See soft ears prick up and a furry tail start wagging when your favourite four-legged friend enters his holiday home in Ashbourne. Not only is this three-bedroom Derbyshire retreat, which sleeps six guests, just 3 miles from Peak District, but it is also set in very generous gardens with lots of different areas for happy hounds to explore and bound about in.
Rub your furry friend down in the porch and hang his dog lead and your coats before you all head inside together. Wander through to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, unpack any groceries you have bought and feed your hungry hound. Enjoy your refreshment at the table in the conservatory, with the doors open so your four-pawed pal can pad outside. Prepare a hearty feast for everyone else to enjoy through in the open-plan lounge/diner, where more garden doors can be opened up in the summer months. In the winter, watch the Smart TV, play games and spend time giving your canine companion lots of love and attention in here. Bid your dozing dog goodnight then make your way up to the first floor, where all the inviting bedrooms are situated. These include two king-sizes and one twin. A family bathroom is also at this level. Spill outside into one of the outside seating areas to dine in the sunshine or have a drink under the stars. Play games with your delighted dog on one of the lawns.
Venture 5.5 miles from the retreat to enjoy a long walk through Dovedale with your eager walking companion. Cross the stepping stones and let your pup have a paddle or swim by the edge of the river. Carsington Water, 8 miles away, with its footpath all the way round the lake, is also a superb, dog-friendly destination.