Sandy dunes and tumbling waves are the ideal natural playground for dogs and their owners. We visit some of the best dog-friendly coastal hotels and cottages that go the extra mile for man’s best friend.
Words: Jessica Johnson
TITCHWELL MANOR, NORFOLK:
WHY HERE? Ground-floor bedrooms accommodate up to two dogs per stay. Pooches are welcomed with a comfy bed, snacks and a water bowl. After walkies across miles of local coastline, fields and bridle paths, wet paws can be dried off with the doggy towel – better still, pups can snooze away the afternoon in front of a roaring fire. If you want to dine with your dog, there’s a popular table for him to flop underneath; if three’s a crowd, the free resident kennel offers ample space for a run around.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Brancaster Beach is a 20-minute walk across the marsh path.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices start from £125 per room, per night. Dogs are £10 per night.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01485 210221 or visit titchwellmanor.com.
RATHMULLAN HOUSE, COUNTY DONEGAL:
WHY HERE? Owners the Wheeler family hate leaving their Jack Russell Brushie in kennels, so they created a bespoke bedroom for travelling hounds at their plush yet relaxed country house by the sea. Adjoining the human bedroom, the doggy crash pad comes with a sleigh bed and water bowl.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? At the bottom of Rathmullan’s walled garden you’ll find a two-mile stretch of golden sand with views to Lough Swilly.
WHAT DOES IT COST? A pet-friendly Superior Room costs £158 per person for two nights B&B and £16.60 per night for one pet.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 00 353 7491 58188 or visit rathmullanhouse.com.
LONGUEVILLE MANOR, JERSEY:
WHY HERE? Surrounded by beaches, coastal paths and a lush green landscape, Jersey is a doggy paradise and the 15 mile per hour speed limit along the network of ‘Green Lanes’ means dog-walkers take priority over the island traffic. At Longueville Manor in St Helier, dogs can bound around in over 15 acres of woodland. The luxury Cottage Suite is a secluded hideaway, but near enough to the main hotel if you run short of dog food. Take a tour of the kitchen gardens, beehives and on-site smokery, and work up an appetite for Longueville’s signature smoked salmon and honey.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? At Grève d’Azette Beach, a five-minute walk away, dogs are allowed off the lead at all times during the winter.
WHAT DOES IT COST? A spring break, with a three-course dinner and car hire starts from £195 per person, per night.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01534 725501 or visit longuevillemanor.com
THE CARY ARMS, SOUTH DEVON:
WHY HERE? This boutique-style hotel situated on the South West Coast Path is a dog lover’s dream. Their Doggy Getaway package features a bed, bowl and treats, suggested local walks and supper with your dog in the Inn, which includes a special canine menu. After a walk by the sea with a complimentary picnic, curl up in a luxury sea-facing bedroom with your friend at your feet.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Pets can run loose or swim on dog-friendly Babbacombe Beach throughout the year. If little – or big legs – need a stretch, there are 22 miles of headland and coastline on your doorstep.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Daily rate prices start at £295 for a dog-friendly luxury inn with a £20 dog fee.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01803 327110 or visit caryarms.co.uk.
OLLIES 1, CRIBBAR, CORNWALL:
WHY HERE? If you’re searching for a top dog-friendly hotel in Cornwall, you’ve come to the right place! Named after the owner’s very own dog, this stylish one-bedroom apartment comes with a surprise – a goodie bag for four-legged guests filled with beach toys, treats and some handy black bags for owners. A few house rules and some of the best tail-wagging walks are listed in Fido’s personalised letter. After a day at the beach, kick back amid mood lighting and take in the retro décor featuring a cool 1973 VW campervan bay window.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? You’re in stick-throwing distance of surfy Fistral Beach that boasts year-round, dog-friendly sands.
WHAT DOES IT COST? A three-night stay starts from £350.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 0844 704 4987 or visit bluechipholidays.co.uk.
THE ANDERSON, INVERNESS:
WHY HERE? Dogs will love the laid-back ambience of this vibrant watering hole and hotel in the Black Isle, run by US-trained chef Anne Anderson and her husband Jim. There are water bowls and beef scraps to keep tired dogs happy while owners can feast on locally sourced seafood gumbo or salt and chilli whitebait – among nine different cuisines cooked up by Anne on a nightly basis. Wash it down with one of 250 single malt whiskies or 160 beers in Jim’s collection.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Rosemarkie Beach is a 15-minute walk away.
WHAT DOES IT COST? A double room is £99 per room, per night, including a full English, Scottish or American breakfast.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01381 620236 or visit theanderson.co.uk.
FOXGLOVE, NORTH YORKSHIRE:
WHY HERE? Set in an elevated position above a secret valley, luxury cottage Foxglove accommodates up to six people as well as their four-legged friend.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Foxglove is five minutes from Sandsend Beach, the starting point for a four-mile sand and shingle hike to Whitby’s beach huts and dramatic abbey. Until 1 May, dogs have full run of this stretch of sand, with mild restrictions in high season.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Short breaks start from £700.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01208 895570 or visit yorkshireholidaycottages.co.uk
Discover dog-mushing on the Cumbrian coast. And click here to take a look at our ‘Dog of the Year’ gallery.
Discover dog-mushing on the Cumbrian coast. And click here to take a look at our ‘Dog of the Year’ gallery.
