Free Event - Dog Walking In Bird Nesting Season

Natural England are running an interesting free event tomorrow (Thursday 1st March) if you're anywhere near Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve in North Yorkshire.

The walk, called Dog Walking in Bird Nesting Season, is being organised for dog walkers so that they can learn about ground nesting birds and how they help support them whilst walking their dog!

Dogs on lead are welcome to attend too!

March 1st is the start of the Bird Nesting Season.

For more details head to the events page of the Natural England website

Dog Friendly Devon Cottages

Fuchsia Cottage, Higher Hollamoor Farm, Frithelstockstone, Torrington, Devon

Dog friendly Fuchsia Cottage is a wing of a 15th Century listed farmhouse, sleeping 4+cot. Set in a smallholding in the beautiful North Devon countryside, the cottage is ideally situated for many local attractions, including RHS Rosemoor and The Big Sheep.

The cottage has an inglenook fireplace with log fire, beamed ceilings and 2 bedrooms, 1 double and 1 with full-sized bunk beds. All heating, linen and electricity are included along with a welcome pack.

The nearby Great Torrington Commons is ideal for dog walking, along with the superb beach at Northam and the nearby Tarka Trail.

Number of dogs - maximum 2 dogs - more possible if small

Find out more on the Plus 2 Dogs dog friendly holidays website

Crufts 2012

Enter the Crufts Factor 2012

Hot on the heels of the Golden Collar awards the Kennel Club is searching for the next generation of canine stars. Dogs with talent are being sought for the first ever Crufts Factor, to take place at the world’s greatest dog show this March.

Similar to Britain’s Got Talent, but with dogs, Crufts Factor is open to dogs with a talent that is fun for both the dog and the public. Pippa Langhorne and her dog Buddy, who won the hearts of the nation in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent will be opening the competition with an operatic duet in the NEC Arena at Crufts in Birmingham on Saturday 10th March.

People who think their dog has what it takes are asked to post their videos on YouTube and send their links into the Kennel Club. People are encouraged to share their videos, as only those with the highest rating will go on to be shortlisted. The four shortlisted videos that best meet the judging criteria will then go on to compete in front of a judging panel, in the final in the Main Arena at Crufts.

The Kennel Club often hears about dogs that sing along to music, play keyboard or even skateboard and so decided it was time to recognise these special talents.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director said: “Crufts celebrates dogs through a number of competitions including Friends for Life, Heelwork to Music and Agility. This year we decided to add this new fun dog talent show where dogs can show off their special skills. Crufts is all about celebrating dogs and what better way to do that than by showcasing some of their unique gifts in a fun way. Dogs love to be the centre of attention and they certainly will be in this competition.”

The talent should be both safe and enjoyable for your dog, and finalists will need to be able to come to Crufts on 10th March at the NEC in Birmingham. For further information, please visit www.crufts.org.uk/cruftsfactor.

Dog friendly cottages In Lincolnshire

Greetham Retreat Holidays, Horncastle, Lincolnshire

If you're looking for a relaxing holiday in luxurious, stylish, pet friendly accommodation, with breath-taking scenery and accessibility along with privacy, then Greetham Retreat, situated deep in the Lincolnshire Wolds, is perfect for you.

All accommodation is smart with a contemporary feel and has quality leather and oak furnishings; some have features such as a wet room or whirlpool baths, all bedrooms having en-suite facilities.

The cottages are located within private enclosed 4 acre grounds containing woodland, wild-flower meadows, natural hedgerows and wildlife ponds, all of which are freely available for your recreation. This is the perfect location for that relaxing getaway with your dogs!

Number of Dogs - 2


Find out more about these dog friendly Lincolnshire cottages on the Plus 2 Dogs website

Dog Friendly Peak District Cottages

Smallshaw Farm Cottages, Millhouse Green
On the edge of the famous Peak District, on a working dairy farm, these dog friendly 17th century Grade II listed 4/5 star cottages combine traditional character and modern convenience to provide luxurious self-catering accommodation.

Situated in an elevated position, the cottages enjoy fabulous panoramic views over the Peak District. A large garden with outdoor seating and barbeque facilities provides a picturesque setting to unwind.

Ideally located if you love the outdoors, dogs are welcome and fantastic walks are plentiful through stunning countryside, both from the cottages and locally.


Find out more on the dog friendly cottages website Plus 2 Dogs Number of Dogs - no limit, but there is a surcharge of £10 per pet.

Dog Friendly Cotswold Cottage Boasts Own Doghouse!

