From seaside bungalows to the beaches of Guernsey, these are this month’s top dog-friendly staycations and holiday spots to browse.
Winterton Cottages, Norfolk
We tend to want properties that have a safe and secure garden, a beach that permits dogs (obviously) and plenty of local walks. If you have an elderly pet, or like us, one with an elbow deformity, an absence of stairs plus a non-slippery floor may also be important.
Rosehearty, a three-bedroom bungalow at Winterton, Norfolk, let by specialists Winterton Cottages, ticks all those boxes and a lot more besides. It may not be set in the most fashionable part of this county (the likes of ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, AKA Burnham Market and surrounds) but it is close to the Broads, about half an hour from Norwich, and Winterton is a charming village with a good pub, shops, a cafe and a fish and chip shop.
This modern retreat has a spacious living area combining a very well equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area plus three comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms. Go from room to room opening drawers and cupboards and you will find the owners have supplied practically everything to ease the occasional stress of a self-catering holiday.
If the weather is kind the lawned back garden, with its patio furniture and gas barbecue, makes for a very agreeable place to relax.
Check out our recent selection of dog-friendly holidays.
From one of the bedrooms and the large open plan living area you look out over dunes to the sea with ships of all shapes and sizes moving slowly across the horizon. The beach is about a five-minute walk away via steps leading from the garden but there is a steepish drop so go carefully.
We liked the option of either walking our springer spaniels along the footpaths among the dunes, or taking them on to the sandy beach for a shoreline paddle. Our reward was a hot coffee and bun from a nearby cafe, theirs was a slice or two of chopped sausage kindly offered by the same outlet.
A measure of the quality and outlook of this property can be gauged by the fact this journalist and family are returning later in 2024 for a week’s stay. We haven’t told the dogs yet – they’d be too excited.
A seven-night stay starts from £1,548. Two dogs welcome. More at Wintertoncottages.co.uk or call 01493 800645.
No pet passport needed for pooches on Guernsey
The team at Guernseytravel appreciates your four-legged friend is a firm part of the family, and that taking them along on holiday is all part of the fun.
You may be of the impression that any adventure by sea requires a pet passport, but as part of the British Isles the Channel Islands are exempt from this requirement and canine visitors are welcome.
Travel from the south coast by high-speed or traditional ferry, the latter offering pet-friendly cabins, and allow the friendly team at Guernseytravel to advise on suitable accommodation, from high-end hotels to self-catering apartments or cottages.
While a small number of Guernsey’s many beaches are dog-free in summer months, other beaches, country lanes and cliff paths allow (responsible) off-lead walks year-round. Dogs are welcome in several outdoor attractions, as well as on the small boats operating to Herm and Sark, so an island-hopping holiday with your salty sea-dog is eminently possible, and when it comes to dining out there are a number of options available, from beach kiosks to restaurants.
To out more about bringing your dog to Guernsey; visit www.guernseytravel.com and search ‘dog’.
Join the adventure
PetsPyjamas, the leading dog-friendly travel company, has announced the launch of new and exciting experiences for dog owners and their furry companions at some top dog-friendly properties.
These unique getaways provide the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and the best bit is that all these activities can be enjoyed with your dog by your side.
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embark on a three-night yoga and wellness retreat in a luxury treehouse on the picturesque Cowdray Estate in west Sussex.
This retreat offers the ultimate rejuvenating experience, allowing owners and their dogs to unwind in the serene countryside. Enjoy yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and a supper club experience while surrounded by stunning natural beauty. PetsPyjamas has ensured that your furry friend can enjoy all these activities with you, and will also experience a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing too.
Find out more here: petspyjamas.com/experiences/treehouse-wellness-west-sussex/
For those seeking a family-friendly adventure, PetsPyjamas is offering the first dog-friendly family getaway in the heart of the Devonshire countryside. The two-night experience includes a stay in a luxury lodge with a hot tub on a 125-acre estate. The weekend is fun-filled with plenty of games, treats and outdoor activities for the whole family – including their pets – to enjoy.
Find out more here: petspyjamas.com/experiences/family-fun-in-devon/
PetsPyjamas co-founder Karen Hanton comments: “We believe our new dog-friendly experiences offer a wonderful opportunity for dog owners to enhance their bond with their furry companions while enjoying unique adventures.
“These retreats and getaways are designed to not only cater to the needs of pets but also to provide enriching experiences for humans. We’re excited to bring our customers closer to their pets and create lasting memories together.”
