With a very good timing, following last week’s guide about how to find a dog-friendly holiday accomodation, dog walking and sitting service Rover.com got in touch to tell us all about their findings among dog-friendly cottages in the UK. We teamed up with them for this post, where their European General Manager shares his favourite picks for the perfect dog-friendly Easter holiday break.
Disclosure: a few cottages links in this post are affiliate links. Cover photo credits: Mareks Steins.
Top dog-friendly cottages for you and your furry one across the UK
Easter is fast approaching and many will be looking for a last minute dash to the countryside. Earlier this week we talked about things to do in Brighton with your dog for a day-trip, but if you are looking for a well-deserved getaway, Christopher Cederskog, European General Manager at Rover.com, has scoured the country and woven together this eclectic mix of beautiful, charm-crammed cottages, all of which throw their doors open to our furry friends.
We ask Christopher more about his favourite stay and he says, “Finding the perfect holiday accommodation that suits both my family and my Labrador, Red, can be quite the task. Thankfully, all these wonderful cottages have been home to some of my favourite trips away. I hold particularly fond memories of our stay at The Stockman’s Cottage in Norfolk – it really is the most idyllic setting to recoup with the entire family.”
So here is his list:
Lizard Lighthouse, Helston,Cornwall
Lizard Lighthouse is a fully functioning lighthouse, known for its two distinctive white towers. Perfectly placed on the southernmost tip of mainland Britain, the cottages that make up the lighthouse are surrounded by the dazzling scenery. The coastal paths right on your doorsteps have the makings of the most spectacular strolls for you and your pooch.
*Sleeps four and prices start at £610 for 3 nights, 19th April – 21st April
Inglenook Cottage, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Inglenook Cottage. Gauge on chocolate whilst surrounding yourself in the most idyllic setting, right in the heart of the Cotswolds. This ultimate country abode is laced in enchantment and the village itself is beautiful – perfect for exploring with your pooch in tow. If you fancy adventuring a little further afoot, the market town of Chipping Campden is just one mile away and is riddled with excellent dog-friendly pubs, bistros, restaurants and shops.
*Sleeps four and prices start at £610 for 3 nights, 19th – 21st April
Stockman’s Cottage, Foulsham, Norfolk
Stockman’s Cottage is perched on the outskirts of Foulsham village, in the most picturesque, rural backdrop. You will be within walking distance to good village pubs which not only serve delicious food throughout the day, but welcome furry friends too. Foulsham neighbours the trendy ‘Chelsea-on-sea’ aka; Burnham Market, which has a host of shops and restaurants to discover. To break up afternoons spent shopping and eating, choose one of the many beautiful sandy beaches for a brisk walk with your dog.
*Sleeps four and prices start at £1,082 for 7 nights, 19th – 26th April
Belle Isle Castle, Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Situated on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle – now a vibrant working farm – is a 470-acre estate spread over eight picturesque islands. The town of Enniskillen, with a variety of restaurants and shops, is only eight miles away. Fermanagh offers some wonderful walking opportunities for the whole family, with dogs in tow. The property is also ideal for a weekend of exploring, with Sligo, Donegal and the north coast all very accessible.
*Sleeps ten and prices start at £2043 for 3 nights, 19th – 21st April
“Off-the-Grid” Cottage, North Pennines, Durham
The perfect quirky cottage for grabbing a secluded, romantic holiday weekend away. Situated in the beautiful open moorland of Weardale, you’ll be able to meader endlessly with your pooch throughout the rugged countryside by day, and delight in the dark skies while cuddled up by the fire by night.
*Sleeps two and prices start at £228 for two nights, 19th – 20th April
Chapel House, Bampton, Oxfordshire
Home to St. Mary’s Church, the library featured in ITV’s Downton Abbey, and Chapel House, the picturesque village of Bampton is close to the Cotswolds and River Thames. The larger city of Oxford and Witney town are within easy reach, offering an array of shops and eateries. The many delights of the Cotswolds are within a short drive including Burford, Bibury, Woodstock, and magnificent Blenheim Place, to name but a few.
*Sleeps four and prices start at £639 for 3 nights, 19th – 21st April
Christopher Cederskog, European General Manager at Rover.com, adds, “The UK is rife with beautiful villages and towns, making it a popular holiday destination amongst Brits over the Easter period. Easter is a time to be with your loved ones, including our furry friends, who are, afterall, the family we’ve chosen. If, however, you do decide to venture abroad and can’t take your dog with you, Rover sitters are on hand across the county to look after them for you whilst you’re gone.”
Rover.com is a dog walking and boarding service, bringing dog owners and trusted sitters together. For more information or to sign up either as a walker, sitter or owner, visit their website.
Photo credits: all photos featured in this post are from relevant cottages listings