The Coach House,  Brimscombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire
     
The Coach House is a pretty, dog friendly, 18th century cottage in the Cotswold Hills.
It has two double bedrooms + double bed settee and linen, with 3 dogs welcome in the cottage, plus there is a spacious "Doghouse" with bunks, baskets and crates for an unlimited number of extra dogs and other pets!

There's a small secure garden plus 22 acres of woods and paddock to explore with beautiful local walks.

Number of Dogs - 3 in cottage and 8+ in dog house

Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Pet Friendly Award Winning Cottages

Brackenborough Hall, Louth, Lincolnshire
‘Winner: Pets Welcome accreditation, Best Self-catering Holiday in England, 2009/10 – Silver Award’

On the edge of the beautiful unspoilt rolling countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Brackenborough Hall Coach House Holidays offers 3 delightfully converted 4 and 5 star self-catering apartments in a listed eighteenth century Coach House in the grounds of Brackenborough Hall, a Grade 2 moated manor house in the middle of 500 acres of farmland where you can walk your dogs away from public roads.

The apartments have all been converted to the highest standard of quality and comfort whilst preserving the original features of the building which make it unique. They are heated by an environmentally friendly woodchip burner. The apartments accommodate 1 to 12 people when occupied separately, but are also ideal for groups of up to 24 who can enjoy the exclusive use of the entire building. 

Short breaks welcome all year round!
Number of Dogs - Any

Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Dog Friendly Lake District

In our opinion the Lake District is one of the best places for a relaxing holiday, spectacular scenery, lots to see and do, loads of mouth watering places to eat and more walks than you can manage in a whole year!

Whether you opt for the more rugged Northern Lakes, exploring the walks, fells, forests, towns and villages around Keswick, or the Southern fells and the areas around Ambleside and Grasmere you and your canine companions are sure to have a wonderful holiday.
The Plus 2 Dogs top spots for dog friendly places in the Lakes include: Grasmere - this little village is a tourist hot spot and with good reason. If you stay here then the walks from the door are truly amazing - our dogs particularly enjoyed the Alcock Tarn walk, it takes a few hours and has amazing views over the village and the lake. Be sure to take a flask and a snack to have a picnic at the top so you can soak up the views whilst the dogs take a paddle in the tarn (if it's not too cold!!!)

The town itself is very dog friendly and many of the cafes, tea rooms and shops will welcome you and your dog. Several of them even have water filled dog bowls to quench doggy thirst as you all amble around the shops and village centre. There's also a dog friendly park on the edge of the village where Fido and friends can have a run around amidst the glorious scenery.

 Ambleside - the bustling town of Ambleside has loads of walks from the door that are OK for dogs, several eateries and pubs with dog friendly outside seating areas, a very generous park with wide open grass areas where dogs can be safely exercised well away from traffic, plus the lovely Borans Park on the edge of town, sitting on the shores of Lake Winderemere where canines can indulge in a bit of doggy paddling.

 Whinlatter Forest - situated in the Northern Lakes, not far outside Keswick, the Forestry Commission's Whinlatter Forest has great dog friendly walks with the majority being on good width paths and forest tracks on paw-friendly surfaces (i.e. less slate bits and more grass, earth and mud). There are jaw dropping views over Bassenthwaite Lake far below and when you've completed your walk don't forget to call in at the Siskins café at the visitor centre which has a large outside decked area with tables and chairs where you can all enjoy a much needed drink, snack and a sit down.

You might also want to check out the Forestry Commission's Grizedale Forest in the Southern fells near Hawkshead. Our dogs particularly enjoy the 2 ½ hour Grizedale Tarn walk.

Find out more about the dog friendly Lake District:

Plus 2 Dogs website for dog friendly accommodation in the Lakes ( and rest of the UK!)

The Plus 2 Dogs Dog Friendly Lake District pages on Squidoo

Top walk - if you're feeling energetic then try the walk to/from/circular route between Ambleside and Grasmere. One way the walk takes around 2 hours and you can opt for the low level or over-the-fell routes. Alternatively, make a day of it and walk both ways, spending some time in either place for lunch and a look around. Route information is available from most walking guide books and leaflets for the area, visit the walking shops or the tourist information centre in Ambleside for details.

Welsh Cottages Welcome Dogs & Owners

If you're looking for dog friendly holiday cottages in Wales then Stallion Valley is a great place to start!

Surrounded by fields, the cottages are set in 3.5 acres of woodland and ponds.


