Dog-friendly Romantic Breaks

Offering far-reaching views over fields and surrounding countryside, this compact, detached, single-storey holiday property offers superb walks from the door across miles of countryside. Standing next to the owners’ home on an unadopted lane on the edge of the charming village of Niton, a 10-minute walk, with a church, local shops, post office, library, chemist, hardware/gift/pet supplies shop, a GP centre and a pub serving food. The island is renowned for ramblers and has a 500-mile network of footpaths, including a 68-mile coastal walk with spectacular views. The nearest beach is a 10-minute drive, an observatory and St. Catherine’s Lighthouse are also nearby. Water sports, cycling, riding, sailing, fishing and golf can be found on the island. Blackgang Chine Theme Park is ¾ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Located on the Blackdown Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies Oak Apple Cottage. Sitting in the grounds of the owner’s countryside home, this detached cottage is the perfect hideaway for the weekend or as a great base for a holiday spent touring this wonderful part of Devon. The cottage has been tastefully and thoughtfully furnished including a wood burner in the living room. Outside, there is a gravelled courtyard to enjoy a morning coffee and down some steps is a small private garden where you can relax in the tranquillity of the area plus some stunning views.
The nearby village of Upottery is 1 mile away and there are plenty of local walks into the Blackdown Hills in the surrounding area. During your stay there is much to see and do. The historic town of Honiton has a good range of amenities including a good number of antique shops. There is good access to the coast where you can sample the delights of Beer, Branscombe and Seaton. For those willing to travel further, there is access onto Dartmoor National Park, and Exeter has a lot to offer visitors. There are numerous National Trust properties in the area including Killerton, Castle Drogo and Knightshayes. The Jurassic Visitor Centre is worth a visit and there is golf, horse riding and fishing all available locally. Beach 16 miiles. Shop ½ mile, pub 1 mile.

A superb barn conversion set in tranquil and peaceful surroundings, with a hot tub. Luxury en-suite bathrooms and open plan living with woodburning stove. Torver 2 miles.

A superb Lake District cottage in peaceful and tranquil surroundings. Luxury bathroom with walk-in rainfall shower. Hot tub. Torver 2 miles.

Fabulous detached cottage in Hellingly near The Cuckoo Trail. Superb countryside views, WiFi and hot tub. Ideal for a romantic getaway. Underfloor heating. Pet-friendly. Herstmonceux 2.2 miles.

Nestled within a serene landscape, this charming cottage offers a tranquil retreat near the picturesque village of Blisland, renowned for its award-winning pub, the Blisland Inn, pretty stone cottages and village green. As you pass through the private gateway, over the stream, you get a sense of how peaceful a location this is as a meandering driveway leads you to the heart of this enchanting abode. Step into the cottage, where a conservatory with a dining table and garden-facing doors welcomes you.
The open-plan kitchen and lounge boast a super-comfy corner sofa and a delightful woodburner, creating a cosy ambience. The well-equipped kitchen, adorned with character, provides the perfect setting for culinary adventures. Descend a few steps down to discover a twin bedroom with doors opening to the patio and garden outside. The family bathroom, featuring a bath and shower, completes this level. Ascend the stairs to the delightful first-floor bedroom with eaves, showcasing charming stonework and a snug double bed. Throughout, the cottage exudes a warm and cottagey feel, creating an inviting atmosphere.
The surroundings are exceptionally peaceful, immersed in the breathtaking countryside near Bodmin Moor, where owls, badgers, kingfishers, and herons grace the landscape, and wild deer roam freely and buzzards wheel high above. The garden outside invites you to unwind with its seating area and barbecue, providing the perfect space for al fresco dining under the dark sky nights, ideal for stargazing and catching a glimpse of the Milky Way. Opposite the driveway, the renowned Camel Trail awaits, offering a 17-mile mostly flat pathway from Bodmin to Padstow, perfect for both walkers and cyclists, with unrivalled scenery along the way.
For fishing enthusiasts, the nearby river originating from the moody Tors and stone structures high up on the mysterious Bodmin Moor presents an opportunity (permit required). Explore the fascinating villages of Port Isaac and Boscastle, both a short drive away, or venture to the golden sandy beaches of Polzeath or Port Gaverne for a day of exploration, surfing, and swimming. Bulls Cottage is within a short driving distance of many of Cornwall’s fabulous attractions. Visit the Eden Project, Lanhydrock House (NT) and Golf Course, the harbour villages of Padstow, Looe and Fowey, or surf the North Cornwall Coastal beaches. The area is popular with cyclists who will enjoy the Bodmin Beast Trial, a 12-mile off-road mountain bike trail at Cardinham woods. There is something for everyone: children and adults, not forgetting a great selection of local pubs and fine dining restaurants.

Blurridge Barn is the perfect holiday choice for a peaceful coastal escape at any time of year. This delightful detached barn within the grounds of the owner’s home has been lovingly converted in 2019 and is presented to a high standard. It is ideally located in the traditional seaside village of Combe Martin, just 1½ miles from the beach. This delightful North Devon village nestles within a fertile valley with the sea on one side and Exmoor National Park on the other. It has everything you need for the ideal holiday with secluded sandy beaches, rock pools to explore, dramatic coastal scenery and lots to do nearby.

The open plan living space has a cosy wood burner to curl up beside on a chilly evening and access onto a covered terrace where you can enjoy a morning coffee, overlooking the valley whilst you plan your day. There is a additional fridge/freezer located in the garage, which can be requested through the owner. The two bedrooms downstairs have crisp cotton sheets, sumptuous beds and the master bedroom has French doors leading to the garden. If you are lucky on a still day you can hear the distant roar of the lions, the howl of the wolves and the chatter of the monkeys at the nearby wildlife park. At Blurridge Barn you truly are transported to another world.

Fans of the great outdoors can hike along to Great Hangman, the tallest sea cliff in mainland Britain, or follow the 230 hidden steps down to Golden Cove for some spectacular views. Situated on the South West Coast Path, Combe Martin is also home to several dog friendly pubs and has a good selection of local stores. If you fancy getting out on the water you can hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board in the village and take to the calm waters in the bay.

Young and young at heart will enjoy the unique experience of the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, just 2 miles away, where you can swim with sea lions, meet the meerkats and see the animatronic dinosaurs in action!

Exmoor Zoo is just 10 miles from the property and the larger seaside town of Ilfracombe is 5 miles away. Its highlights include the harbour and the famous ‘Verity’ statue, the Victorian Tunnels beach and Landmark Theatre. There is also a good range of shops, restaurants and amenities. Other highlights in the area are Watermouth Castle, the breathtaking cliff railway between Lynton and Lynmouth and there is great walking on Exmoor. At Woolacombe and Croyde you will find some of the best surfing and family beaches in the country. There is also cycling on the nearby Tarka Trail, golf, horse riding and sea fishing trips available locally. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

A charming two-bedroom cottage perched in Bleadon, Somerset. Near an AONB. Ground-floor bedroom. Dog-friendly. Weston-super-Mare 5 miles; Brean 7.3 miles; Glastonbury 18.2 miles; Bristol 23.2 miles