Must-Do Dog-Friendly Getaways With PetsPyjamas.com
A dog works hard for their human. There’s the five-star welcome, wake up calls and personal training service, not to mention on-tap therapy sessions. With all this graft, it’s no surprise a dog enjoys a break like the rest of us, where they can let their fur down and enjoy exclusive time with their favourite human.
Dog trainer and behaviourist Louise Glazebrook of the Darling Dog Company says: “Dogs love to explore and a getaway with your furry best friend in tow provides the perfect opportunity, plus they get the added bonus of spending more dedicated time with you. Going away often allows owners to do longer walks in some more exciting places than the norm, giving you and your dog a fun break from your daily routine. However, when holidaying with your dog it’s important to get it right– particularly if they are nervous, insecure or sticklers to a strict routine, to ensure both you and the dog enjoy the break. As dog lovers and dog-friendly travel experts, PetsPyjamas recognise this and their staff will help find and plan a break that is right for both of you where your dog will love being spoilt, playing and sleeping in some very dog friendly places, and bonding with their favourite person.”
Having sent over 12,000 owners and 15,500 dogs on their jollies since their official launch in 2014, and booking to more than 2,000 truly pet-welcoming hotels, cottages, country houses and B&Bs around the UK and Europe, PETSPYJAMAS.COM knows plenty about hound and human holidaying. So whether you and your dog are feeling broken by Christmas and in need of a re-boot, or want something to look forward to beyond the January blues, here are 10 breaks your dog wants you to book right NOW!
15-acres of gorgeous farmland to race around, an estuary beach for cheeky doggy dips, a warm campfire to sleep off BBQ’d sausages, and the comfort of a canvas-covered luxury dog-house of their dreams… getting back to nature has never been so glamp-tastic for dogs and their two-legged best friend. Should you both fancy a change of scenery and a break from campfire cuisine, take your pick of nearby beaches, dog-friendly cafes, restaurants and country pubs. Priced from £75 per night. If pampering is your pooch’s thing then this haven of boutique luxury, set in the Carmarthenshire countryside, is just the ticket. Take your pick from coastline, woodland and wildflower meadow walks before enjoying a blissful afternoon of spa treatments. Just for dogs is Cruftz Cutz, which offers services such as Brush, Bath and Fluff Dry, as well as Blueberry Facials. Freshly rested and coiffed, tuck into delicious food at the hotel restaurant before retiring to your bedroom, complete with a private enclosed garden for late night/early morning tinkles. Priced from £210 per night. Another upmarket London stay promising your pup a (super luxe) home away from home. Located in Knightsbridge with famous department stores, Sloane Street, the Kings Road, museums and gorgeous walks in London’s finest green spaces all in paw’s reach, this is prime pooch real estate. Your dog can expect the red carpet treatment with lots of doggy extras but what they will love most about their stay is the option to chomp their way through the NEW Doggy Afternoon Tea Menu including Chicken & Beef meatloaf, homemade doggy biscuit and doggy ice-cream. Priced from £455 per night. For the dog that LOVES his sleep, they don’t come fancier than The Devonshire Arms, which supplies four-legged patrons with a four-poster bed. The Pet Perks don’t stop here. Dogs receive the warmest of welcomes with blankets, bowls and spare leads, as well as a dedicated washing station for use after walks through the Yorkshire Dales. There’s even a cosy fireplace decorated in designer pooch wallpaper, so your dog has some extra company as they snooze. Come dinnertime, staff will set you up on the terrace for an intimate hound and human supper. Should you prefer a two-legged affair, staff will keep your dog company as you dine. Priced from £185 per night. Fvurry beach babes will love to cut loose and chase the waves against the breath-taking Rhossili Bay and its nearby beaches. After a day of sea, sand and hopefully a bit of sun, you and your pooch sit back and enjoy sunsets, stars and slumber in the shelter of your personal retreat featuring its own elevated deck. There’s also a pal on hand for your hound – Woody, Scamper Holiday’s lovable West Highland Terrier. Priced from £103.75 per night. Confident canines, who love the hustle, bustle and glamour of the city, will find The Milestone best in show. Often described as an English country mansion set in the heart of London, it benefits from a premier postcode in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is mere moments away from world-renowned shopping such as Harrods, and overlooks Kensington Palace and Gardens, which are perfect for four-legged jaunts. Your Very Important Pet will receive a five-star reception with a welcome hamper, custom-made Milestone Hotel pet bed, cushions and duvets, a ‘Do Not Disturb/Pet Sleeping’ card, bowls, fresh mineral water, a special pet menu and a turndown treat. There’s also a range of services on offer including dog walking, dog sitting, grooming, birthday celebrations, bathrobes, leashes… the list goes on at this five-star dog-friendly hotel. Priced from £283 per night. A grown-up boutique beachside break for dogs and owners, who take their relaxation and scenery seriously. Situated on the high street, the village’s beach is only a short stroll away and Alnmouth happens to be one of the nicest beaches on the heritage coast. In addition to walking an area of outstanding natural beauty, there are countless dog-friendly pubs to enjoy local brews and make new friends including St Valery’s resident rover Roxy. To ensure your dog feels right at home, the St Valery equips your stay with a bed, bowl and towels, plus there’s an emergency stash cupboard with leads, poo bags and dog-food should you forget something. Priced from £140 per night. Country retreat and beach break collide for your dog’s enjoyment at this stunning historic hotel, built of materials dating back to the 13th Century. Stroll a short walk through the hotel’s grounds (there’s more 30 acres filled with wildlife) before surprising your dog with Climping Beach – one of the most natural, unspoilt beaches in West Sussex where your pooch may roam 365 days a year. Nearby amusement includes Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre, and the Cowdray Park Polo Club for picnics. With Bailiffcourt’s Sandy Paws package, your pooch will receive a Doggie Welcome Kit complete with beach towel and ball thrower, a doggie dinner from the Doggie Room Service Menu and a Pig’s ear treat. They’ll think they are in hound heaven! Priced from £259 per night. Bust out the pet passport, this one is for hounds wishing to broaden their horizons with some overseas travel. A finalist in PetsPyjamas’ 2016 travel awards, Chateau De La Motte is set in the Normandy and offers a great base to explore one of France’s most historic regions. Originally a Viking motte-and-bailey castle, the early 19th century saw this magical château transformed into the home it is today. Surrounded by beautiful parkland, your dog can befriend the Chateau’s six sociable spaniels and St Bernard, who offer a hospitable welcome visiting ‘chiens’. Pack light for your dog, as all the necessaries – bowls, blankets, treats, furniture throws, poo bags and even crates – are provided. Priced from £71.43 per night. Your dog can make like a pupstar and follow in the paw-steps of Insta-famous Tuna Melts My Heart, who has enjoyed a coastal getaway at this beachside retreat. Full of all the charm and fun of a good old English pub, with the style and comfort of a luxury boutique hotel, take your pick from one of eight deluxe beach huts with amazing views. Set in the stunning location of Babbocombe beach, The Cary Arms offers gastro-pub food, real ales, exceptionally dog-friendly facilities and year round access to this dog-friendly beach making it the perfect bolt-hole to blow away the cobwebs and feast on gourmet grub. Priced from £315 per night.Bells & Stars Glamping, Suffolk
The Corran Resort & Spa, Wales
The Egerton House Hotel, London
The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire
Ocean Shepherd Hut, Swansea
The Milestone Hotel, London
St Valery, Northumberland
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, West Sussex
Chateau De La Motte, Normandy, France
The Cary Arms, Devon