Top ten pet friendly holiday rentals
Blue Chip Holidays has released its latest top ten dog-friendly holiday homes close to year round dog-friendly beaches in good time for National Pet Month, running from 02 April to 02 May.
With almost 200 coastal and rural pet-friendly properties to choose from, dog owners will be spoilt for choice whenever they choose to take their four legged friend away for fun and frolics.
1. Bow wow Wow!
Wow is a stunning contemporary two bedroom coastal apartment, which overlooks the glorious golden sands of Westward Ho! Beach. While dog access is restricted close to the town, only a mile or so up the coast pets can roam free at the far end of the beach. The stunning Saunton and Braunton beaches are also just a short drive up the coast too where over three miles of golden sands and dunes can be found to explore.
Wow possesses one of the most spectacular views in the South West, accentuated by a full length balcony that runs the length of the apartment, making the most of this exclusive location.
Inside, the living room has ceiling to floor glass windows, while both double bedrooms have amazing sea views and access to the balcony. The kitchen has granite work tops, designer cabinet draws, doors, and integrated appliances. And, as an added bonus, a cool bag is provided with all the bits and pieces for a picnic on the beach, along with four beach towels and four beach chairs.
Wow sleeps four and can be booked for a seven night stay from £539. A three night short-break can be booked from £385. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
2. Treat Rover to a royal visit
Stay in one of Queen Victoria's favourite holiday locations and get a royal reception for your dog.
Set at the bottom of a steep and winding road, the secluded Beach House, Shell and Pebble holiday apartments each look out over the idyllic Devon coast, taking in Oddicombe Beach, Torquay and Exmouth in the distance. Described by Queen Victoria as: "A beautiful spot...with red cliffs and rocks, and wooded hills like Italy, reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear...," this enchanting location remains a firm favourite among dog owners looking for an extra-special stay.
Visiting dogs get their very own courtesy bed, bowl and treat thrown in, and they have access to the year-round dog-friendly Babbacombe beach below, which is only a stick's throw away. Other local year-round dog friendly beaches along the English Riviera coast include Livermead, St Mary's Bay, Churston Cove, Elberry Cove, Maidencombe and Watcombe.
The properties each come with access to The Cary Arms Hotel, one of the country's top-10 beach-side Inns. This gives guests access to a free range of facilities, which include a private resident's sitting room, access to a wood-panelled pool/billiard room, and use of the hotel's all-weather outdoor 'Pod', where you can dine or drink under the stars.
A relaxing half-hour massage is thrown in for guests in the Elemis Spa Room. Little ones get their very own bucket and spade, and each cottage gets its own canvas beach bag as well as a welcome hamper stacked with local goodies.
Bath robes are provided for the week along with complimentary Elemis Spa bathroom products. Fishing rods are provided free of charge. To cap things off staff will happily arrange day trips including golf excursions, boat trips, snorkelling and coastal path walks.
Shell sleeps two guests and is available from £795 per week. Pebble sleeps four guests and is available from £1,000 for a seven night stay. Beach Cottage sleeps eight guests and is available from £1,565 per week. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
3. Sandy Paws are seconds away!
5 Ocean Point is a contemporary coastal apartment situated within a 5 minute walk of the year-round dog-friendly Saunton Sands. Its three miles of golden sands and impressive dunes are guaranteed to give even the most energetic of pets a thorough work-out. And if that doesn't do the trick, the South West Coast path, which traverses 36 miles of beautiful coastline, encompassing Croyde and Woolacombe, is on hand to poop-out even the busiest of pooches.
Also, close by, are the charming winding streets of England's largest village, Braunton and the scenic Tarka Trail, which offers a fantastic selection of cycle paths and footpaths from which the beauty of the area can be enjoyed to the full. Alternatively, a ferry can be caught from neighbouring Illfracombe to Lundy Island, a peaceful retreat, home to some of the area's rarest flora and fauna.
Sleeping four, number 5 Ocean Point has stunning beach views from its chic living room. Its kitchen features contemporary high-gloss units, while the master bedroom enjoys an en suite bathroom and double shower, and access to the terrace. Three nights can be booked from £413. Seven nights can be booked from £579. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
4. Not a hard Cellar for pet owners
3 and 4 Fish Cellars are beautifully constructed 400 year old fish cellars that have been transformed into eco-friendly beach houses clad in their original old stone. Booked together, they're perfect for a party of twelve.
Situated in the small historic village of Portwrinkle on the South East coast of Cornwall, 3 and 4 Fish Cellars have been finished to a very high standard, with waterfront balconies, under floor heating throughout and allocated parking.
