Wow! If you want peace and tranquillity this is the place to come!
Nestled in the rolling Devonshire hills with stunning views over Combe Martin in the valley below, Manleigh Park is the ultimate dog friendly place to chill out.
With glimpses of the bay in the distance, framed by a patchwork of green fields on either side, this place is the epitome of the idyllic English landscape.
Judith and Steve run Manleigh Park along with head of pupstomer services Baxter the Labradoodle. Being super organised, before our arrival they had sent us a link to the Manleigh Park app.
It provides all the information you need to know before, during and after your stay. It’s the first place I’ve come across that offers this facility and it’s such a great idea because you’re left in no doubt as to what to expect, or what you need to pack.
It gives you details of local walks, hiking trails and boat hire, along with information about tourist attractions from gardens to pubs and cafes. It’s a little hub of information and was so useful to have as a reference during our stay.
Manleigh Park – A Place of Rest and Relaxation
Now before you get the wrong impression, when I say holiday park, we’re not talking redcoats, tacky entertainment and karaoke contests until the wee small hours!
Manleigh Park is all about taking time to enjoy your surroundings, soak up the peace and tranquillity of nature, recharge your batteries and embark on some much-needed rest and relaxation.
There are facilities for children on site, but they are very low-key. The discreet, enclosed play area comprises a small wooden adventure playground and is tucked out of the way, helping to preserve the restful ambiance of the park.
With a choice of chalets, log cabins, and one brick-built bungalow to choose from, all of the dwellings are considerately spaced on different levels to allow their occupants maximum privacy.
We were staying in Daisy log cabin, which is set apart from the other cabins. With two terriers who love to guard their territory, the additional space proved very fortuitous! [For both me and fellow guests!]
Accessed via a set of steps, our accommodation was just perfect. With an enclosed balcony area, it meant the dogs could wander about outside without me having to keep an eye on them.
Having said that, on the first evening ‘Skinny Winnie’ did manage to do her Houdini impersonation and squeeze between the wooden rails. Needless to say, I soon discovered that if she wore her harness she was too wide to escape!
Stylish and spotlessly clean, we were instantly struck by how welcoming the lodge was on first impression.
Inside is a good sized living/ kitchen/ dining area, with comfortable seating. There are two bedrooms – one twin and one double, both of which are tastefully decorated and pristine.
The modern bathroom has a lovely powerful shower over the bath.
Dogs Rules at Manleigh Park
Dogs are requested to refrain from climbing on the furniture or the bed, which is understandable.
Whilst I love it when places welcome your dog to join you on the sofa or snuggle up in between the sheets, I appreciate that not all guests are dappy about dogs!
Therefore I always respect the decision of individual establishments, and I’m just extremely grateful that Gertie and Winnie can be with me.
The fitted kitchen includes everything that you need for a comfortable self-catering holiday, including a dishwasher, microwave oven, hob and under-counter cooker.
The on-site bar/ cafe serves a selection of coffees, teas and ice creams during the day. In the evening, it serves home-cooked pizzas and is fully licensed.
Naturally, I thought it rude not to try a pizza [when in Rome and all that jazz!] so I opted for a topping of mushroom, peppers and sweetcorn. I have to say I can highly recommend a night off from self-catering to indulge! Mine was super scrummy.
A Warm Welcome Awaits You at Manleigh Park
The bar has a somewhat American ranch feel to it which I love, and Steve and Judith go out of their way to make their guests feel welcome.
Dogs are allowed to sit with you and soak up the relaxed vibe, and I have no doubt that in the Winter the log-burning stove would only add to its cosy appeal.
As it was, a roaring fire was the last thing on our minds, as the start of our staycation happened to coincide with a heatwave!
After our late arrival [due to the heat], our first evening was spent supping a vino on the balcony and exploring the 4 acre secure dog walking field.
The girls had a great time bounding about in the long grass, once the temperature had subsided a little. The field is such a great facility to have, as dogs can run free off lead to their heart’s content without the need to worry.
