slider – Our Lake District Escapades

Barnard Castle to Richmond: Family Guide to North Pennines

Published on 19 March 202619 March 2026 by Mélodie9 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.

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View of the Lake district summits from Sandscale Haws beach

Sandscale Haws: family & dog friendly walking guide

Published on 5 March 20262 March 2026 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.

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Sizergh Castle & Estate: family & dog friendly adventure guide

Published on 18 February 202618 March 2026 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.

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Charente – family & dog friendly winter getaway guide

Published on 11 February 202619 March 2026 by Mélodie29 Comments

For those seeking a quiet winter escape in family with their dog, Charente, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine,France is a perfect destination. This region, between Bordeaux and Angoulême, is a hidden gem for slow-travel enthusiasts and families alike. From the historic 16th-century architecture of Chalais to the cobbled streets of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne the area is rich with heritage. It offers to winter visitors monolithic wonders, atmospheric riverside paths along the Tude, and peaceful nature walks.

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

Published on 1 February 202622 February 2026 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.

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Walla Crag summit: family & dog friendly walking guide

Published on 21 January 202623 February 2026 by Mélodie39 Comments

A beautiful short walk up to Walla Crag summit in the Lake District National Park in England. This family and dog friendly walk is perfect to admire the view over Derwent water, Bassenthwaite lake and the summits of Cat Bells, Maiden Moor and High Spy. The ascent can be a bit strenuous for some walkers but the view from the top is well worth the effort. This walk goes down by Great Wood forest.

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