Dog friendly

Dog walks on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is made for dogs. Wide open spaces and plenty of miles to walk. Join our writer, Philip, on a tour of his favourite dog-walking routes on Dartmoor.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Things to do in a forest

Any time of year is always great for resurrecting some of the simple pleasures of yesteryear. Forests become wonderlands of fun, discovery and adventure. Here’s a round-up of some simple forest fun ideas to try.

Things to do Philip Eley

Dartmouth Steam Railway

Let yourself be whisked away to a bygone age with a nostalgic ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Tolpuddle

This ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.

Things to do Katie Chown

6 riverside cottages in Devon and Cornwall

Find your own little piece of heaven tucked away by the riverside in Devon and Cornwall. These properties boast some of the most scenic views.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Watergate Bay beach review

The vast golden sands of Watergate Bay spread out round the corner from Newquay on the north coast of Cornwall.

Places to Go Abby D

Family friendly walk around Fort Victoria

Get a breath of fresh air with a family walk along the beach and through the woods near Yarmouth. This dog friendly beach means every member of your clan can enjoy the Great Outdoors of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Stonehenge

Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Beaches of the New Forest

We decided to work our way back along the beaches of the south coast despite it being a somewhat dreary looking February day

Visitors' Book Faye

Dunster beach review

A mystical setting on the edge of the Exmoor hills, Dunster beach makes you feel like you've stepped into a children's storybook.

Places to Go Ruth J

Polridmouth beach review

Find beachside seclusion at this secret spot that welcomes dogs all year round - welcome to Polridmouth.

Places to Go Abby D

Exmouth beach review

Exmouth beach is ideal for a day of classic activities like sandcastle-building, paddling and eating ice creams.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Exploring Bedruthan Steps beach 

A golden, sandy beach on the north coast of Cornwall, entangled with a legend about a giant. This is a dog friendly place to go for a walk on the beach while enjoying the Cornish countryside.

Places to Go Abby D

6 Dog friendly beach bars in Cornwall

Treat your dog to a run on the beach and then treat yourself to a refreshing pint of local Cornish cider in the sunshine. These beach bars are the perfect place to relax with your pet.

Classic Fodder Abby D

Places to eat in Falmouth

From fancy seafood restaurants to takeaway falafel vans, Falmouth is brimming with excellent food and drink to devour. There’s so much choice for restaurants, cafes and places to eat in this sunny seaside town.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Gyllyngvase Beach review

A small but busy beach close to Falmouth. Great location for a quick walk or a whole day of swimming, kayaking, sun-bathing, paddle boarding and general beach fun.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Gardens of the Isle of Wight

Tiptoe through the tulips, admire the roses and smell the lavender at the darling gardens on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Weight watching with Dorset walks

Whether you started your resolutions and then lapsed, or never actually got round to starting, there is no time like the present - or no time like when you're on holiday in Dorset, to walk off the weight, with or without the dog as motivation.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Freshwater Bay

A beach profile for this West Wight beach, just around the corner from the iconic Needles.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Ryde Beach

Called Ryde beach by visitors or Appley beach by the locals, this north coast beach is perfect for a coastal walk on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Cornish Dog Walk: Mylor Bridge to Restronguet Creek

This scenic dog walk in Cornwall will take you past expansive fields of cows, through impressive woodlands and alongside the beautiful western shore of the Fal Estuary before finishing off in the postcard perfect waterside hamlet of Restronguet.

Places to Go Abby D

Dog walks in the South Hams

South Hams is one of the most beautiful areas in Devon. It’s got everything for dogs: beaches, hills, woods, streams and pretty villages.

Places to Go Philip Eley

4 Dog friendly days out in Cornwall

Want to explore some of Cornwall’s best attractions with your four legged friend? Not a problem! Cornwall is super dog friendly year round and many of the best sites are open to visitors with paws.

Things to do Abby D

Top 3 dog friendly towns in Cornwall

If you and your canine companion are coming to Cornwall for your holidays we have good news: it’s a seriously dog friendly county!

Places to Go Abby D

Things to do in Ryde

I hadn’t thought much about having a holiday in Ryde before I spent the day there but I was really surprised by what it has to offer.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Top Walks in the West Country

Whether to wear out the kids, or to rediscover alone time together, here are a few of our favourite walks in the South West.

