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Four legged friends welcome
How many of you
would like to go on holiday with your dogs but are foiled by the small print in the brochure -
one small 'well-behaved' dog. Or have you ever tried to find a hotel or B&B near a
weekend show for you and your dogs when you don't fancy camping? Those of us with
multi-dog families know what happens when you try to book and casually mention you have... eh,
four or more dogs. Nothing, Nada. Niente. Complete silence.
It's been suggested that between us we could compile a directory of accommodation
that will allow more than two dogs for agility people and other dog enthusiasts. Between us, we
travel miles to get to shows so we must have a wealth of knowledge about where to stay when a
caravan or tent won't do! Let's start networking now . Send your nominations for
'dog friendly' places to stay
to Agilitynet by
email.
|
UK DESTINATIONS |
| CHANNEL
ISLANDS |
Discovery Bay Beach Suites
St Ouens Bay, Jersey, JE3 7FN CI
Tel: +0044 (0)1534 484222
Fax: + 0044 (0)1534 485300
Email: enquiries@discoveryjersey.com
Web Site:
http://www.discovery-bay-jersey-ci.com/ ,
Comments:
I have just returned from a
holiday in Jersey and can’t recommend it highly enough. We stayed at The Discover Bay (St.
Ouen’s Bay) with two dogs. Not
sure of the number of dogs allowed but our two were fine. These self-catering apartments
are not cheap but offer a bit more luxury for that special holiday, and quite reasonable
out of season. They even offer to provide dog beds! We took our throws to cover the sofa.
They are not that spacious but had every thing that you would need plus extras, like bath
robes and picnic basket of goodies. They all have their own small balconies, and some
overlook the beach. All the staff are very friendly and one of
the girls evens takes her Yorkie to work with her.
Jersey is a lovely place. The fast ferry was no problem for our dogs
despite a rather rough crossing they were in the car. There are lots of lovely beaches
for the dogs, on lead between 10.00am and 6.00pm but this was ok with us, at least you
didn’t have to search for the inferior dog beach. And come 6.00pm all the dogs and their
owners descent to the beach for a good romp (the dogs, that is!). Jersey is a beautiful
place, all the advantages of being abroad without the need for pet passports. The
groceries are more expensive than over here but there are also lots of eat out cafes and
restaurants, and those by the beach offer good value. The parking by most beaches is free
as there are slipways that go right down to the front that you can park on. Where there
are car parks they are reasonably priced; you buy cards and mark of the time spent
parking; a scheme which seems to work well. There are also lots of attractions to visit -
all in all Jersey is a great holiday destination. Plus the chance, if you time it right,
of entering agility shows.
Angela Richens (14/06/07) |
|
CORNWALL
|
Boturnell Farm Cottage
St. Pinnock, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 4QS
Tel. 01579-320880
Web site:
http://www.dogs-holiday.co.uk/
Contact: Ian & Sue Jewell
Comments:
I would like to recommend the above. They are
very dog friendly and have no limit on the number of dogs as long as you let them know.
They even have a short circular walk on the farm for that first think in the morning,
last thing at night walk. Cottages have gardens but there are free range chickens and
cats that wander round the yard. This didn’t cause us a problem but might be something
you need to think about. Very reasonably priced too.
Paula Kingswood |
|
Lebanon Cottage
Church Street, St Just-in-Penwith, Cornwall TR19 7HA
Tel: 01736-788747
Email: lebanoncottage@aol.com
Web site: www.lebanoncottage.co.uk
Comments:
A
self-catering holiday cottage located in the centre of the welcoming town of St Just, but
next to open fields and only a mile from the dramatic Atlantic coastline at Cape
Cornwall. Lebanon Cottage provides an ideal location for exploring West Cornwall. The
cottage sleeps five in a double, a twin and a single room. For dog lovers, the cottage
has a secure courtyard garden, country footpaths within a few steps of the front gate as
well as many dog friendly beaches within a short distance. Carolyn and Simon, and Molly
and Stan (the dogs), look forward to welcoming you and your dogs. Please visit the
website to find out more.
