A dog is part of the family, and of course you want to have them around for all the fun at Christmas. If you’re on the search for the best festive break, make sure all your family can celebrate together with these dog-friendly hotels.
Words ANNE-CLAIRE HEELS
1 THE LAP OF LUXURY
St Michaels Resort, Falmouth, Cornwall
Space Room – Captains House
If you’re looking for a staycation with your pooch in Cornwall, look no further! Spend a cosy Christmas in Cornwall this year with a fabulous festive offer from St Michaels Resort. Arrive on 23 December and unwind with warm mince pies and mulled festive drinks. Later, you’ll enjoy three courses of exquisite Cornish food in the ocean-facing Brasserie on the Bay. Christmas Eve will get the merriment under way with carols and live festive music as you prepare for a three-course dinner, while Christmas Day will start with breakfast and fizz. If you join the locals for a quick splash in the chilly seas at nearby Gylly Beach, you’ll be rewarded with hot chocolate and a fresh pastry, ahead of a special five-course Christmas lunch, then settle in to relax, before testing the grey matter with the hotel’s famous Christmas quiz. Take to the coast path for a crisp Boxing Day walk before returning to the warmth and luxury of St Michaels where a decadent three-course dinner is served. Book the PetsPyjamas 4 Nights Coastal Christmas Break, 23-27 Dec 2022, from £1,698 for two adults and one dog at petspyjamas.com. With just one booking, customers become members of PetsPyjamas’ Priority Paws loyalty programme, with benefits worth over £1,200 including access to their own VIP pet concierge, complimentary 24/7 vet line access for the duration of their trip, special discounts and exclusive deals. Now there’s the perfect present for your pooch!
2 HOTEL HOSPITALITY
The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Head to the Suffolk coast for a Christmas like no other. Think three nights of indulgent dining, fantastic hospitality, and memories to last a lifetime – and you get to bring your dog as well. Arrive on Christmas Eve to a cream tea and mulled wine, with a three-course meal that night in the Seafood & Grill restaurant. Enjoy a five-course banquet on Christmas Day, with an evening buffet later, if you have any room left… Boxing Day will also feature lunch and an evening buffet, and a final full Suffolk breakfast on the morning of 27 December before you check out. In between, there’s the town of Aldeburgh and the Suffolk Heritage Coast to explore, or you can just curl up in one of the hotel’s cosy lunges and watch the North Sea waves roll in. Prices start from £1,320 (£660pp) for two sharing a country-view Aldeburgh room. To make a reservation, call The Brudenell direct on 01728 452071 or for more details visit brudenellhotel.co.uk – sea-view rooms and extra nights are available for a supplement. Dogs are charged extra at a cost of £10 per dog per night.
3 ROOM AT THE INN
The Seaton Lane Inn, Seaham, Co Durham
The Seaton Lane Inn
Just a five-minute drive from Seaham and the Durham Heritage Coast, The Seaton Lane Inn has style and charm in abundance, offering boutique rooms and a menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients that offers traditional pub food and contemporary dishes. It also welcomes dogs, with a dedicated range of dog-friendly rooms. A £10 supplement to bring a dog applies, and all rooms undergo a special clean. There is a designated pet-friendly zone where they can enjoy a drink and complimentary treats. There are some beautiful coastal walks in the area to walk off your dinner too, including the 11-mile Durham Coastal Footpath. Book the festive staycation package online at inncollectiongroup.com/seaton-lane-inn/christmas, with prices for a double room starting at £549. This includes: a three-night bed and breakfast stay from 24-27 December, dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day lunch and an evening buffet, and dinner on Boxing Day.
4 HOME AWAY FROM HOME
The Cart Barn, Norton, West Sussex
The Cart Barn, Norton, West Sussex
Sometimes you want to be able to suit yourself completely, and that’s where the self-catering option comes up trumps. With the South Downs and the beaches of The Witterings both within easy reach, The Cart Barn near Chichester is the perfect base for those who love walking, especially those four-legged family members. There’s one double bedroom in this contemporary barn conversion in a quiet rural location, although there is also a king-size sofa bed in the living room, and one dog is welcome. If you want to cook lunch on the big day yourself, there’s an electric oven and a gas hob, and – most importantly – a dishwasher. If not, nearby Chichester will offer plenty of options for dining, last-minute shopping and maybe even carols at the cathedral. Seven nights are priced from £960 this December. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week. Book online at caninecottages.co.uk.
Discover more dog-friendly beach holiday destinations, browse luxury festive hotel breaks or pick up the latest copy of coast magazine for more staycation inspiration.
Find out more dog-friendly hotels to consider for your staycation here.
