Fido Family Friendly Places

Ardstinchar Mews is a lovely terraced cottage located in the charming coastal village of Ballantrae with fantastic views over the sea. This is the ideal base for not only families but small groups of friends to explore the delights of beautiful Ayrshire and this stunning coastline. The local town of Girvan has been voted the ‘Most Dog Friendly Town in the UK’ and Ardstinchar Mews welcomes your four-legged friends.
The property looks across the mouth of Loch Ryan towards Corsewall Point and Northern Ireland, and Ballantrae itself is a pretty village overlooked by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle. Guests will find plenty of opportunities for fishing nearby, and during the summer months the village hosts a variety of events. There is a visitor information point to help you plan your days and being situated on the Ayrshire Coastal Path (a fantastic 100 mile walking route), this coastline is steeped in history. Teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, otters and seals it is also a haven for bird watchers.
Heading north, the seaside town of Girvan with its harbour and leisure centre with a swimming pool, is only a 15-minute drive away and boat trips can be taken out to Ailsa Craig to see the varied birdlife. The towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are all good for a day out, with plentiful restaurants, shops and bars. Heading further down the coast, ferries can be taken over to the islands of Cumbrae, Bute and Arran. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible for a day out. Further south, you will find Stranraer situated at the head of Loch Ryan. The town has an array of shops and there are plenty of places to dine out. There are many castles and gardens to visit as well as lovely harbour villages including Portpatrick, Drummore and Scotland’s most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Set in the seaside village of Southerness, these spacious, detached holiday properties (refs 30501 and 26035) are just 500 yards from the sandy beach and make an ideal base for exploring south west Scotland. They stand 30 yards apart and are separated by a fence with an access gate. Both enjoy a sea view to the south and views of Criffel and the Galloway Hills to the north, and are ideal for family and friends to relax and unwind in. They each have a hot tub, and a games room to keep everyone occupied. Located on the spectacular Solway Coast near Dumfries and close to the stunning Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park, this is a popular area for walkers and cyclists with world class mountain biking at Dalbeattie 7 Stanes nearby. The area offers unspoilt villages, dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky coves, magnificent gardens, castles and ancient monuments to explore. Wildlife abounds and the RSPB nature reserve is just along the coast. A championship golf course, Southerness Golf Course, is just 500 yards away, with a further good selection of golf courses within Dumfries and Galloway. Other activities include fishing, riding and sailing. The small village of Southerness with its quaint lighthouse that stands on the Solway Firth is well worth a visit, and 3 miles away is the home of John Paul Jones (founder of the American Navy). The area of Dumfries and Galloway has a lot of border history and many historical attractions including castles and many connections to Robbie Burns. Sweetheart Abbey, Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens and Mabie Farm Park are all within easy reach. Beach 500 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards. Properties 30501 and 26035 can be booked together to accommodate up to 24 guests.

Barn on the Wall is a truly special luxury barn conversion where you can sit back and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of this stunning and historic landscape. Barn on the Wall was built in the 18th Century and like many of the properties in the area was built using stones from Hadrian’s Wall.
This beautiful country cottage has been stylishly designed blending modern with traditional features including beamed ceilings and original stonework. Barn on the Wall is the ideal place for family or friends to come together and enjoy the space with its large and comfortable sitting rooms and the fabulous Games Room with bar, 7ft pool table, dart board and cosy wood burning stove. There is complete privacy at Barn on the Wall with its huge fully enclosed garden with views towards the Lake District and North Pennines, perfect for children, and the gardens are further complimented by the large hot tub overlooking the valley towards the Solway Firth. If you are visiting the property for a celebration the owners can provide a celebration package, at cost and by prior arrangement.
Barn on the Wall sits on the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site, and the highest remaining piece of Hadrian’s Wall is only a short walk from Barn on the Wall. Enjoy a day exploring the area on foot. Whilst at Barn on the Wall take a walk down to Lanercost Priory where you can wander round the Priory then enjoy lunch or just a well-earned cup of tea in the tea rooms. Banks is a small Hamlet only 4 miles or so from the lovely market town of Brampton with its array of lovely little shops, restaurants, takeaways and tea rooms. A great day out for all the family is a visit to Talkin Tarn Country Park, just 2 miles from Brampton, with its 65-acre lake where you can sail, windsurf, canoe, or hire a rowing boat or even just sit all day fishing. Set amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland you can hire mountain bikes with the cycle routes taking you through beautiful countryside.
Take a drive out in the car and within 20 minutes you’ll be in the beautiful border city of Carlisle, with its array of high street shopping. Within 30 minutes you could be over the border into Scotland or in the Lake District National Park.

