Our labs enjoying the bluebells

Our labs enjoying the bluebells

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Dog Friendly Holidays In Cornwall

Valleybrook, Peakswater, Lansallos, Looe, Cornwall
Well-behaved dogs are most welcome at Valleybrook and all properties offer private gated gardens for your dogs to enjoy, plus a large off-lead exercise paddock for more strenuous fun. Six luxurious pine villas and two delightful cottages all have access to around 6 acres of woodland and open heathland.

Located in a country valley within easy travelling distance of all Cornwall's major attractions and beautiful beaches. The local kennels provide day-kennelling should you wish to visit an attraction which is unsuitable for dogs.
More info on Valleybrook and other dog friendly holiday properties can be found on the Plus 2 Dogs website.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Dog Friendly Cottages In Somerset

Primrose Hill Holidays, West Somerset

Four award winning self catering bungalows situated in Blue Anchor Bay, nestling between Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills.

All the bungalows have an enviable view of the stunning West Somerset Coast from their private gardens.

With many hundreds of beautiful walks across Exmoor and the Quantock Hills, and with a dog friendly beach close by at Blue Anchor Bay this really is the perfect place to bring your faithful friends on holiday with you - well behaved dogs are welcome as they love visits here too!
Number of Dogs - 2

Friday 26 August 2011

Dog Friendly Days Out

Days Out Ideas For You & Your Dogs

If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a day out with family, friends, or just you and your dogs this weekend then the National Trust website may have the answer.

The trust's 'dog pages' on its website have loads of ideas for dog friendly places to visit and plenty of dog walking inspiration too - from countryside to beaches and estate grounds and gardens. There's also info on the various dog friendly facilities at different National Trust estates.

For more info visit the National Trust's dog page on its website

Thursday 25 August 2011

Dog Friendly Holidays In Norfolk

Clevency Cottages, Great Snoring, Norfolk

Clevency Cottages are situated in the sleepy North Norfolk conservation village of Great Snoring, just 6 miles from the coast at Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham.

These traditional brick and flint 17th Century cottages are quietly located in the heart of the village set in lovely peaceful gardens.

There is a great footpath just round the corner from the cottage, so very handy if you don't want to drive anywhere to take your dog for a walk, but there are some fabulous beaches close by where you can go - most of which have no restrictions for dogs, even in the summer months!


Open all year round and offer short breaks during off peak periods, prices starting from as little as £170 for 3 nights.
Number of Dogs - 2 (any more on request)
Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Wednesday 24 August 2011

News

News From Forestry Commission:

New Moves To Tackle Seasonal Dog Illness  

Agencies and landowners are stepping up their efforts to find out why some dogs have fallen ill while on countryside walks. Cases of so called Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) occurred during the Autumn of 2009 and 2010 in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and Warwickshire, although there have been reports from further afield.

Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking and trembling and high temperature and have generally been displayed by animals within 24 hours of walking in the countryside, especially in woodlands. 

Jo Atkinson, from the Forestry Commission, said: "Although no cases have yet been reported this year we are working with our many partners to get a clearer picture of the distribution and reasons behind this upsetting sickness. Both dog owners and vets can play their part too in helping protect cherished pets."

Developments include: 
  • Agencies including the Forestry Commission and Notts County Council have teamed up to ensure that data collection on incidents is co-ordinated to achieve a much better picture of any outbreaks. It is likely that cases have gone unreported in previous years.
  • The Animal Health Trust is asking dog owners who have walked in affected areas to fill in a questionnaire at www.aht.org.uk/seasonal_illness.html even if dogs did not fall ill.
  • Nottingham University Veterinary School is to carry out two research projects to try and develop a test for a possible toxin which may be to blame.
  • Landowners are seeking to work with vets to learn about cases more rapidly so they can inform people using their sites for dog walking.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service will monitor reports for unusual cases which could be SCI.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Everyone concerned with animal welfare can help.

Dog owners
  1. Be vigilant for signs of illness and contact a vet immediately if concerned.
  2. Be aware of where your dog is walking and what it may be eating and drinking.
  3. Think about keeping your dog on a lead.
  4. Tell other pet owners about the project to spread the word.
Vets
  1. Report suspected cases in Nottinghamshire to enquiries@sherwood.forestry.gsi.gov.uk
  2. Collect and store samples for possible use by Nottingham University.
  3. Encourage pet owners to complete the Animal Health Trust questionnaire.
  4. Display the questionnaire prominently in surgeries.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Dog Friendly Norfolk

Sunwright Holidays, Hemsby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Newly refurbished and double glazed self catering holiday chalets in Hemsby, Norfolk. Sleep up to 6 with 2 bedrooms. Fully equipped kitchen with all your cooking and dining needs, bathroom with shower over bath. Close to the beach (open to dogs) and all local amenities.

Dogs are most welcome and they will be happy to help you find the best 'walkies' and dog friendly establishments.

Number of Dogs - Any

More details on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Monday 22 August 2011

It's Bank Holiday Time

Fancy Escaping This Weekend?

