Stretch Fido’s legs with magnificent hikes through the undulating Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty when you stay at this 18th-century stone cottage at Melbury Abbas. Sleeping four guests, the three-bedroom holiday home, which is 3 miles from Shaftesbury, nestles right at the heart of superb dog-walking Dorset countryside. With a tranquil garden, where you can take in the views while Fido explores, and a wood burner to warm chilly paws, this is a holiday home with creature comforts for all seasons.
Take four steps up to open the back door and wander inside via the kitchen/diner. Refill Fido’s water bowl, serve him his dinner, then put the kettle on so everyone else can have a cup of tea with one of the fresh scones you have bought. Follow more steps up to make your way into the lounge, where you can fire up the wood burner and watch TV or play games with your family or friends, while your pal dozes. There is also a snug area, where you can spend a few quiet moments with Fido, and a family bathroom downstairs. Settle your chum downstairs for the night then climb the stairs to enjoy a good night’s sleep in the king-size, twin or single bedroom. Wake up to take in the beautiful views, then head downstairs to let Fido out into the sunshine of the garden. Spend as much time as you can out here too, dining out in the fresh air or enjoying a glass of wine in the summer house on warm evenings.
Venture 7 miles from the cottage to take Fido to the National Trust’s Hambledon Hill, where you can pick up the Stour Valley Way National Trail. Climb to the summit of the Iron Age hillfort to see across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.