We have just had a holiday at Lebanon Cottage after the Kernow K9 show and would
thoroughly recommend it. The homemade cream tea awaiting us on arrival set the tone for
the week. Carolyn, Simon and the dogs were friendly, welcoming and keen to provide any
information we needed. The cottage itself is beautifully and thoughtfully presented with
loads of space and, unlike some other 'dog friendly' places I've stayed there was
absolutely no sign that any other dog had been there before us (other than the numerous
positive comments in the guest book!).Our three dogs were welcomed in the pub,
recommended by Simon, and delighted to walk from the cottage to the beach every day. We
will certainly go back! Carol Hunkin |
| CO.
DURHAM
|
Five Gables Guesthouse & Cottage
Binchester,
Bishop
Aukland, Co. Durham DL14 8TA
Tel: 01388-608204
Fax: 01388-663092
Web
site:
www.fivegables.co.uk
Comments:
I would like to recommend Five
Gables in the North East. Both the Guesthouse and cottage are dog friendly and there is a
public footpath through a field at the back of the guesthouse where the dogs can be
exercised. I stayed there recently with my three dogs and was made very welcome.
Wendy Longbottom |
|
CUMBRIA
|
Abbey House Hotel
Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria LA13 0PA
Tel. 01229-838282
Web site:
www.abbeyhousehotel.com
Comments:
Thanks for your response to my idea. Here is an excellent one we found for the Barrow
show. They do a special weekend deal at around £110 plus £5 for the dogs. This is for two
people and includes dinner and b&b. We have used it for three years and have found
them very happy and welcoming for us and four dogs. John &
Mavis Grimshaw |
Irthing
House Farm
Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 7EP
Tel:- 01697-747983
Web site:
www.cottagesinnorthumberland.com
Contact
Chris or Georgia
Shorrock
Comments;
A self catering cottage which sleeps 4 located on a 90
acre farm in beautiful Northumberland countryside, on the Hadrians Wall walk. As dog
owners and lovers Chris and Georgia welcome dogs to their cottage. As well as a flock of
pedigree sheep, there are red squirrels, woodpeckers, deer and lots of rabbits who also
make the farm their home so there is lots to see and do. The River Irthing forms the
border of the farm with Cumbria on one side and Northumberland on the other, an ideal
location to explore these two counties as well as the borders of Scotland only 20 miles
away. If required, kennels can also be provided. |
|
Little Blencoe Farm
Yanwath, Cumbria CA10 2JB
Tel. 01768-867553
Contact: Susan Fisher
Comments;
This
is a small site which can only take four caravans. At least they only have electric
points for four. Beautiful location on a dairy farm. No limit for dogs. Good overnight
stop or short break. Large field for exercising. We had six retrievers.
Kate Perry |
|
Low Nest Farm
Castlerigg, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TF
Tel. 01768-772378
Email: info@lownestfarm.co.uk
Web site:
www.lownestfarm.co.uk
Contact:
Alison True
Comments:
My other half, Clive and I have just returned from a
fantastic 5 day break on a farm in the Lake District with our four Weimaraners. It was a
special treat to celebrate my 50th birthday. Rather than going away in the caravan, we
stayed at Low Nest Farm near Keswick where the owner has three Weimaraners. She offers
bed and breakfast accommodation, adjoining the farmhouse and specifically targets
customers with dogs. She has a large kennel where dogs can sleep, but if you prefer them
in your room then that's no problem. All four of ours stayed in the room with us! The
kennel can be used for day care if you want some dog free time. There is even a heated
dog bath to use in case your dogs get too muddy just to wipe clean. If anyone does not
want to stay at her farm because there are dogs around, then the owner of the farm says
this farm is not the place for them! The farm has fantastic views and walks from the
doorstep and the owner made us and our dogs most welcome. In fact, she went far beyond
the call of duty. On our last day, we were on a walk and about half way round we had to
cross a road. She had driven there in her car to meet us to take any full poo bags off
our hands! When we arrived, each dog was given a dog tag with her telephone number on it
in case they went missing. If anyone with multi dogs would like a place to stay in the
Lakes, then I cannot recommend this farm highly enough!
