sanctuary.

Just a short drive leads to the traditional seaside resorts of Bridlington, Scarborough and Filey with miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches, colourful promenades, inns and tea rooms in abundance, offering the perfect family day out. Walking and cycling tracks surround the cottages and there is easy access to the Yorkshire Wolds - one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Robin Hoods Bay is well worth a visit, where children will love the chance to search for fossils amongst the rock pools. For stunning views, Flamborough Head is a must and visitors will delight in the puffin colonies that cling to the cliff side. For an alternative day trip, York will not disappoint and meandering along the cobbled streets of ‘The Shambles’, packed with curio and antique shops, as well as many museums including The National Railway Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre will keep both adults and children alike amused for hours. Explore British heritage when visiting stately homes and halls such as Burton Agnes Hall with its large collection of Monet and Renoir paintings, or Sledmere Hall with its beautiful gardens only a 30-minute drive away. The attractive market town of Beverley 12 miles away, where visitors can enjoy ancient cobbled streets, quaint shops and friendly local people, completes the area of peace and tranquility surrounding Struncheon Hill Farm. Shops, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Four Bays (IOH), River View (IOJ), Broad Leaf (IOK), Woodlands (IOL), Meadow View (IOM) and The Loft (UKC2652) can be booked together to accommodate up to 50 guests.