Fido Family Friendly Places

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.

This single-storey, detached cottage would make the perfect holiday base for touring and exploring this beautiful and historically fascinating corner of Gloucestershire. Set over one level, this stunning accommodation offers an open plan living space, a kingsize bedroom, a double bedroom with en-suite, and a family bathroom. Outside there is parking for two cars and a fully enclosed courtyard with a patio and garden furniture, including a log burner and BBQ, perfect for an evening of pure relaxation! There are also two paddocks next door where your dogs can run around.
Access to the Cotswold Way is literally right on the doorstep of this period cottage, where the Cotswold escarpment can be enjoyed. The Old Dairy also offers easy access to the 11th-century Norman castle at Berkeley, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge, the Arboretum at Westonbirt, many National Trust properties, the thriving market town of Tetbury, two riding centres close by plus Stinchcombe golf club. The major attractions of Bristol, Bath, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cardiff, Malvern and the Forest of Dean are all less than an hour’s drive away. This property provides idyllic accommodation for families, friends and couples alike who are looking for a holiday filled with adventure, or somewhere simply to put your feet up and relax with your favourite book and a glass of wine in hand! Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

If you are coming to the Cotswold Water Park for stargazing or to enjoy the surroundings with family and friends, then Shearwater Laker House is the place for you.
The interior has a lovely calming decor and with full height doors and windows in the living space, the amazing lake scenery can be seen and enjoyed whatever the weather.
The open plan kitchen and dining area are central to the home and the living area opens out onto the deck with outdoor furniture and a BBQ for the warmer days. In winter you can curl up on the couch in front of the gas fire and enjoy the extraordinary views over the lake from the comfort of the sofa.
A bedroom and bathroom can be found on the ground floor for anyone not wanting to venture upstairs and the other four bedrooms and two bathrooms are spread out over the two floors above so plenty of space for everyone.
This property can be booked with Wrens Lake House (UKC5302) which is next door to accommodate up to 16 guests.

Perched on the water’s edge Moorhen Lake House offers a sanctuary for all and gives a great first impression.
An open plan downstairs is complemented by stunning bi-folding glass doors that stretch across the back of the house. They ensure the house is filled with calm and tranquil light whilst showing the lake off in all its charming glory.
An ever changing picture of water-skiers, swans and rippling water can be enjoyed from the comfort of the sofa, or fold the doors back and the living area takes on a new and exciting feel. The outside space becomes an extension to the house, an ideal spot for alfresco dining, and the hot tub in the deck makes the perfect place to watch the world go by.
Upstairs offers three bedrooms and a family bathroom. More stunning lake views can be found from the master bedroom. You will also find within a few steps of the house a lakeside brasserie and a great children’s play area.
The perfect holiday cottage in Gloucestershire.

An attractive honey coloured stone retreat awaits your arrival within the picturesque Cotswold village of South Cerney. Designed to the highest finish with a splashing of Cotswold chic. Perfect for a couple looking to escape the city lights or a fun family jaunt to the Cotswolds.
Luxuriously appointed over two floors, on the ground floor you will find an open plan living and dining space as well as a top spec kitchen for chatting and cooking with your nearest and dearest. French doors lead onto a landscaped garden, this secluded sanctuary is complete with a bubbling hot tub for some serious relax and relaxation all year round. If it’s been a long-day of exploring be sure to create a silky Espresso Martini or two with a little help from your Nespresso machine to recharge and energise under the stars. On the first floor you will find a luxuriously appointed bathroom with walk-in shower. Two double bedroom suites adorned with the very best luxury linens and sumptuous beds, mobile air conditioning units and you certainly won’t be needing any potions or creams here to wake up refreshed and revived.
If you can drag yourself away from your five star country retreat, South Cerney is an attractive Cotswolds village surrounded by idyllic country walks and cycle routes. With all the amenities you need, there are three traditional country pubs within a minutes’ walk of Bramble Cottage. And just 5 miles away lies the market town of Cirencester, regarded as the heart of the Cotswolds, the perfect place for fine dining and boutique shopping. The foodies of the group will love the selection of local produce on offer here too, with a wonderful selection of local artisan shops to choose from.
Don’t worry if you haven’t packed the canoe or bikes, The Cotswold Water Park is within a few minutes’ drive offering a host of thrill seeking activities including water skiing, cable skiing, archery, shooting, paintballing, golf, aerial adventure, angling, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and rally driving. Scenic cycle tracks, nature trails and fishing abound. Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Cheltenham are all within easy reach by car too. However, you choose to spend your time at your stylish abode, splashing in the hot tub, leisurely walks around chocolate box villages steeped in history, kayaking the lakes, escaping into a good book, or simply reconnecting with friends and family Bramble Cottage will certainly not disappoint. Pub 1 mile.

