Fido Family Friendly Places

Bowlees Holiday Cottages are nestled on a hillside in the heart of County Durham, located a mile from the idyllic conservation village of Wolsingham in the Durham Dales. Raby Cottage (ref 27764), Durham Cottage (ref 27765) and Heartwell Cottage (ref UKC1473) are delightful, semi-detached properties. The Farmhouse (ref UKC3218) is detached and boasts everything a large party could ask for. Furnished to a very good standard, The Farmhouse is spacious, light and has ample facilities for up to 16 guests. There is a family suite on the ground floor which has curved walls and a high ceiling, and was previously a gin gang. There is a further suite on the first floor which has a galleried en-suite boasting a huge bath and equally impressive shower area. With a private hot tub, large lawned garden and views across the owner’s unspoilt grounds, which cover nearly 60 acres, guests may never want to leave. These holiday properties are absolutely perfect for families, walkers, cyclists and groups of friends wanting to enjoy a super holiday together. Additionally there is an on-site facility (open 9am-9pm) with games room with full-size snooker table, a heated indoor swimming pool and a shared hot tub. There is also a fishing lake that can be used by guests. Whether you choose to take in the scenic countryside that County Durham has to offer, or are looking for a quieter retreat, this is an ideal holiday base.

For guests who enjoy exploring the local area on foot or by bike, there are numerous established public footpaths and cycle paths that lead directly from the owner’s grounds. These paths go through some of the most scenic woodland and unspoilt countryside in the county. Just minutes away are Tunstall Reservoir and Hamsterley Forest, with bike riding, horse riding and many other activities available. Kilhope Lead Mining Centre and Beamish Museum are close by, as is a real snow ski lift.

Located around 30 minutes from the historic city of Durham with its World Heritage site status, cathedral and castle, guests really must take a day trip there to explore and enjoy all of the historic attractions, as well as indulging in a spot of well-earned retail therapy in one of the many boutiques. Alternatively, visitors can treat themselves to afternoon tea in one of the numerous cafés, restaurants and bistros. The National Railway Museum at Shildon, High Force Waterfall, the Metro Centre, Newcastle Airport, Durham Tees Valley Airport, Diggerland and Newcastle city centre, with its cultural attractions, are all within easy reach. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, Lake District National Park and the beautiful north east coastline. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 43 guests.

A meandering stream trickles through the stunning landscaped gardens of this 150-year-old detached farmhouse. Nestling in the sleepy hamlet of Barmby Moor (there may be some noise from farm traffic) and set in its own grounds, the property also boasts an outdoor swimming pool heated by solar panels (temperature is dependent on weather) and outdoor 6-seater hot tub. Just under a mile away lies Allerthorpe Common which offers wonderful walks and picnic areas amidst thousands of well-kept acres of land. This truly is the perfect holiday location for getting away from it all or discovering local culture.
Scattered amongst the spectacular countryside are many picturesque villages and ancient market towns such as Pocklington, Howden and Driffield. Beverley, capital of the Wolds, is home to a beautiful Gothic minster, old buildings and a racecourse. Described as a jewel waiting to be discovered, the Yorkshire Wolds boast countless villages, ancient inns and historic houses. Burnby Hall Gardens, Burton Agnes Hall and Burton Constable are all close by. Three miles away in Barmby Moor, the Wolds Gliding Club offers trial flights all year round.
Just 4 miles away is the Buddhist Centre at the wonderful Georgian mansion of Kilnwick Percy Hall, which offers lessons and courses in meditation. Aircraft enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the Real Aeroplane Museum (Selby, 25 miles) where a magnificent Hawker Hurricane and P-51 Mustang can be seen, and the Yorkshire Air Museum (Elvington, 5 miles) with a superb collection of pre- and post-WWII aircraft. The ancient walled city of York is only 12 miles away, and boasts plenty of attractions for all the family, including the Castle Museum, York Dungeons, National Railway Museum, York Racecourse and the famous Jorvik Viking Centre. Golf, fishing and gliding are all available locally. Pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Designed to exacting standards, and with a fabulous indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, games room and gymnasium on the doorstep (open all year), these three extremely comfortable adjoining properties enjoy a peaceful courtyard setting on the owners’ non working farm. Footpaths cross the local farmland and the National Forest, and a nature reserve is in 0.75 miles. Lichfield Cathedral, Uttoxeter’s racecourse, cinema and bowling, and Sudbury Hall’s Museum of Childhood are all under 10 miles. Alton Towers, Drayton Manor, Tamworth SnowDome, Shugborough Hall and Calke Abbey (NT), and Dovedale in the Peak District National Park are all within 20 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub serving food 0.5 miles.

