Give the dog a break
Claire Packer investigates where to take Fido on holiday
only allowed on the beach at certain times of the year, so checking ahead is a must. For something a bit more unusual, why not head to the centre of the Earth and visit Halliggye Fogou? Managed by the Cornwall Heritage Trust, it is a series of complex caves associated with the Cornish Iron Age settlements. Fido will have the chance to look for distant relatives, because he too can go exploring in the caves (though he must be kept on a lead). Book a cottage in Helston on cornishcottageholidays.co.uk and then plan your break from there.
North Yorkshire
Peak District
A quick search on peakcottages.com revealed several properties in the area where pets are welcome. Garden Cottage in Ashford-in-theWater looked lovely and was perfect for what I needed: a one-bedroom cottage which slept two people and was dog friendly. Now I had my base camp sorted, it was time to see what there is to do. Just 20 minutes south of Bakewell, off the A515, there are lots of places to visit, including the beautiful Dovedale, with its dramatic limestone scenery and excellent dog-walking opportunities. Head in the opposite direction and there is the Longshaw Estate, which boasts more fantastic walks. It also has its own shop, so one of us can wait outside while the other buys some hot chocolate. Perfect.
Britain’s first national park, the Peak District, occupies over 500 square miles of beautiful countryside in the heart of England. Here you West Cornwall will find rolling hills and lively waterfalls. My dogs love getting their paws wet. They Ringing ahead is very important, love charging into the waves at the “After and even though it is obviously beach, though they always seem outdoors, I thought it would they’ve surprised by how wet they get. be best to check where been in the After they’ve been in the water, dogs are allowed. Lorraine McKechnie-Ryder, National water, as soon as as soon as your dog’s tail starts shaking, it’s time to run! If you Trust spokesperson for the South Peak District, your dog’s tail starts want to have a complete break filled me in on the canine shaking, it’s time from city life, I suggest a coastal holiday, where humans and guidelines. “You must always to run!” canines alike can have a paddle in keep your dog on a lead and the Atlantic. keep it within sight and under There are plenty of opportunities to control,” she said. “It is also worth get your feet wet and experience the sounds checking where you can take your dog of crashing waves and salty sea air in West when you go to specific properties.” Cornwall. Many sites there are managed by the A good central location is important, so National Trust, including the dramatic coastline I plumped for the rural town of Bakewell, of The Lizard and Byname Cove. Dogs are located in the south of the Peak District.
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All photos: CP
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n my experience, three can be a crowd – especially when the third person is of the canine variety. If you’re planning a short break and there is no-one available to dog-sit, why not bring the dog? Taking your dog on holiday can be great fun, especially as having a dog makes you get out into the fresh air more. But before Fido packs his suitcase, it’s important to make sure you have thought in advance about your destination’s dog-friendly credentials. With this in mind, I looked into three places my partner, our dogs and I can go. Read on to see which idea is perfect for you, but remember to keep your canine companion in mind.
Welcome to Bronte country. Unleash your romantic side and take Fido for a walk among the hills that inspired Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Ripon, near Harrogate, is a perfect base, with wonderful walks all around. Harrogateholidays.co.uk offers lots of stunning properties, such as Cowsgate Cottage, which sleeps five to six people and charges £20 per dog. With over 400 acres of woods and moorlands to explore, Brimham Rocks is a great day out, though sturdy footwear, flasks of hot drinks and waterproofs are definitely recommended. Owned by the National Trust, it welcomes dogs, but they must be kept on leads, especially during April, May and June, when there are ground-nesting birds in the area. For a more sedate and relaxing day out, I suggest the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Dubbed “the Wonder of the North”, it is Yorkshire’s first World Heritage Site, with the largest monastic ruins in the country. There are itineraries available from the visitor centre which offer suggestions for a one-day walk, a half-day walk and a two-hour walk. An adult ticket is £8.25 but your canine companion goes for free.