Fabulously appointed over three floors, with a bathroom, 3 double bedrooms on the ground floor. The master bedroom suite has en-suite facilities, great for long soaks in the tub. Two of the bedrooms also have direct access to the lower terrace on the water’s edge, wonderfully relaxing at sunrise with a silky Nespresso. On the first floor you will find the utility room and the open plan social hub of the house. Bright, fresh, and inviting, it features impressive high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows that flood light throughout. The kitchen is well kitted out with everything you need, including an air fryer, for those days when you would rather kick back and relax with friends and family. The kids will love writing up the menu on the two giant chalk boards, and drawing pictures of the wildlife outside! When it’s time to dine, grab a bottle or two from your wine fridge and dine with the backdrop of the lakes. Should you want to make the most of your time with friends and family, why not call in the culinary help of a personal chef (at cost) from the Ballyhoo restaurant, to create a menu and serve you tastylicious plates whilst your pop the bubbles, chink the glasses and get competitive with the board games. Magnificent doors lead onto a raised terrace complete with rattan furniture. Be sure to grab the binoculars for a spot of lakeside wildlife spotting. On the third floor you will find a mezzanine bedroom, which is the ultimate den and sleeping space. All sleeping quarters offer guests fluffy bath towels, quality Egyptian linens and comfy beds.

In addition to the house facilities, guests can experience and enjoy the estate’s ArtSpa. Revive and indulge with indoor and outdoor heated pools, eco-pool, sauna, steam room, gym and treatments by arrangement. On the estate is a tennis court, nature trails, cycle tracks, playground, lake equipment hire and restaurant with farm shop for stocking up yummy produce. On-site are a pub and restaurant, and a shop for essentials (seasonal). A firm favourite with old and young is paddling across the lagoon to spot nocturnal beavers and otters on the Sunset Adventure Safari, rounded off with toasting marshmallows on the fire, total bliss!

Beyond your trendy retreat and within easy reach are many villages and towns such as Cirencester, Bath, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Cheltenham. The Cotswold Water Park just along the lane also offers a host of activities including water skiing, cable skiing, archery, shooting, paintballing, golf, aerial adventure, angling, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and rally driving. Cycle tracks, nature trails and fishing are all available locally. However you choose to spend your time at your stylish abode, whether it is kayaking the lake, jumping in and making a splash, relaxing with a good book, or simply spending that all important quality time making memories with friends and family Firecrest will certainly not disappoint.

Lower Ledge Farm consists of four lovingly furnished barn conversions (two of which are holiday homes), nestled in the lovely rural village of Doynton, just on the outskirts of Bath and on the doorstep to the Cotswolds.

These two semi-detached cottages have been renovated to a high standard, and designed with guest’s comfort in mind. Tull is conveniently all on the ground floor, with accommodation set over four bedrooms, all of which have their own en-suite, making this an ideal choice for the less mobile and those who prefer a little more privacy. Budding also has three bedrooms downstairs, two with their own en-suite, and a bedroom and en-suite upstairs.

These properties are a perfect base for families or groups wanting to discover Bath, Somerset, and the Cotswolds, conveniently situated just 5 minutes from the M4. The World Heritage city of Bath is only 8 miles away, a city with a story to tell. Enveloped in the hills of south west England, it has its own unmistakable identity, grounded in the roots from centuries past and carved out since by passionate locals and spirited fans.

Tetbury and Castle Combe are around 25 minutes away, where you can enjoy a spot of lunch in some of their wonderful traditional English pubs, followed by a walk around the beautiful Cotswold villages dotted around the area. Stone Henge, Amesbury and Avebury can all be reached within an hour’s drive, and are sure to make for fun filled days out. Pack a picnic and head to Glastonbury, Wells or Cheddar, all within a 40-minute drive and offering wonderful places to explore and discover. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

