If like me you share your life with an anxious or reactive dog, you’ll know that finding the right place to stay can make or break a holiday. I know that feeling too; I live it. Every trip takes a bit more thought, a bit more research, and a lot of care to make sure our dogs feel safe. That’s why I’ve put this guide together as a reactive dog parent who’s been there.
This is part one of a two-part blog series on cosy winter stays with availability (some even still have Christmas availability). Created especially for those of us who want to make the most of the quieter months.
Winter, in my opinion, is of course the best time to travel with a reactive or anxious dog. The beaches are quieter, the footpaths are empty, and the fair-weather walkers are hibernating. Out of season, even the more popular spots can become doable for those with dogs like mine. As a bonus, many places are a little kinder on the wallet, too. If you've been here a while, you will know I’ve personally visited most of the stays featured here on This is the Spot, and each one has been chosen for its calm, rural setting, with access to lakes or land to explore, and thoughtful design for anxious dog parents like us.
For those hoping to get away this winter or over Christmas, I’ve included stays that still have availability (at the point of me writing this, at least), including more rural hideaways for anyone looking to avoid fireworks around Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. Although these are limited, so if you’re thinking ahead, it’s also worth booking now for next winter, as these dates always go first.
The dates are listed this way for clarity, but they’re not set in stone, and some do overlap, so if you’re dreaming of a longer break (or just a quick countryside recharge), there’s flexibility to suit.
Sleeps 10
5 Beds
2 Dogs ( Exempt Dogs Welcome )
3 Night minimum
25% off 4 Nights or more
Remaining availability for this stunning countryside farmhouse spans select weeks across November and December 2025, including but not limited to 4th–7th, 10th–13th, 16th–21st and 24th–28th November, and 1st–5th or dates between 8th – 23rd December. With 25% off 4 nights. For a peaceful countryside Christmas, or a quiet winter getaway, these dates invite you to press pause, wrap up warm, and enjoy the season surrounded by the people (and dogs) you love.
With space for up to ten guests, it’s ideal for larger families and group stays looking for a true home from home this winter. The kitchen was made for big breakfasts and Christmas dinners, the large garden for children and dogs to roam freely, and the multiple living areas for those cosy fireside evenings together or apart, when the Monopoly game inevitably sparks a feud. Thoughtful touches for four-legged guests include soft throws for snuggling, tasty welcome treats, and space to snooze by the many fireplaces after chilly winter walks.
Away from the crowds but close enough for countryside adventures, this farmhouse promises everything you need for a winter filled with warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of festive chaos.
Sleeps 2
3 Beds
Unlimited dogs ( Exempt Dogs Welcome )
2 Night minimum
Tucked away in peaceful countryside, Cowman’s Cabin is a one of a kind off-grid winter escape. Luxurious yet rustic, this custom-made converted trailer blends comfort, quirk, and canine love in equal measure.
Availability for winter 2025 includes 2nd–5th, 7th–13th, or between 18th–23rd December - perfect for an escape before the festive rush. Sleeping four with a cosy double bed and two bunk beds, it’s ideal for small families or couples craving stillness and fresh air.
Inside, the cabin feels instantly welcoming, with warm wooden tones and thoughtful details throughout. The compact kitchen makes bacon sandwiches and hot chocolates a breeze, while outside the wood-fired hot tub and fire pit promise chilled, slow evenings under the stars. The fully fenced garden is perfect for dogs, with wide-open views of farmland and sunsets that stretch for miles.
Dogs are treated like guests here, with blankets, toys, treats, and even a handmade bed waiting. Humans get their own spoils too with fizz, goodies, and a stack of firewood for toasty nights in. Cowman’s Cabin is the kind of winter hideaway where muddy boots, steaming mugs, and wagging tails feel perfectly at home.
