Morris has done a pawsome job this year, providing all dog lovers with some great ideas on where to go for the perfect dog day out. From which beaches in the UK to visit, the best dog friendly places to stay and dog friendly things to do in the Cotswolds.
We thought we would do a round up of all the places featured in the mini blog series of a weekend away, and give you the top 12 places that are dog furiendly so that you can get planning the pawfect weekend away with your pooch.
Artist Residence
If you have ever been to any of the Artist Residence in the country you will know how beautiful the design of the rooms are, with luxury furnishings, delightful antiques, and bohemian styling. Set in the Cotswolds countryside and just a stone throws away from the incredible city of Oxford, this makes for a great retreat if you are looking for a mix of city and country life. There are many rooms to choose from whether you want one of the 5 luxurious bedrooms that are all nestled under the cosy thatch of the main building, or pick one of the three suites in the farm outbuildings, or my favourite for a romantic stay would be the exceptional Shepherd’s Hut. Whether you decide to stay in winter, then snuggle up by the roaring fire in the clubhouse with a cocktail, or in the summer, lounge about on the sunny terrace.
For more information on the Cotswolds, click on the following links, for the ultimate guide, dog friendly things to do, and the most picturesque villages to visit.
Brook House Woods
Deep in the woods lays a glamping experience like no other. From treehouses to a hobbit house and even a tree tent, depending on whether you want to do glamping in style or want a quirky experience, Brook House Woods has it all. No children are allowed so this makes for a great staycation for just the adults, but luckily your fur baby can join you instead. The accommodation is just breathtaking and offer views out far to the Malvern Hills and beyond. If you are looking for more of a luxurious stay then the treehouses are for you, with roll-top baths in and outside, fully equipped kitchens, and a fluffy feather bed you can’t get much better than this. If you are looking for something more intimate then check out Goji, a tent that is suspended between two ash and an oak tree in the middle of the woods. It still has 2 single beds that can be made into sofas, a private bathroom, and a kitchen with a hob, fridge, and more. It still has the luxury to offer you in terms of laying in bed and stargazing out of the glass roof or relaxing in the deckchairs outside. The site is also more than just somewhere to rest your head, you can indulge in a fun cinema night in the woods, join in on a raw chocolate or woodwork class or even play a game of tennis.
Cabin on the Cliff
Expect to be wowed from the moment you open the door at the Cabin on the Cliff. Nestled on the cliffs of Whitsand Bay, is a luxury seaside cottage that you will want to book now for your next romantic getaway. With 2 roaring fires, a hot tub outside with the most unspoilt, amazing views out to sea, and a copper roll-top bath in the bedroom, it doesn’t get more romantic that this. If you have a four-legged friend who would like to join you on your trips, then don’t worry, they are welcome to join in the fun too. The owners of this eco-cabin have thought out every detail to make your stay even more special and even provide you with raincoats, wellies, and beach towels, so you can enjoy your stay no matter what the weather. This would make for a perfect staycation for anyone looking to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or even a honeymoon due to it being secluded and just breathtaking.
Gilpin
Situated close to the tranquil Lake Windermere, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is one of the finest luxury Lake District hotels, and it’s not hard to see why. This is a wonderful place to create lasting memories and somewhere you will want to come back to for romantic getaways and escapes to celebrate. There are 25 bedrooms to choose from and all have a lovely lake view, 6 rooms have their very own cedarwood hot tubs, and if that wasn’t luxurious enough then 5 rooms have fabulous Spa Lodges, each with their own ensuite spa (rainmaker showers and steam rooms inside, hydrotherapy hot tubs and saunas outside.) If you decide to stay at Gilpin Lake House instead (a mile away on a separate estate but so beautiful I literally can’t put it into words), you can choose from one of the 6 rooms that exclusively enjoy 100 acres of grounds. They also have 2 restaurants on-site so you don’t need to go far to enjoy some fabulous food, whether you want the Michelin starred HRiSHi or a more laid-back environment at the Gilpin Spice, you will find both take you on an incredible flavour journey. This is the place to come to for a relaxing break in style, luxury, and the most gorgeous setting you could dream of.
Lymore
Hidden away in the new forest and hugging the corners of the National Park and just a mile away from the sea, is a place to really unwind. Lymore is a unique blend of luxury self-catering accommodation is nestled within an exceptionally peaceful area, making it perfect for a tranquil retreat. Choose between the barn cottage which can sleep up to 10 people for a perfect getaway with family and friends. The Barn Cottage has a stunning oak-framed dining area where you can eat under the stars, a cinema/snug, a cosy sitting room with a log burner and an understairs children’s den area. But wait till you see the outside space, for the adults, there is a jacuzzi hot tub, an outside fireplace within a fairy-light festooned pergola room and Kadai firepit. And for the children, there are hanging chairs, a large trampoline, toddler Wendy House and tree swings and ladders meaning you can spend your days outside simply having fun as a family. If you are looking for a romantic couples retreat, then head to The Hut, which is a sweet Shepherds hut which has all the luxury you could imagine with a comfy king-size bed, a shower room and a living space which boasts the cosiest log burner. It sits peacefully next to the stream in the little woods and also has a Jacuzzi hot tub to relax in or enjoy a glass of fizz cosying up next to the Kadai firepit.
