It’s Autumn again and what a wonderful time of year this is to get away for a few days. If you’re looking for last minute dog friendly holiday cottages, stop looking right now, because we have the perfect thing for you, with prices starting from just £215 for a whole week! We have five gorgeously cosy holiday cottages in Devon, hidden away in the hills, reached only by a long winding lane; come see.
Doesn’t that sound idyllic, that thought of being tucked away somewhere remote, somewhere far, far away from the hurry-scurry? The world is a crazy place right now and everyday the news is so gloomy. Come and stay at Stonehayes Farm where you can forget about it all and have your own little November Nirvana, waking up to birds twittering and lazy lie-ins, a tray of tea and toast, the days stretched out before you all yours to enjoy however you want.
Whether that’s just padding softly round the cottage or getting out and exploring is up to you of course, but hey, you’ve got your mutt with you and he needs his exercise. No excuses round here for missing it, all you have to do is pull on your boots and coat and step out from the door into the fields. There are 15 acres here at Stonehayes Farm, glorious views over the up-and-down countryside of the Otter Valley and the Blackdown Hills, the iron age fort of Dumpdon Hill up behind you, the River Luv merrily tripping along below. Of course, it’s an absolute joy to be here anytime of year, but when autumn is spread out before you with its myriad colours – all those golds and browns and russets and reds all tumbling together, well, you lose your words.
How lovely is that? A leisurely stroll through the fields and then back to your last minute dog friendly holiday cottage? And it’s always there so you can stride out whenever you like, that's the beauty of it. If you fancy venturing out and about a bit further, you’ll find more beautiful places for an amble with your furry friend. Within just a few teeny miles are Hembury Fort and Hawkswood, and of course, there’s the whole of the Blackdown Hills to explore, a wonderful world of windswept plateaus, gently rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and peaceful villages of centuries old cottages, working farms and friendly country pubs. Climb to the top of Culm Beacon for views to shout about, head back down to the Culm Valley Inn for lunch; follow the trails at Castle Neroche or Staple Common and wind up at The Greyhound Inn or The Holman Clavel. Enjoy the tranquility at Otterhead Lakes and then pootle off to a pre-booked table at The York Inn at Churchinford or The Candlelight Inn at Bishopswood.
Only about half an hour away you can stroll along the Grand Western Canal at Tiverton, or serious walkers can walk a section of the South West Coast Path or the East Devon Way. And that’s the other thing – the coast! It won’t take you long to get there at all, and as most of the beaches have no dog restrictions now you can run along the shore with your pet, send him in for doggie paddles, or even wander up onto the clifftops for the best sea views. Axmouth harbour beach is always quiet, or you can walk along the beach from Seaton to Seaton Hole and if the tide is out you might like a little spuddle in the rockpools. At Lyme Regis, Monmouth Beach is dog friendly and you can walk along the historic harbour wall, known as The Cobb. Probably one of the best for families is Jacob’s Ladder Beach at Sidmouth because it’s sandy, has rockpools, dogs are allowed, and it’s rather fun going back up the wooden steps (which is why it’s called Jacob’s Ladder beach) to the town gardens.
Don’t worry about the weather, please don’t. Fair enough, if it’s lashing with rain it might not be much fun going for walks, although we’re country folk and you know what we say? No such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! So maybe check the forecast and come prepared, but look, if it stays dry that’s great, get wrapped up in warm coats and scarves, pop your bobble hat on and get out there in the elements, feel the wind in your hair, the cold tingle of rain on your skin as you rush for shelter.
Oh but, oh but! When you get back to your dog friendly self catering cottage at Stonehayes Farm, that’s when it gets really cosy; light the wood-burner, pull the curtains and snuggle up on the sofa in your big thick jumpers and woolly socks. Spoil yourselves with hot chocolate with marshmallows floating on the top, and a plate of hot buttery crumpets; get a pot of the heartiest stew cooking, settle down to watch your favourite film for the evening. It’s all so good for the soul, that kind of thing, time out, away from the crowd, just you and yours and man’s best friend.
A last minute stay in a dog friendly self catering cottage in the country could be just what you need right now, the perfect antidote to these tumultuous times. Fresh air is so good for you; team it with gorgeous unspoilt countryside and it’s bound to put a smile on your face, not to mention a wee bit of colour in your cheeks. And it helps you to sleep well, so if sleep is something that’s been deserting you lately, maybe this will be catch up time for you. Happy days, peaceful nights, time for dreaming and snuggling, time to yourselves. Check out our latest deals and book today!