Tag: family friendly

Observing the castle of Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle to Richmond: Family Guide to North Pennines

Published on by Mélodie21 Comments

Tucked away in the rugged borderlands of County Durham and North Yorkshire, the area around Barnard Castle is a hidden gem for families and their four-legged companions. This is a landscape where history isn’t behind a velvet rope —it’s meant to be climbed, sniffed, and discovered. From the massive stone keep of Bowes Castle to the atmospheric “wynds” of Richmond, this corner of the Pennines offers deep historical roots with a wonderfully slow pace of life.

Whether you’re hand-trailing 12th-century walls, chasing “secret” waterfalls at Mill Force with the dog, or tucking into a world-class gastro-pub dinner while the kids enjoy a smaller taste of the local menu, this 3-day itinerary proves why Teesdale is England’s best-kept secret for a dog-friendly family adventure.

Keep Exploring
View of the Lake district summits from Sandscale Haws beach

Sandscale Haws: family & dog friendly walking guide

Published on by Mélodie26 Comments

Discover the wild, ethereal beauty of Sandscale Haws National Trust Nature Reserve, a coastal hidden gem in the South Lake District where snow-capped peaks meet the Irish Sea. This winter family adventure offers a mix of frozen sands, mysterious shipwrecks and wild dunes. The reserve is also home to a quarter of the UK’s rare Natterjack toads and a tapestry of over 600 plant species offering a profound sense of peace. 

Keep Exploring
View of Sizergh Castle from the garden

Sizergh Castle & Estate: family & dog friendly adventure guide

Published on by Mélodie34 Comments

Sizergh Castle and Estate near Kendal on the edge of the Lake District National Park, offers a perfect blend of 800 years of history and over 1,600 acres of wild Cumbrian landscape. From the medieval Solar Tower and world-class gardens to the hidden woodland ‘Wild Play’ trails, it is an essential stop for families and dog owners exploring the Lake District.

Keep Exploring
Cap Frehel lighthouse

Côtes-d’Armor – family & dog friendly winter getaway guide

Published on by Mélodie36 Comments

Discover the ideal winter escape for your family and your dog in the stunning Côtes-d’Armor, France. This region in the quiet northwest corner of Brittany is a true hidden gem. You’ll find extensive sandy beaches perfect for off-leash walks, charming small harbours, and dramatic pink cliffs meeting the turquoise water of the Atlantic. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, coastal relaxation, and the discovery of the delicious local French delicacies.

Keep Exploring

Aqua Natura, Terra Natura, Magic Pirate Island resort and Benidorm – our review

Published on by Mélodie23 Comments

For a September family holiday, we chose an all-inclusive stay at the new Magic Pirates Island Resort, located just 10km from Benidorm. This pirate-themed paradise features three incredible pools, including the Battleship Lagoon with its massive galleon and the Kraken’s Kid Port splash area. Our well-designed lodge offered two separate sleeping areas, perfect for family privacy. A major highlight of the all-inclusive package was the unlimited access to the adjacent Aqua Natura waterpark and Terra Natura animal park, providing endless entertainment right on our doorstep.

Keep Exploring

Uldale Plantation by Nannycatch gate: family & dog friendly walking guide

Published on by Mélodie27 Comments

A short circular walk through Uldale Plantation and Nannycatch Gate in Cleator, Cumbria. This hidden forest on the edge of the Lake District National Park, offers views of Dent, Flat Fell and coastal panoramas. The path includes rugged forest tracks through ancient pines and explores the secluded Nannycatch Valley, once a glacial drainage route. This little known walk is great for a Sunday morning stroll with the family and dogs.

Keep Exploring