Fido Family Friendly Places

A homely barn conversion located near the village of Coleford, Gloucestershire. Ceiling beams. Pets welcome. Exposed stonework. Monmouth 6 miles; Lydney 7 miles.

Situated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious apartment boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas.
Seaview Cottage (UK4769) is perfect for a couple’s getaway, offering a comfortable double bedroom with an additional sofa bed for flexible sleeping. The cottage also boasts a private garden with enclosed seaview patio and bubbling hot tub for cosy evenings under the stars.
For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife including wild goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay, set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is home to a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig. There are many events held throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute. Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. Beach 50 yards.

Woodpecker Cottage is a handsome two bedroom cottage with hot tub situated in the beautiful open countryside on the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park. It is nestled in 23 acres of land which guests can enjoy, and is also close to the fell villages of Caldbeck, Hesket New Market and Uldale. The cottage is well placed to walk the tranquil northern fells or to visit the unspoilt Cumbrian coast, Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall. The renowned Cumbrian village of Caldbeck with a pub, tea rooms and shop is nearby. Nearest beach 16 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.
Woodpecker Cottage can be booked together with Nuthatch Cottage (CC119138), Treehouse Cabin (UK1087), Osprey Lodge (UK11317), Kestrel Cabin (UK1246), Farmhouse Cottage (UK1285), Safari Tent (UK1286), Barn Owl Bothy (UK1366), Skylark Lodge (UK1378), Curlew (UK1389), Lapwing (UK1390), Merlin’s Cabin (UK1391), Robins Lodge (UK13643) and Starling Lodge (UK31071) to accommodate up to 53 guests.

"Devon’s best kept secret... Just inland from some of Devon’s loveliest and most natural beaches lies the village of Tuckenhay set along Bow Creek on the River Dart...."


In a setting of stunning natural beauty, Mill Bank (ref UK33902) is the latest addition to a superb choice of cottages at Tuckenhay Mill. An extremely spacious two-person cottage having a living, dining, kitchen area on the higher level with two south-facing balconies overlooking the stream towards the Mill. The master bedroom and en-suite shower room are on the lower level, together with the riverside day room. Your own footpath leads from the garden via a footbridge to the facilities at the Mill.
Tuckenhay Mill is the centrepiece of a cluster of country homes and cottages with superb leisure facilities including two indoor and one outdoor pools.
The Mill which once produced some of the finest paper in the land, nestles in the green and shady Bow Creek, a languid inlet of the River Dart where private yachts have replaced the old tall-masted ships and barges. Around the mill are all the buildings which once went to make up a small bustling village port. These listed buildings have been sympathetically restored and converted to a delightful range of holiday properties to suit larger family parties. Awards have been won for the conversion of buildings and the conservation of the area. With so much to do, many holidaymakers return year after year. There is golf nearby and a pub within 1 mile.



South Devon awaits you
Tuckenhay is only a 20-minute drive from the superb award-winning beach at Blackpool Sands and about 30 minutes from a surfing beach at Bantham, as well as some of the best natural beaches to be found anywhere in the UK.
There is also extensive access to the coastal footpath for walking and the wilderness that is Dartmoor for walking, climbing and riding.
This is a mecca for ramblers, bird-watchers, swimmers, surfers, horse riders, golfers and those interested in fishing, boating, sailing and windsurfing.
In addition, there are many historic NT houses to visit including Agatha Christies’s Greenway as well as a local vineyard.
Tuckenhay is only 5 miles inland from Dartmouth and 3 from the market town of Totnes. Village shop 3½ miles. Riverside inn and restaurant within walking distance.



A superb choice of cottages
Great care has been taken to retain the feel of the original buildings. Most have garden, terrace or patio. Many cottages have more than one bathroom and some have an en-suite bathroom to every bedroom. Kitchens are comprehensively equipped: most have dishwashers and all have microwave cookers.
Couples and honeymooners will feel snug and comfortable in the cottages: Mill Leat, Mill Stream, Mill Spring and now Mill Bank. Families can spread out in Papermaker’s or Turbine Cottages, while Mill Lodge, Edgecombe Barn and Tuckenhay Mill House will sleep larger parties in comfort. Of course, combinations of cottages can accommodate bigger gatherings of family or friends.