For your canine companions there's an exercise paddock,  fully enclosed fenced gardens, great local dog walks and even the option for the owners to 'dog sit' for you if you wish.

Stallion Valley is close to Newquay and Aberaeron and just 5 minutes walk to a dog & people friendly pub/restaurant.

Number of dogs welcome - no reasonable limit!

Find out more on Plus 2 Dogs, the home of dog friendly holidays in the UK

Dog Friendly Northumbrian Cottages @ Coast

North East Coastal Cottages,  Northumberland



Situated on the fabulous Northumberland coastline, all North East Coastal Cottages properties are convenient for all of the attractions on offer in the area.



The properties range from cottages to apartments and offer 1-4 bedrooms which sleep between 2-11 people. They are located in Beadnell, Seahouses and Embleton and are all are within very easy walking distance of the county's glorious dog friendly beaches.

Number of Dogs - Dogs are welcome in all but 5 cottages. Details of this are on their website

Find out more about this and other dog friendly cottages on Plus 2 Dogs

Dog Friendly Holidays

Looking for dog friendly holiday ideas, inspiration and accommodation?

The Plus 2 Dogs website has lots of dog friendly accommodation - specialising in holiday properties which will accept 2 or more dogs per booking, not just limiting it to 1 dog as many do!

Plus 2 Dogs has information on:

• Dog friendly travel guides for areas of the UK including the Lake District, North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Scotland, Wales, and Northumbria
• Monthly dog walking ideas - from bluebell walks in spring to cool spots for summer dog walking to the best places to spot the autumn colour in woodlands all over the country
• Ideas for dog friendly places to visit in the UK
• Dog friendly holiday accommodation - from cottages to holiday parks and B&Bs to camp sites

Find out more about dog friendly holidays on Plus 2 Dogs

Dog Days Out

Wallington Woofs In Northumberland

The National Trust property Wallington, near Cambo in Northumberland, is hosting the Wallington Woofs event again this year. The event, to be held on Sunday March 4th between 11am and 4pm, is when Wallington will be, in its own words, running its 'own version of Crufts'. A brilliant opportunity for the whole family to have a day out and get your canine companion (and human companions too!) off that sofa and outdoors.

At Wallington Woofs there will be:
* a dog show
* guided dog walk through the woods
* dog agility demonstrations
* plenty of games and activities for dogs - and their owners!

To find out more call Wallington Estate Office on 01670 773600 or email: wallington@nationaltrust.org.uk

Dog Friendly Somerset B&B

Arden Cottage Bed and Breakfast, Williton, Taunton, Somerset

Why not consider a rural short break or weekend away in Somerset to blow away those cobwebs?

 Arden Cottage is a 'home from home' B&B that is really well placed for long treks across Exmoor, the Quantocks, West Somerset Coastal Walk and Brendon Hills. Not only are there fabulous walks from the 15th century thatched cottage, there are also two dog friendly beaches just a short drive away.
The B&B owners have a true understanding of dogs and genuinely enjoy having them stay. The garden is safe for them to play in and there is a great park just up the road for early morning walks.

They provide treats for dogs on arrival, and even have a special doggie room where dogs can chill out without their owners if desired!

If they prefer to stay in the room, they are allowed as long as they promise not to get on the bed and are not left on their own!
Number of Dogs - 2
Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Dog Friendly UK

With spring and the start of the bank holiday season not far away now, Plus 2 Dogs has turned its thoughts to planning some dog friendly days out.  If you're:

* Looking for dog friendly places to visit in the UK
* Want to locate a dog friendly beach in the UK
* Trying to find dog friendly walks at your day-out destination
* Searching for dog friendly pubs

                                                       Then Plus 2 Dogs can point you in the right direction!

To find dog friendly hotels, B&Bs, cottages and caravan & camp sites throughout the UK be sure to visit our dog friendly holidays Plus 2 Dogs website

Dog Friendly Devon Caravan & Camping

Newberry Valley Park, Woodlands, Combe Martin, Devon

Newberry Valley is a family-run, four star graded touring caravan and camping park set in a picturesque rural valley on the edge of the village of Combe Martin, North Devon. This dog-friendly site is within five minutes walk down to the beach where dogs are allowed all year, as well as the pubs, cafes and shops of the village.
On site the beautiful countryside provides a tranquil place where you can relax and unwind.

