Dukeries Retreat - Retford Dog Friendly Stay

 

We were recently lucky enough to enjoy a short break at Dukeries Retreat in Retford. Set within 7 acres of beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside, Dukeries Retreat boasts a number of luxury glamping options. From bell tents to nomadic style yurts all complete with hot tub there are no compromises on comfort. 

We stayed in one of their brand new dog friendly Nomadic Yurts (if taking your pups make sure you book the correct yurt/bell tent as not all are dog friendly). Sleeping up to 6 guests I was pleasantly surprised at just how spacious the yurts are. Fully furnished with a super king size bed, bunks, sofa bed and even a dog bed for ultimate comfort. There's an electric heater inside to keep you cosy but we found that we were warm enough without. 

Outside each yurt has its own large decking area and private elevated wood fired hot tub, shower, toilet garden bar and kitchen space. Fully stocked with all the essentials such as cutlery, pots, pans etc. If you fancy dining out you are given a card which gets you discount at a number of local bars and restaurants during your stay. We opted for a takeaway so that we could still enjoy the beautiful views the site offers!

 The decking area is fully covered and sheltered meaning you can fully enjoy the outdoor kitchen and hot tub no matter the weather. 

Each yurt also has its own fire pit and hammock to fully embrace the outdoors and make the most of your glamping experience. 

For those holidaying with friends or extended family there are large communal cooking and dining areas as well as a pizza oven for guests to enjoy. There's also a lovely park area to keep little ones busy and entertained during your stay. 

Just a 15 minute drive from Dukeries Retreat is Clumber Park. With over 3800 acres of woodland to explore this is a doggy dream and one of our favourite places to visit. Perfect for a full day of walking or cycling, safe in the knowledge you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub at the end of the day. Watching the sun set over the Nottinghamshire countryside and gazing at the stars. 

Unzipping the door of the yurt each morning and taking in the views of the lush green countryside was bliss and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. 

 

Love Kelly & Murphy x x 

The Roost Gloucestershire dog friendly stay

 

Nestled within a beautiful 2 and a half acres of meadow in the Forest of Dean, these luxury cedar wood cabins are the ideal dog friendly getaway. The Roost consists of two unique, adult only cabins. The cabins are far enough apart to offer guests seclusion and privacy, something we loved! 

We stayed in 'The Nest' which was tastefully decorated and oozing with cosiness and had everything we could possibly need during our stay. A fully equipped kitchen area with induction hob, mini oven, fridge and dishwasher, king sized bed, wood burner, sofa and a luxurious bathroom with walk in shower, fluffy robes and complimentary locally handmade toiletries. 

There was also a doggy bed, blankets and towels to keep them cosy too!

What made The Roost truly unique, is that the outside area had just as many luxury touches as the inside. 

The large sunken Japanese soak tub was pure bliss and the perfect spot for viewing the starry skies. Due to The Roost being situated in a Special Area for Conservation and close to a maternity roost for the endangered horseshoe bat, by nightfall no outdoor lights are permitted. Battery operated tealights are provided to place around the tub and this only added to the ambiance and beauty. 

I won't lie, I did worry that there wouldn't be enough hot water to comfortably fill the tub due to its size or that it would be cold by the time I got in/get cold very quickly but I was so pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed an hour in the tub and it was blissfully warm when following the instructions to fill it. 

The outdoor cedar swinging love seat was the perfect spot to enjoy a moment reading. Cushions and blankets for the seat were provided for added comfort. 

Both the soak tub and love seat are under shelter meaning you can enjoy the outdoor space even in the worst of British weather! 

Each cabin also has it's own firepit complete with griddle and BBQ utensils for outdoor cooking. 

There are a number of great dog friendly walks that are accessible straight from your cabin if you don't want to drive and a dog wash on site for if they come back muddy. This was a huge bonus for us as I always worry about taking Murphy back when we are away if he is anything less than spotless! 

If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful dog friendly break with an abundance of luxury and unique features then we couldn't recommend The Roost more!

Love Kelly & Murphy x x

Humble Bee Farm - Scarborough Dog Friendly Stay

 

Set within a peaceful, rural valley overlooking the Wolds Way, Humble Bee Farm is the perfect escape for couples and young families alike. Offering a number of accommodation options and an impressive array of onsite facilities and activities, Humble Bee Farm sets the bar high for self catering sites. 