Looking for something unique, this striking black tower was built in 1825 and is a Grade II listed building. Originally a working grain mill, it has now been fully renovated to provide a wonderful holiday home. Immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Norfolk Broads, offering a peaceful location to escape the hustle and bustles of daily life, yet only a 6-minute drive from the village with a pub which serves good food, shop, butcher and more. The accommodation is spread over three floors with amazing views of the surrounding countryside. A staircase leads to the entrance and it boasts circular rooms with open plan living areas. Spiral stairs lead to a double bedroom and a separate bathroom. Further spiral stairs lead to the second bedroom with a single bed and pull-out trundle bed (if you don’t mind a squeeze!). Adjacent to The Mill is your private, lawned garden with garden furniture, a perfect spot to simply soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquillity of this peaceful retreat. The owner’s home is located within the grounds, neighbouring to but separated from The Mill. The beautiful grounds are a natural haven for wildlife with mature trees and a grassed meadow boasting wild flowers (in season), perfect for a stroll in the evening.
Enjoy a 5-minute walk along the path leading to the River Ant. Located opposite is the How Hill Trust; the reserve is of national and international importance for nature conservation, birds, insects, plants and wildlife. Take a river trip, have a picnic or explore the wildlife trail mapped for your enjoyment. The riverside village of Ludham is a 6-minute drive with pub, tea rooms, village Post Office/stores and butcher. Neighbouring Womack Water with grassed riverside seating areas is a great place to sit and watch the riverside activities or why not hire a boat yourself? Many footpaths, trails and a quiet network of lanes offer excellent cycling and walking directly from the doorstep. This Grade II listed building has many rustic and quirky features that make it a great place to stay, they do also mean that it is unsuitable for young children.
Wroxham, known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads is just 20-minutes drive, for more boating activity, daily boat hire, river trips, supermarket, shops, cafés, riverside restaurant and miniature model village. There is a train station with connections to Norwich City, the traditional seaside town of Sheringham, and home to the Bure Valley Railway, longest narrow gauge railway visiting the pretty Market town of Aylsham. For the kids amongst us, BeWILDerwood at Horning and the Dinosaur Adventure Park at Lenwade are a great day out. The city of Norwich is 15 miles away for excellent shopping, two indoor malls, market square, cathedral, theatre, castle museum, cafés, restaurants, bowling alleys, cinema complexes and much more. Sea Palling, 9 mile away, has a wide sandy beach backed by dunes, café, fish and chips and amusements. There are plenty of historic sites, National Trust homes and parks, many more amazing sandy beaches, traditional coastal villages and towns all within easy driving distance. Beach 9 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

The lodge @ Islwyn is an ideal romantic break for two or seaside holiday for a small family. The lodge is ground floor accommodation comprising of a kitchen/dining area, living room, bathroom, and private hot tub.
Take a delightful stroll from Aberaeron town along the leafy pedestrian track to Llanerchaeron, an elegant Georgian villa set in the wooded Aeron Valley. Remarkably unaltered for over 200 years, this self-sufficient estate includes a farm, walled gardens and a lake, and is now run by the National Trust. Enjoy a coffee and a cake here before taking a leisurely stroll back. If you want to explore a little further afield, the whole of Ceredigion and Cardigan Bay awaits. There are 60 miles of glorious coastal path if you enjoy walking, and lots of towns and villages to explore. Visit the Victorian seaside resort of Aberystwyth, with its pier and promenade, or take the steam railway to Devils Bridge.
New Quay is just a few minutes’ drive away and there you will find a quaint town, once the home of poet Dylan Thomas, and a great place to spot the resident bottlenose dolphins or take a boat trip out to discover the wildlife. There are lots of lovely sandy beaches to discover - many are quiet even in the height of season. After a day out, head back to The Lodge @ Islwyn and relax in the private hot tub. Beach 1 mile.

