10 Stunning Dog Friendly Holiday Homes in Devon and Cornwall

National Pet Month is almost upon us, and to celebratePet friendly holidays from Blue Chip Vacations Blue Chip Vacations have released its top ten dog-friendly holiday homes in Devon and Cornwall close to year round pro dog beaches. 

Blue Chip Vacations specialise in self catering holidays in Cornwall and Holidays in Devon with stunning luxury cottages and apartments throughout Devon and Cornwall.

With over 170 coastal and rural pet-friendly properties to choose from, dog owners will be spoilt for choice whenever they choose to take their four legged friend away for fun and frolics this year.

1.    Bow wow Wow!

Stunning views from WowWow is a stunning contemporary two bedroom coastal apartment, which overlooks the glorious golden sands of Westward Ho! Beach.  While dog access is restricted close to the town, only a mile or so up the coast pets can roam free at the far end of the beach.  The stunning Saunton and Braunton beaches are also just a short drive up the coast, where over three miles of golden sands and sand dunes can be found to explore.

Wow possesses one of the most spectacular views in the South West, accentuated by a full length balcony that runs the length of the apartment, making the most of this exclusive location.

Inside, the living room has ceiling to floor glass windows, while both double bedrooms have amazing sea views and access to the balcony.  The kitchen has granite work tops, designer cabinet draws, doors, and integrated appliances.  And, as an added bonus, a cool bag is provided with all the bits and pieces for a picnic on the beach, along with four beach towels and four beach chairs.

Wow sleeps four and can be booked for a seven night stay from £589.  A three night short-break can be booked from £418.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay.

2.    Treat Rover to a right royal visit

Stay in one of Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday locations and get a right Cary Arms, Torquayroyal reception for your dog.Set at the bottom of a steep and winding road, the secluded Beach House, Shell and Pebble holiday apartments each look out over the idyllic Devon coast, taking in Oddicombe Beach, Torquay and Exmouth in the distance. 

Described by Queen Victoria as: “A beautiful spot...with red cliffs and rocks, and wooded hills like Italy, reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear...,” this enchanting location remains a firm favourite among dog owners looking for an extra-special stay.

Visiting dogs get their very own courtesy bed, bowl and treat thrown in, and they have access to the year-round dog-friendly Babbacombe beach below, which is only a stick’s throw away.  Other local year-round pro-hound beaches along the English Riviera coast include Livermead, St Mary’s Bay, Churston Cove, Elberry Cove, Maidencombe and Watcombe.

The properties each come with access to The Cary Arms Hotel, one of the country’s top-10 beach-side hotels.  This gives guests access to a free range of facilities, which include a private resident’s sitting room, access to a wood-panelled pool/billiard room, and use of the hotel’s all-weather outdoor orb, where you can dine or drink under the stars.

A half-hour spa session is thrown in for guests along with a 20% discount on any additional treatments taken during the break.  Little ones get their very own named bucket and spade, and each cottage gets its own canvas beach bag as well as a welcome hamper stacked with local goodies.

Bath robes are provided for the week along with complimentary Temple Spa bathroom products.  Fishing rods are provided free of charge.  To cap things off staff will happily arrange day trips including golf excursions, boat trips, snorkelling and coastal path walks.

Shell sleeps two guests and is available from £770 per week.   Pebble sleeps four guests and is available from £970 for a seven night stay. Beach House sleeps eight guests and is available from £1,520 per week. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. 

3.    Sandy Paws are seconds away!

THe striking Ocean Point, Branunton5 Ocean Point is a brand new contemporary coastal apartment situated within a 5 minute walk of the year-round dog-friendly Saunton Sands.  Its three miles of golden sands and impressive dunes are guaranteed to give even the most energetic of pets a thorough work-out.  And if that doesn’t do the trick, the South West Coast path, which traverses 36 miles of beautiful coastline, encompassing Croyde and Woolacombe, is on hand to poop-out even the busiest of pooches.