Places to Go Katie Chown

A family day out at Agatha Christie's Greenway

Greenway was the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie and, although my children are old enough to have heard of her, they’ve never read any of her stories. So, to keep their interest up on a visit to her property we play a game of...

Places to Go Philip Eley

Moors Valley Country Park

I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.

Things to do Faye

Lyndhurst and the New Forest ponies

We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.

Visitors' Book Faye

Our holiday in the New Forest

Do I really only get to stay here for the weekend? Perhaps I will call in sick on Monday and stay just a little longer.

Visitors' Book Faye

Out to eat in Lymington

Charlotte and I decided to see if we could find a takeaway for dinner. Yes, there was a fully equipped kitchen to cater to our self-catering needs, but being so close to the sea, our hearts (and stomachs) were set on a fresh fish supper. So fish and chips it was to be.

Classic Fodder Faye

Top tips for a UK beach holiday

We know beach holidays pretty well so we’ve gathered together some of our best hints and tips and put them in one handy blog for you.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Walking around Dartmouth with the dog

With a backpack full of essentials we headed off to start on our epic journey... all eight miles of it! We were both shattered by the end, but it was absolutely brilliant.

Places to Go B Hutchings

Dog friendly pubs in Cornwall

Luckily for me and my black dog, Cornwall is extremely dog friendly – our butcher even lets the black dog in to choose his own bone! We’ve tried quite a few dog-friendly pubs over the years - and these are our favourites.

Places to Go Sian Pickles

Lerryn River dog walk in Cornwall

If you’re on holiday near Lerryn with your four-legged friend, no doubt you’ll have discovered the magical Ethy Woods. But have you explored the other side of the river?

Places to Go Abby D

A dog friendly pub in Cornwall - The Paris Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere traditional, cosy and with views to swoon over for days, look no further. Situated smack bang on the coastal path, it would be rude not to pop in The Paris Hotel, a dog-friendly pub in Cornwall.

Places to Go Abby D

Top ten Autumn walks in Somerset

As the colder months draw in, and golden and red hues fill the trees then empty over the paths as we head through winter, there’s nothing quite like gathering the family for a stroll through the countryside. Embrace the fresh air, wrap up warm and soak in the beauty of Somerset on these ten autumn walks.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

New Year in Cornwall

The festivities have come to a close but there are still plenty of places to explore across Cornwall. Make the most of your stay in the county with some of our favourite activities to do at New Year.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Sea Glass and Dogs at Yaverland

Isle of Wight dog walks at Yaverland don't come prettier than this one filled with sparkling sea glass for beach wanderers.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Top 6 dog friendly pubs on the Isle of Wight

6 of our favourite places to take your doggy friends on the Isle of Wight. These dog friendly pubs are just the ticket after a long walk with your four-legged friend.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset

Hestercombe Gardens are the most beautiful estate gardens in the south. With over 300 years of garden design all in one place, those who enjoy flora and fauna it certainly is a great choice for a day out in Somerset.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Little Theatre circular dog walk in Devon

Bailey's back to walk you around Torquay on a cultural route around the old town and harbour. It's a circular walk for dogs with a little bit of theatre for their owner.

Places to Go B Hutchings

Dog walks in Cornwall: Coulson Park, Lostwithiel

If you’re after a flat, scenic dog route with plenty of opportunities for spying wildlife, look no further. Coulson Park in Lostwithiel is popular with many local and visiting dog walkers thanks to the ample space, tempting river and – it has to be said – adequate number of bins!

Places to Go Abby D

Best Dorset Woodland Dog Walking

Take a dog or two, an area of woodland and a picnic basket and enjoy some Dorset woodland dog walking. There are one or two dog-friendly pubs to discover along the way.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Things to do in Newport, Isle of Wight

At the heart of the Isle of Wight, Newport is an excellent base for adventures across the rest of the island. Perfect for your first Isle of Wight holiday.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Walking on the Tennyson Downs

Fill your lungs with fresh air on your Isle of Wight holiday by walking across the AONB Tennyson Downs.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

A former lung hospital, Ventnor Botanic Gardens are a real breath of fresh air when it comes to family days out on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Best cream teas in Devon

Which county started the tradition of cream teas, and more importantly, which county has the best cream teas, Devon or Cornwall?