With a David Bellamy Gold Award for wildlife and conservation, the site includes a two acre fishing lake and woodland walk. The fully refurbished amenities block has eco-friendly under floor heating and excellent facilities. An all-round lovely site for those who love nature and a touch of luxury!
Number of Dogs - Up to 2 or more by prior agreement

For more details visit the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Wildlife Watch Whilst Walking The Dog!

With snow covering many parts of the UK there's an opportunity to do a bit of 'track spotting' and discover which animals have been wandering around in green areas near you.

Whilst walking the dogs this morning we spotted animal tracks in the snow for rabbit, badger, pheasant and deer, all in a fairly small area of snow-covered grass and woods on the edge of a small local nature reserve - it's fascinating stuff!

Download a guide to recognising animal prints in the snow via the Which website

or visit the BBC website to watch wildlife expert Simon King in action, tracking prints in the snow

Dog Walks In Winter Woods

Looking for somewhere different to walk your dogs? In search of some new dog friendly scenery?

Then you might like to head to the Woodland Trust website to find woods near where you live using the search on the Visit Woods website:

 http://visitwoods.org.uk/en/visit-woods/Pages/get-involved.aspx

Trevaylor - Dog Friendly Caravan & Camping in Cornwall

Trevaylor Caravan and Camping Park, Botallack, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall

Trevaylor caravan and camping park is a family-run site on the west coast of Cornwall at St Just, close to Lands End, Penzance and St Ives. The site caters for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as offering luxury, self-catering caravans - all within a conservation area only 500m from the spectacularly rugged cliffs at Botallack and the West Cornwall coastal path.

Many of Cornwall's historic tin mines, including the Crowns Mine, are within walking distance, and the golden sands of Sennen Cove are a few minutes away by car. The western tip of Cornwall and it's breathtaking scenery offers an aura of peace and tranquility that is hard to find nowadays. Our campsite which is sheltered by hedges and trees, consists of five seperate enclosures, giving plenty of space for families or groups to be together.
Pets Welcome
Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs

Dog Friendly Devon Cottages

Watermill Cottages, Higher North Mill, Hansel, near Slapton, Dartmouth, Devon
 Watermill is a tranquil, traffic free, dog friendly rural retreat close to Slapton Sands in South Devon in an area of natural beauty, valley walks on green lanes, nature and wildlife.

There are five comfy old stone cottages by a shallow stream in 13 acres of lawns, woods and meadows around an 18th century former watermill in a secluded peaceful valley.

Individual, charming and cosy self-catering cottages, well equipped. Walks from your cottgage door around green lanes and further afield, five minutes drive from Slapton Ley which our river feeds, also enjoy the shared lawns, stream, fields and woodland walks in a wildlife haven.

Handy for coastal path and stunning South Hams coastline and 40 mins from Dartmoor, fifteen beaches within 30 minutes drive, most are dog friendly and lots of dog friendly pubs too! They really welcome dogs and have happily hosted up to five, talk to them about your holiday.

Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs Number of Dogs - Flexible, please call to discuss

Dog Friendly Holidays In The UK

Looking for dog friendly holiday ideas, inspiration and accommodation?

The Plus 2 Dogs website has lots of dog friendly accommodation - specialising in holiday properties which will accept 2 or more dogs per booking, not just limiting it to 1 dog as many do!




Plus 2 Dogs has information on:

• Dog friendly travel guides for areas of the UK including the Lake District, North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Scotland, Wales, and Northumbria

• Monthly dog walking ideas - from bluebell walks in spring to cool spots for summer dog walking to the best places to spot the autumn colour in woodlands all over the country

• Ideas for dog friendly places to visit, beaches & walks in the UK

• Dog friendly holiday accommodation - from cottages to holiday parks and B&Bs to camp sites

Find out more on Plus 2 Dogs

Dog Friendly Devon Cottages

Woodland Cottages, West Woodlands, Newton Tracey,  Devon

Woodland Cottages is simply the perfect location for those who love to take their dogs on holiday with them.
 
Three cottages (sleeping six, five and four) are set amongst 24 acres in a quiet, rural location where guests can relax in the knowledge that their dogs have plenty of safe space to explore.

The cottages are only 15 minutes drive from two all year round dog-friendly beaches which offer vast expanses of sand and surf for all. A mere five-minute drive away is an old, English country pub which is also dog-friendly and serves great food.

Spacious, comfortable, and well equipped the cottages have enclosed patios and a vast expanse of grass in front for your dogs to play. They have been designed and furnished with dogs in mind.

Number of dogs - ANY NUMBER!!
Find out more on the dog friendly holidays website Plus 2 Dogs