Dog friendly

Dog friendly beaches in Cornwall

An everything you need to know guide about dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall so you can plan your days out with the pooch!

Hannah Denby

The best walks in Cornwall

Cornwall boasts incredible scenery along the southwest coast path and inland. Here’s a list of the best walks in the county, and some helpful tips.

Abby D

The best circular walks in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is home to beautiful scenery, and you can discover the best of its countryside and picturesque villages with these favourite circular walks.

Jessie Moore

Dog friendly pubs in Cornwall

What could be better than a post-walk pint with your best (four legged) friend? Here’s our guide to the best dog-friendly pubs in Cornwall…

Abby D

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.

Philip Eley

Woodland dog walks in Dorset

Discover the wonderous woodlands of Dorset with the dog. Pack a picnic and pin point the pubs to really make the most out of these walks.

Becky Bye

Walks in St Ives

St Ives is an iconic Cornish town, with some of the best walks in the county. Admire picture perfect views and glorious beaches on these walks in the area.

Lizzie Heather

Guide to South Cornwall

See our guide to everything South Cornwall has to offer, from its glorious beaches and coastal towns and villages, to pubs and restaurants to visit.

Lizzie Heather

A day trip to the Isles of Scilly

A day trip to the Isles of Scilly is a full and exciting day out. Here is our experience of a day out on St Mary’s, the main island, with recommendations of where to go and what to see.

Hannah Denby

Dog friendly Cornwall

A round up of all the best places you and your dog can visit on you next holiday to Cornwall.

Hannah Denby

5 Glorious dog friendly gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall is packed full of excellent gardens from sub-tropical paradises to magnificent magnolia collections. And the best part is – plenty of them are dog friendly to boot.

Abby D

10 of the Prettiest Sights in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds covers 800 glorious square miles of undulating hills and sprawling countryside, not to mention unique honey-coloured villages and medieval market towns. Let's take a look.

Lizzie Heather

5 Things to do in spring in Cornwall

To help you with some holiday inspiration for your Cornish getaway, we have put together some of the top things to do in spring in Cornwall.

Lizzie Heather

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

An ever so enchanted part of Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will have you falling over backwards with the amount of walks, beaches and wildlife on show. Here's a few highlights...

Liz Arnell

5 favourite Cornwall dog walks

Abby and her golden retriever, Monty, have been busy exploring Cornwall to bring you their favourite dog walks from across the county.

Abby D

Fistral beach review

A popular surfing beach in Newquay, it's easy to see why locals love an every day wander along the golden sands with their dog in tow.

Abby D

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.

Katie Chown

Things to do in Cornwall this summer

The ultimate guide to the things you have to do while visiting Cornwall in the summer. From the annual county show to discovering the hidden gems off the beaten track, Cornwall is waiting for you.

Abby D

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.

Kylie Barton

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.

Philip Eley

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.

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.

Faye

Haytor Quarries walk on Dartmoor

Come rain or shine, this Dartmoor walk is enjoyable at any time of year. Winter, spring, summer or autumn, you'll find our writer, Philip heading to Haytor Quarries.

Philip Eley

Dartmouth Steam Railway

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

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.

Katie Chown

Watergate Bay beach review

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

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.

Kayleigh Hardy

Stonehenge

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

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

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.

Ruth J

Polridmouth beach review

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

Abby D

Exmouth beach review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Becky Bye

Freshwater Bay

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

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.

Liz Arnell

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.

Philip Eley

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.

Liz Arnell

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

B Hutchings

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

B Hutchings

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.

Kayleigh Hardy

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.

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?

Philip Eley

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Katie Chown

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.

Jonathan C

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.

Becky Bye

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.

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!

Philip Eley

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.

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.

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.

Liz Arnell

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?

Philip Eley

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.

Deb S

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robbie L

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jonathan C

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.

Philip Eley

Wild swimming in Cornwall

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

Sian Pickles

Cycling the Camel Trail to Padstow

Car parks in Padstow can be busy in the height of August, so I’ve always thought of the Camel Trail as the ideal way to travel there...

Sadie Phillips

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.

Pat Kinsella

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

Amanda Tomlin