Classic Fodder Philip Eley

Cornish Dog Walks: Ethy Woods

The riverside village of Lerryn is a pretty place to while away an afternoon and the gorgeous woodland and river are sure to keep all canine companions happy too on a dog friendly walk on holiday in Cornwall.

Visitors' Book Abby D

Murder Mystery family activity in Totnes

Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Looe

Want bucket loads of seaside charm? Head to Looe! Whether you decide to base yourself here, or pop over for a day trip, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy here.

Things to do Abby D

Top 6 dog friendly cafes on the Isle of Wight

A selection of dog friendly cafes to stop for a brew with a four legged friend in tow. Go for a long coastal walk and then call in at one of these lovely locations.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Dog walks in Cornwall: Gribbin Tower, Fowey

Gribbin Head is a lush, green headland on the picturesque south coast of Cornwall, perfect for dog walks. It’s topped by an iconic red and white stripped daymark tower which over the years has helped countless boats avoid disaster.

Places to Go Abby D

Things to do in Lerryn

Whether you’ve got a week or an afternoon to spend, Lerryn makes the perfect place for a spot of pottering. There are things to do in Lerryn to keep you occupied while you relax and unwind on holiday in Cornwall.

Things to do Abby D

A pretty walk to Steephill Cove

A hidden gem with calm waters and golden sands, perfect for a quiet afternoon out in the sunshine while on holiday on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Things to do in Beaminster

Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.

Things to do Katie Chown

My 5 Best Dog Friendly Beaches on the Isle of Wight

As voted for by Nigel, the yellow labrador. We holiday on the Isle of Wight a lot and like to make the most of the dog-friendly beaches on the island. These are the ones we think are the best.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

A country park dog walk in Hampshire

For a truly diverse day out with your dog, with walks galore, head over to Netley’s Royal Victoria Country Park when on holiday in Hampshire.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Ruddy muddy dog walk in Godolphin Woods

Rainy days often encourage indoor-based activities, like sofa lounging, board games in front of a roaring open fire and so much television your eyes start crossing. We’re not like that in my family. We love the rain!

Things to do Deb S

Things to do in Beaulieu

They say that good things come in small packages. In the case of Beaulieu, nestling in the historic heart of the New Forest, they're spot on. There's lots of wonderful things to do in Beaulieu.

Things to do Jonathan C

Things to do in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot is a medium-sized market town, surrounded by great parks and beautiful countryside with access to great seaside one way and great moorland the other way. It also has some of the best parks and open space land you can find plenty of things to do in.

Things to do Philip Eley

Dog-friendly Cafes in South Devon

Our Cockapoo, Monty, has thoroughly tried and tested all of these dog-friendly cafes and restaurants and thinks they’re all Grrrreat!

Classic Fodder Philip Eley

Things to do in Swanage

A day out in Dorset would be far from complete without a trip to the seaside. Swanage is the best town on the Jurassic Coast for scenery.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Mevagissey

For a postcard perfect Cornish village, head to Mevagissey. This sweet fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall offers up buckets of old school charm and the freshest fish of your life.

Things to do Abby D

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery: Eat, shop and dog walk

Whether you’ve just been on a fantastic stomp around the Fowey Valley or you’re simply in the mood for a cream tea with a view, you have to check out the Duchy Cafe in Lostwithiel.

Visitors' Book Abby D

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Things to do Becky Bye

Brading Marshes circular walk

Join Liz Arnell and her Labrador Retriever, Nigel, on a circular walk on the east of the Isle of Wight. The walk takes in stunning sea views and magical woodland on the island.

Visitors' Book Liz Arnell

A family day out mixing Legend and History at Tintagel Castle

A visit to Tintagel in North Cornwall is like taking a pilgrimage to a peculiarly mythical land. The castle ruins perched high on the clifftop are the quintessence of one of the greatest legends that course throughout Cornwall’s history.

Places to Go Deb S

Cornish Dog Walks: Watergate Bay

A large expanse of sand with plenty of doggy facilities makes Watergate Bay a great dog friendly beach to walk in Cornwall.