Doggy poo bags and bins are also provided around the holiday park, should you get caught short.
Having woken on the first morning, expecting to be greeted with the same searing heat as the night before, we were pleasantly surprised when the clouds started to roll in and the breeze picked up a little.
Dog-Friendly Attractions in North Devon
After a leisurely start, and a much-needed Latte at the bar, we headed to the Lyn Valley where we enjoyed a scenic stroll through the meandering pathways of the Watersmeet Trail.
With Winnie only six months old and still on relatively short walks, we parked close to the cafe so that we could enjoy a bit of sniffing and exploring time before heading for a bite to eat.
It’s the perfect place to walk, come rain or shine, as it provides shade from the scorching sun, but also protection from the pouring rain!
As we embarked on the steep descent towards the tea room, the heavens opened, and before we knew it, we were being reminded of what a good old British summer is usually like!
Sheltering under the overhang of the cafe, we enjoyed a very scrumptious Devon cream tea before making our way to the nearby town of Lynton.
With a quintessentially English holiday vibe Lynton and Lynmouth are the perfect towns to while away an afternoon. Both offer a fabulous selection of cafes, ice cream parlours and tasteful gift shops.
If you’re feeling adventurous there is also the funicular, water-powered steam railway which takes you from Lynton, up above, to its twin town of Lynmouth in the valley below.
I’ve enjoyed this iconic tourist attraction on a previous visit to the area so I didn’t feel the need to partake again. However, if you’ve never experienced it, it is dog-friendly and definitely one to tick off the bucket list.
With the temperature beginning to rise again after the storm, we headed back to enjoy an afternoon on the shady balcony, whilst Winnie caught up on some much-needed sleep.
Dog-friendly Beaches in North Devon
You are literally spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly coves and beaches in the North Devon area.
With so many to choose from, I felt rather like drawing a straw. However, Woolacombe won my heart, for our first outing to the beach. With its wide expanse of golden sand backed by undulating sand dunes, it looked simply magical light up under the pink hue of the sunset skies.
Saunton Sands is another firm favourite and is renowned for being super dog-friendly. The backdrop of colourful beach huts is truly charming, and there is a good choice of cafes, grills and even a surf school [for the more coordinated tourist!]
Of course, the beach always provides the ideal opportunity for the obligatory photo shoot. And, as my little fashionistas like to strike a pose, there’s always a new accessory or two to model!
On the final morning we awoke to beautiful blue skies and a lovely brisk breeze. In my opinion the perfect summer’s day, at a modest 21 degrees. Before heading back to our home turf, we decided to make the most of our last morning and do a little tour of the local beaches.
The closest beach to Manleigh Park is Combe Martin beach. Whilst this beach has seasonal dog restrictions, the beach adjacent to it called Newberry Beach is dog friendly all year round. So we headed straight for there. In fact, you can walk into Combe Martin from Manleigh Park and it only takes about 20 minutes.
Next, we went to investigate Watermouth Cove for a final scoot around in the sand. Watermouth is an absolute gem and is definitely well worth a visit.
With a colourful display of sailing boats bobbing about in the harbour, a sheltered shingle beach and the most adorable cafe called Storm in a Tea Cup to grab a bite to eat, it soon shot to the top of our shortlist of favourite places in the area.
A Very Reluctant Farewell
After a couple of hours enjoying the beautiful sunshine and watching the world go by at Watermouth Cove, we reluctantly made our way home.
There is so much to see and do in the North Devon area, and I lost count of the amount of dog-friendly and dogs welcome signs we saw.
A huge thank you to Judith, Steve and Baxter for inviting us to stay at Manleigh Park. You have made us feel so very welcome and we’ve had the most wonderful time making memories that we will treasure forever.
And it has to be said, Baxter, you are even more handsome in the fur, we are rather smitten.
If you fancy a relaxing stay at Manleigh Park, head to their website to check out their availability and as always, if we’ve inspired you, please get in touch and let us know.
Woofs and wags
Kate, Gertie and Winnie
xox
