A Doggy Friendly Stay in Lancashire

You may think we are beginning to get bored of giving away wonderful holidays. Well, you would be quite mistaken... We are not bored and, so it comes to that time again when we can gloriously announce that Kim Porter and Pugsy the Pug are the lucky winners and together with their family, they’re off to enjoy the much coveted prize of staying in Davis Gate Cottage in the beautiful Lancastrian countryside. 

As always, we like to give any of you who might be thinking about a trip to Lancashire to go away with a little bit of an idea about what you can get up to on your holiday; so here is a morsel of the fantastic things to see and do with your doggy in tow. 

With acres and acres of rolling countryside, open spaces and breathtaking views and designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is a county for those who like to get out and stretch their legs, feel the mud between their paws, spend evenings curled up next to the fire or ease away a summer night by the glow of a barbecue. 

If you fancy mixing your stay and walks with a little art, there are two great sculpture walks worth visiting and both close to the cottage. Just 7 miles from Davis Gate Cottage, a mile outside of Clitheroe itself, the Ribble Valley Sculpture trail is certainly worth a visit. This one mile stroll includes over 20 permanent sculptures dotted along its trail set across Brungerley Park and across Hill Quarry. The second of these artful walks is the Pendle Sculpture Trail, just 30 minutes drive from Davis Gate in Dutton. It is a bit of a history lesson and one for those with a penchant for all things magical. Following the tale of the Pendle Witches this is a fantastical walk (though with a bit of a steep start) through woodlands and set against the backdrop of Pendle Hill; of course all four legged friends are welcome to join. If the kiddies, doggies or in fact you, feel like your legs need a little rest from striding out across fields and hills, then a day trip to the Bowland Wild Boar Animal Park where you can feed all manner of animals varying in size and shape from chickens, to goats, deer, wild boars and llamas as well as a tractor ride to enjoy. A great day out - we recommend you pack a picnic too!

The ladies amongst you are bound to love a spot of shopping in Clitheroe,  jostled with history it is a pretty Saxon town and alongside the smallest Norman Castle in England it is a pretty backdrop to your retail therapy. Home to individual retailers, farmers markets and deli’s it’s a pleasant change of scenery and, the Castle museum is certainly worth a visit as well! 

With summer surely just around the corner we are certain the Polter’s  will spend all their time out and about enjoying all there is in the great outdoors of Lancashire. But, if the clouds open and the grey skies show their ugly head, or winter arrives sooner rather than later,  then there is nowhere more cosy and perfectly placed to enjoy a game of Scrabble next to the woodburner in the living room of Dave Gate Cottage. We are of course, ever envious. Have a fantastic time and we hope Pugsy enjoys his treats too!