A wonderful spacious detached country house, equipped for the complete family enjoyment. Boasting a wrap around large lawn garden, set in a peaceful location surrounded by open fields and quiet lanes, with excellent walking and cycling to be enjoyed direct from doorstep. Just 4 miles is the stunning North Norfolk Coast and under 30 minutes’ drive from the Norfolk Broads, this is the best location to explore all that the area has to offer. There are two pubs, each serving great food within 2 miles. Bustling market town of North Walsham offers supermarkets, shops, cafés, library and a bank, as well as the vast bistro and gourmet eating establishments. Shopaholics can head to the city of Norwich, 18 miles, where there is a fantastic castle museum, cathedral, two shopping malls complete with high street retailers and boutiques, theatre, art galleries, cafés, pubs and restaurants.
To the east is the pretty seaside village of Mundesley, with its wide sandy beach and unspoilt charm. Then, head west to find yourself in the popular seaside resort of Cromer, with its famous pier, Edwardian seafront, Amazonia Zoo and cinema. A little further is the bustling market town of Sheringham, home to the North Norfolk Steam Railway. Seeking all the fun of the fair and to explore the golden mile, head to Great Yarmouth, a very traditional seaside resort. There is so much to explore all along this coast where you will find a string of coastal villages welcoming refreshment stops, sandy beaches backed by sand dunes, marshes and quays, ideal if you like a spot of ’twitching’ as there are plenty of birds and other wildlife to spot.
Seeking historical and cultural delights, head to The Blickling Estate, Flebrigg Hall, the Thursford and Muckleburgh collections.
An award winning Norfolk gastropub nearby has been voted one of the best in the UK by a prestigious food guide, and is just a 5-minute drive away. The building dates back to the 18th century and is hidden in a 1,000 acre deer park. It also has a sister pub by the Gunton station which is even nearer.
Sandy beach 4 miles. Shop/supermarkets 3.6 miles, pubs and restaurants 2 miles.

Beckwick is a spacious bungalow on the outskirts of the market town of Bishop Auckland, well known for its castle and gardens and annual Kynren historical spectacle. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, the bungalow sits in private grounds behind a gated entrance. With extensive gardens, the property looks out across the landscaped garden onto a small ornamental lake. Sure to be a great attraction is the 6-seater hot tub, offering fun for all whatever time of year.

Inside the property are well laid out social spaces, a large lounge with comfortable sofas. A separate garden room with wall mounted TV and a bar area! There is a games room, complete with an air hockey table! For the designated chef the kitchen/dining room will provide everything you need whether rustling up a hearty breakfast or supper.
The utility room is equipped with sink and washing machine. There are 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom with kingsize bed, robes and en-suite shower room, a second with ¾ double bed and en-suite shower room, a third bedroom with a kingsize bed and 4th bedroom sleeping 3 people with a double bed and single bunk over. There is a spacious wet room with non-slip floor, walk in shower and separate bath. All bathrooms have been newly installed in 2021.

Beckwick is just under 2 miles from the town centre to discover the surprising story of Bishop Auckland. Auckland Castle has been home to Francisco de Zurbarán’s series of Spanish masterpieces Jacob and His Twelve Sons, for over 250 years. These striking paintings are the starting point for this new gallery, in the heart of Bishop Auckland. There is an abundance of cafés, eateries, bars and take-aways to choose from.

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle recently reopened after undergoing major conservation work, which has transformed its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Enjoy the Deer Park and the incredibly popular Kynren open-air Spectacular is performed between July and September every year. Two thousand years of history, myth and legend rush by in 90 minutes as we join young Arthur on his epic quest. Rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache are vividly brought to ground-shaking life in a dazzling outdoor-theatre spectacular, although you will need to book!