Visitors' Book Abby D

5 Dog friendly beaches in south Devon

Devon is a fabulous place for dogs, with many wide-open spaces for running around in. So, which beaches in South Devon are the most dog-friendly?

Places to Go Philip Eley

Best Dog Friendly Places in Dorset

One of the best things about holidaying in Dorset is long walks that end up in a cosy pub – and it’s just not the same if you don’t take your four-legged friend with you. Luckily we have some of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.

Places to Go Amanda Tomlin

Seafood dinner at Muddy Beach in Penryn

Hidden in plain sight on the Jubilee Wharf at the bottom of Penryn, Muddy Beach cafe is a quiet river side haven to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner while out exploring Cornwall. Take a look at what we tasted (and highly recommend).

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Family Day Out at the New Forest Centre

The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Watchet

The pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Southampton

On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.

Things to do Jonathan C

Visit Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Robbie L

My Best Friend has a Tail (eleven animal sanctuaries)

What do you do with your dog when it comes to your holiday? Well, bring him or her along for the ride! If you don't have a dog, take a look at our list of animal sanctuaries to visit for some furry fun in the south and west.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Things to do in Weymouth

I wonder if Weymouth is actually rather overlooked and under-rated, with visitors flocking more to other Dorset locations such as Bournemouth, but Weymouth has some brilliant hidden gems that I want to share with you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Spring dog walk at Kilve Beach

With fields and fossils, Kilve beach is a prime location for keeping your furry friend entertained whilst enjoying the natural history of Somerset.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Dog walking on Bembridge Beach

Soak up the sunshine and views of the Solent and the Channel with a walk around the Bembridge coastline on the east of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

5 top tips for holidays with dogs

Dogs are man's best friend and who wouldn't want to take their best friend on holiday? Choose one of our dog friendly cottages for a great stay with your four legged friend.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in The New Forest

Welcome to the heart of the New Forest, where cattle, ponies, donkeys, deer and pigs have roamed free for centuries.

Things to do Jonathan C

A short break in Burley, New Forest

After a weekend away in the New Forest, you’ll feel bright eyed and bushy tailed for your return home and back to reality.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Exploring Lostwithiel

But it’s not just the lively shopping scene that draws the crowds, there are beautiful riverside walks to enjoy, brilliant play parks for kids and plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants ready for when hunger strikes.

Places to Go Abby D

Cardinham Woods family walk

My wife is a city girl; she is happy in these maintained woodlands to know that there are toilets nearby, places to buy good coffee, and well-maintained paths, while I’m happy that we don’t have to actually stay on the paths at all.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Charlestown harbour

Charlestown is immediately recognisable to fans of Poldark as the harbour in the series. The joy of it as a location is that they’ve hardly had to change much at all.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Stoke Gabriel dog walk in Devon

Take in the waterside sights of an amble around the ancient village of Stoke Gabriel and its dog-friendly places to go.

Visitors' Book B Hutchings

The Rame Peninsula: Pier Cellar Dog Walk

Leaving the thick woodland it took my eyes a few seconds to adjust to the beautiful bright coastal light. Afternoon sun bathed the villages in a gorgeous golden filter and they managed to look even more picturesque than before.

Things to do Abby D

Top 5 best things to do in the New Forest

We know because we've been there, but we're also backed up by our guests and Owners - here's some of the best things to do in the New Forest.

Things to do Katie Chown

Dog walks in Paignton with Bailey

It’s very tempting to belt out a rendition of something from ‘The Sound of Music’, but all I can manage is ‘Bailey wait for me!’ as she disappears through some brambles.

Visitors' Book B Hutchings

New Year Walks in Dorset

What we need is some fresh air and exercise, and Dorset thankfully has scenic walking spots in abundance. Wrap up warm, bundle the kids and dogs into the back of the car and head down to any of these places on New Year's Day to brush off the cobwebs.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Dog walking around Burgh Island, Bigbury-On-Sea

Take a wander around, picking up some interesting facts about Bigbury Bay while you're there; the life and times of a Huer, and the pilchard packers. Remember though, it is tidal!

