Staying at The Orangery near Bideford

Our base was The Orangery, a comfortable and welcoming property that made travelling with three dogs feel effortless. There was plenty of space for us all to settle in after long walks, and it was so nice to be able to come “home” in the evenings, put the kettle on (or open a bottle of wine) and just relax.

Location-wise, it worked brilliantly: close enough to reach Bideford and the surrounding coastal spots easily but tucked away enough to feel like a proper retreat. Having that balance is important when you have dogs in tow, as it means shorter drives, flexible plans and more time actually enjoying the day rather than being in the car.

Exploring Bideford Harbour and Town

Bideford itself has a lovely, relaxed feel. We wandered around the harbour and through the town, enjoying the mix of independent shops, historic streets, and those classic estuary views. With the dogs, it was all about slow exploring, sitting to take it all in and just enjoying being somewhere different together.

There are plenty of places to pause for a coffee or a bite to eat, and it is the sort of town where you do not feel rushed. For dog owners, that slower pace makes all the difference: you can build your days around the dogs’ needs as much as your own.

A Stroll in Appledore

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Appledore. This charming fishing village has winding streets, colourful cottages and beautiful views over the estuary. It feels quaint and characterful, perfect for a gentle potter with dogs.

We took our time exploring and let Bill, Ernie and Blossom enjoy all the new sights and smells. With its pretty harbour and coastal outlook, Appledore is somewhere I would happily recommend for a relaxed day out, whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or, like me, with four‑legged companions.

Ilfracombe: Coastal Views and Seaside Atmosphere

We also headed over to Ilfracombe, with its mix of dramatic coastline, harbour, and classic seaside atmosphere. It is a great place for taking in the sea views and stretching everyone’s legs.

Ilfracombe offers a bit more bustle, so it is nice if you want to combine a coastal walk with somewhere that has cafés, ice cream, and a bit of people‑watching. As always with dogs, I planned our timings and routes carefully, but it made for a lovely day out and added variety to the trip.

Secure Dog Parks and Dog‑Centric Days

One of the things that really made this break work for us was using local secure dog parks. Being able to let Bill, Ernie, and Blossom off lead in a safe, enclosed space was invaluable, especially with three dogs. It gave them time to really run, play and burn off energy, and it gave me peace of mind.

These secure fields are a fantastic option if you have dogs who prefer their own space, if you are working on recall, or if you just want a worry‑free runaround before heading into busier areas. Building these stops into our days made the holiday feel tailored to them as much as to me.

Why I Love UK Dog‑Friendly Breaks

This trip was a great reminder of why I love UK breaks with dogs:

• Less travel stress: No airports or long journeys, just an achievable drive with stops when needed.
• Home‑from‑home comfort: Having a comfortable base where dogs are genuinely welcome makes such a difference.
• Flexible exploring: Coastal towns, countryside walks, secure dog parks and cosy evenings in, all at your own pace.
• Shared memories: Watching Bill, Ernie and Blossom explore somewhere new made the whole trip.

Let Me Help Plan Your Next Dog‑Friendly Escape

If this has inspired you to start thinking about your own dog‑friendly break, I would love to help. As an expert in travelling with dogs across the UK and Europe, I can guide you through everything from choosing the right property to understanding pet policies, pet passports and practicalities for longer road trips or crossings.

Whether you are dreaming of Devon and Cornwall, the Lakes, Scotland, or a coastal escape further afield in Europe, I can:

• Recommend dog‑friendly properties that genuinely welcome pets
• Help you choose locations with great walks, beaches, and secure dog parks nearby
• Advise on pet‑friendly crossings, driving routes and paperwork for European trips
• Shape an itinerary that works around your dogs’ needs as well as your own

If you would like to chat through ideas for a holiday with your four‑legged friends, just get in touch and I will help you start planning your next adventure together.