The Tipis are situated on the owner’s 16-acre farmland, with sea views and beautiful meadows, forestry and waterfalls all on-site and within walking distance from the cottage – there are even pet lambs in the field. This is an ideal break away for a family or friends to enjoy this peaceful location, located just 2 miles from the fabulous quirky harbour towns of Aberaeron. Aberaeron retains its Georgian character with elegant brightly painted town houses and with a small harbour for yachts and fishing boats. Aberaeron is becoming something of a foodie pleasure. Stroll around the harbour along Quay Parade and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the award-winning restaurants. The independent shops and craft centres are also a big hit amongst our guests. The town is right on the Wales Coast Path and The Coastal Way.
Ceredigion’s coast is also well-known for wildlife including the famous Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphin pods, there are boat trips to explore the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast and the town features a Seafood Festival in July. From chilling out on the beach or enjoying a hearty harbour meal after a train ride Aberystwyth and Newquay which are a short drive offer traditional Welsh pubs, stylish restaurants and sandy beaches, where dolphins and porpoises are often spotted on a clear day. To the north are the famous slopes of Snowdon, offering breath-taking views with abundance of walks amidst the tumbling waterfalls, shimmering lakes with buzzards and peregrine falcons soaring high. The area is a natural playground for ramblers, mountain bikers and climbers alike.
The tipis consist of an open plan living/bedroom space with double bed, single sofa bed, a wood burning stove and externally there is a seating area with garden furniture and a fire pit. The kitchen is approximately 20 metres from the tipi with a fridge, freezer, sink, gas hob and microwave oven. The bathroom has a walk-in shower (wet room), again next to the kitchen area. Beach 2 miles. Pub and restaurant 2¼ miles.
Arth Valley Teepee One (ref UK38803) can be booked together with Arth Valley Teepee Two (ref UK38804), Arth Valley Shepherds Hut (ref UK38805) and Felin Cwn Cottage (ref UK38806) to accommodate up to 14 guests.

Situated right in the heart of St Bees, these expertly designed holiday apartments are housed in a lovingly restored barn, each with its own unique style. Each apartment has been finished to a very good standard with quality fixtures and fittings throughout and they are situated at the entrance to a working farm. This beautiful part of Western Cumbria gives you the best of both worlds, access to St Bees Head Heritage Coast, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also the starting point of the Alfred Wainwrights famous Coast to Coast walk, as well as access to the Lake District National Park with an abundance of fells and lakes within a short drive. These modern apartments feature all the design elements you would expect from a 21st century holiday cottage. A lot of thought and care has gone into creating the perfect holiday experience with guest comfort top of the list of priorities.
The Byres Tan is a ground floor apartment, the largest of the four, and has the flexibility to be able to sleep up to three guests in two comfortable bedrooms, so it is great for couples and families alike. The first features a kingsize bed, and TV and offers plenty of storage. The second is a single room with TV and a good level of free space. The apartment has been decorated and furnished beautifully throughout and being all on one level makes it ideal for guests who are less mobile or those with small children. The underfloor heating throughout gives a warm and cosy feel which is just what you need after a long day of sightseeing. The bathroom is contemporary and features a large shower cubicle, while the open plan feel of the living, dining and kitchen area give a feeling of space and a very convenient layout.
The properties benefit from being only ¾ mile from a beautiful sandy beach which is perfect for a breath of fresh air and also good for exercising your four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome to come and stay and there is plenty of good walks locally. The centre of St Bees has an excellent selection of local pubs and restaurants and if you want to leave the car behind you can take the train to many local towns. St Bees station, a number of pubs, restaurants and the local convenience store are all within 200 yards of the property. The famous St Bees priory, dating back to the 11th century is well worth a visit and can be reached within a 5-minute walk. If you like outdoor adventure, including walking, cycling and climbing, you are surrounded by some amazing scenery and you are only a 10-mile drive from the Lake District National Park, your nearest lake is Ennerdale which is regarded as one of the most unspoilt and natural parts of the Lake District. It is teaming with wildlife including buzzards, red squirrels and osprey to name a few. If you want to climb the highest mountain in England you can reach Wasdale Head in just 18 miles, which gives you the shortest route to the summit of Scafell Pike. Or why not take a trip on the La’al Ratty which is a miniature steam railway along the South West Coast. For golfers, St Bees offers an excellent 9-hole links course. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 160 yards, pub 50 yards and restaurant 100 yards.
The Byres Tan can be booked together with The Byres Tethera (ref UK1373) and The Byres Methera (ref UK1374) to accommodate up to 7 guests.

