Skip to contentA mini break for a giant dog!
When Christmas is over, the days are still short and the cold nips at your fingers and toes, life can feel a bit…dull. So when the opportunity for a last minute weekend break at Rowley Farm popped up, it felt like the perfect excuse to pack our bags, jump in the van and escape reality for a couple of days! Of course, @great.dane.gracie was coming along – it’s not a holiday without the dog after all!
Finding The Hayloft was very easy. Once inside, were met with some welcome treats including some apple and pear juice (great with gin, I can confirm). Gracie took no time sniffing out the dog treats on offer before beginning a top-to-bottom exploration – the unspoken ritual for every dog in a new environment!
The kitchen was perfectly equipped, so after sufficiently toasting our feet next to the log burner in the lounge, we cooked a delicious lasagne and retired swiftly back to the lounge (someone had to look after the fire, right?!). It’s not often we come across a sofa big enough for all three of us! But we could have easily fitted at least another dog if we needed to! With glasses of wine in hand, we sank into the cosy warmth of Rowley’s embrace. The soft glow of the crackling fire flickered against the rustic beams, wrapping us in a sense of intimacy and tranquillity.
After a lovely sleep in the biggest bed we’ve ever seen, we went outside to explore the private field as the sun crept up. Gracie zoomed around on the frosty ground and sniffed all along the hedgerows. Watching her stretch her legs without having to stress about anyone else appearing in the field felt like such a treat! In fact, not having to stress about Gracie hopping over garden fences or squeezing through gaps in hedgerows was a luxury we’ve not experienced on holidays before – no ‘ On Lead’ toilet trips to the garden this time!
Gracie and I nipped off to a scent work trial (I attribute her coming 1st place to the stress-free zooms around the field that morning!) before returning to grab our walking gear and head back out. With so many walking routes to choose from, we were spoilt for choice, but eventually, we set off on a peaceful stroll along the hilltops of the AONB Malvern Hills. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and amber, we sipped warm tea from a flask, letting the moment wrap around us like a comforting embrace. It was pure bliss.
After two peaceful and magical days, it was time to pack our bags and head home. Gracie slept soundly the entire drive, no doubt dreaming of curling up by the fire once more—and honestly, I was right there with her! Finding a truly dog-friendly escape that caters so perfectly to big adventures has been a dream, and I already know we’ll be back.
Till next time Rachel & Gracie x
