Truly Dog Friendly
Cottages Somerset
Why We're Dog Friendly -
Not Just Dog Tolerant
Dogs Most Welcome, Children Tolerated and Well Behaved Adults May Accompany!
Our 3 dog friendly cottages and our enclosed woodland glamping retreat all have 6ft enclosed gardens and are the perfect place to holiday with your dogs especially if you have reactive or nervous dogs.
Our dog friendly cottages & glamping retreat have private secure dog exercise fields.
We love all dogs and cater for large breeds, exempted XL's right through to the smallest of dogs and every kind in between.
Because "Dogs Welcome" should mean more than putting a bowl by the door
At our Quantock Cottages, dogs aren't an afterthought - Simon & I created them just for dogs and then we figured we should make them super lovely for two legged guests as well!
We've created our luxury Somerset cottages with dogs firmly in mind – from enclosed 6ft enclosed gardens to private exercise areas and woodland, giving your four-legged family members the freedom to enjoy their holiday too.
And for owners of nervous, anxious or reactive dogs, that extra security can make all the difference.
Why We're Different
A dog friendly holiday shouldn't mean compromising on luxury.
And it shouldn't mean spending your entire break worrying about whether your dog can escape the garden.
Our cottages combine beautifully designed accommodation with genuinely enclosed outdoor spaces, so everyone can relax.
6ft Plus Purpose Built Enclosed Gardens
As dog owners ourselves Simon and I know how important it is to have our dogs safely enclosed and contained within their garden as without you simply can't relax.
We have built our boutique cottage gardens and our enclosed woodland glamping retreat specifically for the safety, security and privacy for our dog guests.
The enclosed garden for each property is accessed direct from the property.
Watch this 45 second movie and
Meet me and see our garden fencing
If the vid does not come down just tap/click
on empty screen space and it should !
Private Dog Exercise Fields - Sole Use
We have 3 on-site purpose built dog exercise fields which include a 2 acre wood.
These dog exercise areas are fenced to 6ft and both "Mini Bark" and "The Woodland Scent Zone" have agility courses.
"Central Bark" has wonderful coastal views and a weather shelter for those either hot or wet days!
The enclosed dog exercise fields are only for the use of guests staying in one of our 3 cottages and our enclosed woodland glamping retreat - they are not open to the general public.
You will ALWAYS have sole use of one of these fields. We have signs to this effect for each gate and if you are super worried there are locks on the gates as well.
Watch this 45 second movie and
see how much fun your dogs will have in our 6ft Fenced private use dog fields
NB if the vid does not come down just tap/click
on empty screen space and it should !
If the vid does not come down just tap/click
on empty screen space and it should !
A Safe Place For Nervous & Reactive Dogs
The majority of our K9 guests suffer with reactivity or nervous issues.
When we designed and built our enclosed cottage gardens and our secure dog exercise fields we very much had the needs of the reactive people at the forefront of our mind.
We know that holidays aren't always easy for dogs who find unfamiliar people or other dogs stressful.
That's why our setup works particularly well for nervous and reactive dogs.
Your enclosed garden gives you private outdoor space, while our secure exercise areas allow your dog to have a proper run without putting them into a busy communal environment.
For many owners such as ourselves who have reactive dogs, this makes the difference between a holiday we can relax into and one where we're constantly on alert.
We are surround by stunning open countryside and the gardens backing on to 9,000 acres of AONB open heathland which are terribly quiet and if you see anyone else on the heath it is a rarity.
We welcome with open paws and open hearts every breed of dog from the very smallest to the very largest and everyone in between including BSL & XL's
24th Sept - 2nd Oct
Being owners of mud and sand loving dogs not to mention them being double coated we know how essential it is to have doggo washing and drying facilites. Each of our boutique cottages have hot and cold doggie showers, a drying bench and a doggie hair dryer.
For doggo guests staying in La Caravane, our enclosed woodland glamping retreat we have an outside hose shower
We are very happy for your dogs to be on our furniture.
We do ask that if you dogs like to be in the sofas with you that you bring your own throws/blankets to cover them.
