Nine Christmassy cottages to take your pooch
Dreaming of a Christmas away from home with your pooch this year? We’ve put together a list of Christmas cottages, cosy pods by the sea and romantic barn conversions that will welcome any and all of your hounds this festive season.
1. Harbour Hideaway
Location: Cornwall
Sleeps: Two
Best for: A secluded Christmas break
Harbour Hideaway is a cosy, self-catering pod located in Nelwyn’s picturesque harbour. This holiday home in Cornwall is fully equipped with everything you need for a tasty Christmas day dinner. And with its own private hot tub, you can enjoy a starlit Christmas Eve soak with your loved one.
Dog-friendly walk: The Penzance to Marazion seafront walk includes a dog-friendly beach.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Stop off for some hearty pub lunch at The Dolphin Tavern – a traditional 16th-century watering hole.
2. Wing in Hampshire
Location: Hampshire
Sleeps: Two
Best for: Having a national park on your doorstep
Nestled on the riverfront, this quaint cottage is ideally located for exploring the New Forest National Park with your pup. Wing in Hampshire has a gorgeous open log fire, perfect for cosying up in front of after a busy day exploring. This Hampshire property boasts open-plan bedrooms and living spaces so there’s plenty of room for all guests to relax in over the festive period.
Dog-friendly walk: Walk through pretty villages and enchanting woodland on the Buckler’s Hard to Beaulieu trail.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Commoners Wine Bar is a family-owned bar and kithcen serving British dishes with an extensive wine list.
3. Trevor Cottage
Location: Conwy, Wales
Sleeps: Eight
Best for: Christmas celebrations by the sea
If you’re gathering the whole clan for Christmas this year, Trevor Cottage is a four-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight guests. It’s located in the seaside town of Llandudno, in Conwy, just a stone’s throw away from the beach and promenade. There’s even an enclosed back garden too for letting your dogs run around.
Dog-friendly walk: Explore the wildlife and impressive limestone geology on The Great Orme trail.
Dog-friendly place to eat: The King’s Head is the oldest pub in Llandudno that serves up tasty pub classics.
4. Lavandes
Location: Norfolk
Sleeps: Four
Best for: Countryside and coastal walks
This contemporary bungalow is located right next to Mundesley Beach, a Blue Flag status beach that allows dogs during the winter months. Lavandes is perfectly located for exploring the Norfolk countryside too. Why not spend Christmas Day with your loved ones and four-legged friends exploring the beautiful Norfolk Broads?
Dog-friendly walk: Walk along Mundesley Beach, your pooch will definitely enjoy a splash in the sea!
Dog-friendly place to eat: Stop off at The Ship Inn for dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients.
5. 39 Foxtail Cottage
Location: Cotswolds
Sleeps: Two
Best for: An idyllic festive retreat
Spend your Christmas break at 39 Foxtail Cottage, a quintessential cottage in the Cotswolds bursting with character. Enjoy stunning views of the nearby deer park and green rolling hills. Just a short drive from popular villages like Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold, there’s plenty to do and explore over the festive period.
Dog-friendly walk: Embark on the Blockley and Batsford Circular for beautiful views of the countryside.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Offering homemade food and local ales, The Great Western Arms is the perfect place to rest tired legs.
6. The Old Cow Shed
Location: Peak District
Sleeps: Two
Best for: A romantic break for two
Located down a quiet country lane, The Old Cow Shed is a converted barn with an incredible rural location. With brick feature walls and exposed beams, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic Christmas getaway. You’ve also got the Peak District on your doorstep for festive (and maybe even snowy if you’re lucky!) dog walks.
Dog-friendly walk: Walk through quaint Peak District villages like Barlow and Cutthorpe on the Linacre Reservoir route.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Independent gastropub, The Peacock Inn, is dog-friendly and just a short drive away.
7. Jara
Location: Northumberland
Sleeps: Six
Best for: Getting the family together
Jara is a spacious stone-built cottage located in the popular area of Bamburgh. You and five others can comfortably celebrate Christmas with open living spaces and a contemporary kitchen, perfectly adept for rustling up a Christmas Day lunch. If you feel like seeing some of Northumberland, there’s a beach on your doorstep and plenty of pubs. And of course, don’t forget a trip to see the iconic Bamburgh Castle.
Dog-friendly walk: Enjoy awe-inspiring views of the coast on the Bamburgh to Budle Bay walk.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Treat yourself to Christmas Day lunch at the Bamburgh Castle Inn.
8. Woodside
Location: Scottish Highlands
Sleeps: Two
Best for: Christmas with a view
There’s no better way to spend Christmas than in the Scottish Highlands. And no better cottage than one that looks over the world-famous Loch Ness. Woodside sleeps two, with a cosy log fire, open plan living / kitchen area and an enclosed garden – the perfect setting for couples to enjoy the festive season with their pooch.
Dog-friendly walk: Walk around the magical Ness Islands, connected by bridges and home to a whole host of wildlife.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Dubbed as the ‘Dog Buddy Pub’ of the Highlands in 2018, The Clachnaharry Inn serve up a mean roast dinner if you don’t fancy cooking.
9. Thornsgill Cottage
Location: Yorkshire
Sleeps: Five
Best for: Dog walks on your doorstep
Relax in the tranquillity of the Yorkshire Dales in this charming cottage. Sleeping up to five guests, Thornsgill Cottage in Yorkshire has a gorgeous dining room area for hosting in and three large bedrooms. If you’re the outdoorsy type, Wensleydale and Swaledale are on your doorstep for an adventurous Christmas ‘walkie’.
Dog-friendly walk: Take in views of rivers and iconic limestone scars on the Nappa Hall & Whitfield Gill Force Circular.
Dog-friendly place to eat: Cosy up at The King’s Arms in the village of Askrigg.
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