Set on a family run working farm, every effort has been made to make this site as inclusive for all as possible. Whether you're looking for a romantic couples break or a family holiday that keeps the kids busy. With a calendar packed full of events throughout the year from lambing experiences and alpaca walks to pumpkin picking and Halloween parties, the stress of keeping little ones entertained is taken care of. As well as all this, the site also offers numerous farm walks, a nature trail, bird hide, football field, indoor play barn, duck pond, reflection garden and farmyard animals. 

Offering premium wigwam lodges (with private hot tub), smaller glamping cabins known as 'big chief wigwams', yurts, bell tents, cottages and a camping and caravan site there is something to suit all budgets and needs. All accommodation types other than the yurts and bell tents are dog friendly and doggy guests are treated to their own little welcome pack on arrival. 

We stayed in one of the 'Premium wigwam lodges' named 'Farnsdale.'  Despite the size of the site and the many activities and animals that they have, we found it to be very quiet and relaxing whilst maintaining a nice level of privacy (each of these pods are separated by hedging.) The self check in process was very straightforward and we were emailed all of the relevant details and information prior to our arrival. Upon arrival we were left the loveliest welcome hamper, full of high quality local produce including tea, coffee, chocolate, biscuits and crisps. These gestures are always so unexpected but really add such a special touch for guests to enjoy during their stay. 

 Our lodge was incredibly spacious and sleeps up to 6 people! (maximum 4 adults) Kitted out with 1 double bed and 2 sofa beds, bathroom with shower, kitchen area with oven, 4 ring hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, dining table, TV, WIFI. Towels, bedding, crockery, pans, utensils etc are all included making packing a breeze! Being fully heated and insulated meant we were warm and cosy despite the chilly temperatures outside!

Outside our lodge there was private parking for 2 cars, an electric hot tub, BBQ, fire pit and ample seating. With fairy lights adorning the entrance of the lodge and privacy hedging to the sides it was easy to feel immersed in our own little haven. 

For those looking to embrace a more 'back to basics' glamping experience the 'big chief wigwam cabins' still offer ample of the home comforts and are a more budget friendly option. Sleeping 5 on raised mattresses, they are fully heated and insulated still and include a toaster, microwave, kettle and fridge. Toilet and shower facilities are shared and guests will need to bring their own bedding, towels, cutlery, pans etc. 

Image courtesy of Humble Bee Farm

Image courtesy of Humble Bee Farm

As well as the many onsite activities, Humble Bee Farm also offers an onsite cafe bar. 'The Hive' offers guests barista coffee, breakfast, freshly baked sweet treats and stone baked pizza nights on selected evenings throughout the year as well as local beers, wines, cocktails and gins. 

Humble Bee Farm really is one of those places you could visit and have enough onsite to not feel as though you need to leave at all during your stay. However, if you do wish to venture out the Yorkshire Coast offers numerous dog friendly beaches just a stones throw away, as well as the majestic moors and wonderful wolds to explore. There's also a handy guide full of suggestions for guests to browse, emailed prior to your stay to help you plan and make the most of your time there. 

We would like to say a huge 'Thank You' to all at Humble Bee Farm for having us, we won't hesitate to return in the future.

Love Kelly & Murphy x 

The Globe Inn Wells-Next-The-Sea Sandy Paws Stay

 

The Globe Inn is perfectly placed for an adventure on the beautiful North Norfolk coast. With 19 rooms (all of which are dog friendly) varying in size and style, either in the pub itself or situated around the beautiful courtyard, there is something to suit everyone. 

We recently stayed in one of their double rooms which are all situated on the first floor around the courtyard. The room was cosy yet spacious and the decor subtly and tastefully paid homage to the maritime charm of the coast. Doggy guests are welcomed with their own bed, bowl, towel, shampoo, toy and treats to enjoy during their stay and showered with fuss throughout!

The charming coastal town of Wells-Next-The-Sea has everything you would expect from a Norfolk seaside town and more. With 12 miles of dog friendly beach adorned with an array of colourful, whimsically named beach huts as well as an expanse of pinewoods to explore, raised dunes and space in abundance, this really is a doggy haven. Wells beach is situated a mile away from Wells town, the two are connected by a raised path with fabulous views across the channel. It's an easy walk and lovely to take in the sights, however there is a large car park next to the beach with ample space if you don't fancy the stroll. 

The town itself is full of charm, with narrow cobbled streets, old alleys and boat yards leading down to the quayside. Bursting with an eclectic array of independent shops, bakeries, delis and coffee shops. I fell in love with the quaint allure of this little seaside town. 

