Dog Friendly Holidays Mendip Hills

Tucked away in rural Somerset on the edge of Exmoor, down a private track in 15 acres, this detached barn conversion, decorated and furnished to a very high standard, has an indoor heated swimming pool and games room. Enjoy walks from the door, or in the private grounds.

Minehead is just 15 miles away, where visitors can enjoy golf, tennis, the West Somerset Railway and lovely sandy beaches. The county town of Taunton offers shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Nature can be seen at its best within the wonderfully unspoilt and peaceful Exmoor National Park, which is among the UK’s greatest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In this stunning landscape, wildlife lovers can observe majestic red deer, Exmoor ponies and hundreds of different species of birds. There are ancient wooded valleys with magical waterfalls, a dramatic coastline with secluded beaches and miles of open moorland. The medieval village of Dunster is nearby, with its NT castle and terraced gardens. Activities to enjoy locally include horse riding, fishing, bird watching, water sports and cycling. Within easy driving distance are Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, Wells, Glastonbury, Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum and Haynes Motor Museum. Shops and gastro pub 2 miles.

Located in south Somerset, midway between Taunton and Ilminster, this spacious wing of the owners charming 250 year old farmhouse, offers ideal holiday accommodation. With many beautiful country walks in the area, this period property is ideal for walkers and with a livery yard next door, horse stabling is available (by arrangement). Visit Taunton, the county town of Somerset, historical houses and gardens including Montacute House, Forde Abbey, Hestercombe Gardens and Barrington Court, or take a trip to Minehead on the nostalgic West Somerset Steam Railway. Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills are well worth a visit, as well as a trip to the south to explore the Jurassic Coast between Seaton and Bridport, taking in Lyme Regis. Inland, there is Clarkes Village for some retail therapy, Glastonbury Tor, Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge and the spa city of Bath. After spending the day exploring many attractions, return to this delightful property and snuggle up in front of the woodburner, set in a lovely inglenook with bread oven. Beach 20 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

This delightful converted 17th century stable building is located within the grounds of the owner’s home in a peaceful rural village setting. The tastefully decorated and comfortable cottage is single storey with patio doors from the living room and bedroom leading onto the garden and patio area. There are many public footpaths leading from the village to explore the surrounding fields and woodland. The beautiful city of Bath has numerous famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, The Assembly Rooms and the award-winning Thermae Bath Spa. Many cultural festivals take place throughout the year. Shops, services and take-aways within 1 mile as well as excellent pubs and restaurants within a radius of 3 miles.

This 19th-century Coach House, once part of a country house estate and still retains many original features. Set in 4 acres of grounds within the owner’s 60 acre farm, situated on the beautiful Brendon Hills, it is close to Wimbleball Lake, which is renowned for its fly fishing, sailing, rowing, paddling board and excellent activity centre. Haddon Hill offers wonderful moorland walks and the West Somerset coast is only 15 minutes away, offering stunning scenery and the fossil beach at Kilve. The pretty country village of Dulverton is a 10-minute drive, and the medieval village of Dunster with its castle is another popular local attraction. Exmoor National Park was designated as the first Dark Sky reserve in Europe. The property is ideal for exploring Exmoor, activity holidays or walking/training your dogs who are always welcome at the Coach House at no extra cost. Upton has some excellent pubs, restaurants and tearooms and some lovely quaint village shops selling local produce. Shop 7 miles, pub 3 miles.

This charming holiday property is attached to the owners’ Georgian home and is located just south of Chard, near the Devon and west Dorset border. The property has a large shared garden and guests have use of the summerhouse. It offers a great location to enjoy the best of three counties. To the south and within easy driving distance lies the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, with the ever popular seaside resorts of Lyme Regis, Beer and Charmouth. To the east is Devon, where one can enjoy days out on the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with wonderful walking and stunning scenery. In south Somerset there is much to enjoy, including many historic houses such as Montacute House, Forde Abbey Gardens, Tintinhull and Barrington Court, to name a few. Inland, enjoy days out visiting Glastonbury Tor, Clarks Village Outlet, Cheddar Gorge or nearer to home there is some lovely country walking, fishing at Chard Reservoir or golf at the local golf club. There is certainly plenty to keep you entertained. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

A charming two-bedroom cottage perched in Bleadon, Somerset. Near an AONB. Ground-floor bedroom. Dog-friendly. Weston-super-Mare 5 miles; Brean 7.3 miles; Glastonbury 18.2 miles; Bristol 23.2 miles

Situated on the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and approximately 18 miles to Sidmouth and the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, these semi-detached bungalows (refs 23955 and W43778) are both well-presented and have large lawned gardens making them excellent family holiday homes. They can be booked independently or together to accommodate up to 10 guests and provide a delightful place to unwind and relax away from the pressures of modern living. The owners can provide a wheelchair, ramp and a 3-wheel walker on request. They are within easy reach of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor, Taunton and Honiton. Within easy driving there is much to enjoy, with days out at perhaps a historical house such as Barrington Court (National Trust), Forde Abbey and Gardens, Montacute House and the imposing Dunster Castle. For family entertainment, an exciting day out at the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum, the West Somerset Steam Fair for a trip back in time, or for the younger ones in the family, you will love Crealy Adventure Park, near Exeter. The Blackdown Hills themselves offer some superb country walking, wildlife, flying for the adventurous at Dunkeswell or simply enjoy the many local village pubs to wine and dine in. A little further afield, visit the Jurassic Coast, moving on to Dorset, Lyme Regis and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, or even Bath with its many restaurants, shops and museums. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Spacious, fully refurbished throughout, well-equipped cottages...with an idyllic rural setting amidst a chorus of wildlife

