Dog-friendly Romantic Breaks

Copingers Cottage takes its name from ’Cruel Copinger’, a notorious 18-century smuggler that once lived here. This delightful, spacious, semi-detached, ground floor cottage is the perfect romantic coastal retreat, nestled within an idyllic rural setting, just a mile from the coastal path. The cottage sits in a peaceful location at the head of the famous Spekes Valley with its majestic waterfall cascading down a shear rock face 60ft, through a series of four smaller falls before finally reaching the sea. There are beautiful views, countryside and walks from the doorstep with an abundance of birds and wildlife to be seen.

Copingers Cottage is beautifully presented and has a spacious living room and cosy wood burner to curl up beside on a cooler evening, along with a private patio to enjoy an al fresco supper on a summer evening. This pretty barn conversion sits within the Hartland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Devon coast with many dog friendly, long sandy beaches and hidden coves to explore, where occasionally dolphins can be seen frolicking in the Atlantic surf.

This is an ideal location for touring, walking, beaches or just relaxing. The timeless village of Hartland is only 1½ miles away and has a good selection of village shops and pubs serving food along with a post office, general store, bakery and craft shops. The hamlet of Stoke and the church of St. Nectan, known as the ’Cathedral of North Devon’, is just a short walk and the view from the church tower shows Hartland Abbey set in this beautiful valley with its many enchanting and delightful walks. Bude, 13 miles, has a good selection of shops and restaurants, many specialising in locally caught seafood, along with a golf course, indoor ’splash’ pool, surf schools and bowling. The delightful port town of Bideford, 15 miles, has a good selection of town amenities, restaurants, a weekly market and boat trips to Lundy Island. Coastal walking, cycling, golf, horse riding, fishing, surfing and sailing are all available in this stunning area. Docton Mill, Hartland Quay and Hartland Abbey are close by, along with many pretty fishing villages to explore including nearby Clovelly, Instow and Appledore. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Tucked away behind a Yorkshire stone wall and with the River Tees flowing across the back of the garden, Grace’s Retreat can only be described as a real gem of a cottage. Attached to the owners home, yet maintaining ample privacy for guests, this semi-detached, single-storey cottage offers excellent quality accommodation, in a super location. With brilliant transport links between Yorkshire, County Durham and the A1 not far away, guests will find plenty of places to visit and explore during their stay. Perfect for walkers and cyclists, Grace’s Retreat lies close to many established walking and cycling routes, including walks along the River Tees and not far from the famous Coast to Coast cycle route, which has become one of the most popular in the country. With three excellent local pubs and a Michelin starred restaurant all within a 10-minute walk, guests need not venture too far for a fabulous meal and a great night out. Perfect for romantic breaks, this could not be better situated for that special occasion or a treat with the spa at Rockcliffe Hall less than 2 miles away. Fishing and golf are also very popular in the area with a top class golf course within a 5-minute drive from the doorstep. For excellent shopping, cinema, leisure centre and railway station, the city of Darlington is just 3 miles away. Catterick Racecourse is only a 20-minute drive away for those guests wanting to enjoy a day at the races and York Races can be reached in around an hour. The historic market town of Richmond is a little under 30 minutes’ drive away and has a weekly farmers market as well as an abundance of attractions to explore including Richmond Castle, which stands high on the hill and looks out over the thriving market town below. The magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park is an hour’s drive away and in the opposite direction, guests will find the cathedral city of Durham within an hour too. Many pretty Yorkshire towns and villages including Thirsk, Ripon, Yarm, Northallerton and Leyburn are all close by and offer all of the welcoming hospitality that the county is famous for. There is even the opportunity to visit one of the dazzling Yorkshire beaches and coastline with the seaside town of Whitby and glorious Robin Hood’s Bay, both can be reached within an easy one and a half hour’s drive.
Grace’s Retreat has been lovingly renovated to a good standard. With a large, open plan living area and kitchen, guests will find ample space to enjoy all of the features including original wood panelling, beams, wooden floor, 50" Freeview TV and a super wood burner that is perfect for those romantic evenings in. The bedroom is full of quality furnishings and boasts a kingsize bed and the bathroom is well finished throughout with a top quality shower cubicle and heated towel rail. Outside guests will find a small courtyard area with outdoor seating and also a private parking space. Warm and welcoming, Grace’s Retreat really is a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy a holiday or special occasion at any time of year. Beach 26 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 400 yards.