Dog-friendly Romantic Breaks

Lovely detached studio lodge set in beautiful countryside in Linchmere within the South Downs National Park. Sauna. Private decked area. WiFi. Perfect romantic retreat, ideal base for walking and cycling. Pet-friendly. Midhurst 5 miles.

Tucked away in the heart of the mid-Devon countryside lies Hazelnut Lodge. With views over surrounding fields to the countryside beyond, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet. Located in the grounds of the owner’s smallholding, there is a private drive leading down to the property. Skirted by the private woods, there is a large garden and sitting-out area. The spacious open plan living space is complimented by an inviting bedroom with its super kingsize bed. Patio doors lead from the living area onto the patio giving further access to a decking area for dining al fresco. Hazelnut Lodge is a comfortable base from which to explore all that Devon has to offer. Exeter is easily reached, and has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and, of course, its historic cathedral. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are accessible and provide walking for all abilities and stunning scenery. There are a number of National Trust properties in the area, most notably Castle Drogo and Arlington Court. Also within easy reach (20 miles) is Powderham Castle. This remarkable 14th century castle, set in a beautiful deer park on the banks of the River Exe, has been home to the same family since 1391. Visitors are encouraged to explore the picturesque gardens, discover the interior beauty of the castle and to take part in some of the events which are held throughout the year. The wonderful RHS gardens at Rosemoor and the Dartington Crystal Factory are worth a visit and both these attractions are based at Great Torrington. There is golf, fishing and horse riding available in the local area and cycle hire can be arranged on the Tarka Trail at various locations. Shop 3 miles, pub 1¼ miles and restaurant 5 miles.

This traditional flint and brick holiday cottage is one of a pair tucked away in a small courtyard of four properties in the heart of this bustling seaside town, within walking distance of the harbour. An excellent sandy beach is 1 mile further. Ideal for a family holiday by the sea and exploring the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. Sailing, windsurfing, boat trips, riding and cycling available locally. RSPB bird and nature reserve close by. Holkham Hall parkland and beach are 2 miles. Bustling Burnham Market, 5 miles. The Sandringham Royal Estate and museum, 10 miles. City of Norwich for theatre, excellent shopping malls, outdoor market and the famous Norfolk Broads are an hour’s drive. Shops and pubs 800 yards.

A stunning holiday property standing detached, set on the edge of the Salt Marshes in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Marsh Barn has been completely re-designed to offer spacious and well-equipped accommodation to discerning guests looking for somewhere of a very good standard in which to relax and unwind. Everything has been thought of, from well-appointed marble bathrooms, some of which have freestanding baths, a kitchen with extras such as warming drawers and a utility with drying area for wetsuits.
The rooms are light and airy, and provide breathtaking views across the Salt Marshes, with their ever-changing tidal patterns, towards the sea and golf club. Within large gardens with a sheltered, walled, sunny lawned garden and furniture, and leading to a fruit orchard and private hard tennis court, the property is well placed for guests who wish to leave their cars parked up for the whole week and explore on foot, as there are walks on the marsh, cycle routes, golf, sailing and award-winning pubs to discover every day, all within easy walking distance. The property is excellent for bird-watching enthusiasts, with direct access from the garden leading to the National Trust marshes and Coastal Path. It is also an easy walk to Brancaster’s sandy beach, golf and sailing club.
For those who like water, there is sailing, water skiing and windsurfing from the harbour for all ages and levels. Golfing enthusiasts will welcome the rare opportunity to play on the world class golf course too. Brancaster beach is beautiful year round and offers both a sunny retreat and bracing walks. There are a series of nature reserves to explore, including the RSPB-managed Titchwell Marsh, whose reed beds and lagoons are home to nesting avocets, marsh harriers and bitterns. From the little harbour at Brancaster Staithe, boats run to Scolt Head Island, also a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. Bustling Burnham Market is a 5-minute drive and offers a unique mix of boutique and antique shops and relaxed places to eat. Holkham’s beach, where parts of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ were filmed, is a 10-minute drive. A little further along is Wells-next-the-Sea, a popular fishing village renowned for its fresh seafood and quayside, full of colourful boats. No longer by the sea, it now stands on a creek, with a 1-mile walk along the embankment or a short ride on the miniature steam train that takes you to the excellent sandy beach. Further along the coast are the seal colonies at Blakeney Point. Less than half an hour’s drive is the Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton, with its unusual striped cliffs towering over 60 feet high, behind is the sandy beach full of rock pools at low tide.
The town boasts a Sea Life Centre, funfair, indoor swimming pool and a cliff-top golf course. There are many stately homes to visit, including Holkham Hall, a fine Palladian mansion overlooking Holkham beach, Houghton Hall and the Royal Sandringham Estate and museum. After a day spent exploring all that the area has to offer, return to stunning Marsh Barn and enjoy an evening of relaxation in beautiful comfort whilst planning the next adventure. Shops 3/4 mile.