Breathtaking views of South Cornwall's year-round dog-friendly Whitsand Bay and a sand and shingle beach close by make this a great destination for families, friends and pets who enjoy sunny beach walks, swims in the sea and digging in the sand.
Add to that the South West Coast Path, which is just 50 metres away, and the nearby year-round dog friendly beaches of Downderry and Seaton, and Fish Cellars provides the perfect hound-focused holiday home, possessing some of the most spectacular views of Cornwall's coastline that can be found in the county.
And, as an added bonus, the award winning Bay Restaurant is close by; a superb eatery that uses only locally sourced produce. Alternatively, the traditional newly refurbished Finnygook Inn is within a 10 minute walk.
3 and 4 Fish Cellars sleep 6 each and can be booked for seven nights from £539. A three night stay in either property can be booked from £385. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
5. Swell Seashells, Zinc, Newquay
Taking its inspiration from Miami's South Beach district, Seashells, within Zinc, occupies a supreme location on the headland overlooking the legendary Fistral Beach. This plush, contemporary apartment provides the ultimate retreat in which Master and hound can relax, unwind and enjoy the delights of one of Cornwall's finest year-round dog-friendly locations.
In addition to Fistral, which is just a couple of minutes away by foot, the pro-dog beaches of Towan, Great Western and Watergate Bay are all close by, providing a great choice of sandy adventures for four-legged friends.
Seashells out looks over both Newquay Golf Course and the Atlantic Ocean. Its living room has access to a balcony, as do each of the bedrooms, and floor to ceiling windows stream in light throughout the day, making the most of the exceptional scenery.
Seashells sleeps four and can be booked for a seven night stay from £429 per week, or from £308 for a three night stay. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
6. Boy oh boy - Beach on the doorstep
Bluesy Beach House is a fantastic pet-friendly holiday home, suitable for any time of the year. It is set in the perfect position for surfing and other water sports, as well as beachcombing, rock pooling, snorkelling, walking or simply relaxing on the beach.
Situated just outside Bude in Widemouth Bay, Bluesy Beach House is just a stone's throw away from an amazing stretch of golden sand. Even though Widemouth Beach has an Easter to October ban on dogs, Bude's Summerleaze Beach is only a short-drive away, and provides year-round access for pets to frolic about in the sand and sea, as does nearby Northcott Mouth Beach.
Bluesy Beach House is a perfect choice for any surfing enthusiast, possessing a wet room with two showers and direct access from the beach; ideal for washing off the salt after a hard day on the surf or digging in the sand.
The house has ample space to store beach and surfing equipment, and has two sun lounges, a balcony, a private garden, which is great for dogs, plenty of parking, and Wi-Fi for anyone who needs to log on to check the latest surf reports.
Bluesy Beach House sleeps six and is available from £469 per week or from £336 for a three night short-break. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
7. Spaniels or Spinones will love this!
Sprindrift is a hound-friendly house situated in the picturesque fishing village of Hope Cove. At each turn beautiful scenery surrounds the house, and the dramatic Devon coastline, stretching from Bolt Tail to Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea, is just a short walk away.
Hope Cove has its very own sheltered year-round dog-friendly sandy beach, which is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Close by are many other superb all year round doggy beaches including East Portlemouth, Thurlestone, Wonwell and Stoke Beach.
Spindrift has three bedrooms, a large garden with a patio and terrace, and a fabulous sun trap conservatory, a firm favourite of hounds and humans alike. The kitchen is modern with cream units and a granite top work surface, and there's a dining table for up to six.
Spindrift sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £539. A three night stay can be booked from £385. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
8. Grab your coat boy!
Cotehayes in Torquay is an impressive, large detached 200 years old house that is situated in the leafy Wellswood area of Torquay.
The town centre and harbour are only a 10 minute walk away, while the pro-hound beaches of Livermead, St Mary's Bay, Churston Cove, Elberry Cove, Maidencombe, Watcombe and Babbacombe are all within a short drive.
The house has a third of an acre of landscaped gardens to the rear, which is a great area for pets to play in or lounge about in the sun. Inside, Cotehayes has impressive period furniture, vaulted oak beamed ceilings, stone white wash walls, enchanting bedrooms, a generous dining area, and a great conservatory that has direct access to the gardens.
Cotehayes sleeps up to eight and can be booked for seven nights from £539. A three night stay can be booked from £385. A small charge of £23 to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
9. Canoe find a better deal for dogs?
Blue Monkey is a beautiful Grade II 18th century house that has been lovingly refurbished to provide a luxurious stay for families, pets and holiday makers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Awarded the 4 Star-Visit Britain status, Blue Monkey is a stunning home-from-home set in the pretty and historic villages of Cawsand and Kingsand on the Rame Peninsula.
