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The New Forest

By October 21, 2021 Article

The New Forest is probably one of THE most dog friendly areas in the country.  Home to the largest remaining wildwoods in Western Europe. Famous for its abundant wildlife set in 220 square miles of wooded copses and acre upon acre of heathland where dogs can romp and play – not forgetting 40 miles of coastland to explore as well. Dogs and their owners love the New Forest. In addition to places to walk, there are endless pubs and eateries where you and your pooches are most welcome. Water bowls and doggie treats from the bar are familiar sights.

Where to stay:

Try Walnut Barn sleeps 4, Hale

This former lambing barn is set on the edge of a walnut orchard on a working farm in the wild, rural ‘Northern commons’ of the New Forest National Park which is managed by the National Trust. Expect free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle and deer on your doorstep and a suntrap lawned garden frequented by lots of woodland wildlife.  The single story, dog -friendly barn is open plan with 2 bedrooms (king and twin beds), a smart TV and wi-fi if you want it. There’s a fire pit in the garden that doubles up as a barbeque which is great to huddle around in the evenings for a spot of star gazing and planning the next day’s adventures which would likely include a visit to the UK’s #1 family theme park Paultons – home of Peppa Pig World and the Jurassic Kingdom, 11 miles away. There are beautiful walks, bike routes, swimming at Blashford lakes and a bevy of attractions to visit within a half hour drive.

7 nights cost from £627 www.newforestcottages.co.uk call 01590 679 655.

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Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.