Janet Hudson |
|
The Swallow Hilltop Hotel
Skiddaw
View, Yearngill, Aspatria, Cumbria CA1 2NS
Contact: Jackie Reid
Comments:
3-star standard with swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and gym for the two legged guests
and lots of grass round the back for the four legged guests. Dogs are welcome in the
rooms but not the public areas. Wigton DTC have a special rate of only £40.00 per
room. Quote WIGTONDOG. Used by competitors at Witon's summer and October shows and by
It-barks competitors. |
|
Troutal
Farm Bed & Breakfast
Seathwaite, Duddon Valley, Cumbria LA20 6EF
Tel.
01229-716235
Email:
info@troutalfarm.co.uk
Web site:
www.lakedistrictworkingsheepdogs.co.uk
Contact: Chris & Alan Bradley
Comments:
A 300 acre fell farm set in the stunning Duddon Valley area of the Lake District National
Park and Offering traditional English B&B accommodation. Special courses for people
interested in drystone walling and sheep dog training. |
|
DERBYSHIRE
|
The Old Piggery
Slancote Lane, Tideswell, Derbyshire
Tel. 01298-872285
Web site:
www.oldpiggery.co.uk
Contact: Carrie Warr & Paul Harrison
Comments: The
Old Piggery is located in an elevated position on the edge of Tideswell up a secluded
lane, and boasts beautiful views across the Peak District Countryside. With direct access
onto the Limestone Way from your door the cottage is ideally situated for walkers and
those who enjoy the outdoors, yet is only a five minute walk to the village centre. It is
also within walking distance of a number of dog-friendly pubs which serve food. An
'upside down' cottage, The Old Piggery is perfect for two (plus dogs!). There is a sofa
bed in the lounge, if required, which sleeps another two. A dog bed is provided too! The
garden is fenced and the cottage has ample off street parking. Welcome packs are provided
for both humans and dogs. Dogs are genuinely welcomed - no silly rules about
keeping them off the sofa!
Carrie Warr
Raikes Farm
Hulme End, Hartington, Buxton,
Derbyshire SK17 0HJ
Tel : 01298-84344
Comments:
I recently spent a weekend at Hartington competing in a flyball tournament. I took
5 of my 10 dogs with me (didn't want to shock them first time. They were very friendly
and insisted my dogs come in the bedroom with me. There are a couple of cow fields
at the back of the house and a big garden in the front which she allows the dogs to run
in as long as you pick up! £30 B&B, ensuite with lovely views and a breakfast that kept
me full all day. I'd love to find places that would take my (now 9) Border Collies.
Valerie |
| DEVON
|
Lower Eastcott Agility Centre
Northlew, Devon
Tel. 01837-810289
Email:
nick@dog-agility-centre.com
Web
site:
www.dog-agility-centre.com
Contact: Nick & Gill Chettle
-
Comments:
Brilliant as there is no limit
on the number of dogs you can take. It's great because they are on
the same wave length as us.
-
Comments: This year we have just come back from Nick and Gill Chettle's
wonderful Lower Eastcott Farm (Northlew) on Dartmoor. Very dog friendly (dog
hydrotherapy on site) as it is an agility training centre. Can't recommend the training
highly enough! I learnt more in three sessions than I have at my two local wonderful
clubs in four years! Nicky Huelin
-
Comments:
We're just off for our fourth stay here. A great
place to go with your dogs, and the agility training is first rate. There are three
'cottages'. Two are barn conversions which sleep four and one is an old cottage which
sleeps loads, with its own field attached. If you go out of season, prices are very
reasonable. Helen Walland
West
Welland Farm
Ash Mill, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4QH.
Tel. 01769 550308.
Contact:
Jackie McDevitt
Comments:
Agility equipment |
| EAST
SUSSEX |
Millers
Farm Cottage
Nr Heathfield, East Sussex
Email: millersfarmhols@onetel.com
Contact:
Becca Middleton
Description:
Dogs are welcome at this newly converted, beamed
cottage is within an hour's drive of many agility, obedience and breed shows so you can
plan your holiday without missing out on any e.g. The Hop Farm, Ardingly Showground and
many more. There is a large field and agility equipment can be used by arrangement.