Dating back to the 18th century, this elegant and spacious, grade II listed farmhouse stands detached, with large lawned gardens and exclusive use of an indoor heatedswimming pool with an outdoor spa tub and indoor sauna. It offers a substantial venue for large families or groups wishing to holiday together. The house boats a well-equipped kitchen, spacious bedrooms and a games room including a table tennis table and table football. It is set amongst rural countryside with a network of quiet lanes offering good walking and cycling from the door. The highly acclaimed Church Farm, Stow Bardolph Rare Breeds Centre, Denver Windmill, sailing club and pay-and-play golf course, Welney Wildfowl Trust, the award-winning Hare Arms pub and Downham Market with its Friday and Saturday markets, are all within easy reach. There is also easy access to the lovely sandy beaches, and RSPB nature and bird reserves along the North Norfolk Coast.

The market town of Downham Market (6 miles) boasts a direct rail link to Ely, Cambridge and London (1hr 20mins). It has a supermarket, shops, restaurants, inns, post office and bank. The medieval town of Kings Lynn (8 miles), complete with handsome waterfront offers an array of good shops, inns, restaurants, theatre, cinema, bowling alley and a sports centre. Both west and north Norfolk have an expanse of sandy beaches and salt marshes along the coastline, as well as nature reserves to protect the birds and plants which thrive here. The coastal road passes through many pretty rural villages, with popular tea rooms serving wonderful local food.

For those who enjoy a visit to the beach whilst on holiday, the seaside resorts of Hunstanton and Heacham boast beaches and an array of traditional seaside activities and attractions for all ages. Hunstanton (22 miles) has a pier with lively seasonal entertainment, Sea Life Centre and cliff-top golf course. Heacham (20 miles) is home to Norfolk Lavender and visitors may participate in guided tours of the expanse of lavender fields to observe the harvesting. Sandringham Estate - the Queen’s country residence, with its Jacobean-style house, museum, superb gardens and park are open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence.

To the south lies Ely Cathedral, ‘Ship of the Fens’, standing proudly in the small city of Ely. Ely has an excellent Saturday market and a good variety of gift shops, as well as a pretty water front and boat hire. The historic city of Cambridge is easily accessible for the day and well worth a visit. One of the nicest ways to explore the city is by punt, which meanders through the city and passes many of the stunning university grounds. There are also many shops, pubs, restaurants and theatres. Norwich, famous for its cathedral, is also within easy reach, where a visit to the stunning cathedral is not to be missed, as is the famous mustard shop, with many new and old varieties can be purchased. Shops 4 miles, pub 2 miles.

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.

Bowlees Holiday Cottages are nestled on a hillside in the heart of County Durham, located a mile from the idyllic conservation village of Wolsingham in the Durham Dales. Raby Cottage (ref 27764), Durham Cottage (ref 27765) and Heartwell Cottage (ref UKC1473) are delightful, semi-detached properties. The Farmhouse (ref UKC3218) is detached and boasts everything a large party could ask for. Furnished to a very good standard, The Farmhouse is spacious, light and has ample facilities for up to 16 guests. There is a family suite on the ground floor which has curved walls and a high ceiling, and was previously a gin gang. There is a further suite on the first floor which has a galleried en-suite boasting a huge bath and equally impressive shower area. With a private hot tub, large lawned garden and views across the owner’s unspoilt grounds, which cover nearly 60 acres, guests may never want to leave. These holiday properties are absolutely perfect for families, walkers, cyclists and groups of friends wanting to enjoy a super holiday together. Additionally there is an on-site facility (open 9am-9pm) with games room with full-size snooker table, a heated indoor swimming pool and a shared hot tub. There is also a fishing lake that can be used by guests. Whether you choose to take in the scenic countryside that County Durham has to offer, or are looking for a quieter retreat, this is an ideal holiday base.

For guests who enjoy exploring the local area on foot or by bike, there are numerous established public footpaths and cycle paths that lead directly from the owner’s grounds. These paths go through some of the most scenic woodland and unspoilt countryside in the county. Just minutes away are Tunstall Reservoir and Hamsterley Forest, with bike riding, horse riding and many other activities available. Kilhope Lead Mining Centre and Beamish Museum are close by, as is a real snow ski lift.

Located around 30 minutes from the historic city of Durham with its World Heritage site status, cathedral and castle, guests really must take a day trip there to explore and enjoy all of the historic attractions, as well as indulging in a spot of well-earned retail therapy in one of the many boutiques. Alternatively, visitors can treat themselves to afternoon tea in one of the numerous cafés, restaurants and bistros. The National Railway Museum at Shildon, High Force Waterfall, the Metro Centre, Newcastle Airport, Durham Tees Valley Airport, Diggerland and Newcastle city centre, with its cultural attractions, are all within easy reach. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, Lake District National Park and the beautiful north east coastline. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles. These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 43 guests.

