With loads of great dog-friendly accommodation to choose from – from dog-friendly hotels and cottages to beach huts and glamping – there’s bound to be the perfect place for you, whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or just yourself and the hound…
Words: Anne-Claire Heels
1. Auchrannie, Isle of Arran
Pooch points: Cross the water to this magnificent Scottish island with your dog and get away from it all on a break you will both love. Stay in either the four-star Auchrannie House Hotel & Spa Resort itself, or the five-star Luxury Lodges – there’s loads of open space here (towels provided for mucky pups on their return to the property), as well sandy beaches and fabulous hill walks nearby. Choose from three great restaurants and bars – four-legged friends can eat with you in the lounges at eighteen69, or if you don’t mind a late dinner, in the Cruize Bar Brasserie or Brambles Seafood & Grill after 9.30pm. Pets can be left in your room or lodge, as long as you inform staff so they can keep an ear out. And there are lots of other dog-friendly restaurants and pubs on the Isle of Arran. You’ll get a free travel kit at time of booking as well. What’s not to like?
Pooch pounds: The Hotel charges a fee of £10 per night per dog (you’re welcome to bring two dogs), and the lodges charge £30 per stay for one dog and £40 for two.
Book: Go to auchrannie.co.uk
2. Water’s Edge, Northumberland
Pooch points: A striking self-catering property, Water’s Edge has recently been renovated and is right on the seafront in Beadnell. With far-reaching sea views from the large glass balcony and only a few minutes’ walk to the beach, this impressive holiday let boasts one of the best settings in Northumberland and is ideally located for long beach walks with your canine companion. The four spacious bedrooms, attic room and beautiful open-plan living space will provide everything you need, including a bed for your dog. The village itself has a small shop, a local pub and a café, and nearby Seahouses has more amenities including a supermarket, boat trips, golf course and petrol station.
Pooch pounds: The property accepts two dogs as standard, three by request. There is a charge of £10 per dog per week
Book: Call 01665 830783 or visit northumbria-cottages.co.uk
3. Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, Co Antrim
Pooch points: Prepare to be made a fuss of in Game of Thrones country… Make your way to the Marine Hotel Ballycastle and discover all that the spellbinding Causeway Coast has to offer with your dog by your side (don’t worry, no dragons). You’ll both get a warm welcome – there are designated dog-friendly luxurious bedrooms here, and a dog bowl, blanket and treats will be provided – and Ballycastle Beach is only a short walk away. Dogs can join their owners in the Costa Coffee & Library area for dining, whether that be for lunch or a candlelit dinner. (Doggy Beer & Pawsecco are available to purchase for only £3 – cheers Fido!). And if you’re planning to tie to knot soon and fancy a seaside wedding, the hotel is a dog-friendly wedding venue and will include your pet on your big day just like any other guest.
Pooch pounds: A charge of £15 per dog per night will be applied at time of booking.
Book: Call 028 2076 2222 or see marinehotelballycastle.com
4. Ffermdy Trehilyn, Pembrokeshire
Pooch points: Trehilyn Farmhouse is ideal for get-togethers on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, close to Stumble Head in West Wales. Sleeping 9 people, this is the combined house that can also be let as smaller units (Trehilyn Uchaf and Trehilyn Isaf). Internal doors are opened making it one house with one large kitchen and plenty of reception rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. There is a front garden, and a large one to the rear as well. Two dogs are welcome at a time, but bring anything they need with you. As the cottage sits on 70 acres of farmland they must be kept on a lead around sheep, but there is a nature walk (enclosed from livestock) along a stream to the far end of the farm and a ruined cottage, and of course the magnificent coast path itself. Also on site are a small honesty shop for essentials and table tennis in the barn.
Pooch pounds: A charge of £30 for one dog and £8 per extra dog applies.
Book: Call 01239 780800 or see underthethatch.co.uk
5. Beach Cove Coastal Retreat, Ilfracombe, Devon
Pooch points: Take a quiet break on the shores of North Devon in quirky beach-hut accommodation for couples when you stay at five-star Beach Cove Coastal Retreat. This no ordinary beach hut though, each is equipped with all the home comforts you could wish for, including self-catering kitchen facilities, a luxurious king-size bed, free Wifi, flatscreen TV and an iPod docking station. Some of the huts also have hot tubs, and best of all you can bring your dog (you’ll need to bring their bits and bobs from home too). Make sure you book early here, these are popular. Around Ilfracombe itself there are lots of restaurants, pubs and things to do, as well as the gorgeous Devon coastline to explore, ensuring you and your dog have a great time.
Pooch pounds: No specific charge for dogs.
Book: Go to quirkyaccom.com and follow the links
6. Cliff House Hotel, Waterford
Pooch points: The five-star Cliff House Hotel enjoys a superb seaside location on Ireland’s south coast, just an hour’s drive from Cork or Waterford airports and Rosslare ferry terminal. Enjoy long cliff-top walks and doggy paddles in the sea with your fluffy friend, before drying them off with their complimentary towel. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on the Terrace and enjoy a relaxing nap, and homemade dog treats are available on arrival. A sleeping crate is available to borrow from hotel reception. For health and safety reasons, dogs must be on a leash and supervised at all times and not left alone in rooms. They are not permitted in bar or restaurant areas.
Pooch pounds: The Sandy Paws offer is available from €284 per night for two, including breakfast, plus one dog guest. Pre-booking is a must, as dog-friendly rooms are subject to availability. Dog guests must be no heavier than 30lbs, as rooms are not suitable for larger dogs.
Book: Call 024 87800 visit cliffhousehotel.ie or email [email protected]
7. Vestry Cottage, Isle of Wight
Pooch points: Dating from the 15th century, Grade II-listed Vestry Cottage on the island’s south coast in St Lawrence sleeps three guests in two bedrooms and you can bring two dogs (remember to bring their beds and bowls). There’s a pretty garden with terraced seating areas, offering secluded outdoor space, and the charming cottage itself is ideally situated for enjoying coastal walks, heading to the beach and visiting the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Ventnor, where dogs are also allowed. Hurrah!
Pooch pounds: Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week. If you are thinking of bringing a pup however, this must be mentioned at time of booking.
Book: Call 01237 459821 or go to caninecottages.co.uk
8. Pili Pala Glamping, Ceredigion
Pooch points: This multi-dog-friendly luxury glamping pod (which can sleep up to four) in rural West Wales has gated gardens direct from the door. There is also unlimited direct access to a three-acre fenced field, and the lovely beaches of Aberporth and Tresaith are close by for some sea air and sandy rambles. A K9 welcome pack, containing treats, toys, bowls, towels and free samples from Dorwest Herbs is provided for the pooch – for humans the pod has its own private Lay-Z-Spa Jacuzzi and fast Wifi, and the town of Cardigan is close too…
Pooch pounds: From £69 per night, minimum stay two nights, up to three dogs included in the price.
Book: Go to goglamping.net
Check out our Dog of the Year gallery here.