The cottage has a wood burning
stove and its own swimming pool and large, private, terraced suntrap area with fabulous
far reaching views of the local countryside and farmland. There is a sauna room and
plenty of parking space. The cottage sleeps 4 + 1 in 2 double bedrooms (one twin). |
|
LINCOLNSHIRE
|
Racingredd
Agility Training Holidays
Brooklandsm Ryefield Lane, Holbeach Fen,
Lincs PE12 8PS
Tel. 01945-440309
Email:
wendyfairlamb@racingreddagility.co.uk
Web site:
www.racingreddagility.co.uk
Contact: Wendy & Mike Fairlamb
Comments:
We ran a training holiday here this year and plan to do the same next year on a date to
be arranged. We can offer camping in our field at £15.00 a weekend for any shows in our
area or work out a rate for anyone wishing to have a week's holiday. We have not put a
limit on the amount of dogs people can bring, just play it by ear sharing exercise times.
People can go to our web site to contact us. Wendy Fairlamb |
|
GRAMPIAN |
Seafield
Hotel
Seafield Street, Cullen, Morayshire
Tel. : 01542-840791
Fax: 01542-840736
Comments:
This is an excellent hotel with
friendly staff and good food. Tell the hotel you have dogs and they will allocate a room
that gives access to the car park to make it easier for walking etc. There is usually a
charge of £10 for having dogs at the hotel (no matter the number) - having said that they
have never actually charged me for the dogs when I've paid our bill. There is a fantastic
beach for the dogs to run on, as well as a number of other beaches in the area and
woodland/hill walks. We will again be making a return visit this year with our
accompanying eight Working Cockers Spaniels. |
|
NORFOLK |
Name Barbara Brown's B&B
Highfield
Equestrian Centre, Newport Rd, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth NR29 4NN
Tel. 01493-384423 Mobile: 07713 959970
Email
highfield1999@aol.com
http://highfieldequestrian.co.uk
Contact: Owner/proprietor
Comments:
Set in 32 acres of paddocks, a ten minute walk from the beach. We also have a perimeter
exercise track of almost one mile. Two double ground floor rooms available at £40 per
night. Please enquire for dog numbers.
Barbara Brown |
|
OXFORDSHIRE |
Bo Peep Caravan Site
Aynho Road, Adderbury, Banbury OX17 3NP
Tel. 01295-810605
Comments:
Lovely quiet, arable farm. Fantastic facilities, loads of walks around farm, poo bags and
bins all provided. No dog limit.
Kate Perry |
|
PERTHSHIRE |
Ardoch Lodge
Strathyre, Perthshire FK18 8NF
Tel/fax 01877 384666
Email ardoch@btinternet.com
www.ardoch.btinternet.co.uk
Contact: Yvonne & John Howes
Comments:
B & B, 2 self catering log cabins and 1 self catering cottage in Loch Lomond and the
Trossachs area. Two dogs allowed per room in the B&B and four dogs allowed per cabin.
12 acres of grounds with a river and good walks through the forests directly from the
gardens. Very welcoming. Good quality accommodation but beware of the midges!
Pete & Sally Edney |
| POWYS |
Oak
Wood Lodges
Llwynbaedd, Rhayader, Powys LD6
5NT
Tel. 01597-811422
Web
site:
www.oakwoodlodges.co.uk
Comments:
I have just been to the Elan Valley Mid Wales to
Oak Wood lodges. They are Norwegian log cabins - about nine in total. Very dog friendly.
Lots of space and dog walkers' heaven. Recommended. Inexpensive as well.
Susan |
|
SCOTTISH BORDERS
|
The
Glenholm Centre
Broughton, Scottish Borders ML12 6JF
Tel: 01899-830408
http://www.glenholm.co.uk
Email: info@glenholm.co.uk
Contact: Fiona Burnett &
Neil Robinson
Comments: For those whose dogs participate in dog agility there is a small
'arena' equipped with a range of dog agility equipment which you are welcome to use
during your stay. |
| |
Wauchope Cottages
Bonchester Bridge, nr. Hawick, Scottish Borders
Tel. 01450-860 630
Email:
wauchope@btinternet.com
Contact: Joy
& Alan Byers
Comments: An excellent place to stay with dogs. Very convenient for any
agility shows in the Borders. The cottages are extremely well equipped and have their own
fenced gardens. Sometimes it is hard to believe that they allow dogs in them, but dogs
are most welcome, and there is even a hot tap outside for washing them down when muddy.