After a busy day exploring it was lovely to head back to our room, freshen up and then enjoy a wonderful 3 course meal in the pubs restaurant, which also welcomes dogs. With a seasonal menu, as well as staple classics, we were spoilt for choice. Embracing the regions nautical heritage, with locally sourced ingredients, the result is delicious, freshly cooked, hearty food. Dogs are not left out of the dining experience as they have their own 'dog menu' which features sausages, pigs ears and a selection of tasty Denzel treats. 

As part of our Sandy Paws Stay, as well as dinner for two (to the value of £60) breakfast is also included. With a range of cooked options there is also a buffet cart for guests to help themselves to a selection of toast, pastries, fruit, cereal and juices. It was the perfect start to the day and set us up for another round of adventures. 

Throughout our stay the staff were attentive and friendly and could not do enough to make us, and Murphy feel welcomed. From bringing over fresh bowls of water, to offering us tips on where to visit. 

If you're looking for a lovely nights escape where you don't have to lift a finger we thoroughly recommend checking out The Globe Inn's 'Sandy Paws' packages which include: 

• Overnight Stay
• Dinner for two (to the value of £60)
• Freshly prepared breakfast in the morning
• Welcome treats for your pup 

To find out more visit The Globe Inn website. 

Love Kelly & Murphy xx 

*AD/PR stay 

Doxford Farm Luxury Glamping Northumberland - Dog Friendly Stay

Situated on a 500 acre family run working farm in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside, Doxford Farm define the term 'luxury' with their stunning new glamping pods. 

With each pod featuring a king size bed, underfloor heating, WI-FI, flatscreen TV, fridge/freezer, gas hob and power shower there really is no sacrifice to your home comforts. Equipped with bunk beds to comfortably sleep a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) this is the perfect place to take a break where all family members are equally as welcome. 

When speaking with Katryna she said she wanted to create somewhere that welcomed both children and pets without making families feel like their accommodation had been 'downgraded' by doing so. That vision has certainly been achieved! From the quirky decor, modern furnishings and numerous thoughtful touches throughout, guests comfort is at the heart of it all. 

Upon arrival we were greeted with a bottle of prosecco, luxury handmade chocolate and iced 'woofins' for the dogs. A thoughtful touch that sets them apart, ensuring guests feel thoroughly spoiled during their stay, even their four legged kind!

We stayed in the pod named 'Ribbons & Raisins' and was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was. The quirky, yet tasteful decor throughout adds character to each pod (they're all unique) and the sumptuous velvet sofas make for a great place to relax and unwind after a long day exploring!  

Just 4 minutes from the most beautiful (and quiet) dog friendly beach at High Newton this was a gem of a recommendation that came from the owners and a place we are already desperate to return to! 

If you're looking for a luxury getaway that the whole family can enjoy this is definitely the place for you! 

Love Kelly & Murphy x x

 

Netherby Estate Woodland Yurt - Dog Friendly Stay

 

A hidden gem on the England-Scotland border, Netherby Yurt is hidden away in its own private woodland clearing. With acres of land that's yours to explore this really is an outdoor lovers paradise. 

From the Yurt you can see up to the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders in one direction, the Lake District in the other, and the Solway coast is close. With a whole host of woodland trails across the Netherby Estate also mapped out as an option for you during your stay you really are spoilt for choice! 

The Yurt itself is beautifully decorated with a boho vibe. An array of soft furnishings from beanbags and footstools to rugs and throws, coupled with the log burner give the place a really cosy feel. The coffee table made from upcycled driftwood and adorned with tealights further added to the cosyness once the light faded and the fire was roaring, The vintage suitcase at the foot of the bed made me reminisce of Harry Potter and Hagrids hut. 

Just outside the Yurt there is a firepit with natural log benches placed around the sides for enjoying in the evening (unfortunately for us the weather had other ideas!) There is also a BBQ (you do need to bring your own charcoal) as well as a wood fired hot tub. The hot tub is surrounded by a sea of trees and you really do feel like you're miles away from everyone and everything!

As well as the Yurt, guests have access to their own private cabin which is situated just a short walk away. The cabin is fully heated and includes a fully equipped kitchen, sofa and bathroom area with shower, toilet and sink. All bedding and towels are included but it is worth mentioning you might want to pack a robe/extra towels for the hot tub! 

I would highly recommend packing a torch for if you do need to walk from the yurt to the cabin (toilet) at night. The path down is very dark and although there are a few solar powered lights that dot the path, we found that these weren't working. I'd also recommend packing a camping stake for pups. Although this is fully private it is also open woodland and inquisitive pups are likely to wander! 

We loved our stay here and enjoyed every second, despite the constant rain. It was just made even more cosy listening to it from inside the yurt! 

Love Kelly & Murphy x