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the edge of the village of Beckley and above the River Rother, are these three stylish holiday properties. The Little Lodge (ref W43703) is situated down a quiet lane overlooking fields and adjoining the owners’ home, it sits in 3½ acres of grounds, surrounded by forestry and woodland, where a small orchard is set aside for the guests’ sole use. The Lodge (ref UK11986) is a beautifully appointed property in a gorgeous rural setting, perfect for those looking for a peaceful getaway. You will find a home from home in this single-storey lodge with its wonderful spot in this countryside location with even a beauty room with bookable treatments on site, including manicures, pedicures and more. Being a pet friendly property located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy cycling and scenic walks with their dog. The Little Abbey (ref UK12598) is perfectly finished for that cosy couples getaway. The beautiful décor is of a very good quality throughout and poses the best spot in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This single-storey property adjoins the owners property, yet has its own parking and entrance. The Little Abbey comfortably sleeps two guests in the large super kingsize bedroom and benefits from its own private garden section which overlooks the owners beautiful horses. You will find the home from home modcons here with 2 televisions both with built-in DVD and free Wi-Fi for guests to use.

Located in this gorgeous spot in the countryside and teeming with wildlife, you can enjoy horse riding at the stables just 15 minutes’ drive away (at cost) and a nearby fishing lake is available at Iden Wood Fishery (at cost, license required). To truly indulge in relaxation, you can treat yourself to the on-site medical beauty clinic appointments by arrangement only (at cost).

The village of Beckley is nearby with an array of local amenities, and exploring the small town of Rye is easily accessible with it being only 8 miles away. Rye is famous for its 18th-century smuggling activities and boasts a stunning port area with cobble lined streets with restaurants and shops. The beach can be reached at Winchelsea, and has associations with Spike Milligan and Camber Sands, as the name suggests there are miles of golden sand dunes. It is home to various film locations including ‘The Monuments Men’ with George Clooney, and ‘The Invisible Woman’ with Ralph Fiennes. Take a boat trip from Northiam and arrive at the fairytale Bodiam Castle, which is 4 miles away, or catch the Kent and East Sussex steam railway which travels to Tenterden, described by many as ’The Jewel of the Weald’. Beach is 8.5 miles away, shop 1 mile away, pub and restaurant 1.5 miles away.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Nestling in the pretty Norfolk countryside close to the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Willow Barn (ref CZB) and single-storey Beech Barn (ref CZU) and Alderfen Barn (ref UK30458) are detached holiday properties dating back to the 1700s, situated in the grounds of the owner’s home. Providing a perfect retreat for discerning larger family groups, these converted barns offer spacious and comfortable accommodation boasting beamed interiors, wood-burning stoves and enclosed separate gardens with private hot tubs, and for a special meal or family celebration gourmet meals can be arranged with the owner.
For Beech Barn (ref CZU), between Easter and the 16th July, and the 1st September-1st November, for 7 night bookings the owner is offering free boat hire for one day.
Beech Farm Barns are ideally located for all the family and for nature lovers there is an abundance of bird life. Within walking distance is Alderfen Broad, which is situated in The Broads National Park, a bird watcher’s delight. For the children there is BeWILDerwood Adventure Park with its treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges and boat trips, which all combined makes a great day out. Nearby is the attractive Broads village of Horning with its selection of tea shops, restaurants and pubs. A day boat can be hired directly from the owner, or book a trip on the Mississippi steamer. The sandy beaches of the North Norfolk Coast are only 10 miles away. Alternatively spend a day in the fine city of Norwich with its magnificent cathedrals, castle, museums, theatres, market and vast array of cafes and shops. There is a wealth of National Trust properties to visit in the area which include Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park (one of the finest 17th-century country Jacobean houses in East Anglia), Blickling Hall (a magnificent house with woodlands and lakeside walks) and Sheringham Park (beautifully landscaped and renowned for its spectacular displays of azaleas and rhododendrons in late spring). Shops and pub 1½ miles.

Beech Barn (CZU), Willow Barn (CZB) and Alderfen Barn (UK30458) can be booked together to accommodate up to 32 guests.

Lock Cottage offers the perfect place in which to relax and unwind, having a stunning location overlooking the water meadows, a natural habitat for bird and wildlife, so be sure to bring binoculars! Lock Cottage has been renovated to a very high standard and offers spacious and contemporary living, boasting its own games room with table tennis and first floor balcony terrace taking full advantage of the amazing views. Located on the edge of a peaceful village with a local shop and pub a short walk away, the cottage neighbours an impressive water mill and water meadows with miles of riverside walks, fishing and canoeing. Set between the Broads and the North Norfolk coastline, the cottage offers an excellent holiday location. The Broads are just a short drive away and at Wroxham, the ‘capital of the Broads’, daily boat hire is available to explore the famous waterways abundant with bird and wildlife, as well as many inns, restaurants or cafés that can be found along the riverside. Norfolk’s coastline with soft sandy beaches is readily accessible, as are RSPB bird and nature reserves, the coastal path offering bracing walks and the traditional seaside resorts of Cromer and Sheringham which offer a range of amenities to suit all ages. Explore the many traditional market towns, National Trust properties and gardens along with the popular city of Norwich renowned for its excellent shopping and beautiful Norman castle museum. For activities appealing to children try Banham Zoo, Wroxham Barns and Craft Centre, Bewilderwood at Horning, Dinosaur Adventure Park at Lenwade, West Runton Shire Horse Centre or Splash fun pool at Sheringham. Shop and pub ¼mile.

