THE VALLEY. A Cornish Country Retreat

Taking the dog to Cornwall in the summer hols can be a tricky proposition. Many hotels and cottages don’t accept canines, and several beaches ban man’s best friend from the sands from June to September.
The Valley is a good bet for both its location and the management’s superior intelligence.

Dog-friendly from the outset, this complex with optional self-catering is within easy reach of both north and south coasts, and provides intelligence on dog-friendly places to visit(pubs and gardens as well as beaches and attractions) along with the ball and biscuit presented to each pooch on check-in.

Our elderly pet was pleased to have step-free access to both front door and living space- not the case with every style of unit in this holiday village, so check floor plans when booking. He had a problem getting up the slope to the beautiful dog walk in a private stretch of forest close to all the pet-friendly accommodation, but enjoyed the pretty, shrub-lined lawns which surround the cottages.

Families of every size are catered for – one house model has two master suites on separate levels as well as a kids’ room, so that three generations can holiday together in comfort. There’s a swimming pool and dog-friendly restaurant on site, and the county town of Truro is only 10 minutes away, livelier Falmouth double the distance, while Newquay and other north coast beaches can be reached in half an hour.

As for the accommodation, these are high-spec houses with modern decor rather than quaint whitewashed cottages with slate floors. But they will suit those who like the convenience of washing machines on their own property and plenty of bathrooms – our two-bedroomed house had two en-suites plus an extra downstairs loo – not to mention the built-in dishwashers which come as standard. Furniture is simple but elegant, and character is introduced via beamed ceilngs.