Conveniently located for Longleat, Bath and the Mendip Hills and Gorges, Moorleaze nestles on the border of Somerset with Dorset and Wiltshire. Enjoying a tranquil setting with stunning views all around, it provides the perfect retreat at any time of year. Built from local stone and boasting every modern convenience, the cottages offer spacious and superbly fitted accommodation, presented to 5 Star standards. The 40-acre grounds include farmland, woodland, orchard and two lakes, whilst the glorious views encompass fields and gently wooded hills. A haven for wildlife, deer and hares abound, often coming within yards of the cottages. Buzzards, kestrels, tawny and barn owls, pheasants, swallows and many other species nest here. The lower lake is stocked with carp, tame enough to feed from guests’ hands - so no fishing! The idyllic village of Witham Friary, complete with an unspoiled pub and children’s playground is a few minutes stroll away and found fame as the setting for the TV series Building the Dream.
Benefiting from its countryside setting, Moorleaze also affords easy access all year round and is within a short driving distance of many famous locations. Longleat is close by, as are Wookey Hole and the Yeovilton Aircraft and Haynes Motor Museums. Bath, designated a World Heritage Site, boasts many delights including the Roman Baths. Nearby Frome has even more listed buildings than Bath and hosts a renowned arts and music festival in early July. Salisbury, Wells, Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Avebury are also popular places to visit from Moorleaze. NT properties include the incomparable Stourhead, just minutes away. Walkers are spoilt for choice, from the local countryside to the splendour of the Mendips, including Cheddar Gorge. With its magnificent indoor pool, games room, tennis court, climbing frame and idyllic setting, The Sunday Times described Moorleaze as
’a sure-fire child pleaser’, and it’s just as popular with adults, an ideal break at any time of the year. The village pub is within walking distance. Shops 6 miles. With so much variety, guests are sure to have a memorable visit.

Wagtails is a luxurious property, totally dog-focused and ideal for families or couples, located just outside the village of Langford Budville. Set between woodland and open countryside with panoramic views of the Blackdown Hills in the lovely vale of Taunton Deane on the Somerset/Devon border.
This wonderful property is warm, spacious and homely, furnished and decorated to a high standard throughout, with everything you would need for your doggy holiday. There is a utility room and an adjacent outside hot doggy shower, equipped with a washing machine, tumble dryer, throws (for use on sofas and chairs), towels, poo bags, treats and toys. The living room has comfy seating for you and your dogs, an electric fire and a 50" Smart TV. The kitchen is well-equipped, and there is a freezer that can be used for raw food.
Outside, the humans can relax in the private hot tub, even in the winter months, or in the large double-ended bath. For the younger guests, there is a cot, highchair and stairgate available. There is a den room with toys and books, and a shared park close by with swings and slides. Wagtails provides everything you would need for your dogs and the family. The garden is well-fenced and has a large patio area with seating, a coal barbecue and a food serving area. The garden is private with views over the open countryside. The hot tub area also has seating and plastic glasses are supplied so you can sip sundowners whilst in the hot tub on summer evenings.
Adjoining a 200-acre nature reserve, offering beautiful country walks from the doorstep and further afield on the Blackdowns, Quantocks and Exmoor. A walking guide and a list of dog-friendly pubs can be found in the cottage. A dog-friendly café is a 5-minute walk up the track, serving freshly baked cakes, cream teas and tasty light lunches. The dog-friendly village pub is a 10-minute walk and offers real ales, open fires and good food.
Nearby places to discover include The Blackdown Hills with the recently restored monument, the town of Wellington with lots of independent cafés and shops, as well as Exmoor National Park. Minehead and North Devon, with sandy beaches, are within easy reach. Taunton is within 10 miles, and the city of Exeter is approximately 22 miles, brimming with history and heritage, and it offers many visitor attractions to keep you entertained for hours on end. Beach 16 miles. Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Welcome to Withies, a wonderful large holiday home perfect for multiple families or friends to enjoy both inside and out. On the ground floor you will find a fabulous living room with a wood burner and a large electric reclining corner sofa, the perfect spot to relax in after a busy day. Head through to the spacious kitchen/dining area that comes packed full of everything you need during your stay. The dining table is ideal for large family meals and can turn into table tennis for some entertainment on those rainy days or fun evenings. You will also find a double bedroom on the ground floor.
Upstairs, on the first floor, you have two family bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two single beds, the second bedroom with a double and a single bed. The family bathroom has a bath with shower attachment, plus there is a separate wet room with shower and toilet. There is also a further double bedroom and a smaller single room.
Outside, the large garden is set up for fun and games, from the mini football pitch to the trampoline and the children’s play area. The huge lawned area hosts a picnic table and BBQ for those long summer days you never want to end! There are many walks to be enjoyed directly from Withies or why not head over to Langport, park up the car and walk the Parret Trail along the River Parret to enjoy the local shops and restaurants? There is also a large supermarket here to stock up on your holiday provisions.
For a taste of ancient history, head to Glastonbury with its medieval tor and eclectic mixture of shops. For the bargain hunters Clarks Village in Street, with its designer outlet, is a must do! The beaches of Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare are within an easy drive away to experience the wonderful taste of traditional seaside fare!