Josh Williams, founder of Dog Friendly Retreats – which does just what it says on the tin of Pedigree Chum – grew up with three dogs amidst the wilds of the Cornish countryside. And while he noticed a marked uptick in the number of holiday cottages willing to embrace canine companions as compared to the more buttoned up days of his own childhood, he realised that no centralised website existed to list them all. This omission necessitated dog owners to trawl the internet, fall in love with a holiday property, only to discover that they could not bring their furry sidekick after all.
And so Dog Friendly Retreats was born to correct that lacuna, its raison d’etre to collate a vast number of dog-friendly holiday homes from across a huge variety of independent property owner and agencies in the UK. There is no booking fee; just an easy place though which to search dog-friendly cottages across the country, from Cornwall, Devon and Dorset to Norfolk, Suffolk, Cumbria and The Lake District, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Pembrokeshire, and Scotland.
Here we take our pick of five pet-friendly holidays – of the 23,600 dog-friendly holiday properties available – to book through the site.
Palmers Folly
Holkham, Norfolk
There are few places dreamier for a doggy holiday than Holkham in Norfolk. A vast and sprawling sandy beach featuring tufty dunes, it is bordered by pine forests and a nature reserve. The beautiful Palmers Folly – which will accommodate up to two dogs – is right on the Holkham Estate, tucked away on the quiet Golden Gates Drive. A bijoux escape that sleeps two people, is a two-mile walk from the sea and enjoys all the splendour of being part of one of the finest estates in the land. Book it here.
Bridport
Dorset
This prettiest of cottages in the village of Chideock is ideal for dog-lovers looking for a quiet coastal escape but with plenty of life on the doorstep for when they wish to dip into it. The thriving market town of Bridport is just three miles away, with its medley of cafés, its rich cultural life and its beautiful harbour. We adore the enchanting cottage garden, the terrace for sitting out with sundowners, and the fresh but cosy aesthetic. Do note, only one dog is permitted to stay. Book it here.
Kirkby Fleetham
Yorkshire
There are few places as glorious for dog-walking as the Yorkshire Dales or the North York Moors. This spectacular holiday let is situated within the ground of the 18th-century Kirkby Fleetham Hall; as such, all those lodging here have access to both the estate’s lake as well as its beautiful landscaped gardens. On the coast-to-coast trail, there are miles upon miles of excellent walks to explore – and there are even paddocks for those with equestrian interests. One dog is welcome in this cosy pet-friendly rental, which sleeps two. Book it here.
Cragg Cottage
Bouth, The Lake District
So spectacular are the walks in the Lake District, it would be a cruelty to leave canine chums at home. This gorgeous one-dog cottage is situated at the foot of Lake Windermere and exudes bucolic charm, thanks to the open fire, stone flagged floors and vaulted ceilings. Cosy, magical and perfectly situated, this is a glorious place to come for a hound-in-tow holiday. Book it here.
Llys Isaf
Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire
Those looking for dog-friendly cottages in Wales will surely delight in this idyllic north Pembrokeshire holiday home, which accommodates two humans and one dog. The former lodgings of the coachmen who once served the big house next door, it is all charm, thanks to its enchanting country cottage garden; its dreamily bucolic interiors; and its spectacular views over rolling pastures to the twin beaches of Aberbach and Abermawr. The ideal restorative getaway with your canine friend. Book it here.
Follow Dog Friendly Holidays on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas.
By Nancy Alsop
April 2021
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