Savour the serenity of a gorgeous garden where your canine companion can explore freely when you stay at this chocolate-box thatched cottage in Melbury Osmond, Dorset. Sleeping seven guests, the four-bedroom stone hideaway dates back to Tudor times and offers characterful accommodation, with some low beams and uneven floors, where you can enjoy quality time with your nearest and dearest. The sizeable garden here includes an orchard area and lawn for playing fetch.
Make your way into the property, which was once home to the author Thomas Hardy’s mother. Shuffle off your shoes and hang the dog lead in the hall, which leads to a family shower room and WC, one step up, and a double bedroom. Take your waggy-tailed friend into the lounge to stretch out on the rug, while you recline on the soft seating in front of your favourite programme on TV. When he starts asking for his supper, call him into the kitchen/diner to fill his bowl and prepare a meal for everyone else. Settle him for the night, then make your way up the steep, cottage-style staircase to lay your head on your pillow. There are two more double bedrooms and a single up here, together with the family bathroom. Dine outside as often as possible, while your chum noses about the pretty garden Supervise him and any children near the enclosed pond.
Pack picnics and strike out on foot to explore the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with your furry friend at your heel. Visit the famous Cerne Giant chalked figure, 10 miles away, carved into the hill where there are lots of great walks, with footpaths for pups of different levels of ability and energy. Set your pal’s tails wagging by spending time at the river here too, where he can paddle.