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.

Hewas Water House is perfect for family gatherings, nestled in a relaxing and tranquil setting. This delightful detached and spacious house has a modern design and comfortably sleeps up to ten guests. Perfect for relaxing around the pool or exploring the south coast of Cornwall and all it has to offer.
The town of St Austell is just an 8-minute drive away where you will find local shops, cinema and a choice of restaurants and pubs. The cathedral city of Truro is just a 20-minute drive away, offering a wider selection of amenities. Mevagissey is an ancient fishing village that offers local galleries, craft shops and fresh seafood restaurants. There are many beautiful gardens including the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the world-famous Eden Project and Caerhays Castle and Garden, all nearby. The historic port of Charlestown, one of the settings of TV’s drama ’Poldark’, is nearby as is the Roseland Peninsula. Porthpean and Pentewan Sands are the closest beaches, however there are beaches galore along the south coast. Also available at the village of Pentewan is an off-road cycle and walking trail that leads to the town centre of St Austell. Horse riding, canoeing, boat trips and walking are all catered for locally. There really is no shortage of things to do in this impressive part of Cornwall. Beach 5½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1¼ miles.

High Park House is the perfect venue for a large family holiday or group reunions/getaways. Built in 1845 High Park House features on the ground floor two living rooms with cosy wood burners and smart TVs, a formal dining room, a large kitchen/diner perfect for creating holiday feasts. There’s also a utility room, a handy separate toilet and a boot room. And for some family fun there’s a games room with a pool table. Up on the first floor are seven bedrooms with five en-suites, to comfortably sleep sixteen guests. Within the grounds is an indoor swimming pool and hot tub which can be booked for exclusive use and a large natural lake with a decked terrace, to the front of the house is a large private lawn area and ample parking.
High Park House offers easy access to beaches, moors, golf courses, children friendly fun parks, and many other recreational activities. Bideford is the second largest town in North Devon with plenty to see and do including a lovely river front and port. The Southwest Coastal Path is a must for keen walkers and runners, as is the popular Tarka Trail, which stretches for c.180 miles and can be accessed locally. Swimming, surfing, canoeing and entertainment for all the family plus fishing are all close by. For a day with a difference why not take a trip across to Lundy Island? With regular trips from Bideford, measuring just 3 miles by ¾ mile, this entire island has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Westward Ho!, the nearest seaside village offers an array of seaside amenities including some fascinating curiosity shops, restaurants and cafes. Within easy reach are two popular top attractions, The Big Sheep amusement farm park and The Ultimate Adventure Centre! Being very close to the A39 Atlantic Highway, the property is conveniently located for day trips to other beautiful places such as Exmoor National Park with stunning dark skies for great star gazing and locations such as Clovelly, Hartland and North Cornwall. Beach 4 miles.

Welcome to Lochside House in Castle Douglas, a truly magnificent holiday let that encapsulates the essence of luxury and breathtaking beauty. Set overlooking the park and Carlingwark Loch, this large detached house is not just a holiday home; it’s an experience that promises the ’wow’ factor at every turn.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be swept away by the sheer quality and elegance that defines every corner of this remarkable space. Lochside House isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a haven where comfort, style, and relaxation converge to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones. The centrepiece of this extraordinary house is the magnificent open-plan living/dining area. With patio doors that seamlessly lead onto the exquisite garden, you’ll be treated to a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. The garden itself is a luxurious retreat, featuring a spacious Swim Spa and a separate hot tub, a haven of tranquillity and indulgence. The allure continues with a stunning garden room complete with an en-suite shower, offering a private oasis of relaxation. For those who appreciate culinary delights, the outdoor kitchen beckons with its large pizza oven and gas BBQ, a perfect setting for al fresco dining. Inside, the sleek and modern kitchen is a hub for culinary creativity, while a dedicated playroom ensures entertainment for the whole family. Lochside House offers five bedrooms, each exuding comfort and elegance. The master bedroom, located on the first floor, is a sanctuary of its own featuring a stunning en-suite, a spacious walk-in dressing room, and a balcony overlooking the park and Loch, it’s a retreat within a retreat.
As you step outside the house, the attractions of the area await your exploration. Castle Douglas itself is a charming market town, renowned for its independent shops, galleries, and eateries. The surrounding Galloway Forest Park offers a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its sprawling landscapes, dark skies perfect for stargazing, and a range of outdoor activities including hiking and wildlife spotting. In conclusion, Lochside House is more than just a holiday let; it’s an embodiment of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty. Whether you seek relaxation in the opulent interiors or adventure in the surrounding attractions, this holiday home promises an experience that will linger in your heart and memory for years to come.