If your dogs like to sleep with you, again no worries just bring your own linen.
Did you know that Somerset has got the most dog friendly beaches of any county in the whole of the UK - how mega is that!
Our nearest beach is Kilve, which is just 1.5 miles away. It is a pebbly beach but much fun can be had hunting for fossils and there are glorious walks along the cliff tops.
The nearest sandy beaches of Blue Anchor and Dunster are only a short drive away.
With 9'000 acres of stunning Quantok Hills AONB at the end of your garden you will never be short of walks.
The Quantock's are made up of glorious open moorland which have steep stream-laced wooded coombes and colourful heathland.
As this is such a hidden gem of an area when you are out on the hills it will be a rarity if you see anyone else - which makes it ideal for those with reactive or nervous dogs.
This is what lies at the end of your garden
The 9,000 acres of Quantock Hills AONB
Watch this 45 second video.
This is just above your retreat
Pretty much everywhere in Somerset is dog friendly and this includes the beaches and the pubs.
If you want to go for a days shopping or want to have a peaceful meal out then there is a lovely lady in the village who can come up and sit with your dogs. She is a certified dog behaviourist and our dogs love her!
If you need to save space in your car or feed raw there are 2 local pet shops who will deliver direct to your cottage for your arrival day.
When you book your break with us we will send you a link to our App which has all the details of of the pet shops, dog sitter etc on so you can make arrangements direct with them.
Not surprisingly, this is the question that Simon & I get asked the most! It's also one of the hardest questions because each situation, each doggo is unique and has different needs, as do each of their hoomans!
Our Design Thought And Process For Dogs, Cottages & Gardens:
As said above, we designed and built all 3 of our cottages and our La Caravane Enclosed Woodland glamping retreat around the needs of dogs and then we figured we better make them super comfortable for hooman guests as well!
For the safety and privacy of our dog guests the gardens in each property are fenced to 6ft with a mix of close board/bark and backed by stock-fencing.
Each cottage garden has mature planting in front of the 6ft fencing which adds to the private feel of the garden.
What Can Your Dogs See From Each Cottage Garden:
For Coleridge & Greenway:
From the main patio garden and the upper garden your dogs should not be able to see anything (unless they bring a set of step ladders!!) But from the east garden (which has a 6ft gate so you can keep them in the main garden if you want to, we have dropped the garden fencing to circa 4ft so that you the "lead holder!" can enjoy the glorious sea views.
For The Quantock Hide:
This property has the largest garden and it is set over 3 levels. It has a beautiful courtyard garden with glorious sub-tropical plants. The middle level has the covered hot tub and the upper level is a wildflower meadow.
From the lower 2 levels of the garden your dogs should not be able to see anything.
The top end of your wild flower meadow is fenced with 6ft deer mesh so they may see on the odd occasion Simon and I or the guests staying in La Caravane walking down the short track. BUT if you don't want them to be able to see anyone, you can shut the 6ft gate that leads up the steps to the wildflower meadow - Don't worry there is masses of room for them on the lower levels to scamper!.
For La Caravane Enclosed Woodland Glamping Retreat
Having driven into your enclosed woodland retreat and shut the 6ft gate your dogs should not be able to see anything. The whole enclosure is bark fenced, backed up with stock proof fencing for additional security.
In your "front garden" the lower level of the fence is a log wall to circa 4ft and behind AND above that to 6ft is specialist deer mesh as we want you to be able to enjoy the woodland coastal views.
The Surrounding Countryside:
We are set high on the Quantock Hills and we are surrounded by stunning countryside, so in general it is a peaceful rural and quiet area.
For Very Reactive Dogs:
If you have a hyper reactive dog/s then we would suggest that you look at The Quantock Hide Cottage. It is set away from the other properties and is approached via its own woodland drive.
A more budget friendly option to the Quantock Hide, is our La Caravane, our lovely enclosed woodland glamping retreat. It too is approached via its own dedicated driveway and once inside your enclosed space your woofer won't have to see anyone else.