Younger children and train enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the National Railway Museum in Shildon which is only 10 minutes’ drive away. Hamsterley Forest, 8 miles away, is a popular destination for all ages. With beautiful countryside, various bike trails and plenty of walks for guests of all abilities including the very popular Gruffalo Trail for children. Take a drive to the Dales villages of Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope or a little further to Middleton-in-Teesdale and the impressive High Force Waterfalls. Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum and Raby Castle are within an easy 30-minute drive as well as the historic cathedral city of Durham which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Here you can enjoy an abundance of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and beautiful walks along the riverside, take out a boat or try your hand at paddle-boarding!

Belvedere is a perfect holiday home for friends or families with 4 glorious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and spacious open plan living space with kitchen, not to mention the hot tub, games room, and wonderful rural views. Belvedere is an ideal choice for a short break or for a special occasion but is also ideally located to use a base to explore the wider the area during a longer stay. If you don’t fancy cooking a great riverside pub is just half a mile away, and the charming town of Wimborne, 3 miles away, offers a fantastic and eclectic selection of pubs, restaurants and independent shops, a great model village and the famous Minster.
A little further afield, explore the stunning New Forest National Park with great walking and cycling routes, that are peppered with picture postcard villages some with great village inns. If you are searching for some fresh sea air, the beautiful Dorset coastline is just a short drive away and is home to miles of golden sandy beaches, coves and harbour towns and villages. Whatever your reason for choosing this stylish home, your stay will have you longing to return.

Set within 7-acres of gardens and country parkland, shared with owners’ home, enjoy a variety of wildlife - you might spot otters, heron or the occasional deer! Chickens and ducks wander freely - a real escape to the country!
Black Bee Cottage offers beautiful spacious accommodation with a touch of luxury. Inside, the central hallway separates the ground floor bedroom on one side, tastefully decorated, with luxurious a kingsize bed. To the left side, a cosy snug with wood burning stove perfect for a late-night tipple or gathering for board games in front of the fire. The stylish lounge has vaulted ceilings with doors that open onto the garden. Comfortable sofas are arranged around a log burning stove set within the inglenook fireplace and Smart TV for your entertainment. The kitchen/diner is a great social space and superbly equipped to cater for a larger group or special occasion. Open plan with beautiful glass ceiling lantern making this a light and sunny room. To the first floor a master bedroom with superb super kingsize four poster bed, log burning stove, walk-in wardrobe and doors that open onto a small balcony area. There is an extended dressing area which can accommodate a cot for baby. The family bathroom is on this floor with luxury slipper bath and double shower. To the top floor two loft style bedrooms both double with a jack and jill shower room. Outside, enjoy a dip in the hot tub, or sit and just take in the joys of the lovely garden and countryside. Take a stroll across the bridge there is a beautiful country park and wildlife. Please note there is an unfenced pond here and children must be supervised at all times.
Linztford makes a perfect base to explore our fabulous local attractions. Perfect for walkers and cyclists, the Derwent walk and C2C is nearby. The National Trust site at Gibside is 3 miles, take a step back in time at Beamish the Living Museum of the North (8 miles), or head further north to Hadrian’s Wall and visit the Sill discovery centre and Roman fort at Vindolanda (30 miles). The cosmopolitan City of Newcastle (10 miles) with a host of shops and restaurants and galleries. To the south the historic city of Durham with its stunning Castle, Cathedral and riverside walks is less than 15 miles away. Beach 20 miles.

