If you’re looking for some dog-friendly hotels and staycation spots, you’ve come to the right place! Here, Chrissy Harris shares the latest on pooch-friendly hotspots and doggy news and information.
POOCH-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY
Compton Pool Farm, Marldon, Devon
The former farm is not far from some of Torbay’s glorious beaches.
They’re fairly new to the dog-friendly accommodation scene here but things are going pretty well, if you ask Penny. Our three-year-old black Labrador immediately made herself at home in Torr, one of the ten holiday cottages on this family-run site in South Devon.
There was plenty of room inside our six-sleeper, which had a well-kitted out kitchen and cosy living room with enough space to lie outstretched on the floor (dog and teenagers) after an exhausting day exploring the nearby lake, field and the surrounding countryside in this unspoilt valley.
The former farm is not far from some of Torbay’s glorious beaches and there’s lots of rolling Devon hills action if you head in the other direction.
Dogs must be kept on a lead in parts of Compton Pool because there are pigs, goats and rabbits in pens up in the field by the playground to keep the children entertained. There’s also an indoor swimming pool. Penny got her fun fix by chasing a ball in the dog-friendly field at the front, or else running around the lake. Again.
Compton Pool Farm’s lovely owners Debbie and Paul have gone all out to make everyone feel welcome, providing a box full of supplies for pets, including towels, a dog toy and even a torch for those evening ‘comfort strolls’.
A week’s stay at Compton Pool Farm’s Torr Cottage for starts at £875 and a three-night weekend break costs from £612.50. (premiercottages.co.uk, 01803 872241).
Beachcomber, Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk
Beachcomber is a recently renovated three-bedroom cottage, just two minutes’ walk from the dog-friendly Winterton beach, where there’s the chance to spot seals.
The comfortable living area with cosy wood burning stove leads through to the spacious kitchen diner, plus there’s a downstairs bedroom and bathroom. Upstairs there are two spacious bedrooms (one with a king size bed and the other a twin that can be zipped into a king), also a large bathroom and walk-in shower. Up to three dogs are welcome free of charge at Beachcomber who will love the fully enclosed back garden and straight from the door walks. A week’s stay for up to six is from £728 and a three-night break from £473. (wintertoncottages.co.uk, 01493 800645)
The White House, East Somerton, Norfolk
A great group-sized pad to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions and with the benefit of countryside and coastal walks straight from the door, The White House is ideal for large get-togethers. The property is a short stroll from the dog-friendly beaches.
Sleeping up to 11 plus two dogs (at no additional charge) across six bedrooms, there’s a huge dining table for fantastic feasts, the all-important large and well-equipped kitchen for dancing and chat, plus plenty of cosy break-away spaces to accommodate multi-age groups. There’s also a huge lawn for outside games and a summerhouse which is the perfect place for sundowners. A week’s stay for 11 starts from £1,277 and a three-night break from £830. (wintertoncottages.co.uk, 01493 800645).
Vista Mar, Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire
Vista Mar is modern, light and airy holiday home in the coastal village of Freshwater East. The property features enviable sea views, three bedrooms and a glorious open plan living space with French doors leading to a decked terrace that’s perfect for dining alfresco. There’s also an enclosed and pet-friendly lawned garden with lots of space for children and pooches to play and a newly converted greenhouse which provides cosy spot to enjoy the views on cooler days. Vista Mar is just a four minute walk from a gently sloping beach which is both family and dog-friendly all year round. A three-night weekend break for six starts from £529 and a week’s stay from £706. One small dog is welcome. (coastalcottages.co.uk, 01437 765765)
Harbour view, Porthgain, Pembrokeshire
Harbour View is a spacious detached house for ten that sits less than 200 yards from the sea in the picturesque fishing village of Porthgain. Stylishly furnished, its light sun room has a sea view and leads into a spacious farmhouse style kitchen/diner that’s perfect for multi-generational get togethers. There is also a separate sitting room with wood burner on the first floor and the five bedrooms are spread over two floors. Outside there’s enclosed dog-friendly front and rear gardens plus a large hot tub, that’s perfect for star gazing. Two dog are welcome in this property, which is perfect for pets as the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path practically runs past the door. A three night weekend break for 10 starts from £898 and a week’s stay from £1,140. (coastalcottages.co.uk, 01437 765765)
DOG OF THE MONTH
“Our poodle cross Muttley loves a winter holiday by the sea in North Devon. She’s now eight (though everyone still thinks she’s a pup) and has been enjoying the beach since she was just four months old. This picture was captured in a brief moment of stillness between ball chases by my sister Diana on a chilly December day at Woolacombe Bay. Muttley absolutely loves running on the sand but hates the water.”
Denise Dodge
IN ASSOCIATION WITH FORTHGLADE
Forthglade’s grain free complete wet meals were recently named Best Wet Dog Food 2023 in Your Dog magazine’s annual product awards and it’s easy to see why. The Devon-made natural recipes contain 75 per cent single source protein such as salmon, lamb, duck, beef or turkey, combined with tasty vegetables, plus vitamins and minerals. Everything your dog needs to stay fit and well. Meals available for puppies, adult dogs and seniors. forthglade.com
DOG STYLE IS IN THE BAG, THANKS TO IVY & DUKE
An Ivy and Duke tote bag is the perfect accompaniment for days out with your dog. Every bag has been carefully-designed to be stylish and practical. They are large enough for you to store rolled-up dog blankets and pillows too and have large comfortable straps that make it easy to wear.
And if one day you’re keeping smelly toys and treats in the tote but then want to take this beautiful bag out shopping then lucky you because the bags are also fully machine washable, so keeping them looking and smelling fresh is easy!
Ivy and Duke’s waterproof memory foam travel mats are the comfiest place for your dogs to rest after a big adventure! The memory foam provides excellent support for their joints. If pup has is mucky after a walk, do not worry about the travel mats getting dirty, as they are very easy to clean! You can either hose down, use a cleaning wipe or even machine wash the cover to make it look as good as new.
Whether your dog is a curler or a sprawler the Ivy & Duke lounger bed is perfectly suited for any sleeping position. With removable and machine washable covers, keeping your dogs bed looking fresh and smelling clean has never been easier. Choose from a range of 11 luxury fabric or waterproof covers. All of Ivy and Duke’s beds are handmade in England. ivyandduke.co.uk
For more dog-friendly staycation hotspots and beach holidays, read our article here.