With the last bank holiday of the summer coming up this weekend you might fancy attempting a last minute short break with family, friends and your canine companions.

If so, try the Plus 2 Dogs website for plenty of ideas and inspiration on dog friendly places to visit and walk as well as lots of dog friendly accommodation, from B&Bs to cottages to holiday parks.

Friday 19 August 2011

Dog Friendly Holidays

Dog Friendly Lake District

If you love walking and love having your canine companion with you on day trips, short breaks and holidays then the dog friendly Lake District in Cumbria is an excellent place to head for.


Plus 2 Dogs recently returned from a short break in Grasmere and found the place to be most dog friendly. There were lots of dogs on their holidays in and around Grasmere and Ambleside in particular  and many of the shops welcome dogs - the walking ones especially but even some of the gorgeous gift and homeware shops welcomed them as well! Quite a number of the shops even provided doggy refreshments in the shape of indoor or outdoor water bowls!  If you fancy a bit of refreshment for yourself then some of the cafes are also dog friendly so you don’t have to leave Fido tied up outside whilst you sip your coffee and devour cakes.

If you fancy treating your dog to a bit of retail therapy then a good number of the shops in the Lake District carry ranges of pet products, from coats and leads to toys and snacks. You could also head down to the lake and the Waterhead area in Ambleside to pay a visit to a shop entirely dedicated to pets – the impressive Paws By The Lake.  This shop enjoys an amazing setting right near the lake shore and stocks all that your dog could wish for – toys, collars, beds, food, snacks and much more. For indulging yourself with a little gift or two, there are mugs, pictures, clothing, ornaments – lots of quirky and gorgeous items for you to peruse.
Here’s our ideas for a dog friendly break in the Lakes:
Dog Friendly Walks In Cumbria:
*Dog  Friendly Accommodation In Cumbria:
·         self catering dog friendly holiday accommodation click here 
·         and for dog friendly B&B’s click here 
The Lake District is, we think, an excellent dog friendly holiday location.

Thursday 18 August 2011

Dog Friendly Hotel In Yorkshire

The Old Mill Hotel & Restaurant, Langtoft, Yorkshire

Small family run country house hotel set in the tranquil Yorkshire Wolds surrounded by open fields and rolling countryside. The hotel has nine luxury en-suite rooms and a restaurant serving meals at lunchtime and evenings.
Dating back to the 17th century, The Old Mill was formerly the farm house attached to the corn mill.

Recently upgraded to 4 star by "Visit Britain" inspectors, the hotel has a relaxing bar area and guests can sit here with their dogs and eat if they wish.

The car park is secure and floodlit and is ideal for a final bedtime dog walk. There is a charge of £10 per dog for the duration of your stay.

Number of Dogs - Any

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Dog Friendly Wales

If you're looking for dog friendly cottages in Wales (along with ideas for great Welsh dog walks, dog friendly pubs, places to eat etc) then try these websites:

Dog friendly cottages in Wales

Dog Friendly Carmarthenshire

Dog friendly pubs in Wales

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Dog Friendly Scotland

Ardoch Lodge, Strathyre, Nr Callander

Ardoch Lodge enjoys 12 acres of grounds surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, a peaceful and tranquil setting for two log cabins and cottage.

Up to 4 dogs are most welcome. There are plenty of paths to walk in the grounds and beyond in Forestry Commission woodland and the Trossachs National Park. The nearby village has two dog friendly pubs.

Number of Dogs - 4

More details on the dog friendly holidays Plus 2 Dogs website

Monday 15 August 2011

The Weather In Cornwall...

Is The Sun Going To Shine?

The weather can often make or break a holiday and it helps if you can get an idea of what lies ahead in meteoroligical terms so that you can plan your holiday outings and beach excursions accordingly...

In Cornwall you can go to the Destination Cornwall website and find out:

* current actual weather from various destinations all over Cornwall
* weather for next 24 hours and for the next few days
* tide timetable so, when the weather is set fair, you can time your visit to the beach just right

More info, plus live seaside Cornish webcams so you check how busy the beach is and what the surf is like, can be found on the Destination Cornwall website

For accommodation in Cornwall visit the Carnmoggas Holiday Park website for the latest special offers

Dog Friendly Norfolk

Discover Norfolk For Pet Friendly Holidays

Heading to Norfolk for a day trip, short break or holiday this year? The Tour Norfolk website has lots of ideas and information for how to make your Norfolk holiday a pet friendly one.

The website has details on:

* Dog friendly Norfolk beaches
* Dog friendly Norfolk walks & country parks
* Dog friendly places to visit in Norfolk
* Dog friendly Norfolk pubs

For more details visit the Tour Norfolk website

Friday 12 August 2011

Dog Friendly Kent

Crockshard Farmhouse, near Canterbury, Kent
Crockshard Farmhouse is a large, grade 2 listed country house situated in quiet rural surroundings.

All rooms tastefully restored to maintain a country house feel and a full english breakfast is served daily in the farmhouse kitchen for every guest, your pets are welcome to stay with you during your stay.

