Wells-next-the Sea: It came out tops in the national Kennel Club's 'Be Dog Friendly' Awards, 2015, scoring a double whammy when its beach was voted 'Best Dog Friendly Beach' , whilst its beach-side cafe-restaurant, with its 'wash and wag' service, free water bowls and treats earned it Britain's most Dog Friendly Place', out of over 10,000 other canine canny establishments.

In the week that sees the largest celebration of dogs in the UK, Crufts (March 10th-13th),  Norfolk Hideaways, North Norfolk's leading provider of boutique holiday accommodation is shining the spotlight on the best of the best dog friendly properties in its 300 plus strong portfolio.

According to Hetti Simpson, owner of Norfolk Hideaways, over half of their properties don't just accept dogs but welcome them with open arms. "North Norfolk is a dog-walkers paradise; long stretches of soft, sandy beaches, salt marshes for them to explore and pine forests to romp around in, we're thrilled that Wells next the Sea has been recognised for the pet-friendly location it is."

As the weather turns warmer and with Easter mere weeks away, here's their pick of top dog-friendly boltholes in Wells and the surrounding area.

For bookings, contact Norfolk Hideaways, T. 01485 211 022 or visit www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk   

Best for beach / marsh access

Springbank, Wells next the Sea

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, beach hut available

Price from £525 (beach hut at extra cost)

Lovely though this recently refurbished 3 bedroom coastal property is, it's the outside space which seals the deal for dog owners. Patio doors lead on to decking, whilst miles of marshland leading onto the beach means your dogs can roam free. The Quayside at Wells is just a five minute walk, whist you also have the option of booking a beach hut at Wells beach, to keep pooches cool when the temperatures rise.

Best for Wells town

Smugglers Retreat, Wells next the Sea

Sleeps 6 plus 2 children (sofa bed) in 4 bedrooms, 1 dog or 2 small dogs welcome

Price from £619 per week

Smugglers Retreat is tucked away on a quiet lane in the centre of Wells-next-the-Sea, within easy walking distance of all the local amenities and the quay.  It is a charming three storey cottage able to accommodate up to 6 adults and 2 children in four bedrooms.  On the ground floor is a kitchen with good sized dining table featuring a range style oven with six gas burners and a large comfortable sitting room.  On the first floor are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom with a further double bedroom on the second floor.  The cottage retains many original features including exposed beams and narrow staircases and benefits from an enclosed courtyard area to the rear and off road parking for one car.

Best for Large Groups / Families

Holly House,  Wells-next-the-Sea

Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms

Price from £700 per week.

A newly refurbished period property, Holly House is situated on The Buttlands square, one of the most beautiful parts of Wells, close to the Quay and all shops and restaurants.  The property has been beautifully renovated in a contemporary and clean style, with quality bathrooms and kitchen.  The ground floor is open plan providing very spacious accommodation.  A perfect base to walk and explore Wells and all its nooks and crannies.  Holly House is joined on either side by Holly Cottage (sleeps 4) and Holly Lodge (sleeps 6).  Although all are completely separate properties together they would make an excellent base for larger groups.

Wyndswept, Wells-next-the-Sea

Sleeps 12 in 5 bedrooms, 1st dog free, £15 for subsequent dogs

Price from £1,350 per week.

Wyndswept is an impressive Georgian style detached property with generously proportioned rooms throughout, a good sized garden to the rear and plenty of parking to the front of the house.  Inside, there's a bright kitchen diner with ample seating for all and a large sitting room, both with French doors out to the patio to the rear.  From the upstairs landing and front bedrooms you can look across the fields to the sea beyond and there are four bathrooms and five bedrooms to accommodate everyone.  The garden is fully enclosed and complete with toys for smaller children, garden furniture and a chiminea.

6 Clock Row, Thornham

Sleeps 6 in 2 bedrooms, outside wet room for hosing down the dog!

Price from £385 per week.

6 Clock Row, with a recently refurbished kitchen and modern bathroom, is a charming example of a traditional brick & flint Norfolk cottage. To the front is a lovely garden with an enclosed garden at the rear, where there's also an outside wet room, ideal for hosing down the dogs - or the kids - on return from the beach. Thornham beach links with Wells beach for miles and miles of unbroken white sands.  

Saltmarshes, Holme next the Sea

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms

Price from £715 per week.

Newly refurbished and with a large, enclosed garden, Saltmarshes is a perfect, tucked away holiday for the whole family, two and four legged members. Conservatory, views over gardens and adjoining paddock, with the nature reserve with board walk mere minutes away. In the garage is a fully secure dog pen with large dog house for pooches which sleep outside.

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