This accommodation is the jewel in the crown, renovated to the highest standard with underfloor heating throughout. Purpose built all one level, it is great for family and friends looking for a sociable retreat and it is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of town. A large living room provides the perfect space for everyone to come together. Each bedroom features sumptuous beds and top of the range linens for the perfect night’s sleep. The family bathroom offers both a walk-in shower and separate bath. A boot room and laundry room also feature, so go get your boots muddy and enjoy the walks on the Cotwolds Way which surround the property. The private garden is exquisite, lovingly landscaped and tranquil with picturesque views for miles. The outdoor terrace offers a great spot for dining al fresco, perfectly positioned to watch the sunset over the valley with an aperitif or two and there is a top of the range hot tub on the decked area, it’s a real treat day or night as it comes complete with the best views in town.
Wotton-under-Edge sits right on the famous Cotswolds Way. This friendly village has a plethora of traditional cottages, with a village high street that includes independent shops including crafts and country boutiques, as well as a cinema, allow yourself some extra time when meandering as the shopkeepers love to stop and chat. You will also find all the essentials too, such as green grocers for picking up your organic produce, a butchers for some fine local produce for cooking up a hearty meal for all. Why not take a trip to the family run Winner Hill Vineyard, to pick up a sparkling white to accompany your dinner. It is said by many that it’s just as good as some of the best French bottles. You can even make an afternoon of it and partake in some tasting for a fun day out. A little further beyond, you will find Tetbury is 10 miles away, and Bath and Bristol are both 20 miles. Badminton is 5 miles and Berkeley Castle, Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge and Westonbirt Arboretum all within easy distance. Golf can also be found nearby. Beach 21 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Betula Views is an exclusive and newly converted hideaway within rural Newent, 30 minutes away from Wye Valley. An open plan kitchen and living space, provides a sociable atmosphere. Privately situated within the lower quarters of the main house, it boasts two en-suite bedrooms, both with sumptuous beds and linens for the ultimate night’s sleep. Designed with Bi-fold doors as to allow for breath-taking views to flood in as far reaching as Cheltenham and the borders of the Cotswolds. Outside, guests have their own private terrace which includes seating and a BBQ for dining alfresco. This wonderful abode is close to the vibrant market town of Newent and the historic market town of Ledbury which are both well served with shops, pubs, and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Three Choirs Vineyard as it is right on your doorstep, it has a well-regarded brasserie alongside their vineyard and winery, a great place to wine and dine for the afternoon. As well as the fantastic rural walks and cycle routes that surround you, there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained too. The Forest of Dean offers some great family experience days including cycle hire, Clearwell caves, fishing, a steam railway, and Puzzle Wood. A firm favourite with youngsters is “Go Ape” at Beechenhurst with its treetop ropes and ziplines. You are also within easy reach of the Malvern Hills, Three Counties Showground and the Roman City of Gloucester, with its wonderful cathedral where Harry Potter was filmed and a designer dockside shopping outlet. Within a 30-minute drive there are Michelin starred restaurants, numerous bars, stylish shops and salons aplenty dotted along the regency promenades of Cheltenham Spa. Enjoy art galleries, concert halls, theatres and world-renowned festivals, with the highlight of the year being the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the blue riband event of the national hunt calendar. However you choose to spend your time, Betula Views will not disappoint.

Lords Cottage has been redecorated to a high standard in 2022, located in the town of Coleford in the heart of the Forest of Dean it is just a couple of miles from the forest. There are fabulous walks within the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean which boasts some stunning scenery. This is a perfect base from which to visit nearby family attractions which include Clearwell Caves, The Secret Forest, Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Steam Railway, a sculpture trail, and a railway museum. The Forest of Dean has always been a huge draw for cyclists (and the cottage has a lockable dry garage to store bikes) and walkers. Areas within easy reach include Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike.
Symonds Yat is a popular destination for ornithologists due to the presence of nesting peregrine falcons. The Wye Valley also offers a variety of river-based activities such as canoeing and fishing. A wide variety of shops, restaurants and pubs within a 5-minute walk. The town of Monmouth is a short drive from the property and has some great boutique shops and not to mention Monmouth Castle and the Monnow Bridge!
Lords Cottage comprises of large lounge with Smart TV leading to an open plan kitchen and dining area, with washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer, and microwave, the kitchen leads to the enclosed private garden with seating area and garden furniture. Bike storage attached to the garden which can be accessed from the front or rear of the garden. To the first floor there is a family bathroom with bath and shower over, master bedroom with king-size bed and double aspect windows, twin bedroom and full size bunkbeds in the third bedroom. Parking is on street at the front of the property. This property also benefits from a selection of toys and games, a nightlight in the bunk room, children’s plastic crockery, cups and cutlery as well as complimentary handwash and shower gel.