The thing about going on holiday with dogs or small children is that they do not like long car journeys. All of the dogs welcome cottages on this page are within 100 miles drive, which is about as long as can be tolerated. Certain dogs are extremely good travellers and you are very lucky if you own one of those.
All of the country cottages shown on this particular page allow at least two dogs to stay per cottage.
Dog owners like to allow their dogs time off the lead running through open countryside or along a beach. This can be quite difficult to arrange when the countryside is littered with sheep and so many long stretches of beach have dog restrictions. There are four national parks within a couple of hours drive of Swindon, the nearest being the New Forest and highly recommended for walks with dogs through woodland. Cattle graze on the commons in the New Forest, as well as the wild ponies, but the danger of sheep worrying is negligible.
To the south west lie the Devon national parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor, fabulous expanses of wilderness and farmland. Both have their own indigenous ponies to look out for. Exmoor meets the coast and offers seside and country stays. Self-catering holiday lets of every persuasion are scatterd around the national parks, ready to welcome tourists accompanied by their dogs. Old country cottages, modern apartments, luxurious lodges and mobile homes all play their part in providing somewhere to stay.
Travel north west from Swindon to reach Wales, the Brecon Beacons and areas of natural beauty. There are thousands of miles of trails to walk with a dog in Wales, in the national parks and just rural areas. The scenery becomes that bit more interesting and attractive as it grows hillier. Do browse the dog-friendly self-catering holiday lets below to find that special place that will be a source of delightful country walks and a chance to aloow your dog off lead.