Also each cottage has an outside kennel you can use if necessary. Joy and Alan are
wonderful hosts and Joy also enjoys agility. There are wonderful walks directly from the
cottages without having to take the car. We have been there seven times with our
dogs, so it speaks for itself.
Marion McAfee
Comments: We have been twice now
with three dogs and Joy and Alan have been fantastic. There are lovely walks from the
door and a pub not too far down the road that does very good meals! Dogs are allowed in
the cottages and there are also outside runs and kennels provided in each garden if
preferred, not to mention a (communal!) doggy shower for washing the little darlings off
should they need it! Debbie Martin
Comments: A group of five
cottages close to Wauchope forest, well fitted out, comfortable and most with their own
kennel and run. 200 yards up a lane and into 'doggy heaven' - a forest where the
dogs can run free for miles. There is a lovely circular walk of about 2 hours with only
the odd sheep field to watch out for. Hawick and Jedburgh are in easy reach and there is
a pub which serves good meals about two miles down the lane. It's run by Joy and Alan
Byers, who have their own agility equipment which they allow visitors to use. Alan and
Joy (and their dogs) are very friendly, and you will get a warm welcome on arrival. Dogs
are allowed in the cottages but not on the furniture.
Sue Jones
Weaversknowe Cottage
Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Scottish Borders TD6 9JB
Tel: 01835-870433
Email:- weaversknowe@tiscali.co.uk
Contact: Marilyn & Bill Anderson
Comments: The village of
Lilliesleaf is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders, within easy reach of Hawick,
Selkirk, Melrose,Kelso and many more towns. Dogs are welcome and for those who
participate in agility, there is equipment which can be used by prior arrangement.
There are two pubs in the village which serves meals and plenty of walks in the area.
The cottage is fully equipped and sleeps up to seven people.
Caroline Stillie |
|
SHROPSHIRE |
Angel House
Angel Bank, Bitterley, Nr
Ludlow. Shropshire SY8 3HT
Tel. 01584-891377
Email: stay@angelhousecleehill.co.uk
Comments:
We stayed here with our dog in September as it was
then only a short drive to the Bromsgrove show. The lady who runs it has a really nice
friendly dog. There are only two rooms and when we stayed the other room also had a
couple with a dog. Both rooms are massive. We had our evening meal there and I must say
that the food was seriously fantastic with every single thing being homemade. Breakfast
really set you up for agility and even the dog got a sausage. We will go back there
again. Helen. |
|
SOMERSET
|
Burrowhayes Farm Caravan & Camping Site
West Luccombe
Porlock, nr. Minehead, Somerset TA24 8HT
Tel. 01643-862463
Web
site:
www.burrowhayes.co.uk
Comments: Great
site in National Park. Dogs welcome - no limit and no charge. Be sensible and agree
number when booking. Remember this is sheep country. Riding stables on site. Great
facilities, lovely area, walking riding, bikes.
Peggy Sidewater
Cherry Tree Farm
Jeffries Lane, Spring Gardens,
Frome, Somerset BA11 2NZ
Web site:
http://www.cherrytreefarm.info/1513.html
Comments: I've
stayed here twice now and can't recommended it highly enough. Very dog friendly with a
terrier proof garden, the kennel is a large wet room and is great for drying out muddy
dogs. Accommodation is clean, cosy and comfortable with loads of hot water and
controllable central heating. No limit to the number of dogs and there is agility
equipment available to use included in the cost. You can also join in with obedience and
agility classes if you want. The website doesn't do it justice.