Welcome to TH Hollow, a beautiful single storey stable conversion in the heart of the Somerset countryside at the foot of the Quantock Hills. Completed in 2021 and finished to a high standard, there is a central open plan living/dining/kitchen which has a fabulous, vaulted ceiling, comfortable furnishings and comes well-equipped with everything you need for the perfect stay. The kitchen area has electric hob and oven, dishwasher, microwave and fridge while the living area has a 43” Smart TV, perfect for relaxing of an evening.
The bedrooms lead off from the central living area with the master having a king-sized bed and bedroom two having a single bed. The large wet room has non-slip flooring, heated towel rail and shower. From bedroom two you have direct access to the Gym with cross trainer, Sauna and further shower room. Ease of access here has been carefully considered, with ramps leading in from both the front and rear entrances as well as wider doors inside, making this wonderful holiday home suitable for all abilities. To the rear is a large, enclosed courtyard with garden furniture (through access may occasionally be required by the gardener for grounds maintenance) and access from here to the utility area with washing machine and bike store.
TH Hollow also has exclusive use of the owner’s fantastic hot tub, covered heated swimming pool and tennis court at pre-arranged times (9am -1pm unless otherwise agreed with owner). Please note that the swimming pool is available from late-April until Mid-October. Your four-legged family members are welcome here also and have use of the owners fenced dog walking paddock, the perfect spot to soak up the views while your dogs run off some energy!
Set just outside of the village of Bishops Lydeard, with its village pubs and local store as well as access to the brilliant West Somerset Steam Railway, a great way to see not just the countryside but also the coast while you chug merrily along to Minehead. Alight here and spend the day exploring the shops, restaurants and beach. The county town of Taunton is easily reachable within 15 minutes or head over to Exmoor and explore the wonderful villages, walk over the moors and have a cream tea in one of the many tea shops on route. Beach 12 miles.

Offering uninterrupted panoramic views over the spectacular Bronte countryside, Mia Cottage can be found within the grounds of the owner’s home, nestled high above the village of Stanbury. The mid terraced cottage, which is accessed via a farm track (unsuitable for low vehicles), is full of charm with thoughtful touches such as underfloor heating on the ground floor and a floor to ceiling window in the living area providing superb long distance views over the truly rural setting. Guests are also provided with dressing gowns and towels for the private hot tub which is situated to the front of the property - the perfect place for relaxing and taking in the surrounding environment.
For those wanting to explore the local area by foot, many walks can be embarked upon straight from the door such as Top Withens and Bronte waterfalls. In addition, Britain’s greatest long distance walking trail, The Pennine Way, runs adjacent to the farm. The village of Stanbury is just a short walk from the cottage and has a number of pubs serving local food, and wonderful Haworth village, home of the famous Bronte Sisters is just a 5 minute drive.
Slightly further afield the vibrant town of Hebden Bridge, which can be reached in around 20 minutes, has plenty of independent shops and cafés. The bustling market town of Skipton is around a 30-minute drive, and provides the gateway to the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park. For National Trust visitors, Hardcastle Crags offers a beautiful wooded valley, or East Riddlesden Hall, a little oasis in a busy urban area. Both can be reached in around half an hour. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Mia Cottage can be booked together with Hollies Cottage (CC212129) and Daisy Cottage (CC213003) to accommodate up to 8 guests.