Also, close by, are the charming winding streets of England’s largest village, Braunton and the scenic Tarka Trail, which offers a fantastic selection of cycle paths and footpaths from which the beauty of the area can be enjoyed to the full.  Alternatively, a ferry can be caught from neighbouring Illfracombe to Lundy Island, a peaceful retreat, home to some of the area’s rarest flora and fauna.

Sleeping four, number 5 Ocean Point has stunning beach views from its chic living room.  Its kitchen features contemporary high-gloss units, while the master bedroom enjoys an en suite bathroom and double shower, and access to the terrace.  Three nights can be booked from £439.  Seven nights can be booked from £619.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. 

4.    Not a hard Cellar for pet owners  

The Fish Cellars, Looe3 and 4 Fish Cellars are beautifully constructed 400 year old fish cellars that have been transformed into eco-friendly beach houses clad in their original old stone.  Booked together, they’re perfect for a party of twelve. 

Situated in the small historic village of Portwrinkle on the South East coast of Cornwall, 3 and 4 Fish Cellars have been finished to a very high standard, with waterfront balconies, under floor heating throughout and allocated parking.

Breathtaking views of South Cornwall’s year-round dog-friendly Whitsand Bay and a sand and shingle beach close by make this a great destination for families, friends and pets who enjoy sunny beach walks, swims in the sea and digging in the sand.

Add to that the South West Coast Path, which is just 50 metres away, and the nearby year-round dog friendly beaches of Downderry and Seaton, and Fish Cellars provides the perfect hound-focused holiday home, possessing some of the most spectacular views of Cornwall’s coastline that can be found in the county.

And, as an added bonus, the award winning Bay Restaurant is close by; a superb eatery that uses only locally sourced produce.  Alternatively, the traditional newly refurbished Finnygook Inn is within a 10 minute walk.

3 and 4 Fish Cellars sleep 6 each and can be booked for seven nights from £589.  A three night stay in either property can be booked from £418.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay.

5.    Swell Seashells, Zinc, Newquay

Taking its inspiration from Miami's South Beach district, Seashells, within Zinc, NewquayZinc, occupies a supreme location on the headland overlooking the legendary Fistral Beach.  This plush, contemporary apartment provides the ultimate retreat in which Master and hound can relax, unwind and enjoy the delights of one of Cornwall’s finest year-round dog-friendly locations. 

In addition to Fistral, which is just a couple of minutes away by foot, the pro-dog beaches of Towan, Great Western and Watergate Bay are all close by, providing a great choice of sandy adventures for four-legged friends.

Seashells looks over both Newquay Golf Course and the Atlantic Ocean.  Its living room has access to a balcony, as do each of the bedrooms, and floor to ceiling windows stream in light throughout the day, making the most of the exceptional scenery.

Seashells sleeps four and can be booked for a seven night stay from £459 per week, or from £327 for a three night stay.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. 

6.    Boy oh boy – Beach on the doorstep
Bluesy Beach House, BudeBluesy Beach House is a fantastic pet-friendly holiday home, suitable for any time of the year.  It is set in the perfect position for surfing and other water sports, as well as beachcombing, rock pooling, snorkelling, walking or simply relaxing on the beach.

Situated just outside Bude in Widemouth Bay, Bluesy Beach House is just a stone’s throw away from an amazing stretch of golden sand.  Even though Widemouth Beach has an Easter to October ban on dogs, Bude’s Summerleaze Beach is only a short-drive away, and provides year-round access for pets to frolic about in the sand and sea, as does nearby Northcott Mouth Beach.

Bluesy Beach House is a perfect choice for any surfing enthusiast, possessing a wet room with two showers and direct access from the beach; ideal for washing off the salt after a hard day on the surf or digging in the sand.

The house has ample space to store beach and surfing equipment, and has two sun lounges, a balcony, a private garden, which is great for dogs, plenty of parking, and Wi-Fi for anyone who needs to log on to check the latest surf reports.