Dating back to the 17th Century and surrounded by open countryside, this detached farmhouse nestles on a 400-acre family-run working farm, with cattle, sheep and chickens, and where a warm welcome is assured. Trowley Farmhouse is situated in a tranquil, unspoilt location at the end of a private lane. Ideal for getting friends and families together, there is space to socialise with two lounges and a large farmhouse-style kitchen. There is also a private garden and nearby orchards and fields to have fun in or to simply relax. Stepping into the flagged stone entrance porch and through the grand oak door into the panelled hallway, you will get a sense of the history of this wonderful house. With oak beams, thick stone walls and original bread oven in the kitchen, the property retains much of the character of the original building, whilst every modern convenience is provided to make your stay comfortable whatever the season. On chillier evenings, the wood burner and open fire will provide the focal point for cosy nights in. Enjoy extensive views of the Begwn Hills and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, along with woodland and wildlife. The owners are happy to offer farm tours subject to availability.


The location is a must for nature lovers with red kites and buzzards often spotted, and up on Painscastle common, just a 20-minute walk, there are red grouse and curlews. Nearby is Rhosgoch Bog, a conservation area perfect for birdwatchers. At the highest point, known as the ‘Roundabout’ on the Begwn Hills, there are spectacular views and you can see seven counties on a clear day. The nearby town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for having close to 40 book shops, has plenty to keep you busy and one visit just isn’t enough. There are characterful antique shops and cafés, as well as many shops for those looking to discover a rare edition or bygone childhood book. Explore the atmospheric ruins of nearby Llanthony Priory, an early 13th Century Augustinian church which is open all year and entrance is free. Apart from being home to the internationally famous Royal Welsh Show, along with a host of other events, nearby Builth Wells offers everything from sports and leisure facilities, to an 18 hole golf course, pony trekking and renowned angling spots. The red kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm offers the opportunity to come in close contact with these rare and magnificent birds on a daily basis.

Located in the village of Lake, between the popular resort beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, the property is set adjacent to the owner’s home. The chalet benefits from a fully enclosed south-facing rear garden and has a rear gate that provides access directly out onto the cliff top coastal path, presenting you with a stunning view over Sandown Bay and its pier.
The beach at Lake can be accessed from a set of steps from the top of the cliff path, alternatively you can gain access from Shanklin or Sandown Esplanades via a short walk in either direction along the sea wall. Because this beach is tucked away and not as straightforward to reach, it is very often quieter than its resort neighbours Sandown and Shanklin during the busier months, making it a peaceful alternative for a day on the beach. As the waters are quieter, this is a great beach for surfing and water sports, as the sea is shallow and clear. There is an instructional school which is located nearby that offers a whole range of activities for all ages and abilities, there’s also a café and barbecue area which is always popular during the summer season. There’s also beach huts which you can look to hire and a number of benches to sit on along the sea wall path when the tide is further in. The walk along the sea wall between Sandown and Shanklin along the back of the beach is highly recommended as it offers a wide, flat path which is ideal for both walkers and cyclists.
For guests choosing to visit the island without their car, a favourable way to reach the property is to take the Wightlink Fast Cat service to Ryde Pier head and then the train to Lake Station which is only a 3-minute walk from the property. The island has become a real hot spot for cycling enthusiasts, with a choice of challenging off-road bridleways, peaceful byways and level purpose-made tracks running along former railway lines. You can cycle across the width of the island to the famous Needles landmark, or try the full round the island route, which is 66 miles long and is used for the annual Isle of Wight Randonnee held over the bank holiday in May. You can also travel along the route at a more leisurely pace, stopping off along the way at one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafés that can be found in the quaint villages and towns.
Sandown is a truly traditional British beach resort with pier, amusements, pitch ’n’ putt, Isle of Wight Zoo, children’s play area and the Dinosaur Isle attraction at the northern end of the esplanade towards Yaverland and Culver Cliff. The town is brimming with attractions to entertain visitors, most of them right on the beach front itself, so you never have to stray too far from the golden sands. At the other end of the path you will reach Shanklin Esplanade which is again packed full of amusements and crazy golf, as well as several places to eat. Away from the beach the main town hosts a multitude of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy. The old village is world famous with its pretty thatched cottages, cosy tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and craft shops to discover. Outdoor pursuits on the island are well catered for and include horse riding, fishing, paragliding, golf and water sports. There are numerous attractions across the island to discover for all ages, such as The Needles (with its chairlift, amusement park, boat rides, lighthouse and coloured sands of Alum Bay), Blackgang Chine, Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Tapnell Farm Park and Carisbrooke Castle - or why not pay a visit to Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday residence, Osborne House and its gardens? The sailing towns of Yarmouth and Cowes also make for a great day out. Beach 500 yards. Shops, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

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.