Main Image: Harry rests her weary paws by the fire at Stag Cottage in Cumbria

“Started early, took my dog” – Emily Dickinson

Love dogs? So do we! What’s more, we believe that one of the greatest joys of a holiday is getting up to escapades with your dearest companions.

Very sadly, we lost our beloved Bearded Collie, Harry, last July. We have some very special memories of her, including stays at our dog-friendly holiday cottages. She also often starred as a model in our photo shoots - see if you can spot her in some of these images.

To celebrate her life, and National Dog Day on August 26th, we thought it would be good to write a blog highlighting our top 10 dog-friendly cottages. With wonderful features to delight both you and your loyal hound, these cottages include enclosed gardens, access to walks, open plan living spaces and sometimes even doggy welcome hampers, ensuring your precious doggy enjoys your holiday as much as you do….

1. Five Star Cumbrian Cottages

Why dogs love them: Dogs are as welcome as humans at all of our 5* rated Cumbria properties. These dog friendly holiday cottages provide the ultimate luxury base to enjoy a rural getaway with your fur family with pawsome doggy extras including towels, bowls, poo bags and welcome treats to make sure your hound feels at home. Lying in the tranquil and beautiful Eden Valley and Ullswater, with muddy rambles from your doorstep, riverside walks, high fells, huge forests and dog-friendly steamer cruises across placid lake Ullswater, your four-legged friend will be spoilt for choice.
Sleeps: 2 dogs each plus 4-24 humans
Why dog owners love them:"Great location with easy access to the Lake District, particularly stunning Lake Ullswater and Lowther Castle which we would highly recommend for a family day out! Also some excellent dog walks in the surrounding area. The accommodation was hugely spacious with all bedrooms en suite and we could not fault this place! The attention to detail was second to none, with extras such as the welcome hamper, dog treats and dog drying towels being an added bonus waiting upon our arrival. Our dogs had plenty of room in the safe surrounding garden." - Antony (stayed at Cazenovia Hall)
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2. Homely Threshing Barn in Devon

Why dogs love them: Our charming barn conversion comprises two bright cottages with contemporary décor and cosy wood burners Set on a semi-working farm near Honiton within the peaceful Otter Valley, there’s ample room for your pups to pad around both inside and out, with a fantastic fenced-in lawn as well as the farm’s surrounding fields. With numerous walkies from the doorstep and highlights such as the South West Coast Path, nature reserves and dog friendly beaches nearby, there's no end of natural spaces for you to explore. The local pubs are paw-friendly too!
Sleeps: 2+ dogs each plus 4-12 humans
Why dog owners love them:"This barn is well maintained, equipped and very clean. Ted is a super host, on site and very smiley! The welcome box is substantial. It is set in a rural location but links up easily to the A30 and all the coastal towns. We walked our dog in the fields round the farm. We highly recommend this property for a Devon based holiday." - Laura (stayed at Hunters Moon)
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3. Hot Tub havens in Somerset

Why dogs love them: We offer five luxurious Grade II listed cottages on the 3,000-acre Dillington Estate near Ilminster which are not only beautiful and special to stay in, but also homely and perfect for a plus one with paws! In a picturesque rural setting with easy access to the Jurassic Coast, guests can amble through the parklands and footpaths that weave through the estate from the door. Cocooned by stunning and secluded gardens with a wood-fired hot tub, enjoy drinks on the terrace in peace, knowing your dog is safe to romp and roll.
Sleeps: 2 dogs each plus 4-16 humans
Why dog owners love them:"We had such a fantastic family trip away to The Dairy House. It’s tucked away in peaceful scenic surroundings, yet it is also in close proximity to the local shops. Our dog absolutely loved the fields surrounding the property. The property is spacious and the garden is a great size for playing games & exploring." - Charlotte (stayed at The Dairy House)
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4. Water Park Retreats in the Cotswolds

Why dogs love them: With over 150 lakes and 93 miles of well-marked footpaths and wooded areas to explore, the Cotswold Water Park is the most perfect getaway for both human and hound. We offer seven pet friendly holiday lodges sleeping 5-10 people set on gorgeous lakes with waterside decks and barbecue. It’s a short stroll to the pooch friendly Lakeside Brassserie and the Cotswold Country Park & Beach even has a special dogs swimming area! Perfectly placed for exploring the wonders of the Cotswolds, dog-friendly attractions nearby include the Royal Gardens at Highgrove and Tewkesbury Abbey gardens.
Sleeps: One or 2 dogs each plus 5-10 humans
Why dog owners love them:"Stayed for a week with OH, 3 children and our dog. The house is fantastic, furnished to a very high standard. Lovely open plan living area, spacious and leads onto outdoor deck, which has direct access (via a secure gate) to the jetty. Perfect location for kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding." - James (stayed at Scout on the Water)
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5. Luxury Hot Tub Lodges in Essex

Why dogs love them: Welcoming up to three lucky dogs, our luxury self-catering eco-lodges are a great choice for a getaway to the Essex countryside with your hounds in tow. Four-legged guests will love the 500 acres of rolling private grounds, where they can explore safely, while their humans can unwind in the hot tub and take in the spectacular lakeside setting. Sniff out the beaches, unleash the local forests and sample some wonderful ruffreshments at the dog friendly pubs and restaurants on the doorstep.
Sleeps: 3 dogs each plus 2-4 humans
Why dog owners love them:"Beyond expectations. We celebrated a 30th in a perfect relaxed state. Will come again. I think the dog enjoyed it even more than us. Even she looked sad to leave." - Keith (stayed at Campion Lodge)
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6. Bakewell Treats