Places to Go B Hutchings

Becky Falls family day out

I read on the leaflet that Becky Falls has been open to the public since 1903. A lot of small feet must have walked its trails in that time but my children really did feel like explorers discovering a strange and magical land for the first time.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

Dog walking in Devon on Berry Head

Yes, we are talking rabbits, dog walkers, bird watchers, picnic lovers, historical researchers; and of course not forgetting the Guardhouse Cafe, on the Berry Head Nature Reserve

Visitors' Book B Hutchings

A cold sea swim with a giant

Pete braved the freezing waters and went for a dip - it was definitely a dip and not a swim... Still, bravo.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Feast your eyes on the Hidden Hut

Finally, we are given the signal and – in true British fashion – the hordes of hardcore carnivores form an orderly queue: mouths watering, plates in hand.

Places to Go Sadie Phillips

Classic Cornish Beach Clean

A random assortment of rubbish - the things you find! Not to mention the boss in a pinny...

News & Offers Katie Chown

Wild swimming in Cornwall

Here are my recommendations on where to get away from the crowds and take a really wild Cornish dip

Things to do Sian Pickles

Wild Swimming in Devon

Swimming – it's the most natural of activities, yet so many people only ever do it in the most unnatural of locations.

Things to do Pat Kinsella

A Jurassic Coast dog walk

No sounds of worldly toil ascending there Mar the full burst of prayer

Things to do Molly and the Princess

Discount walking guides

We've got a special Classic discount on walking books. All the walks in each book are circular and each has all the information walkers need for a good day out.

News & Offers Katie Chown

Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis

Even my twelve-year-old son was soon bashing away at rocks with his hammer and proudly announcing his discovery of belemnites, crinoid stems and an ammonite

Things to do Amanda Tomlin

Bluebells at Blackbury Camp in Devon

The flowers are short-lived, and so once they are out, you should grab the opportunity to see them at their best...

Places to Go Molly and the Princess

A Dartmoor walk around Chagford

Snowdrops and crocuses have appeared triumphant and herald the start of Spring, soon to make way for carpets of bluebells.

Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess

Things to do in Cornwall

A Cornish Girl's insight into which places should be on your bucket list for a trip to Cornwall.

Places to Go A Cornish Girl

The Tarka Trail

Fancy going off-road but want it easy-going? Hit the Tarka Trail. This 35 mile former railway line is a Sustrans benchmark in more ways than one. It’s free of traffic (bar the odd horse), fills you in on the history and the wildlife as you go and lays on a series of artist-made benches, each one acting as a resting place, waymarker or shelter.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Strange Stone Circles in the South West

Grateful for the strength of denim on my legs, we parted the brambles and were swallowed into the greenery. Flip-flops were a poor choice in the morning dew with nettles and grass snakes threatening, but melodrama was short lived as we emerged into a more open area.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Penwith Peninsula Tour Map

Lumps of stone perched in a way no human could have constructed, magical dells full of wishes and spectacular sights that make you drop all your thoughts and just be.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Tregonning Hill Barefoot walk

Inspired by our encounter with Steve Bloor and the Godolphin House Barefoot Trail, we decided to try out our own walk with naked feet, so we hot-footed it over to nearby Tregonning Hill.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

A Barefoot Pub Philosophy in the Blue

In the summer of 2013, we walked up the road to our local, to see where the stories would take us and whether we knew as much about the area as we think we do.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Dog friendly in Cornwall

Beaches galore around Cornwall means it is handy to know which ones are available to take your doggy on once the peak season bans are lifted at the end of September.

News & Offers Katie Chown

Dog friendly in Dorset

The first of our county blogs in the run up to the end of the month, when the beaches become dog friendly once more. Dog friendly beaches in Dorset and holiday cottages on the Jurassic Coast.

News & Offers Katie Chown

Dog friendly in Devon

Devon is ideal walking country, so it makes sense to take your dog.

News & Offers Katie Chown

Dog friendly in Somerset

Somerset has prime dog walking land over its levels, but it also has a beautiful coastline for sandy forays when the beaches become dog friendly for the first of October.

News & Offers Katie Chown

Find holiday cottage by name / number

Classic Cottages is the trading name of Classic Cottages Limited. Registered in England with Registered Number 1966317. The Registered Address is: Leslie House, Lady Street, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8NA. The VAT Number is 268296752.