Number of Dogs - Any

Thursday 11 August 2011

More On The Dog Friendly Lake District

Highbridge Cottages, Cumbria

Highbridge Cottages are located in the village of Braithwaite, a walkers' paradise in the northern Lake District. The village stream runs past the front door, which is on the edge of the common; and pubs, shops and restaurants are all within 400 yards.

Both cottages have a 4-star VisitBritain rating, and the top Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme; the owners try to live in an environmentally sustainable way and positively encourage guests to do the same.


Find out more about Highbridge Cottages on the Plus 2 Dogs website and read our guide to the Dog Friendly Lake District too

Number of Dogs - 2 or 3

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Dog Friendly Holidays In Cumbria

Brathay Lodge, Rothay Road, Ambleside, Cumbria




Brathay Lodge in Ambleside in the glorious Lake District has 19 rooms available with king size beds, these are made up of standard, superior / twin / family rooms (sleeps 3-5 - Pet Friendly). All rooms are en-suite with Jacuzzi spa bath and shower over, tea & coffee making facilities, televisions, and internet access.

Brathay Lodge welcomes pets into a variety of these rooms which provide luxury accommodation in the style of a motel and are very popular as they enable a greater degree of freedom.

Number of Dogs - Any
 
Find out more about Brathay Lodge and also read our Dog Friendly Guide To The Lake District on the Plus 2 Dogs website
 

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Dog Friendly Holiday Travel Guides

Dog Friendly Holidays: Stay, Walk, Visit

If you're on holiday in the UK this year and would like to find out about dog friendly places to visit and stay as well as dog friendly places to walk your dog and dog friendly beaches that you can all explore then make your first port of call the Plus 2 Dogs website which has information on:

* dog friendly cottages, hotels, B&Bs and holidays parks in the UK which will all welcome 2 or more dogs per booking
* dog friendly monthly walks ideas and inspiration
* information on travelling with your pets on ferries, trains & buses in the UK
* PLUS, dog friendly travel guides on
 -Cumbria
- Yorkshire
- Northumbria
- Scotland
- Wales

Discover a dog friendly UK at the Plus 2 Dogs website

Monday 8 August 2011

Dog Friendly Holiday Parks


Dog Friendly UK Holidays

Holiday parks offer great value for money and often have family-friendly facilities on site. If you're looking for a UK holiday park which welcomes your canine companion as well as you and your family then Plus 2 Dogs has a good selection.

More information via the dog friendly caravan & camping page on the Plus 2 Dogs website

Friday 5 August 2011

Ideas For Dog Friendly Days Out

Doggy Family Fun Day, Hampshire

Looking for family friendly days out in the school holidays that are dog friendly too?

Try the Forestry Commission's Doggy Family Fun Day in the New Forest, Hampshire on August 11th.

There will be plenty going on for adults, children and, of course, dogs including the agility course, competitions and stalls.

More info from the Forestry Commission's New Forest web page

Thursday 4 August 2011

Cornwall Welcomes Canine Companions

If you're thinking of holidaying in Cornwall this year then these websites might help you to find dog friendly accommodation and dog friendly beaches there:




* Cottages in Cornwall

* Beaches in Cornwall


Also, for a dog friendly holiday park try Carnmoggas, close to beach and top Cornish attractions, facilities on site include a heated swimming pool.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Dog Friendly Cornish Cottages

Darrynane Cottages, ST Breward, Cornwall
Three detached dog friendly cottages each set in their own private gardens with off road gated parking. Accommodation with four poster beds, wood burning stoves, modern kitchens with fridge freezers, bath with showers, TV & DVD players.
Darrynane is a relaxing place with woods, waterfalls and river. There are many walks from the cottage and a short distance away on Bodmin Moor and the Camel trail.

Pets welcome / open all year

More details on the Plus 2 Dogs website

 

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Dog Friendly Gardens To Visit

Doggy Days Out In Cornwall

On holiday in Cornwall this year? Live in Cornwall and looking for ideas for dog friendly days out?  Then try the Gardens of Cornwall website which is packed with loads of information on delightful Cornish gardens to explore. The website has a special section listing which of the gardens welcome dogs along with their owners and there are 20 gorgeous gardens to explore and delight over.

More info on the Gardens of Cornwall website

Monday 1 August 2011

Dog Friendly Devon Country Estate

The Kingston Estate - Kingston House, Staverton, Devon

The sense of peace and calm at the Kingston Estate makes for a perfect family holiday, weekend escape or romantic honeymoon, yet with a myriad choice of excursions and natural wonder on the doorstep - and it's all pet friendly too.

Kingston Estate consists of the main house, gardens, 9 cottages and leisure facilities which include a relaxing sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and gym. 

More details via the Plus 2 Dogs website  

Dogs are provided with a water bowl, towel, throw, some essential bags and even welcome treats. Whilst Claude the resident Great Dane enjoys meeting friendly dogs for romps in the paddock by arrangement!