Rachel & Lyra

Meet the Owner

Every month we talk to one of our favourite dog owners about their four-legged friend/s and their top dog friendly recommendations – places to stay, places to eat and places to go. We’re kicking off the series by interviewing ourselves, the Dog Friendly Destinations team, starting with Rachel who you’ll mostly find tapping away on a laptop or chasing after her lively children when not out investigating the best dog friendly hotspots in North Wales.

What are Lyra’s favourite things to do?

Lyra loves it when the whole family is out in the garden and the boys (I have two sons, aged 7 and 9) are playing cricket. She’s quite possibly the best catcher but has to be bribed to give the ball back. She’s also a keen squirrel-chaser and a lover of a ham sandwich, preferably from other people’s plates.

What is her favourite dog/puppy product to play with?

She’s a fickle one without a firm favourite, to be honest. One day, it’s a ball. The next day, it could be a squeaky toy. Look under the blanket in her bed and you’ll often find a treasure trove of odd socks so perhaps they’re her preference.

What difference does having a dog make to your life?

We wouldn’t be without her. Don’t get me wrong, having a dog is a huge responsibility and so time consuming when you factor in multiple daily walks and belly-stroking sessions. But Lyra’s part of the family and our days revolve as much around her as they do around any other member. 

Do you like to travel with your dog?

Absolutely! I’m way too much of a control freak to leave Lyra with anyone else so if we want to go anywhere – and we often do – she comes with us.

City, coast or countryside. Any preference?

Definitely the coast or countryside for a holiday. Cities are for nights out without the children or the pup.

Favourite dog friendly place to stay:

Coronavirus has thwarted our travel plans for this year. We’d booked to stay at Another Place in the Lake District in a dog friendly cottage after having visited their sister hotel in Cornwall, Watergate Bay Hotel. They’re both perfect for a luxurious but relaxed stay and set in the most beautiful locations. We love a big family gathering in a dog friendly cottage or barn but these hotels are amazing for a bit of a treat.

Favourite dog friendly place to eat:

We used to live in Zurich, a city where dogs are welcomed pretty much everywhere in nearly all shops, coffee shops and restaurants so it’s so nice to see this happening more and more in the UK now. The Pheasant Inn near Tattenhall in Cheshire is one of my local favourites. Good food, great views and close to so many amazing countryside walks. I’d definitely recommend it.

Favourite dog friendly place to go:

It has to be Bodnant Garden near Colwyn Bay in North Wales, although it’s not open to dogs all year round so do check before you visit. It’s quite possibly one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever been to and spanning 80 acres, there’s always something or somewhere new to discover.

What makes the perfect dog friendly destination for you?

My preference is for somewhere as luxurious and special as we used to go pre-pup but that welcomes four-legged friends with a smile, and with a beautiful garden or outdoor space. And if they serve amazing gin and tonics in a dog friendly bar, I’m sold.

If your dog had a theme tune, what would it be?

The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars purely because of the, ‘No way!’, look she gives me when I suggest a too early morning walk. Lyra does not like to be disturbed before 8am.

Where else can we find you online, for example, your Instagram handle?

I occasionally help Lauren out on the @dogfriendlydestinations account but otherwise you can find me @dogfriendlydestrachel on Instagram.