Crisp woodland walks with leaves crunching underfoot. Miles of frosty sands for Fido to play fetch. Snow-capped mountains to explore by foot and paw. Cosy inns and country cottages inviting you to warm up by the fire… Midwinter is a wonderful time for a dog-friendly escape, and – believe it or not – there’s still time to book a festive getaway. So whatever your reason for leavingfestive plans so late, bag one of these last-minute dog-friendly Christmas cottages for your family, friends and four-legged companions.
1. Cockermouth Cottage, Lake District
Sleeps 14 + 2 dogs
The Lake District comes up trumps as a spot for a holiday with your dog at any time of year. But it’s oh so magical during the festive season, when the snow-sprinkled peaks and frosty landscapes glitter with Christmas magic. And it’s not too late to organise a large festive gathering in a luxury retreat where you can unwrap your gifts beside the crackling fire, step out onto majestic mountain passes with your hound at your heels, and come back to a grand Christmas feast in your opulent country house.
Currently available throughout December and January, from £2,427 – £5,843 per week.
View Property >
2. Porth Beach Villa, Newquay, Cornwall
Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
With an abundance of beaches, mile-upon-mile of coastline to explore, as well as dog-friendly pubs and eateries galore, Newquay is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Cornwall, with plenty going on throughout winter. Which makes this coastal villa beside a stunning beach on the edge of the UK’s surfy capital, a spectacular festive retreat for large families with dogs. Step out onto Porth Beach and the South West Coast Path, sip local ales in the dog-friendly inn on the beach and make the most of the North Cornish coast this Christmas.
Currently available throughout December and January, from £1,133 – £2,898 for 7 nights.
3. Holwell, Sandbanks, Dorset
Sleeps 8 + 1 dog
Brighten up your winter holidays in this chic and colourful Christmas retreat by the sea in Dorset. Staying right beside the beach in the stylish neighbourhood of Sandbanks, you might not want to stray far from the log burner and sea views. But rest assured that when you’re ready to hit the fresh sea air, there are walkies aplenty, watersports and dog-friendly watering holes along the seafront and across the water on the Isle of Purbeck.
Currently available throughout December and January, from £3,933 – £5,884 per week.
View Property >
4. Bishop’s Retreat, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
You won’t have to leave home to go to church when you spend Christmas in this magnificent ground-floor church conversion on the Isle of Wight. Open your stocking in a four-poster bed, soak in your glam Nickel bath tub and challenge your family to games of chess. Then step out for rosy-cheeked coastal and countryside walks from your island bolthole. Now that’s a perfect present for you and your pooch this year.
Currently available until 25 December for £968 for 7 nights.
5. Amble Escape, Amble, Northumberland
Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
We’ve made no secret of the fact that Northumberland is our dog-friendly destination of the moment, with its rugged beaches and coastal castles creating a stunning scene for winter getaways. Take the opportunity to grab last-minute availability in one of our top dog-friendly Northumberland cottages with a hot tub, and spend Christmas in a contemporary eco-home in Amble. After walkies along Warkworth Beach and Druridge Bay, your hound and hiking boots can dry off in the heated utility room, while you watch festive flicks in the sunken Italian spa bath in the lounge and wait for the turkey to roast.
Currently available from 16-26 December, for £3,455 for 7 nights.
6. Dolgellau Retreat, Snowdonia, Wales
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
This Christmas, wake up to mountain views beckoning you and your four-legged friend out into Eryri Natioanl Park (Snowdonia). This contemporary retreat, is one of our dog-friendly cottages in Wales, and comes with all the bells and whistles you can imagine for a luxury festive stay, including a log burner, floor-to-ceiling windows and a large electric range oven. Which means you can kickback for a Christmas feast with all the trimmings after a Yuletide yomp into the winter peaks and the nearby trails of forest trails of Coed y Brenin.
Currently available until 26 December, from £1,1013 – £2,110 per week.
View Property >
7. Malt Shovel House, Sandwich, Kent
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Still looking for a unique Christmas experience that includes the dog? Light the fire and make yourself at home in a historic dog-friendly cottage nestled in the Kent countryside. Your dog will love the riverside walks to Sandwich Bay, and the whole family will love hanging their stockings beside the hearth. But don’t let the rustic charm fool you – there are plenty of mod-cons under the exposed beams, including a well-equipped kitchen with a large range cooker to conjure up a fine festive feast. Looking for something different? Check out the rest of our dog friendly cottages in Kent.
Currently available throughout December and January, from £982 – £1,653 for 7 nights.
8. Hemsley Retreat, Hemsley, Yorkshire
Sleeps 3 + 1 dog
Perhaps you want to avoid that large family get-together after all, and bag your own Christmas retreat with your loved one and your canine companion? If so, this luxury Yorkshire holiday cottage on the edge of the North York Moors is just what you’re looking for. On the doorstep awaits the hiking trails and moorland scenery of the National Park, as well as plenty of pooch-friendly pubs serving up local dishes and festive cheer. While back in your cosy cottage you can flop beside the fire and read a book with your hound at your feet, slumber in your king-size bed, and watch Christmas movies galore while you cook up a festive feast.
Currently available from 20-26 December, for £1,190 per week.
View Property >
9. Cologin Farmhouse, Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs
Made for multigenerational get-togethers with dogs in tow, you couldn’t dream up a more fitting family cottage for Christmas in Scotland. Squirrelled away in the scenic Lerags Glen, not too far from Oban, you’ve got Munros, mountain passes, glens and lochs for lovely long walkies on the doorstep, as well as whisky distilleries, castles and historic landmarks to explore. Cosy, Christmassy evenings go hand-in-hand with your traditional cottage setting, decked out with an Aga, piano and log fire for festive cheer, as well as a coldwater therapy barrel and Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub from where you can enjoy some star gazing.
Currently available until 26 December, from £1,859 – £2,500 per week.
View Property >
10. Westward Ho! Bolthole, Devon
Sleeps 8 + 4 dogs
Beach walkies are high on the festive agenda when you spend Christmas in this luxury coastal retreat in Devon. When you’re not out playing fetch in the fresh sea air, there’s plenty of space for your pooches to chill out indoors and out, while you play grand slams in the family games room, listen to Christmas carols on the Sonos speakers, and whip up festive feasts in the high-tech kitchen.
Currently available from 14-27 December, from £1,230 – £2,610 per week.
View Property >
Still seeking a sparkling festive retreat for your family and four-legged friends?
Check out all available dog-friendly cottages for Christmas or New Year.
