Fido Family Friendly Places

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.

Set on the owners’ non-working farm in Horbling village, this detached farmhouse, with its own swimming pool and hot tub, lies in the heart of the Fens, an ideal touring base for visiting the area’s wealth of historic attractions. Providing comfortable holiday accommodation for families, it retains many original features, including exposed woodwork, an ornate cornice in the dining room and a traditional farmhouse-style kitchen. There is a second sitting room, well-stocked library and video and DVD collection (including latest releases). There are also five family bathrooms, providing luxury towels for an added touch of comfort. Outside is a large, private, rear lawned garden with apple, pear, plum trees and gooseberries which guests are welcome to pick in season, and a large patio with garden furniture and barbecue. There is also the added bonus of a private hot tub. The fenlands make ideal walking and cycling country, an excellent way to view the landscape with its rich farmlands, huge skies and wonderful sunsets; walks can be enjoyed from the doorstep; facilities can be found nearby for golf, fishing or horse riding. Within easy driving distance are a wealth of interesting places, including the delightful old towns of Uppingham, Oakham and Stamford, full of beautiful stone buildings. On the edge of Stamford stands Burleigh House, one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses. Nearby Spalding is an attractive, Dutch-influenced town and centre of the flower-bulb industry, where the Springfields show gardens and the annual flower festival in May are popular. Tattershall Castle (NT), Belton House and Coningsby, noted for its huge one-handed church clock, and the home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. One of the landmarks of the Fens is the octagonal lantern tower of St Botolph’s Church in Boston. Shop and good pub with food ½ mile in Billingborough, or village pub 300 yards.

Nestled in the tranquil grounds of Ashtree Court, these adjoining cottages (five in total) with a shared heated indoor pool really are some of the most delightful cottages you will find in the area. Within 5 minutes of the glorious sandy beaches and easy reach of the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, these four extremely comfortable cottages form a small select group overlooking a central courtyard and enjoying shared use of a heated indoor swimming pool and children’s play area. Set in 4 acres of beautiful mature gardens they offer the ideal location for a relaxing holiday and for touring the coast and wolds. There is excellent coarse fishing just 300 yards away and golf (handicap required) is available at the well-known Seacroft links golf course and Northshore (no handicap), which are both nearby. Within easy reach are the famous Battle of Britain Aircraft Museum and the East Kirby Lancaster Museum, RSPB Gibraltar Point, NT Gunby Hall, Snipedale Nature Reserve and Forest, and the historical city of Lincoln with its cathedral, castle and excellent shopping. Antique hunting can be enjoyed at Horncastle 18 miles away, and Louth offers a lovely traditional market town. Skegness and Ingoldmells with its seaside attractions, is just 2 miles. Shop and pub 1 mile.

Nestled in the tranquil grounds of Ashtree Court, these adjoining cottages (five in total) with a shared heated indoor pool really are some of the most delightful cottages you will find in the area. Within 5 minutes of the glorious sandy beaches and easy reach of the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, these four extremely comfortable cottages form a small select group overlooking a central courtyard and enjoying shared use of a heated indoor swimming pool and children’s play area. Set in 4 acres of beautiful mature gardens they offer the ideal location for a relaxing holiday and for touring the coast and wolds. There is excellent coarse fishing just 300 yards away and golf (handicap required) is available at the well-known Seacroft links golf course and Northshore (no handicap), which are both nearby. Within easy reach are the famous Battle of Britain Aircraft Museum and the East Kirby Lancaster Museum, RSPB Gibraltar Point, NT Gunby Hall, Snipedale Nature Reserve and Forest, and the historical city of Lincoln with its cathedral, castle and excellent shopping. Antique hunting can be enjoyed at Horncastle 18 miles away, and Louth offers a lovely traditional market town. Skegness and Ingoldmells with its seaside attractions, is just 2 miles. Shop and pub 1 mile.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scarning Dale House is an elegant property occupying a peaceful and relaxing setting set amidst 25 acres of landscaped gardens with waterfall and pond, meadow and woodland with lake. Each of the holiday cottages is separately set within the grounds, although Lodge Cottage (B6008) is an annexe attached to The Lodge (B4013). Each has its own garden and seating area, ideal for couples and families alike. The grounds are abundant with nature and wildlife, with designated trails and pathways leading through meadow and woodland, offering excellent walking and bird watching opportunities direct from doorstep. Guests can enjoy a swim in the indoor heated swimming pool (by arrangement), table tennis and snooker room. Within easy reach of the magnificent North Norfolk coastline for wealth of sandy beaches, nature and RSPB reserves. The famous Norfolk Broads are within 40 minutes drive, with riverside restaurants, cafes, shops, daily boat hire and river trips available to explore the expanse of waterways abundant with bird and wildlife, with many picnic opportunities along waterside. Market town of East Dereham, 2½ miles, has weekly street market, shops, restaurants, cinema, swimming pool and golf course. Gressenhall Rural Life Museum and Union Farm, 3 miles, offers an interesting day out. Thetford Forrest Park with miles of walking and cycle trails to explore and ’Go-Ape’ adventure playground and assault course, 20 miles. Many places of interest and historical houses and sites surround the area, Houghton and Holkham Hall, the Royal Sandringham Estate and museum, Walsingham Shrine and Abbey ruins and Castle Acre and Priory ruins. Traditional seaside resort of Hunstanton, Wells Next The Sea, Sheringham and Cromer offer an array of attractions for all ages. Coastal Path and Peddars Way offer excellent walking and cycling opportunities. Great Witchingham Wildlife Park and Falconry and Dinosaur Park at Lenwade, approximately 12 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.