Bluesy Beach House sleeps six and is available from £509 per week and from £362 for a three night short-break.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. 

7.    Spaniels or Spinones will love this!
Sprindrift is a hound-friendly house situated in the picturesque fishing villageSpindrift, Salcombe of Hope Cove.  At each turn beautiful scenery surrounds the house, and the dramatic Devon coastline, stretching from Bolt Tail to Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea, is just a short walk away.
Hope Cove has its very own sheltered year-round dog-friendly sandy beach, which is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Close by are many other superb all year round doggy beaches including East Portlemouth, Thurlestone, Wonwell and Stoke Beach.

Spindrift has three bedrooms, a large garden with a patio and terrace, and a fabulous sun trap conservatory, which you can guarantee will be used to the full during stays by hounds and humans alike.  The kitchen is modern with cream units and a granite top work surface, and there’s a dining table for up to six.

Spindrift sleeps six and can be booked for seven nights from £549.  A three night stay can be booked from £390.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay.

8.    Grab your coat boy!
Cotehayes, TorquayCotehayes in Torquay is an impressive, large detached 200 years old house that is situated in the leafy Wellswood area of Torquay.
The town centre and harbour are a 10 minute walk away, while the pro-hound beaches of Livermead, St Mary’s Bay, Churston Cove, Elberry Cove, Maidencombe, Watcombe and Babbacombe are all within a short drive.

The house has a third of an acre of landscaped gardens to the rear, which is a great area for pets to play in or lounge about in the sun.  Inside, Cotehayes has impressive period furniture, vaulted oak beamed ceilings, stone white wash walls, enchanting bedrooms, a generous dining area, and a great conservatory that has direct access to the gardens.

Cotehayes sleeps up to eight and can be booked for seven nights from £549.  A three night stay can be booked from £390. A small charge of £23 to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. 

9.    Canoe find a better deal for dogs?

Blue Monkey is a beautiful Grade II 18th century house that has been lovinglyBlue Monkey, Kingsand refurbished to provide a luxurious stay for families, pets and holiday makers looking for a peaceful retreat. 
Awarded the 4 Star-Visit Britain status, Blue Monkey is a stunning houndy home-from-home set in the pretty and historic villages of Cawsand and Kingsand on the Rame Peninsula.

Blue Monkey is comprehensively fitted out with everything for a self-catering family holiday. It comprises four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pretty sun-trap garden (with BBQ), which is great for dogs, and a delightful open plan living/dining area where you can relax in front of a roaring open log fire.

As well as a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, guests have free use of two kayaks - ideal if you have a dog that’s mad about swimming!  Blue Monkey is a mere 30 metres away from the beach and the year-round dog-friendly Kingsand Beach is close by.

Blue Monkey was formerly the village pub known as "The Blue Anchor" and was regularly visited by Lord Nelson who could often be seen dancing the night away up in the first floor front room.   Its name hails partially from this period, but also from the time when the house was used as the cannon ball store supplying the fort; “Monkey” was the name given to the triangular formation the cannon balls made when they were stacked, hence Blue Monkey.

Blue Monkey sleeps eight and can be booked for seven nights from £679.  A three night stay can be booked from £481.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay.

10.  Katy’s cottage – cute for canines

Luxury holiday homes in KingsandKaty's Cottage is a charming cottage that easily sleeps four.  Situated in the delightful village of Kingsand on the Rame Peninsula, which has a year round dog-friendly beach, the cottage is set over three floors and has been beautifully updated.  Inside, the cottage retains many of its original features and character, boasting wooden beams, stone floors, a wood burning stove and original fireplaces in the main bedroom and second living area. There is a small patio area in front of the property where you can sit and relax, taking in the views across the village and out to sea.

Katy’s Cottage can be booked for seven nights from £349 per week.  A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. For extra information on Blue Monkey, pick up your copy of The Sunday Times, and check out this fantastic holiday home! Hope this has given you paws for thought!

