BEST-FRIEND BREAKS
5 BEST DOG FRIENDLY HOTELS
With its unspoilt views of the Galloway Hills, Arden House Hotel is perfect for hearty walks with your dog. There are four acres of pristine woodland nearby. From £45 per night; no extra charge for one small dog per room.01557-330544, www.ardenkirkcudbright.co.uk
Cliveden House loves mutts so much the hotel has created a doggy menu. Pooches (one year old and over) are welcome in your bedroom, and there are 250 acres of National Trust grounds to explore. Doubles from £385 with breakfast; pets from £15.
01628-668561, www.clivedenhouse.co.uk
The Devonshire Fell in Yorkshire has created a Walkies In Wharfedale package whereby owners stay gratis when they pay for their dog. It costs £130 per pooch and includes a doggy bed, water bowl, tasty treats throughout their stay and plenty of room to roam.
01756-729000, www.devonshirefell.co.uk
Clockwise from top: Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire, Dartmoor National Park, The Devonshire Fell in YorkshireFive-star Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire has rooms with direct access to the extensive grounds. There are mappedout walks and jogging trails for you and your four-legged friend to trot along. While you recharge in the hotel spa, a chef will prepare your pet’s regular meal. Doubles from £179; pets from £30.
01582-734437, www.lutonhoo.co.uk
The Raithwaite Estate in Yorkshire has just opened the UK’s rst dog spa in a luxury country hotel, with pampering treatments and grooming services. Rooms are from £103 with breakfast; pets from £15.
01947-661661, www.raithwaitehallwhitby.co.uk
3 BEST SPOTS FOR WALKIES
Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire, with miles of treelined walks and lovely chewy sticks to fetch, is a canine’s paradise. The forest is set in the heart of the glorious North Yorkshire Moors National Park.01751-472771, www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest
Your furry friend will be spoilt for choice when visiting the Dartmoor National Park. There’s a range of marked-out routes snaking through some of the most idyllic parts of this huge swathe of luscious land in south Devon.
01626-832093, www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Left to right: Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and Bournemouth's golden beach The Trans Pennine Trail links the North and Irish seas and can be joined and exited at any point, so you and your dog can have as long or short a walk as the mood takes you. The trail has dramatic scenery and most of it is traffic-free.
01226-772574, www.transpenninetrail.org.uk
3 BEST BEACHES FOR FRISBEE FUN
If you and your canine companion are in need of a beach with a view, you won’t regret a visit to Bamburgh in Northumberland. This sweep of golden sand is guarded by Bamburgh Castle. Look out for seals and wintering birds.www.northumberland-coast.co.uk/bamburgh.php
Bournemouth’s golden sands stretch for miles and you and your doggy can paddle freely west of Durley Chine and east to Hengistbury all year round.
0845-051 1700, www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-todo/beach
The large, dog-friendly Crosby beach, on the Merseyside coast, offers plenty of space to run about.
0151-934 2967, www.visitsouthport.com/things-todo/crosby-beach-p244561
3 BEST PUBS FOR POOCHES
The Royal Oak is a historical coaching inn near Blandford Forum, deep in the Dorset countryside, that is popular with walkers and also a real doggy oasis. From providing water bowls, treats and toys, it’s a hot spot for hound lovers.01258-837248, www.theroyaloakmilborne.co.uk
The Ship Inn in Gravesend, Kent, is a friendly country pub steeped in history. There’s a special area for dog lovers, so your pooch can do some socialising.
01474-814326, www.johnbarras.com
Cheshire’s White Lion Inn is found in the picturesque village of Barthomley. Dating from AD 1614, this is a cracking place to wander to with your four-legged pal and enjoy a drink by the fire.
01928-722494, www.whitelionalvanley.co.uk
…AND ONE FOR HORSE LOVERS
Hoe Grange Holidays offers first-class accommodation for you and your horse or pony (right). Wake up every morning to the sight of your horse grazing in the paddock outside your cabin window. The Pennine Bridleway/High Peak Trail is easily accessible through the elds, providing miles of safe off-road riding. In addition to the local bridle paths you can ride across 250 acres of privately owned farmland. 01629-540262, www.hoegrangeholidays.co.uk/horse-holidays
For more information: www.visitengland.com
Holiday diet for dogs
Holidays are a time for indulgence, but as nice as chocolate cake might be, it’s not overly good for your dog. Din Dins co-founder and pet nutritionist Alison Daniel advises that it’s important to remember that our pet’s digestive systems are far more susceptible to the dangers of highly processed and rich foods than our own. Dogs are simply not designed to eat processed human snacks, and that smelly breath, bad wind, sore or dry skin and itchiness are often linked to diet.
If you want to treat your pet, avoid nuts, crisps and chocolate at all costs and make sure you go armed with a stash of healthy goodies to avoid having to rely on shops nearby.
How to book a dog-friendly escape
Fiona Firth, head nutritionist at Burns, gives her top tips Being able to take your dog on holiday can be great fun, but it is a good idea to research the finer details before you go.Check additional charges
Be aware of differences in price. Some venues don’t charge extra for dogs, whereas others might charge a supplement of £5 to £20 for extra room cleaning.
Do they accept multiple dog companions?
Conditions may vary, too. Some places only accept one dog; others only two. Check when booking. If you have more than two, things may get tricky.
Consider location
Is the hotel or B&B near a main road? Does it have a fenced, secure garden or exercise area? Is there somewhere nearby that you can take your dog to exercise? A groundfloor room may be more suitable as it means getting your dog out to the toilet at night is much easier.
Be aware of the small print
Many places may have extra ‘rules’ to protect your dog, yourself and other guests. I stayed in accommodation in the Scottish Borders, which insisted our dog was treated for ticks before staying as he would be exercising in fields where deer often grazed.
Bring a doggy towel
Although hotels and B&Bs will have towels available it might be an idea to bring your own for your pet. Your old towels will come in handy if you need to rub down a muddy dog before he goes indoors.