Affordable Dog-friendly Destinations

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.

Enjoying uninterrupted views of the award-winning Mawgan Porth beach, this fantastic beach house is surrounded by a third of an acre of beautifully kept gardens with a large, sea facing, sun trap decking area, overlooking gently sloping lawns and a pretty stream that trickles down to the sea below. Solar panels help heat the house and water while providing free electrical car charging for our guests’ electric vehicle.

Over the past year (2022), the house has been renovated to the highest standards by one of the country’s leading interior designers and offers plenty of living space all benefitting from exceptional sea views and floor to ceiling sliding doors leading to a large decking area. The large circular fireplace makes for cosy evenings during the Autumn and Winter months. The brand-new handmade kitchen is well supplied with all creature comforts from a juicer to a selection of coffee machines, including a Nespresso. A door leads into a separate TV room with a big corner sofa, both with fabulous sea views and door to the terrace. Three ground floor bedrooms, ome with chandelier, two with those stunning views. A beautiful glass and oak staircase leads from the entrance hall up to the first floor where you will find three more bedrooms; a double bedroom with en-suite shower room; a large twin bedroom with large en-suite shower room, and one with a TV and sofa bed which enjoys the best views of all.

The beach is just a 5-minute walk away from the garden gate. Off the drive, there is a lawned area and to the side of the house a heated outdoor shower for when you return from the beach. The equipment store has a range of children’s wetsuits and storage for boards. Once cleaned off, you can luxuriate in the state-of-the-art Aspen and Spruce spa with a sauna, experiential shower plus cold water bucket for the brave. Situated mid-way between Padstow and Newquay, Mawgan Porth offers you a beautiful west facing beach, stunning scenery, wondrous walks, superb surfing, an amazing variety of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste and pocket, including a cosy pub, seafood restaurant, cafés, and takeaways all within walking distance of Blue Seas. Beach less than a 5 minute walk.

This stunning Victorian mansion has been renovated in 2020 to an exceptionally high standard throughout. Large, social living areas with an open flow make Harbour Retreat the perfect escape for all your friends and family. It has been finished to a very high standard with a real touch of elegance and this luxurious, modern space is incredibly light and airy throughout. With many different aspects, this allows sunlight to pour into the property creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Soak up the sun in the private rear courtyard and enjoy a nice glass of wine in the evening or snuggle up in either of the two living rooms. Perfect for celebrating that special occasion or just getting everyone together, this detached holiday home is sure to create many happy memories and a fantastic stay.
Just a short walk away is the medieval and historic hilltop town of Rye. With its famous cobbled streets, lined with interesting historic buildings, an abundance of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, interesting art galleries and museums, as well as cosy and inviting pubs. Head to the harbour for quiet beaches, picturesque walks and coastal birdlife.
Rye is steeped in history and is well worth exploring, with a range of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and historical sites. Wander through the historic Landgate and along the cobbled streets to admire the House with Two Doors (filmed as part of the BBC Series ‘Mapp and Lucia’ and the infamous Mermaid Street). Take lunch at one of the lovely pubs serving food, followed by a visit to Rye Pottery for a creative afternoon. The glorious long sandy beaches and dunes of Camber Sands are also just 5 miles up the road. For wine enthusiasts, Chapel Down and Gusbourne Vineyards are well worth a visit where local wine can be sampled or enjoyed within the restaurant. Further afield are the interesting historic towns of Hastings and Battle. The Old Town in Hastings is a popular historic area with numerous traditional pubs with a vibrant music scene. A busy day of exploration can be rounded off with fish and chips on the seafront. Beach 2 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 50 yards.

The Cider Barn is a luxurious and spacious three-bedroom holiday home with a hot tub, two bathrooms and a large private garden set in the heart of Devon. Originally a 17th-century farmstead, the accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard for up to six guests to enjoy, and the property feels stylish and beautiful with its unique interiors. The barn is attached to the back of the owner’s farmhouse but guests will have private access with their own front door and driveway space, enough for up to four cars.
As you enter, you will be welcomed into the hallway area which has bench seating, a washer/dryer, and is perfect for hanging coats up and kicking off those wellies after a bracing walk in the countryside. The spacious living room is comfortably furnished with a large corner sofa, Smart TV with Freeview and a gas wood burner. One of the kingsize bedrooms is located on the ground floor and there is a handy shower room across the hallway.
Head upstairs to discover the other two kingsize bedrooms, one of which has zip and link beds and can be set up with twin beds if requested. The family bathroom is fitted with a shower over the bath, offering the choice of a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower. The elegant kitchen/diner is also located on the first floor, making the most of the beautiful views across the countryside. It is well equipped with all the key appliances and offers plenty of space to enjoy a meal together sat at the large dining table.
The secluded garden is a fantastic space to relax and unwind in with its lawn, seating area, charcoal barbeque and private wood-fired hot tub backing onto the surrounding fields. A pizza oven can be rented for a small fee and trout fishing is also available on request. There are two footpaths meandering through the owner’s land which can be accessed 100m from the front door of The Cider Barn, leading off into the fields or to the local pubs which serve the most delicious food.
The historic cathedral city of Exeter is 12 miles away with easy parking and a direct rail link from Crediton. The scenic national parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor are within a 40-minute drive away. Dartmoor is a vast moorland defined by forests, rivers, wetlands, and tors (rock formations). The South Devon ‘Jurassic’ coast is a 50-minute drive away while the rugged North Devon coast and surfing beaches are a 60-minute drive away. The Cider Barn is ideal for families and groups of friends looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday.

This pretty, detached, ‘chocolate box’, thatched holiday cottage lies a few miles from the Dorset coast, on the edge of the New Forest National Park which is hugely popular for excellent walks, cycling and horse-riding routes. There’s also golf available nearby. The cottage is an ideal retreat for families, with many character features and a hot tub in the garden’s summer house. There are plenty of thoughtful extras for guests’ enjoyment, including six TVs, Bluetooth stereo and Wi-Wfi. Enjoy sandy beaches at Mudeford, Bournemouth and Poole, or visit Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and Lymington. Burley and Christchurch are just 3 miles away. Shop ⅓ mile and nearest pub 80 meters. Village has three good pubs in total.

This single-storey, semi-detached barn conversion, next to the owners’ home, has been renovated with great attention to detail, with eco-friendly, underfloor air source heating throughout and a very good standard of fixtures and fittings. Beams have been left exposed, and there is a large open-plan living area make this a great area in which to socialise with all the family and friends together.

Explore both the coast and the countryside from this property, as it is an excellent base for walking and touring. The Yorkshire Wolds, one of Britain’s best kept secrets, runs to the south of the village, and there is miles and miles of long countryside walks. The North Yorkshire Moors and the east coast are just a short drive away, and the seaside resorts of Filey and Scarborough have great beaches for the family for that traditional seaside holiday. Within the hour you can be in the city of York with its abundance of renowned attractions, including the iconic Minster, Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre. York is a fabulous city to visit during your stay and is one of the reasons why it is voted in the top 10 cities to visit every year. Beach 5¾ miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 300 yards.
Willow Cottage can be booked together with Reed Cottage (UK37478) to accommodate up to 17 guests.