Visit http://www.bluechipvacations.com to find more dog friendly cottages and apartments in Devon and Cornwall.

A Guide To Choosing A Suitable Travel Cot For Your ‘Staycation’


With the UK continuing to gradually move out of recessionary times, many parents will be starting to estimate whether they will have the money to spend on travel during their summer holidays.  Going abroad with a young child on a budget can often be considerably more strenuous than travelling on your own in the same situation, so for many young families booking a ‘staycation’ in and around England, Scotland or Wales may be the most logical plan for the summer months.


For any family planning on travelling with their baby, a travel cot is a very sensible investment.  Yet, for those staying in the UK for summer, they can be more than worthwhile especially if you plan on being away from home for longer than you might have been if you had gone abroad.  So where does one start when it comes to choosing the right travel cot?

Although travel cots vary significantly in price, their basic design often consists of the same key attributes, including: lightweight frame, carry bag and soft side panels often made from mesh.

 However, despite the key benefit of purchasing a travel cot being that it is easy to carry around, the actual weight of some models can vary quite significantly with mid-range models weighing in at around the 13-15kg mark, and those that are as light as 8kg being available at a slightly higher cost.

Weight may not be the only thing to consider when browsing available travel cots.  Although cheaper models are satisfyingly practical and simple, those that cost upwards of £70 typically boast a number of extras that might tempt the travelling parent.  Many can act as both a play pen and travel cot, while others include a cot top changer, saving you the need to take a changing mat with you. 

Yet to truly travel in style, and to increase the chances that you’ll be able to get a peaceful night’s sleep yourself – an increasing number are hitting the market with in-built night-lights and music-playing mobiles to lull your baby asleep, and to ensure that ‘staycation’ was really worth the money.

Las Vegas: How To Have A Good Time Without Spending A Cent In The Casinos

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas then the chances are that gambling is pretty high on your priority list. Sin City, after all, is most famous for its numerous casinos and the games contained within: poker, blackjack, roulette, slot machines and so on – all designed to separate you from your money.

But while huge hotels and mega casinos dominate the Vegas skyline, there are plenty of other activities to seek out if you know where to look. So, once you’ve got the boring stuff out of the way – buying travel insurance, changing up some foreign currency, that kind of thing – you can start planning what other activities you’re going to get up to ensure you get the most out of Vegas. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Flip out
With more than 150 playable tables dating back to the 1940s through to modern day machines, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to preserving classic gaming for future generations. The best bit? Most tables only cost 25c to play and all profits go directly to the Salvation Army.

Pinball Hall of Fame


Catch a ball game
If you’re into your sport, then Vegas has more to offer than first meets the eye. Cashman Field plays host to minor league baseball’s Las Vegas 51s, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Las Vegas Wranglers play professional ice hockey in the Easy Coast Hockey League. Neither sport’s season runs for the whole year so be sure to plan accordingly.



Spend nothing
Despite the city’s reputation for extravagance, visitors on a strict budget can still find more than enough to keep them entertained on the cheap. In fact, there are some must-see Vegas attractions that cost nothing at all. The famous Bellagio Fountains display takes place at least every half hour between midday and midnight at the weekends – wait until it’s dark to catch them at their magnificent best. And if you venture out to see ‘Old Vegas’ be sure to stick around for the Fremont Street Experience, a truly stunning overhead multimedia show that takes place on the hour from dusk onwards.

Bellagio Fountains

Head to the big top
There are a huge number of shows vying for your attention in Vegas but your top priority should be to catch a breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performance. There are currently five Cirque shows in permanent residence on the Strip Рfrom aquatic masterpiece O to the Beatles-themed Love. Best of all, though, is Myst̬re at Treasure Island.



On a final note, if you’re looking to get your Vegas travel money, looking to buy cheap travel insurance for your trip or even sort out your UK passport then visit the Post Office ®.

Post Office ® was recently voted best travel insurance company and foreign exchange retailer by the British Travel Awards 2009.

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