Why dogs love them: Enjoy an encounter at our ten lovely dog-friendly holiday cottages at Haddon Grove Farm near Bakewell in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park. Bursting with classic country charm, the cottages share a large indoor swimming pool, games room, play area and three acres of grounds including a large enclosed exercise field for your pups and children to burn off some energy! You have some delightful dog-friendly attractions, including the Chatsworth Estate, bustling Bakewell and lots of walking trails including the Monsal Trail nearby, ideal for dog walks.
Sleeps: One dog each plus 2-10 humans. Sleeping 51 between them, gather together all your favourite people to celebrate a big event in style.
Why dog owners love them:"Buttercup Down was the nicest 'dog friendly' cottage we have had the pleasure of staying in. The level of accommodation is often compromised when you have a dog but not here! Luxury accommodation in a beautiful area. Our children loved the pool and the games room was a bonus in the rain. The quality of the decor and the comfy beds mean a return stay for us, for sure." - Nicola (stayed at Buttercup Down)
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7. Welcoming Yurts near Newquay

Why dogs love them: Our five dog-friendly Yurts are luxurious and off-grid - just the place to reconnect with your pack on a Cornwall break. ‘Pawfectly’ located in an impressive grand old estate overlooking the stunning Porth Reservoir, your pets will love to sniff out the site’s magical ancient woodland walks from the Yurt door. Cornwall loves dogs, and the lively coastal town of Newquay with its many dog friendly beaches is less than 5 kilometres away, providing your dearest companions with ample dog-walking adventures.
Sleeps: One dog and 2-6 humans
Why dog owners love them:"Our best glamping so far. Well appointed yurts with super comfy beds, spacious wetrooms (indoor, with hot running water and flushing loos). Dog and kids loved it. Firepits and outdoor couches galore, we sampled the pizza oven one night, best pizza ever! The bright and beautiful artwork always puts a smile on your face. Super location minutes from the best beaches in Cornwall. So good we didn't want to leave." - Sarah (stayed at Top Dog)
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8. Lovingly restored Herefordshire barn

Why dogs love it: Deep in the heart of Herefordshire, Hampton Wafre Cottage makes the perfect retreat for a small family and two lucky dogs. Situated on a working arable farm with fabulous unspoilt countryside views, both two and four-legged guests can enjoy walks from the door, including the Three Choirs Way, plus the opportunity to potter on the farm or fish for carp in the on-site lake. The doggy welcome basket and the underfloor heating make this delightful stone haven sheer doggy heaven!
Sleeps: 2 dogs plus 4 humans
Why dog owners love it:"We had a lovely few days in this perfect cottage. Beautiful place and surroundings. Delicious hamper and even one for our dog! Very dog friendly and some lovely walks from the front door. Comfortable beds, cosy wood burner and underfloor heating. Excellent fishing too!" - Carolyn
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9. Historic farm cottages in Wales

Why dogs love them: Located on a historic working sheep and cattle farm between the Brecon Beacons National Park and Gower Peninsula, our three enchanting dog-friendly retreats near Pontardawe combine a beautiful blend of old and new, with stylish furnishings, local artwork and private outdoor spaces to unwind in. Explore 120 acres of enchanting private grounds with your pooch, including a magical bluebell wood, tumbling mountain stream and hillside areas with panoramic views of the Welsh countryside – the farm trail starts right from your cottage doorstep!
Sleeps: 2 dogs each plus 2-4 humans
Why dog owners love them:"Wonderful cottage set around three other cottages - peaceful, relaxing, dog and child friendly with fabulous rural walks. The perfect place to get away from it all - the cottage was well equipped and the owners were the most obliging hosts I have ever met." - Linda (stayed at Bwthyn Y Saer)
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10. Cosy Farm cottages in Exmoor

Why dogs love them: Our four dog friendly barns near Dulverton have oodles of charm with a wealth of original features and roaring wood burners, perfect for relaxing with your exhausted playmate! The setting is brilliant for a holiday with up to four dogs, who will love venturing along the Two Moors Way from the gate, the owners’ 60 acres of fields and woodlands and splashing through water at Tarr Steps nearby. And if the kids have still got energy to burn, let them clamber all over the climbing frame in the play area while the grown-ups chill out.
Sleeps: 4 dogs each and 4-6 humans (18 between them)
Why dog owners love them:"A perfect place to spend the summer staycation. Two teenagers, two adults and two dogs easily accommodated in Kiri. Amazing views and location for walking/biking/kayaking/paddle boarding and wild swimming near the Tarr Steps. Couldn't ask for a better place to recharge" - Christina (stayed at Kiri Cottage)
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Our dog-friendly holiday cottages

Harry at Stag Cottage, Apple Mill and The Oaks

Staycation Holidays offer a fantastic range of dog-friendly holiday cottages welcoming one to four dogs with open paws all year round. You can paw through our whole collection here, or pick up the ‘dog and bone’ and call our holiday advisors on 01275 217575. We’re here 7 days a week to help you choose your perfect dog friendly holiday cottage and can always collie you back!

And when you book one of dog-friendly holiday cottages, just let us know if any members of your party have four legs and we’ll do all we can to keep those tails wagging.