Dog Friendly North West Holiday Cottages

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Fiona - Verified booking

  Beautifully decorated and super clean - but this is not a cottage, it is a basement flat.

  We would never have booked it if we'd understood that from the description given on the website. The flat is built into the hill beneath the hosts' busy home and the two bedrooms are dark and cold - they did provide a dehumidifier for the damp in one of them and extra blankets which were needed in AUGUST when we visited, though our daughter still had to sleep in her fleece it was so cold. As both bedrooms are partially underground they have very little natural light and only one small window in one wall above head height - which opened at foot level of the hosts’ own garden so we had to keep the blind shut as you’re completely overlooked. Same at the front of the flat where you're eye level with the hub caps of up to 4 vans and cars parked right outside coming and going daily during our visit - until the second week when the hosts asked us to park in the next street so they could resurface the driveway for the next 2 days. Clearly work that had been planned in advance and should have been forewarned when booking. There were positives: lovely shower room, big squishy sofas, really well equipped kitchen and cakes, milk and eggs provided on arrival. Sadly this did not make up for the misleading description which does not make clear that this is a basement flat and there was no privacy or peace and quiet - which was what we really wanted. The hosts did say when we arrived that they had family staying with them but I'm not sure they realise that every footstep, toilet flush and children running up and down goes straight through the ceiling into the flat below. If you are used to people walking around above you and don’t mind people walking up and down right outside every window, you’ll be fine. We were very disappointed and had we not endured a 400 mile drive to the property would not have stayed after seeing what it really is when we arrived.

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• Nikki - Verified booking

  Lovely warm and cosy cottage.

  The kitchen is well equipped although I really missed a dishwasher! I cooked all our meals and seemed to spend alot of time washing up. A dishwasher would have been easier. The lighting in the kitchen isnt great either, it needs some lighting under the cabinets. However, it was very well equipped and i found everything I needed. The cup cakes were a lovely touch and the kids loved them. We took our 2 dogs and the garden area is safe and secure and you can close the gates and leave them out without worrying about them. Beds were comfortable and cosy and lots of nice big towels in the bathroom. It is worth noting that the cottage is below the main house, so you can hear the owners walking across their floors from quite early in the morning. It didnt bother us that much, but it did wake the kids up on our first morning. There was no wifi or phone signal which was ok for the couple of days we were there, but it would have been annoying and inconvenient if we had been there for any longer. The upside to this was the kids put their tablets down and played with each other, so not all bad!! We went to the beach most days which is either a 2 mile return walk from the cottage or you can drive to it and park right up on the beach. You need to go when its low tide though, otherwise its all pebbles which is tough walking for the dogs and kids. When the tide is out, its a fabulous long sandy beach. Overall, we had a lovely short break and its a sweet little cottage.

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• David - Verified booking

  The cottage was furnished to a very high standard and we enjoyed our stay.

  Its position sits on a very busy road but the traffic going past didnt bother us. There is no pavement so walking the dog was an issue but we went out every day. The parking for your car is down a steep slope, next to a garage, and getting back out is a trial as you cant see the traffic coming. A road mirror opposite would be a big help. The only small points with the cottage were my wife wished there was a dressing table mirror to sit at when drying her hair. There should also be a roller blind on the landing and bathroom windows as the houses opposite get a good view if you forget yourself. On the positive side, the cottage has loads of plug sockets, some with usb ports. The jacuzzi bath was great fun (the plug is a dial on the side) and the kitchen had everything you could need.The shower was excellent and the beds are very comfortable. The sofas are both electric recliners with usb ports in the side.Fantastic and very comfy. I would speak to Gavin, the owner, who runs the pub next door, about parking in the pub car park, if the slope bothers you. Would recommend Fernleigh Cottage as a good base for the south Lake District. The pub next door does great food and beer and we ate there a couple of times. The staff were lovely and helpful and nothing was too much trouble.

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• Howard - Verified booking

  This was our second visit to Raceside Cottage, and the facilities have improved since last year.

  Two new 2 seater sofas and a large screen TV are added facilities. The accommodation is very spacious and it is very well equipped throughout. Beds seem to creak a lot, but they are actually very comfy. The property is always very clean on arrival, and the welcome gift of home baked fresh cream cup cakes from the host, Viv, are delicious. The local pub, the King Billy is still closed for refurbishment, but it is currently set up at nearby Brockwood Hall, a 10 minute drive away, and it’s worth the short drive. Also recommend the Brown Cow and Bridge Inn for meals out. Easy walk down to the local beach via a level farm track, or the short drive to Silecroft (pebble) or Haverigg (sand). You are away from the main tourist traps of the Lake District, but Coniston Water and Muncaster Castle are less than 45 minutes away. Highly recommend a train trip on the Cumbrian Coast line from Millom or Silecroft up to St Bees (10 min walk to large sandy beach). The train line literally hugs the coast for most of the journey (hourly service both ways). As it was our second visit, you can guess we wouldn’t have gone back if we didn’t like it.

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• Linda - Verified booking

  Raceside is an extremely well equipped cottage in a beautiful, quiet location.

  The cottage was cleaned to high standard and on arrival the owner had left delicious homemade cakes, milk and eggs. The whole cottage was very comfortable and well maintained. There is a lovely seating area outside, shared use of the owner's garden and ample parking. The beach is a pleasant walk, taking about 20 minutes down quiet tracks. At low tide, the beach is a vast sandy beach with beautiful views of the mountains and you normally have it all to yourself! My dogs absolutely loved it. Silecroft beach is the next beach along, which is a short 5 minutes drive, again it is beautiful sand at low tide, with toilets, cafe and free parking. The cottage is well situated for visiting Wastwater and the high fells, Eskdale and also Coniston is within easy reach. There is a pub, just a couple of minutes walk from the cottage that serves food and the small town of Millom is a 5 minute drive, offering a few shops, pharmacy and takeaways. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful. This is my second stay in this cottage and would definitely recommend it for quiet break in stunning surroundings.

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