Bolt's guide to dog-friendly Britain
With more families holidaying at home this year, the family pet may get to go too - and with a new guide from VisitBritain created to celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release this month of Bolt, a movie about a new Disney canine superhero, there really is no excuse for man to leave his best friend behind. The dog friendly guide was inspired by Bolt's own voyage of discovery across the States in his bid to be re-united with his owner - and now you can take your own superdog on their very own journey across the UK with this guide packed full of fantastic ideas to help you and your dog to travel around Britain this summer.
Take your super dog on holiday in Britain
Click on one of the regions below to see dog-friendly accommodation and scenic walks nearby:
London
Dog-friendly accommodation
Greenwich Holiday Lets (www.greenwichholidaylets.co.uk/) are quality, serviced, family self-catering accommodation in West Greenwich in the heart of World Heritage Site, Maritime Greenwich. 12 Burgos Grove has been decorated and furnished by artist and stylist Dawn to a high standard that even your dog will enjoy.
Nearby walks - Green Chain
Take a break from the bustle of city life and walk the Green Chain network through South East London. Running through approximately 300 parks and open spaces as part of the 40-mile network of signposted footpaths, the network begins at 3 points along the Thames allowing you (and your dog!) to enjoy the stunning views across the river. For more information, visit Green Chain (www.greenchain.com/).
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East of England
Dog-friendly accommodation
Camps Heath Barn (www.campsheathbarn.co.uk/) provides easy access to the beautiful North Suffolk coast with its beautiful beaches, heathlands and big skies. Go walking, bird watching or visit historic houses. Holiday accommodation is available for weekly lets and last-minute short stays.
Nearby walks - Carlton Marshes
The Carlton Marshes Walk along grazing marshes, wheat fields and riverbanks is a lovely walk at any time of the year with the changing seasons providing a different atmosphere, landscape and wildlife. There are numerous other walks close to Camps Heath Barn allowing you to discover the potential of Suffolk County. For more information, see Discover Suffolk Walks (www.discoversuffolk.org.uk/walking).
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_tcm19-163727.JPG "Castle Howard, North Yorkshire, England © Britainonview.com / Ian Shaw")
Yorkshire
Dog-friendly accommodation
Hen House (www.henhousecottage.co.uk/) is a single-storey cottage with a secluded garden, ideal for allowing your pet to run around. Recently renovated, beautifully decorated and furnished set in a quiet country location, perfect for rest and relaxation.
Nearby walks - North Yorkshire Moors National Park
A 30-minute drive will take you to the North Yorkshire Moors National Park where you’ll enjoy miles of stunning heather, towering sea-cliffs, sandy beaches, ancient woodlands and grassy dales. 2009 is the 60th anniversary of the National Park movement in Britain and with new walks discovered, this is the perfect time to visit with you puppy pal. For more information, visit North Yorkshire Moors (www.visitnorthyorkshiremoors.co.uk/).
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North West England
Dog-friendly accommodation
Foxgloves is a spacious, well-equipped and comfortable cottage offering a high standard of accommodation. Guests are welcome to explore the farm and fields where a variety of wildlife can be seen. The property is also within easy reach of Roman Wall and the Lake District and also offers a pet exercise area.
Nearby walks – Lake District
Cumbria and the Lake District has an abundance of walks for every level, most of which are suitable for pets and are only a short drive from Foxgloves Cottages. Guided walks are also available involving good camaraderie and the chance to socialise with other ramblers and their dogs. For more information, visit Cumbria Directory Walking Guide (www.thecumbriadirectory.com/Walks/Walks.php).
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South West England
Dog-friendly accommodation
Barclay House (www.barclayhouse.co.uk/) award-winning luxury cottages offers breathtaking views over the Looe River valley with a mere 5-minutes walk to the harbour, town and beach. You can also enjoy the superb award-winning restaurant and bar/lounge on site along with the gym.
Nearby walks - Looe to Polperro
Enjoy views along the coast path between Looe and Polperro, 4 minutes drive from Barclay House. This is a varied walk taking in the beautiful wooded estuary of the West Looe River before crossing the coastal plateau to join the South West Coast Path and follow it from Talland back to Looe. Please take note of the signage regarding dogs on leads when animals are present. For more information, see South West Coast Path (www.southwestcoastpath.com/).
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South East England
Dog-friendly accommodation
York Lodge (www.yorkelodge.com/), built in 1887 and fully refurbished over the last 2 years, is a quintessential Victorian town house in Canterbury offering a warm home-from-home atmosphere with all the modern conveniences now expected by the discerning traveller and his pet.
Nearby walks - Fordwich to Reed Pond
10 minutes from Yorke Lodge is a 2.5-mile walk from Fordwich to Reed Pond, passing through land owned by the Ministry of Defence. Reed Pond once supplied the monks of Canterbury Cathedral with water and in medieval times ships carrying supplies for the Cathedral docked at Fordwich after making their way up the Stour.
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Scotland
Dog-friendly accommodation
Lomond Woods Holiday Park sits beside Loch Lomond and is the gateway to the National Park. This family run park offers pine lodges and caravans for holiday hire along with pitches for touring vehicles. It’s a perfect location to take your canine for a woodland adventure.
Nearby walks - Balloch Castle Country Park
Registered as an Area of National Scenic Significance, Balloch Castle Country Park lies within the 170 square miles and has nature trails, guided walks, walled garden and picnic lawns with stunning views of the Loch. The Castle was built in 1808, and also has a fascinating visitor centre.
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Wales
Dog-friendly accommodation
Carno Farm (www.carnofarmbrecon.co.uk/) self catering accommodation in the heart of the Brecon Beacon National Park is made up of three beautifully restored 17th-century cottages. Your pet will be in doggie heaven with lots of escapades to embark on in the Welsh hills and fields.
Nearby walks - Taff Trail
Probably the most popular walk in the Valleys, and deservedly so. The route is suitable for walkers and cyclists and runs along converted railways, canals and forest tracks. It takes you from the Brecon Beacons National Park, right to the nation's capital, Cardiff. Most of the walking is gentle, though there are steeper sections can be found.
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North East England
Dog-friendly accommodation
The Old Methodist Chapel (www.theaa.com/cottages/northumbria-the-old-methodist-chapel-362313) is a unique property near Newcastle, not far from the Angel of the North and Gateshead Quays. Previously a Methodist chapel, the property has been beautifully converted into a contemporary home whilst retaining many original features. There is also a small garden, which is safe for your pet to roam around while you take advantage of the many features the property has to offer.
Nearby walks - Bridges over the Tyne
Bridges over the Tyne are a powerful icons for Geordies everywhere and this walk includes the newest and best. The semicircular Tyne Bridge is a symbol of Newcastle throughout the world and was built between 1925 and 1928.
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