Here is a selection of great dog-friendly places to stay this spring and summer.
Dominoes, Devon
Built into the hillside in the South Hams village of Stoke Gabriel, the retro-modern Dominoes features original pine ceilings and a south facing wall of glass, giving the lounge and upstairs bedrooms panoramic views of water, wildlife and the woodland beyond. The garden is fenced and secure making it very dog-friendly, there’s a tap in the patio area and a doggy bath, shampoo and towels are provided. The holiday house is a great base for exploring South Devon and has lock up facilities to store kayaks and bikes. www.premiercottages.co.uk.
Headswood on Wall, Carlisle, Cumbria
A luxury glampsite in a quiet corner of rural Cumbria, with plenty of walks nearby where four-legged friends can run wild. There’s direct access to the Hadrian’s Wall Path, which follows the World Heritage Site for 84 miles. Five minutes’ drive from the little market town of Brampton, and a short drive from three Roman forts – Housesteads, Birdoswald and Vindolanda – there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. The well-equipped pods at Headswood on Wall each feature ensuite bathrooms and private hot tubs, comfy double beds and kitchens. Minimum stay may be required. Pitchup.com
Wheeldon Trees Farm Holidays Cottages, Derbyshire
Set in the dramatic scenery of the Peak District National Park, dog-friendly Wheeldon Trees Farm offers nine award winning cottages plus a communal games room. There are self-guided dog walks from the door and two dog-friendly pubs nearby. Pets are treated like royalty with toys, towels, bowls, mats, leads, holiday tags, waste bags, an exercise paddock and even a doggie hairdryer. www.premiercottages.co.uk
Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages, Pembrokeshire
Winners of the Pembrokeshire Tourism’s Best Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottage of 2018, Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages has six properties that welcome pets. Pooches are allowed home alone, can run around in the four-acre enclosed paddock and there’s even a dog-sitting service. Located in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages offer views over Cardigan Bay and a woodland walk leading to the beach, from the cottage door.
There is also a shared hot-tub and sauna onsite plus a wealth of activities to be enjoyed in the area and dog-friendly Blue Flag beaches within walking distance. www.premiercottages.co.uk
Nyth Bran, Tresaith, Cardiganshire
Situated in the small coastal village of Tresaith, this property has sea views and the perfect balcony for spotting dolphins in the bay. The detached house sleeps up to seven over four bedrooms and with large enclosed lawns there’s plenty of secure space outside for kids and up to two dogs. It is just a few hundred metres to Tresaith’s sandy beach where there’s a great pub and due to the limited size of the car park, it never feels overly busy. www.qualitycottages.co.uk
Old Dairy Farm Glamping, Emsworth, Hampshire
Perfect for families, let the children take horse-riding lessons or hire a bike to explore the countryside, while four-legged friends can run around the open spaces at the Old Dairy Farm glampsite or the wondrous woods just 15 minutes walk from the site. Each luxury yurt is furnished with hardwood floors, ensuites and pop-up kitchens including fridge, cutlery, crockery and more. Barbecues are allowed so guests can enjoy long nights outside as the sun sets. Minimum stay may be required. Pitchup.com
Tottergill Farm Cottages, Cumbria
Eight out of ten of the luxury five-star boltholes at Tottergill Farm Cottages are pet-friendly, accommodating up to two well-behaved dogs. Four-legged friends are welcomed with treats and there are maps and guides for walks, a list of dog-friendly pubs and an outside tap and towels to use after a day walking. The cottages boast wood-burning stoves and enclosed gardens, and many also have a private jacuzzi. Tottergill Farm is set on a 48-acre estate overlooking the Lake District and Scottish Hills. www.premiercottages.co.uk
Home Farm, Somerset
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Home Farm is on the doorstep of walking routes around the Mendips and is just 20 minutes from dog-friendly beaches. The four dog-friendly cottages, sleeping between two and six guests, are cosily furnished and have their own enclosed gardens. Plus, there’s a further two acres of enclosed fields to run around in. Dogs are allowed in many of the attractions in the surrounding area including Cheddar Caves, all-year-round beaches, and a selection of National Trust gardens. www.premiercottages.co.uk
Plas Hendre, Cwm Pennant, Snowdonia
This large apartment in a manor house nestled within the Cwm Pennant valley is ideal for free-range families, with hugely comfortable living spaces and a country-house feel. There are two spacious and stylish double bedrooms on the first floor with two bathrooms, one of which has a freestanding bath. Families and their dogs will relish the escape into nature and the chance to explore their idyllic surroundings with walks, bird spotting and a stroll along the Dwyfor river. www. qualitycottages.co.uk www.qualitycottages.co.uk
Sherwood House, Pembrokeshire
Sherwood House is a luxury water-facing property with a large outside deck giving 180 degree views of the Teifi Estuary. The four-bedroom property is located at the start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and is just one mile away from the dog-friendly Poppit Sands plus there’s a doggy shower located in the driveway. The cottage also features a fantastic outdoor kitchen with a BBQ and pizza oven and a child and dog-friendly enclosed garden. www.premiercottages.co.uk
Old Pear Tree Barn, Cornwall
Located close to the North Coast, Old Pear Tree Barn had been converted from a derelict barn and piggery into a luxury eco-friendly home, providing comfortable stays for four with up to two dogs. There is an enclosed garden and a number of fantastic walks in the area including Holywell Bay beach and dunes and the world-famous surfing destinations of Fistral Beach, Perran Sands and Watergate Bay. www.premiercottages.co.uk
Crog Loft Cottage, near Llandysul, Cardiganshire
Located in the beautiful Teifi Valley just 30 minutes from Wales' far western coast, this partially thatched traditional Welsh cottage is a great retreat for a family of four. Up to three dogs are welcome so the whole family can explore the surrounding fields (sheep permitting) and enjoy the fresh air. Inside there are exposed beams, underfloor heating, a wood burner, Welsh blankets and a tasteful unfettered simplicity that allows the light and airy building to shine. There are two bedrooms, one on a traditional crog loft sleeping platform. www.qualitycottages.co.uk