Paula Kingswood
Winstitchen Farm
Simonsbath,
Exmoor, Minehead TA24 7JT
Tel. 01386-858273
Contact: Jane
& Richard Organ
Comments: Hunting shooting
and fishing place miles from anywhere with great walks from the door step over moors and
by rivers. Loads of things to visit. Cottage (sleeps 4) has all facilities including
dishwasher and washing machine, main house even has a drying room and sleeps up to
14! Incredibly clean and tastefully done, very reasonable cost. Owners are genuine 'dog
people.' |
| WALES
|
No
38, Gower Holiday Village
Scurlage, nr. Port Eynon, Gower, Swansea SA3
1AAY
Tel. 0121 744 3301
Email: julia@no38thegower.co.uk
www.No38thegower.co.uk
Contact:
Julia Smith, clicker trainer & animal behaviourist
Open plan lounge/kitchen area, fully fitted kitchen inc
microwave and freezer ,TV DVD Video player plenty of family films. Two bedrooms one
double one with two singles also two double settees in lounge. Dogs very welcome. No
restriction on numbers. No charge for dogs. Good exercise area for dogs. |
|
EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS |
| FRANCE
|
La Belle Vilaine
South Brittany
Tel. +0332 999 000 69
Email:
elainepaulinfrance@club-internet.fr
Web site:
http://www.gitessouthbrittany.com/index.htm
Contact: Elaine & Paul Clark
Description:
Friendly, family run self catering cottages where dogs are welcome. |
REPUBLIC
OF IRELAND
|
Sobenkel
Jordanstown, Lusk, Co Dublin
+00 353 (0)1 843 8727
Web site: http://www.sobenkel.com/index.htm
Description:
It's a newly built cottage and its just lovely. Donna
Beardsley
Camac Valley Camping & Caravan Park
Clondalkin, Dublin
Tel. 01843-37131 (Ireland code in front)
Description:
This is a well appointed park with good showers, kids' play area, flat pitches a mixture
of hard and grass, with own water and electrics. Secure fencing and gates - needed near
to Dublin. Ideal for the first/last night en route to the ferry, or for sightseeing in
Dublin. Huge park literally next door. Brenda Tenten
North Beach Camping & Caravan Park
Rush, Co Dublin
Tel. 01843-7131 (put Ireland code in front)
Description:
This is to the north side of Dublin, ideal for agility shows at the IKC's National
Centre. Right on the beach, so great for the dogs. Brenda
Tenten
Coillte Forest Camping & Caravan Park
Kilconan, Limerick
Tel. 06139 6349 (with Ireland code in front)
Description:
Fabulous site if you want to go across to further parts of Ireland - but only about two
hours from Dublin, if towing. The caravan site is right in the middle of a huge forest,
near to the picture postcard town of Adare where, incidentally, there is an agility show
in the summer! As well as about 700 acres of forest trails and lakeside walks, there is
also a huge lawned area in front of the old mansion house. The site has showers,
individual pitches (hard) under the trees, with own water, electricity and drains. Also
children 's play area. It's a bit run down to look at, and very relaxed in the way it is
run, but my favourite as it never gets crowded or rowdy. Close to Limerick, Tralee, etc.
For sightseeing. Brenda Tenten |
Also recommended...
BOATING ON THE NORFOLK BROADS
Most boatyards on the Broads will allow 2 dogs
(sometimes more) on their boats. We have been several years running now and have found that we
have been spoilt for choice for long, and shorter, walks, with swimming spots in abundance for
the dogs. Many local pubs will also allow dogs.
HOLIDAY INNS
The Holiday Inn group allow as
many dogs as you like for £10 per night. We were at Leeds over Xmas with five dogs and they
were fantastic! Ideal for shows - About £40 per room based on three persons or family rooms.
Philip Patterson
GUIDE BOOKS
We have bought Pets Welcome
which is great if you have no more than two dogs, and they charge to take your dog up to £15.00
per week per dog how cheeky is that!
I have discovered that
even some camping sites limit the number of dogs you are allowed, so even if you wanted to
provide your own accommodation i.e. caravan or tent you are still limited.
Raine Wellman & Lisa Hunt
CARAVAN CLUB SITES
I can recommend Caravan Club sites for
holidays with multiple dogs. We have taken four dogs with no problem at all. The only proviso
is that they are on lead on the site. The facilities are first class for us and a lot of sites
even provide a designated dog walk. It is not always necessary to be a member. Look at the
Caravan Club website for details.
Marion McAfee
I,
too, would like to recommend that if you have a caravan or motor home you spend a few quid on
joining the caravan club and make use of their CLs (certified locations) which take only five
units. A lot have electricity and water etc and are dog friendly — we have four dogs and feel
very 'free' when we take them to CLs.
Nicky Heulin
WEB SITES
Not
actually a specific place to stay with dogs, but the Dogs Trust web site has a section for
holidays with dogs. It covers the whole of United Kingdon, France and Ireland. Well worth a
look. Brenda Dolan
|