Guiding the way 2

The second book that is guiding my little family to enjoy our new life in the UK is Pet Friendly Places to Stay, a guide to hotels, B&B's and campsites to stay with your pet! You see, our family has expanded by one since our arrival in July, in the form of a now six month old Border Collie Cross. We have no idea how long we will be living in England, could be twelve months, could be twelve years but  want to see as much as we can while we have the chance, so were delighted to find that the dog can join us on our adventures.

The book, like the Good Beer Guide is full of useful information and is separated into counties. It includes hotels, B & B's and camp sites that allow dogs. The facilities available, such as cost per dog per night, exercise areas available, any restrictions and of course what types of pets are allowed. Anything from hamsters to horses, cats, dogs and birds. Also includes a review of the establishment. There is also a list of dog friendly pubs...handy to cross reference with the Good Beer Guide!

My little family recently had a lovely stay at a very dog and people friendly B&B The Gorse Meadow Guest House in the village of Lymington in the New Forest. We found it in the Pet Friendly guide and did a search on Tripadvisor where the reviews were either really good or really bad! We thought we would make our own minds up and are glad we did. Mrs Tee, the owner and mushroom expert has a lovely, quirky Edwardian home in the countryside, which was clean and full of character. Our rooms were nice, upstairs, ours was large and overlooked beautiful countryside, the dog shared a nice downstairs room with the teen and the tween.

Gorse Meadow Lodge

Perfect spot to watch the dogs play

Our dog having a romp with the owner's dog

Morning View from our bedroom window

In the breakfast room

Mrs Tee gave us ideas for places we could go with the dog. We went for wander through Lymington, a Georgian market town and found a great street market that was established way back in the 13th Century. I managed to get myself some waterproof dog walking boots.We then headed to the beach for some exercise and fun at Milford on Sea, before finding The Smugglers Inn, a dog friendly pub to have dinner. After eating we returned to the B&B and settled after a great day out. Had a fabulous breakfast in the morning complete with famous mushrooms and a great chat with Mrs Tee about her very interesting life. Well done Pet Friendly places to stay...big tick for our first weekend adventure with the dog. The Guide makes it so easy to plan a family weekend away with the dog. Pick an area, look in the guide make a phone call or online booking and you are set to go. Looks like we have lots of weekend adventures with the family dog are coming our way. Too easy!

Market Day

Artful onions

Tea Cups

Enjoying the beach