FESTIVE BREAKS for furry friends
The hustle and bustle of Christmas can be as challenging for your pet as it is for you. Here are five dog-friendly escapes to help you both unwind
Hatton Court Hotel, Gloucester
The Cotswolds has no shortage of scenic places to take your dog with over 3000 miles of footpaths and rights of way passing through some of the most charming towns and villages you’re ever likely to encounter. The ivy-covered Hatton Court Hotel, nestled on a hill near Painswick, is set in lawned gardens and has a fantastic restaurant. But more than that, the owners understand the importance of taking a break with your dog, welcoming them with open arms and providing feeding bowls and blankets for their beds.
✱ Prices from £184 for two people per night, plus £10 extra for dogs, hatton-court.co.uk
Bracken Hut, Yorkshire Dales
A stay in a shepherd’s hut may sound humble, but this beautifully decorated abode is anything but. Set on a farm on the Yorkshire/lancashire border, the cosy cabin is decked out with rustic furnishings, hotel-grade mattresses, a wood-burning stove and adjoining hut with an eco hot tub. Your dog will love the freedom to explore the surroundings, with Pendle Way running through the field right next to the farm. And if you want to explore the area further, the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Cove and Forest of Bowland AONB are all close by.
✱ Prices from £110 per night, plus £10 extra for dogs, copyhousehideaway.co.uk
Hotspur Cottage, Northumberland
Whether it’s the eye-popping scenery, the magical waterfalls and hidden caves, or the sandy, dog-friendly beaches, Northumberland makes a picture-perfect escape for you and your pooch. And where better to stay than this cosy cottage for two just outside the lovely town of Rothbury? The countryside here astounds – from the Simonside Hills, there are vistas of craggy peaks and the spectacular coastline, while the Northumberland National Park and the pretty villages of Alnmouth and Amble are also nearby.
✱ Prices from £109 per night, caninecottages.co.uk
West Stow Pods, Suffolk
If there was ever a place to recharge it’s the Suffolk countryside. Just outside Bury St Edmunds, with its impressive Abbey gardens, boutique shops, fabulous cafés and pubs, including the dog-friendly Dog & Partridge, is a family-run glamping site that feels completely cut off from the stresses of everyday life. The attractive wooden pods are set in woodland with everything you need for a comfortable stay – including stunning walks for you and your dog right on your doorstep. King’s Forest, which is full of pines, oaks and picnic spots, as well as the gorgeous Lackford Lakes and the West Stow Anglo-saxon Village are all within easy reach, too.
✱ Prices from £90 per night, weststowpods.co.uk
Tolcarne Beach Village, Cornwall
Set on its own private sandy beach, Tolcarne Village is made up of quirky beach huts and hotel rooms bursting with character. The hotel itself has a Caribbean-styled restaurant with decking from which to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or sundowner with a view. And for an audience with a striking sunset or atmospheric storm, book a stay at a Sea Front Beach Cabin for a front-row view. There are plenty of walks nearby, including the spectacular paths to Porth and Watergate Bay, while dogs are allowed on Tolcarne Beach between October and April. Nearby Newquay has 11 beaches to explore, so plenty of fun for you and your furry friend.
✱ Prices from £90 per night, tolcarnebeach.co.uk
✱ Always check the latest travel advice before booking a trip