Six storybook cottages you can stay in
indulge your inner child with a fairytale trip
Experience a magical stay in a fairytale cottage plucked straight from the pages of a children’s book. These six Disney-like storybook cottages that you can actually stay in promise dreamy breaks in stunning surroundings with some of the UK’s very best dog walks on the doorstep. Which will make your wish list?
Undercastle Cottage
If you grew up reading Swallows and Amazons and Wind in the Willows, prepare to have your heart stolen by Undercastle Cottage. Set deep in the woods of the New Forest National Park on the banks of the Avon, this idyllic cottage with its beautiful timber frame and thatched roof is charm personified. With only free-roaming ponies, deer and wildlife for neighbours, it’s wonderfully secluded, too.
What to do … Pour yourself a glass of champagne, light your favourite candle and indulge in a soak in the freestanding roll top tub.
Where to explore … Once a royal hunting lodge and the property of the Crown, the 220 square miles of The New Forest National Park can now be enjoyed by everyone, four-legged friends included. Choose your favourite from one of these forty great New Forest walks.
Undercastle Cottage sleeps six humans and welcomes three dogs.
Shepherd’s Cottage
Practically paw-fect, both dogs and their owners will love a stay at Shepherd’s Cottage at A Corner of Eden in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden Valley. Equidistant between the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, if you can tear yourself away from this rustic, romantic cottage and its surroundings, you’re positively spoilt for choice for dog friendly destinations to explore.
What to do … Sip on a sundowner and enjoy a dip in the outdoor bath.
Where to explore … The Eden Valley is one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Lush green countryside, historic market towns and some of the quietest walking routes in the North West can be found here. One of our favourite routes is the walk up Dufton Pike from the charming village of Dufton, not far from Appleby. From Dufton you can pick up the Pennine Way, sometimes referred to as ‘the Backbone of England’. If you don’t fancy tackling this 268-mile-long distance trail, from Dufton you can also reach High Cup Nick, one of the most awe inspiring places in the north of England.
Shepherd’s Cottage sleeps two humans (with space for a little one) and welcomes an unlimited number of dogs.
Les Figues
A little further afield, tucked away in the Auvézère Valley on the edge of the idyllic village of Ségur le Château in central France, you’ll find Les Figues. A Disney-esque abode (the narrow medieval streets with cobbled roads makes us think of Beauty and the Beast), Les Figures was originally built for a noble barrister in the 14th century. We love it.
What to do … Pop to the popular café/restaurant, Le P’ti Bar, just a few steps away from Les Figues. It sits on the village green overlooking the Auvézère River.
Where to explore … The fairytale-like village of Ségur le Château is a dream to amble around. With medieval and noble houses overlooked by a ruined chateau at the top of the village, it’s more than a little bit magical. The well-signposted village sentiers (pathways) offer peaceful dog walks through fields full of wildflowers and wildlife.
Les Figues sleeps eight humans and welcomes two dogs.
Garden Cottage
A gingerbread-style cottage nestled in the grounds of Oakley Hall in Hampshire, Garden Cottage is brimming with charm and personality. With its spacious accommodation, breath-taking views, and access to the hotel’s amenities, it’s a brilliant place to make lasting memories with your loved ones … dogs included.
What to do … The cottage has a lovely terrace with outdoor seating. Whether you use it for a quiet morning cuppa or a tipple or two come the evening, the views across the grounds are wonderful.
Where to explore … With National Parks (New Forest & South Downs), National Trust properties (The Vyne is our favourite) and AONBs (North Wessex Downs & Surrey Hills) within easy reach, you couldn’t be better placed for the most incredible adventures with your dog.
Garden Cottage sleeps six humans and welcomes two dogs.
The Huts at Redford Farm Barns
A trio of cute cabins reminiscent of those found in an Enid Blyton book, these unique huts promise lashings of fun and rural adventures. Nestled in six acres on the outskirts of historic Ludlow, four-legged friends will adore the idyllic countryside location.
What to do … With no WiFi, it’s an opportunity to truly slow down and read the books that you’ve long been promising yourself you’ll get to. Don’t leave without lighting the huge kadai fire bowl and enjoying the serenity of the flickering flames.
Where to explore … For something a little different, Ludlow Castle, perched on a cliff above the River Teme, is one of the finest medieval ruins in England and dogs on leads are welcomed in all areas, including the tea room. Once you’ve explored the castle, head down to the river for a dip or make time for a wander around Ludlow itself.
The Huts at Redford Farm Barns sleep two humans plus one small child and welcomes two dogs.
Atherstone Farm Cottage
We love this dreamy cottage set in a 17th century Grade II listed farm courtyard on the Dillington Estate in rural Somerset. With its thatched roof, stone floors, ancient oak beams and wood burning stove, it’s a holiday home brimming with traditional charm. And with pretty country lanes and woodland walks to discover right from the doorstep, it’s paw-fectly pooch friendly too.
What to do … Trees and seasonal planting means the garden is a nature and wildlife-lover’s dream. We recommend lighting the BBQ, sitting around the table and taking the time to enjoy the beautiful setting.
Where to explore … From the cottage door, enjoy a walk through the 3,000 acre Dillington Estate. It’s dotted with chocolate-box cottages and Grade II listed farms. Time your daily walk with the opening hours of the Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton Saint George. It’s the perfect place for a pick-me-up after a hearty stroll.
Atherstone Farm Cottage sleeps four humans and welcomes two dogs.
