There are holidays… and then there are holidays with your dog.
Let's be honest – for many of us, our four-legged friends are part of the family. Leaving them behind while everyone else heads off on an adventure just doesn't feel right. The good news? At Big House Holiday Lets, our properties welcome dogs with open arms, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a proper countryside escape together.
The Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire are made for dog-friendly adventures. Think riverside paths where tails wag non-stop, woodland trails bursting with exciting new smells, and cosy country pubs where muddy boots and muddy paws are equally welcome.
Start the day with a coffee in the garden of your BHHL large house while your dog investigates every blade of grass as though it's never seen one before. Then head out to explore miles of walking routes suitable for everyone, whether you're pushing a buggy, strolling with grandparents or letting energetic dogs burn off some steam.
The River Wye offers countless peaceful walks where you'll discover hidden beaches, shaded woodland and plenty of opportunities for a paddle. Dogs seem to instinctively know that holidays are different – every walk becomes an expedition, every stick is apparently the greatest stick ever discovered, and every café stop is another chance to charm strangers into offering an extra biscuit.
After a day exploring, it's time to find one of the area's many dog-friendly pubs. There's something wonderfully British about settling down with a good meal while your exhausted dog curls up under the table after a busy day of adventures. Around the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean you'll find welcoming country inns where dogs are greeted almost as enthusiastically as their owners.
Back at your holiday house, there's room for everyone to spread out. While the humans enjoy a barbecue, relax in the hot tub (where available), play games or simply catch up over a glass of wine, your dog can snooze happily after a day packed with new experiences.
One of the joys of booking a large holiday house is that nobody has to compromise. Friends, grandparents, children and dogs can all be together, creating memories that simply wouldn't happen in a hotel. Morning walks become group adventures, afternoon picnics become family events, and even the simple act of throwing a ball around the garden somehow becomes part of the holiday tradition.
And yes, if you're bringing Syd and Coco along (well... their spiritual cousins at least), expect plenty of entertainment. One will be convinced they're leading the expedition, while the other will be quietly positioning themselves near whoever looks most likely to drop a sausage.
Because holidays aren't really about ticking attractions off a list.
They're about laughing together, exploring together, eating together… and having a slightly muddy, very happy dog asleep at your feet at the end of each perfect day.
After all, the best family photos usually have a wagging tail somewhere in the frame.
Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
01600 732 050