Best For Elderly Dogs Or Those Who Struggle With Steps/Stairs:
In this instance we would suggest Coleridge or Greenway as both are set over one level and Central Bark and Mini Bark are just across the small country lane. Do please note that Greenway does have 5 garden steps that need to be navigated - but if you think this might be a problem, let us know as there is a work-around.
La Caravane is the other option as it only has two small steps to get inside. Our elderly GSD is very comfortable managing these 2 small steps.
Livestock On Our Estate:
On our country estate where the properties are located we only have 2 horses. We do not have any other farm animals. Our horses will obviously not be in any fields where your dogs are. From time to time we may ask that they be able to eat down Central Bark but this will only be over night and we would arrange with you in advance. We do of course have 2 other secure enclosed doggie exercise fields.
Livestock On The Quantock Hills:
One of the many joys of the AONB Quantock Hills open heathland is the abundance of wildlife from birds of prey hovering on the thermals, to the odd group of wild ponies to the herds of red deer and the sheep. Given that there are so many wonderful smells on the heath, If you are not sure about your woofers recall we would highly recommend a long line.
What Your Dogs Can See When They Are In The Secure Dog Exercise Fields:
From Central Bark & Mini Bark you and your dogs can enjoy the most wonderful coastal and country views.
These Bark Parks although very well fenced are next to each other. Below them is the main field where our 2 quiet elderly horses graze. They are very used to dogs and they don't mind being barked at all!
If your dogs are worried by the horses you have the "Woodland Scent Zone" which is our 2 acre enclosed wood and the horses won't be there. If you did want to use either of the other bark parks as well during your stay, just let us know and we can work around moving the horses for you.
From The Woodland Scent Zone, your dogs can see very little as its in a wood. At the top end behind the fence and a bank there is a track that our 2 neighbours use to get to their houses. Again unless your dogs are extremely tall or bring their own set of step ladders they wont be able to see the track.
What We are Not:
If you are looking for that country place that is totally off grid that is in the middle of nowhere, with not another property for miles around and where you/your dogs will not be able to see or hear another living animal be it a bird, a squirrel or a bunny - then we are not the place for you as on our quiet country estate we have all of the aforementioned!
What We Are:
Simon & I are passionate about dogs and passionate about providing what we call, good old fashion hospitality and also something a little bit extra and a little bit special.
Here we provide a sanctuary, a retreat from the everyday worries so our guests both K9 & human can spend that all important and precious holiday time together, in a home-from-home environment and create those special memories.
The reason we moved to Somerset is, there is a rule is if you DON'T have a dog then you're not welcome and one can't argue with that!
Stop!
Yes We Know It's All About The dogs
But actually which of our cottages best suits your needs
as well?
Your Dog's Holiday Starts Here
Choose your perfect retreat:
-
The Quantock Hide – romantic luxury for couples & small families
-
Coleridge – single-storey comfort with ground-floor bedrooms
-
Greenway – beautiful countryside and coastal views
-
La Caravane – luxury enclosed woodland glamping
Because at Quantock Cottages, your dog doesn't just come on holiday - They have a holiday too.
Simon and I are so fortunate as we get to welcome "home" so many returning guests — often several times a year (their dogs wouldn’t have it any other way).
The majority of our bookings come through word of mouth, which we’re incredibly proud of and so thankful to guests who help spread the word.
We believe true luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about space, privacy, beautiful surroundings, and time together with both your two and four-legged family.
Come and discover our Quantock Cottages: luxury dog-friendly escapes in the heart of Somerset. We can’t wait to welcome you and share this hidden gem with fellow dog lovers.
Don't just take our word for how lovely our cottages.
Do see for yourself what some of our guests have been kind enough to say about the cottages
"Quantock Cottages are in a league of their own! With two escape-artist dachshunds and a Saluki who can clear most fences, the secure garden and dog fields meant we could finally relax while the dogs had the time of their lives.
Emma & Simon’s hospitality is second to none. We’ve already booked another stay this year and 2 next year!
Sarah & John, July 2026
See What Suzie had to say about our doggo facilities
As you will be able to hear her little furry people had lots to say!