Blue Monkey is comprehensively fitted out with everything for a self-catering family holiday. It comprises four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pretty sun-trap garden (with BBQ), which is great for dogs, and a delightful open plan living/dining area where you can relax in front of a roaring open log fire.
As well as a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, guests have free use of two kayaks - ideal if you have a dog that's mad about swimming! Blue Monkey is a mere 30 metres away from the beach and the year-round dog-friendly Kingsand Beach is close by.
Blue Monkey was formerly the village pub known as "The Blue Anchor" and was regularly visited by Lord Nelson who could often be seen dancing the night away up in the first floor front room. Its name hails partially from this period, but also from the time when the house was used as the cannon ball store supplying the fort; "Monkey" was the name given to the triangular formation the cannon balls made when they were stacked, hence Blue Monkey.
Blue Monkey sleeps eight and can be booked for seven nights from £629. A three night stay can be booked from £448. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet's stay.
10. Horses and hounds go free at Old Lanwarnick.
Old Lanwarnick is a stunning collection of five beautifully restored, boutique, luxury self-catering cottages near Fowey, Polperro and Looe, Cornwall. Set in 34 acres of countryside within the charming 1,000 year-old hamlet of Old Lanwarnick, each property welcomes dogs and horses free of charge.
Recently the focus for Discovery Real Time's House Wreck Rescue, this collection of 5-star, Gold Standard Award self-catering barn conversions are now available for bookings though Blue Chip Holidays.
Guests wanting to make the most of this area of outstanding natural beauty can take walks along South Coast path to Fowey and Polperro, or visit the dog-friendly, former smuggler's cove at Lansallos, just three miles away. Guests with horses have free use of stabling, each of which has large, grassy, individual turnout paddocks. And for those without, horses can be hired for accompanied hacking and picnic rides over the surrounding countryside.
This lovely collection of holiday homes includes Hob Nob, sleeping six; Blackberry Barn, sleeping four; Rainbow, sleeping three; The Spice Barn, sleeping two, and Honey Pot, sleeping two. Each has been tastefully furnished and decorated throughout to create a 'boutique hotel' feel. The walls are adorned with stunning, original oil paintings, and wonderful pieces of sculpture and craft can be found in each property.
Hob Nob, the largest of Old Lanwarnick's holiday homes, is an impressive former barn that retains the charm and character of its whitewashed stone walls and impressive vaulted beams on the upper floor living area.
Downstairs, its three generous bedrooms (two doubles, and one twin) have been given a warm and cosy feel with a combination of chic bedding and furniture, and original works of art above each bed. Wooden flooring throughout adds to the classic feel of the barn, while slate flooring at the entrance makes for a splendid welcome.
Outside, Hob Nob has a fully enclosed, private sun-trap garden, with a large lawn area, raised flower beds, granite chipping paths, and a patio area furnished with table, chairs and barbecue.
- Hob Nob sleeps six and can be booked from £640 per week.
- Honey Pot, sleeping two, can be booked from £333 per week.
- Rainbow Cottage, sleeping three, can be booked from £435 per week.
- Spice Barn, sleeping two, can be booked from £384 per week.
- Blackberry Bar, sleeping four, can be booked from £512 per week.
For bookings visit: bluechipholidays.net
For special occasions meals can be prepared in the barns by local chefs, and Champagne breakfasts can even be delivered to the door. And, food boxes ordered in advance will be unpacked and put away in cupboards and fridges, ready for guests' arrival.
On-site facilities include a health suite complete with a small gym and hot-tub barn with music, lights and views. Holistic therapies are available including a range of massage, reflexology and beauty treatments. Clay pigeon shooting can be arranged, and bicycles can be hired for cycling trips.
Add to this a fantastic range of activities that can be arranged in the local area including polo lessons, 4 x 4 off-roading, surfing lessons, rock climbing, boat trips, sea and river fishing, Daphne Du Maurier walks, helicopter flights and kayaking, and Old Lanwarnick becomes the perfect place to stay, whatever your whim.
As Zilpah Hartley, presenter from Discovery Real Time's House Wreck Rescue, said:
"Stunning setting, luxurious interiors and the very warmest of welcomes from your perfect hosts, Jo and Mike, will make your stay at Old Lanwarnick one to remember. The hard work and dedication I witnessed when they renovated Old Lanwarnick shows in every aspect of the accommodation and those lucky enough to stay there will want to return again and again."
