Choosing your Dog-friendly Holiday Cottage
For many of us, it wouldn’t be a holiday without our dogs, which is why at Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of luxury holiday cottages that welcome four-pawed guests.
Let’s take a look at just a few of these lovely dog-friendly cottages. They’re in beautiful locations across the UK, and all have something special to offer your pet.
What to look for in a Dog-friendly Cottage
When you’re choosing a holiday cottage for your dog, what do you need to look out for? Here are a few features that will help your pooch have the best holiday.
- A safe garden. It’s much easier for both dogs and humans if there’s a nice, enclosed garden near the holiday cottage. A dog-friendly meadow is even better…
- Close to great scamper spaces. Are you near a dog-friendly beach or a park?
- Access to good walks. A lot of our cottages are in great walking country, which active dogs will love.
- Cosy spaces. Is there a comfy corner in the house that will help your dog feel at home? Dogs need to feel safe and comfortable in their beds, so finding a good spot is super-important for them.
- Outside washing facilities. Look out for an outdoor shower or tap, so your doggie can have a refreshing hose down after a sandy or muddy walk.
- Extra little touches. Some properties offer extras like dog treats, bowls, blankets and beds. In semi-catered properties, you can even sometimes book a doggie hamper or treat box!
But the best thing? Being together on holiday. Just look out for the Pet-Friendly icon next to a property.
Luxurious Cottages in Great Dog Walking Spots
Do you and your dog love going on long walks together? (Step forwards, border collie owners.) If so, look out for a holiday cottage that has access to footpaths and trails directly from the door (it’ll save you getting your car boot muddy!). Natcol is a traditional cottage in Gwynedd that has beautiful walks straight from the house, as well as dog friendly beaches a short drive away.
When we think of walking holidays in Britain, we often think of the Lake District. If you want a lot of countryside on your doorstep, take a look at beautiful Loch an Eilein cottage, which has a lovely lakeside walk and easy access to the Cairngorms National Park.
Holiday Cottages for Sea Dogs
If your dog loves a paddle or a sprint across the sands, check out this coastal cottage. Just up the coast in Devon, Sloopside gives you stunning contemporary accommodation with the most spectacular outlook across to Burgh Island. As a bonus, it’s also close to the coast path for walkies.
This property is definitely worth snapping up: a cottage in the heart of beautiful St Ives that welcomes pooches. Maranatha sleeps eight humans and even has its own parking space. St Ives is a great holiday destination for pets because some of its beaches are dog-friendly all year round. It’s always worth checking this before you book a seaside holiday, as many places do have seasonal restrictions in place.
Dog-friendly Cottages with Great Gardens
We mentioned that a garden is a great idea for your dog-friendly holiday. It gives you a safe and easy place to exercise your dog and on a sunny day, you can all enjoy hanging out together.
With lots of lovely walks and beaches, the Isle of Wight is a great place for a pet-friendly holiday. The Farm Cottage has a pretty enclosed garden with a sun sail for shelter and garden furniture for the humans. The rural setting is absolutely gorgeous.
Cosy retreats that Welcome Pets
Are you looking for a cute getaway that welcomes pets? A snug wooden cabin makes the perfect base for a walking holiday or simply a cosy retreat. Older and less active dogs will love a spot by the fire, while more energetic pooches will enjoy the rural locations.
Meadow View is a charming thatched cottage in Suffolk with lots of features for a happy dog: a warm fire, an enclosed garden and access to a two-acre dog-walking meadow. Maple Shepherd’s Hut is a delightful retreat for two (plus pets) close to fantastic walks on Dartmoor. The Little Barn in North Norfolk has the most charming (and safe) little garden, with a lovely wood burner for snug evenings in.
