13 Dreamy Dog-Friendly Retreats Within 2 Hours Of London
The Walled Garden, Cotswolds
Located on the western edge of the Cotswolds, not far from Bath, The Walled Garden is a beautiful honey-coloured house. With two ground-floor bedrooms, a large bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen-lounge with an indoor wood burner, the house has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Outside, there’s a lovely terrace and large garden which dogs will love, as well as a tennis court and pavilion – ideal for al fresco dining. There are several good walking routes to explore nearby, while the Hare & Hounds in Bath is a lovely dog-friendly pub.
Short stays from £995.
Visit UniqueHomestays.com
The Fallow Treehouse, Hampshire
For something a little different, this cosy treehouse has a separate room for four-legged friends. Overlooking the vines of Black Chalk Vineyard in Fullerton, guests will feel completely secluded in this treetop hideaway which has a living space with a small kitchenette, bedroom, stylish bathroom and an outdoor freestanding bath. Guests will be treated to a complimentary breakfast hamper and a bottle of the vineyard’s English sparkling wine on arrival. In the area, there are lots of dog-friendly hiking routes with stunning viewpoints, as well as gentler walks to local pubs like the Peat Spade Inn where you can get a quiet local pint and enjoy delicious truffle chips.
From £274 per night.
Visit CanopyAndStars.com
The Matchbox, Rye
The Matchbox is a luxury beach house overlooking Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Just a five-minute stroll from the sea, guests and dogs can enjoy an early morning dip at Winchelsea Beach before relaxing on the south-facing deck for al fresco dining. Inside, there’s a stylish open-plan kitchen and lounge area, three bedrooms and a generous family bathroom with a rolltop bath. Long dog walks are best spent on Winchelsea Beach, while families can explore Rye with its cobbled streets and crooked medieval buildings.
Short stays from £1,350.
Visit UnqiueHomestays.com
Flora & Fauna, Worlingham
Located in leafy Worlingham – less than a 20-minute drive to the sea – this idyllic cottage can be found perched on the edge of a historic 400-acre estate. Guests and dogs are welcome to explore the grounds during their stay, with wild woodlands and meadows right on their doorstep. Inside, the interiors are traditional and cosy, with double and single bedrooms, as well as three bathrooms including an en-suite. After a day spent exploring, curl up with one of the movies from the DVD library or choose a family-favourite on Netflix. Flora & Fauna also has a selection of bicycles, which guests are free to use during their stay.
From £1,073 per night.
Visit PlumGuide.com
Grain Store, Bibury
Located on the outskirts of Bibury, a quaint village in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, Grain Store is one of five beautifully converted barns owned by Bibury Farm. Exposed beams and brickwork feature throughout – a nod to the property’s previous life as part of a working farm – coupled with stylish decoration and comfy furnishings. Cosy up in either of the two lounge areas, both with log burners, or sit around the breakfast bar in the airy, high-ceilinged kitchen. Perfect for large families or groups, the property sleeps up to ten guests, with five bedrooms split across two floors. Dogs can roam in the garden and explore the vast estate.
Price on request.
Visit BiburyFarm.com
The Store At Wellhayes, Dorset
The Jurassic Coast has countless dog-walking routes to explore, so this lakeside retreat is a great choice if you want to stay in the area. Tucked away on a quiet reserve, the property has a small lounge area with an indoor burner, a large kitchen, and an-suite double bedroom. During the summer months, guest can relax in the outdoor hammock and take the property’s rowing boat out for a trip on the lake. Dogs can head on a short circular walking route around the valley in the morning or relax in the spacious garden which looks like a beautiful meadow.
Price available on request.
Visit SawDays.com
The Sanctuary, Hampshire
Located on the borders of the New Forest, The Sanctuary is a lovely rustic cottage, ideal for a couple’s retreat. This industrial-style bolthole has one double bedroom with a super-king-size bed, a bathroom with a copper bath and overhead shower, and an open-plan lounge area with an indoor wood burner. Guests can cosy up indoors, relax in the jacuzzi hot tub, or fire up the barbecue during the summer months. Lymington nearby makes a lovely day out, as does Milford-on-Sea.
Short stays from £1,250.
Visit UniqueHomestays.com
The Cider House, Suffolk
The Cider House is a traditional thatched country cottage located on The Wilderness Reserve, a 5,000-acre country estate, in-between the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold in Suffolk. Ideal for paws and people alike, the house sleeps 12 with six en-suite bedrooms with freestanding baths, and room for several dogs. The house has a swimming pool, and a hot tub and sauna, while the surrounding area has plenty of countryside walks dogs will love. For a special treat, ask the host to organise a breakfast hamper.
From £1,132 per night.
Visit FishAndPips.co.uk
Sea View Apartment, Hastings
Set in the trendy town of St Leonard's-on-Sea in Hastings, this seaside apartment is housed in a converted Victorian townhouse. With a double bedroom, bathroom and a spacious lounge and dining area, each room is simple yet stylish. Dogs can roam in the garden, which has lovely sea views, or go for a stroll along the nearby seafront. For some of the best food in the area, head to Hastings Arms which also welcomes dogs.
From £93 per night.
Visit Airbnb.co.uk
The Fish Treehouses, Cotswolds
For a luxe experience, it doesn’t get much better than the three treehouses at the Farncombe Estate’s Fish Hotel. Sleeping up to two adults and two children, each treehouse has two bathtubs on an outdoor deck, underfloor heating, Nespresso machines and a well-stocked mini bar. One of the treehouses is dog friendly, while all come with views of the surrounding woodland setting. Guests are also welcome to indulge in any of The Fish’s onsite dining options, including Hook, a seafood-inspired restaurant helmed by Farncombe’s culinary director, Martin Burge, and the outdoor Feasting on the Deck.
Prices from £370 per night.
Visit TheFishHotel.co.uk
Hill Cottage, Norfolk
This quaint county cottage is tucked behind a short row of houses in a peaceful cul-de-sac in Holt, Norfolk. Inside, original property features like wooden beams and fireplaces have been carefully restored, while the inferiors are modern and stylish. There’s a large kitchen, cosy living room with an indoor burner, and a spacious double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and lovely views over the garden. Dogs will love exploring the outdoor space and can cosy up by the fire in the evenings.
Price available on request.
Visit Sawdays.com
Rural Barn Conversion, Brenchley
This stunning barn conversion in the village of Brenchley in Tunbridge Wells can be reached from London in a 90-minute drive. Inside, there’s an open-plan lounge and kitchen with beautifully restored beams and wooden furniture, plus a king-sized bed with plush soft furnishings. Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, where dogs can roam freely on the estate, is only a short drive away but the property has its own secluded garden if you’d rather relax on the estate.
From £140 per night.
Visit Airbnb.co.uk
Big House On The Hill, Wales
Overlooking the beautiful Tanat Valley on the Welsh/Shropshire border, this impressive house is surrounded by four acres of gardens and lawns. Ideal for a big group trip, the house is set over three floors, with reception rooms and seven bedrooms, five of which are en-suite. Guests can cosy up by the open fires in the living space and head on a long dog walk to explore the surrounding area. For special occasions, the property can organise a private chef to create delicious breakfasts using local produce, candle lit dinners, or simple sharing suppers. On arrival, you’ll even receive a welcome hamper full of local treats.
From £4,000 per week.
Visit FishAndPips.com
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