Black Lion Folly stands in the courtyard of the historic Grade II listed Welsh longhouse, Gerddiduon, which in the 1800’s was the Hare and Hound Coaching Inn and formed part of the ancient Welsh estate, ’Gwysaney’ one of North Wales’ most historic agricultural estates, steeped in history and recorded in the Doomsday Book.
On arrival you will be greeted by a beautifully restored and converted red brick building that until a few years ago housed various farm animals, set in stunning countryside with views of Moel Famau and a 5-minute drive from the historic market town of Mold. With its surroundings and buildings that form a rich tapestry with the impressive scenic backdrop of the ancient Clwydian Hills in the Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is the perfect escape for various activities, unlimited adventures of walks, castles, hill forts, historic houses and more. You can venture into the bustling city of Chester surrounded by its Roman Walls 11½ miles away or Liverpool, 35 minutes away or a trip to Snowdonia 38 miles, the coast is only 20 miles away for walks on the beach.
The accommodation is a fabulous open plan living area boasting much character and charm. There is a wood burner and under floor heating to keep you warm, the dining room has a farmhouse table that seats up to 12 and for those wet clothes, the utility contains a washing machine, Belfast sink and clothes airer. French doors lead you out onto a patio area with a hot tub for seven people, the ultimate place to relax and unwind after a busy day of activities and adventure. There are four tastefully presented luxury bedrooms and three en-suite wet rooms and one en-suite with a roll-top bath, all located off the open plan living area, they all have quality pocket sprung mattresses for your comfort. Unwind in the garden with patio, overlooking an orchard. There is a secure place for keeping your bikes, vehicles, and jet skis. There is plenty of parking space for cars.
This boutique retreat is ideal for visitors wanting to explore various places of interest in North Wales and the surrounding areas of the North West. Beach 20 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

New in 2019. Roseberry View Lodge Retreat is set in landscaped grounds around a private lake with views across the Cleveland Hills to local beauty spots, Roseberry Topping and Captain Cooks Monument. Guests have shared use of a clear fronted sauna which also looks on to Roseberry Topping.
These ten delightful lodges provide an exceptional base from which to discover this picturesque corner of the country. The Cleveland Hills sit between the North York Moors National Park to the south and Middlesbrough to the north. It’s an area steeped in history from medieval castles to Captain Cook and the industrial heritage of the North East. Roseberry View Lodge Retreat is perfectly situated to visit the established tourist spots across the region and to discover the hidden delights on offer in the local towns and villages, with a range of quality pubs and restaurants all waiting to be discovered as part of a relaxing North Yorkshire holiday. A public footpath runs approximately 1 mile through fields to the village of Great Ayton with it’s range of local shops, pubs and locally renowned ice cream shop and pie shop. Or if all of that sounds just too strenuous, take the easy route and just relax in your hot tub and watch the sun glistening on the lake before heading indoors for a cosy night warmed by the wood burner.
Why not make your holiday complete with a Romantic Pack containing flowers, chocolates and champagne? A Welcome Pack is also available with all the essentials after a day of travelling to this beautiful retreat. (All packs at cost). All properties have a beer pump in the kitchen, a luxury fold out bed with spring mattress, and there is also a small boating lake on-site
Each lodge has lake views and on the site you will find a small children’s playground and communal barbecue area. There is also a doggy play park and walking area to ensure every member of the family is well looked after in this stunning lodge development. Beach 13 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 600 yards.

This lovely, detached farmhouse sits in rolling countryside within the beautiful Snowdonia National Park just outside the little hamlet of Rhyduchaf and is two miles from the historic market town of Bala. The farmhouse offers four good sized bedrooms and there is plenty of space to relax. There is a pleasant yard where guests can relax with a glass of wine or it makes a great place to dine al fresco.
Bala offers a choice of places to eat out with plenty of cafés and eateries for you to choose from. You can walk straight from the door or hop in the car to explore the area. The National White Water Centre is close by, where you can experience the thrill of rafting or canyoning, whilst more sedate activities may be found on the shores of Bala Lake which is close by. Take a trip on a steam train on the narrow gauge railway along the lake shore between Bala and Llanuwchllyn, have a day at the beach over on the coast at Barmouth, or try some Welsh foodie delights at the award-winning Rhug Estate Organic Farm Shop at Corwen. Further afield in Blaenau Ffestiniog is the incredible Bounce Below where the whole family can try bouncing on trampoline nets deep underground in an old slate cavern, and Zip World, the largest zip wire zone in the world where you can fly high over the quarries whilst enjoying the spectacular view as you try not to scream! Beach 28 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.
Bryn Melyn can be booked together with Gwynfa (UK39366) to accommodate up to 12 guests.