We had a truly spectacular holiday touring Scotland with our lovely dog, Barney, in September. We stayed in a fabulous dog friendly holiday cottage, Caol Ithe at Fionnphort on the west side of Mull, for a week and explored the whole island. A scenic ferry crossing from Oban, which allowed dogs inside and out and provides dog water bowls. The highlight was our amazing boat tour with Staffa Trips to Staffa Island, also very dog friendly, we saw a pod of dolphins and had an hour to explore this beautiful unspoilt island with hexagonal pillars and the famous Fingals Cave. The ferry to Iona was also dog friendly and the walks and beaches are stunning. We found pubs that allowed dogs and everyone was friendly. Mull is a walkers and scenery lovers paradise with waterfalls, lochs, sandy beaches, mountains, castles and wildlife, and wall to wall scenery, a perfect dog friendly holiday.
Finding dog friendly accommodation that accepts more than two dogs can be a challenge. As a three-dog family (two whippets Misty and Sparky and a blind lurcher, Scout) we do struggle but in July 2018 we spent a glorious week in a 17th Century stone cottage in North Wales. Y Bwthyn is nestled amongst the hills of Cwm Bach Valley near Harlech and forms part of a working farm. For that reason, dgogs must be on a lead and under control at all times. The cottage was everything we could have hoped for and more. As you enter the property there is a useful ultility room, ideal for storing muddy boots and all manner of dog paraphernalia . A stable-type door leads into a spacious kitchen where we were welcomed by the sight of a huge Victoria sponge cake and a dozen fresh farm eggs. Bottled water was also left for us in case we did not want to drink from the tap as the water for the cottage was filtered from a spring and could sometimes be a little discoloured, something that didnt bother us at all. Stairs led off from a comfortable lounge area, with a log burner to two well proportioned bedrooms and a large bathroom. Hi everyone, I am Biggles! I am a proud and noble Border Terrier and my hoomum and dad took me to Whatley Manor near Malmesbury as is befitting my status. Coincidentally, it was Her birthday too! The garden was massive! He said they were called Grounds and they even had a river running through and I was allowed in all them gardens sans lead! As long as They picked up my poo ( well they are my staff after all). We had a big bedroom and it even had a little courtyard I could pootle about in to do my important sniffing and peemails. I had a nice new bed to sleep in, some bowls and a mat and my very own bottle of special water - nothing is too good for me. I was given new treats and food and even a toy which I could take home with me! They had torches and poo bags too for walkies. But the bestest bit was when They went to dinner - the nice ladies on reception said I could sit with them in reception and help them answer the phone and stuff, so I wouldn't be lonely. Everybody said hello to me and they called me Mr. Biggles. They even took me for a walk as They were taking so long to have their dinner. When I finished my walk, the nice ladies took me to the bar where They were having coffee and drinkies and I was given a biscuit - to be honest I was given biscuits all night (don't tell Them). I loved this place so much I have insisted on going again at Christmas time. Coincidentally, it's His birthday on the 21st December. I might try the Spa next time - it looked very posh...
Last Saturday we went to Bakewell with Dobby. We have always loved the place but it's been at least a decade since we had a dog with us.
Anyway we found a lovely cafe. Great food for us, the afternoon tea was amazing, and Dobby was made welcome, even being some doggy treats on his own special dog shaped plate. We highly recommend Toscas tea gallery and so does Dobby Excellent meals both bar and restaurant. Really beautiful location. Friendly staff. Famous for their selection of home-made beers and lagers. (Micro-brewery on site.) Small village setting. Plenty of space for safe walking of dogs. Live music. Comfortable rooms, especially No 8. All dogs welcome, including some bedrooms. Perfect place to chill out. Early booking very essential. Perfect for getting away, surrounded by mountain scenery. My review is a little different. My friends own a Motorhome and visit Ferrymeadows site frequently. It is in Nene Park with loads to do, lakes and miles of walks on both hard paths and tracks. I don’t own a Caravan so I rented one from nearby D&G Motorhomes and they delivered it on site and set it all up for me.
The Van was superb, spotless and kitted out with everything you need. They showed me how to do everything and my dogs just loved it, the site facilities are great for dogs. There are two cafes and lots of picnic areas. My girls swam in the lakes and the wildlife and scenery on the river is beautiful. There is a dog friendly Pub nearby too. I will certainly do this again. Just spent an overnight at the Inn on the Tay, very dog friendly. Can eat in the lovely lounge/bar for dinner and breakfast. Staff very friendly and food first class
Applecross in Wester Ross was fantastic. All the pubs and restaurants were dog friendly and the accommodation was ideal. The cottage was 10 min walk from the beach and set amongst the woods. It was completely enclosed with fencing and gates which meant the deer couldn't get in and our Jasper couldn't get out. We just opened the door'and let him wander to his heart's content.Can't wait to return.
Warm welcome for dogs from the first entrance. Dogs allowed not only in bedrooms but most of the bars and snugs and even a dog friendly restaurant section . Fabulous grounds sweeping down to the old sea cliff overlooking the National Trust Studland beach. 5 miles of Caribbean type sand with astonishing views plus heathlands, forest and chalk downland to explore from the doorstep . Staff all very accommodating and helpful and learnt Millie’s name immediately . Food excellent for dog owner. Relaxed but high standards . Lots of dogs in hotel but all quiet and well behaved - they must have known how rare a place this is !
We stayed at the Travelodge Coventry and the room was large and spacious. The receptionist was welcoming and lovely
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