Outbuildings
If you are looking for a real family-run business to support and stay at then the Outbuildings with their luxury rustic rooms are for you. It has been running since 2009 and really is a family effort, from the cleaning to plumbing and from interior design to creating artwork for the walls. They will make you feel like you’re visiting family in the countryside for a few days yet invisible unless needed and are always on hand to make anything your stay more special and memorable. They have four rooms available for you to choose from and trust me you will find it hard which one to pick for your stay as all rooms have been so beautifully designed they offer a country, cosy charm to them. They all offer some sort of outside space, whether you want to look over the countryside or the pond, and provide BBQ’s in all the rooms. Dogs are also allowed to stay here which again is a massive bonus for me so that Morris doesn’t miss out on our holidays away. They also can provide you with some extras to make your welcome even more magical like hampers, so check our their extras when you book your stay. The Outbuildings is really THE place to stay in West Dorset, so get booking your next romantic staycation with them now and you won’t be disappointed.
For more information on what to do around Dorset, click here.
Retreat East
If you’re in need of the ultimate escape to the country, you’ll find it at Retreat East. Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, this restored 16th-century farm has been converted into eco-conscious luxury barns and rooms, which look out onto 35 acres of pristine meadows. And if you think that sounds inviting, there is also an on-site spa and outdoor jacuzzi to relax in. Retreat East offers a choice of accommodation, ranging from cosy sleeps for two, to a four-bed farmhouse which sleeps eight and dogs are allowed too! Each of the barns are just as beautiful from the outside as they are in, with wood cladding and rustic brick. Hire bikes to explore the local area, have a go at axe throwing or clay pigeon shooting, or really get into country living and go horse riding. For the more fitness conscious, take a yoga class, or book your own personal training session. This members’ club which welcomes non-members for overnight stays, is a slice of pure heaven.
To read more about Retreat East, check out my post here about our stay.
Sandhole Cottages and livery
Set in the picturesque Cheshire countryside on a working equestrian centre Sandhole Cottages offer four beautiful and unique holiday cottages to sleep between 2 – 6 people. You will be spoilt as soon as you arrive here from receiving fresh flowers, a bottle of fizz, eco toiletries and welcome goodies from the local bakery, what more could you want for a country retreat and a great start to your holiday. They aren’t just dog friendly, you can even bring your horse to stay with you too so they can join in on the family holiday, but all 4 cottages do allow dogs to stay, so no matter who is joining you on your trip, there is space for everyone. All 4 of the cottages have been beautifully decorated to offer you a cosy stay in the countryside, and most have some outside space for your dog to explore and for you to relax in the sun on a summers day.
Spinks Nest
This charming and stylish boutique cottage has recently been completely renovated to the highest of standards, so get ready for a luxury night away. Spinks Nest is cosy, fun, stylish, relaxed, luxurious yet rustic cottage that will have you taking photos and inspiration from every corner. Sleeping 2 people, this makes for a perfect romantic gateway where you can cosy up to a roaring fire, spend your day walking around the lush countryside, and marvel at the vintage and reclaimed decorations and furniture around the cottage. There is a beautiful sunken bath to soak in after a long day exploring the local area and you can treat yourself to the port and gin that awaits you when you arrive.
The Lobster Residence
Whether you want a romantic break for two by the sea, or you are looking for a family holiday, The Lobster Residence can sleep up to 5 people plus the dog and makes for the most perfect stay. The property has been beautifully decorated throughout with touches of seaside charm and pops of colour that really makes this place stand out. There is an open plan living and dining area which creates a warm hub for people to relax in and there is one king-size master bedroom and a triple sleeper bunk for the family to stay if they want to join you too. Upon arrival, you will be treated to a delightful welcome hamper with locally sourced Cornish yummy goodies to dig into and start your holiday off right. This accommodation is located in the heart of St Ives so you are spoilt for choice with beaches to lay in, places to eat and drink and shops to explore.
For more things to do and see in and around St Ives, check out my blog here.
The Old Reading Room
This romantic and supremely pretty, traditional Cornish cottage is a fabulous retreat for people seeking a country hideaway. The Old Reading Room is a luxurious, vintage-inspired cottage with many original features offering a warm welcome in which to escape from the world. The king-sized bedroom boasts dual-aspect windows so you fall asleep under the stairs and wake up to a beautiful sunrise. The open plan living and kitchen area make for a cosy escape on a winter’s day and why not light the fire and open a bottle of wine to really get in the holiday spirit. There is a large garden for your four-legged friend to run around in and a patio with outdoor furniture and a BBQ to enjoy an alfresco meal in the summer. There is also a super cute cabin at the bottom of the garden, with two comfy chairs and a further eating area where during summer months you can leave the doors open to hear the birds and the stream, or cosy up with blankets on wintery days.
Wilderness Reserve
If you are looking for luxury and a relaxing break in the countryside then the Wilderness Reserve is calling your name. It’s a collection of exclusive use country houses, luxury farmhouses, and holiday cottages all set within a 5,000-acre private estate. It has become a bit of a playground for the rich and famous so you will be in great company during your staycation and watch out for the staff as they drive around in traditional Morris Minors. There is a diverse mix of places to stay depending on who you plan to bring along with you. Check out the incredible Walled Garden which sleeps up to 16 people, the exquisite Cartshed that sleeps up to 8, or for the most romantic Tabernacle on its own island accessible only via a private rope bridge. They offer guests a range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as complimentary Pashley bicycles and rowboats all the way to private chefs and wine tasting. They also have fun events throughout the year such as Murder Mystery parties, delightful teddy bear picnics for younger children, and a magical bonfire experience.
For more information on what to do, to visit the local town of Southwold, click here.
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