Sleeps 2
1 Bed
2+ Dogs (more on request) ( Exempt Dogs Welcome )
2 Night minimum
November stays can enjoy 10% off, with an extra 20% off four-night midweek breaks
Hidden in the farm's corner beneath the pear trees at Rowley Farm, The Hideaway Hut is a handcrafted shepherd’s hut for two, a peaceful winter nook for couples or solo dog owners looking for a little quiet countryside comfort. Remaining availability includes 17th–20th, 22nd–26th, and 28th–30th November, and 1st–12th, 15th–23rd, and 14th–31st December 2025. Including Christmas 23rd - 28th, or longer if you wish. In November, guests can enjoy 10% off stays, while those booking in December will be greeted with mulled wine and mince pies for a festive touch.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need for a snug winter escape. Underfloor heating, a log burner, and a plush velvet sofa for fireside evenings with your dog curled beside you. There are no “no dogs on furniture” rules here. All breeds are warmly welcomed, with throws provided for sofa and bed snuggles. Outside, the private, secure garden offers peace of mind for reactive pups, while the wood-fired hot tub promises pure relaxation under the stars.
Sleeps 4
3 Beds
2+ Dogs (more on request)
2 Night minimum
Stay 3 nights, get one free - Monday to Friday, between late November and mid-December.
Tucked away in the Wye Valley, and at the edge of the Forest of Dean, Rowan Tree Retreat is a luxurious self-catering cottage made for slow winter days and peaceful festive nights. Remaining availability runs from 21st November through to 31st December 2025, including Christmas 24th - 30th, with a special 4 nights for the price of 3 offer on Monday–Friday stays between 24th November and 19th December. Imagine sinking into the always-on cedar hot tub as snow drifts softly around you, or curling up on the sofa under a throw with your dog snoozing at your side. The open-plan living area, oak-beamed ceilings, and underfloor heating make every moment feel like a warm winter hug that Buddy the Elf would be proud of.
Dogs are treated like family here, greeted with their own welcome hamper filled with treats, toys, and cosy throws for joining you on the furniture. The private, fully enclosed garden offers peace of mind for anxious or reactive dogs, while humans can enjoy the outdoor game space complete with pool, darts, and table football. Add twinkling lights, countryside calm, and woodland walks right from the gate, and Rowan Tree Retreat becomes a truly magical hideaway.
Sleeps 4
3 Bed
2+ Dogs (more on request)
2 Night minimum
Settled within a peaceful woodland clearing, The Brake is a breathtaking retreat crafted from two reimagined shipping containers, now a cocoon of warmth, cosy light, and quiet festive luxury. Available 1st–5th, 8th–11th, 17th - 21st December, it’s the perfect winter hideaway for up to four, wrapped in comfort and surrounded by nature.
Inside, the log burner crackles gently at the heart of the space, casting a golden glow across the polished floors. Outside, frost clings to the trees while inside, mugs of hot chocolate steam on the coffee table, and books are left open mid-chapter. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the stillness of winter - deer moving through the trees, or snow drifting softly over the hills beyond. With heated floors underfoot and thick throws at the ready, every moment invites you to slow down, snuggle in, and savour the season.
Dogs are treated with the same care as their humans here. A cosy dog nook complete with blankets, bowls, and natural treats makes every pup feel welcome, while throws mean they can curl up beside you on the sofa without a second thought. The garden is secure for peaceful potters, and woodland walks begin right at the gate, a true haven for winter wanderers.
Sleeps 2
1 Bed
2+ Dogs (more on request) ( Exempt Dogs Welcome )
2 Night minimum
November stays can enjoy 10% off, with an extra 20% off four-night midweek breaks
Tucked away in the Worcestershire countryside, The Old Dairy is a 100-year-old converted barn full of warmth, charm, and thoughtful touches for both people and dogs. Remaining availability runs from 5th-9th 14th–20th, 28th–30th November, and 1st–4th, 7th–14th, 17th–30th December. Including Christmas 23rd - 26th or longer if you wish. I’ve listed them this way for easy reading, but stays can often be made longer or shorter to suit you.
Those booking November stays can enjoy 10% off, with an extra 20% off four-night midweek breaks! Perfect for a peaceful pre-Christmas escape. Guests visiting in December will be welcomed with mulled wine and mince pies, ready to enjoy beside the fire or after a long soak in the wood-fired hot tub. Every dog is truly welcome here - all breeds, big or small. With soft throws for sofa cuddles, a jar of treats waiting on arrival, and a warm-water dog wash and fenced paddock for off-lead play. A calm, cosy cottage wrapped in starry nights, and simple comforts make winter feel just right.
If you’re still browsing for the perfect place (or just happily procrastinating with a mince pie in hand), part two is coming soon, with six more brilliant winter stays to explore. Consider it a little pre-Christmas bonus, just for you. 🎄