<p><img src="https://azure.wgp-cdn.co.uk/app-yourdog/posts/masons_arms.jpg" alt="Mason Arms" />Kelly Felstead tells us all about her stay at The Masons Arms, Branscombe in Devon with her Cocker Spaniel Henry...</p>
Accommodation: Inn.
Cost: From £89 per room per night, for B&B; special offers available.
Tested by: Kelly Felstead and Cocker Spaniel Henry.
The accommodation
The Masons Arms is a charming cottage inn located in the picturesque village of Branscombe, in Devon. It has 27 guest bedrooms either situated above the inn or in converted cottages overlooking the gardens. Dogs are welcome to stay in a number of the ground-floor cottage rooms with their owners. Our room had a four-poster bed, a sofa, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a large en suite bathroom. It was cosy and inviting and had lots of character. Outside there was a patio with a table and chairs, with fantastic views of the Devonshire countryside. The 14th century inn has a bar and restaurant; dogs are welcome in the bar area. It is very atmospheric and has lots of character, a reminder of the building’s history as a cider house.
How dog friendly was your reception?
Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and there were many other guests with dogs staying at the inn. The staff are happy to recommend walks in the area and lend maps to guests when venturing out and about.
Any added extras for dogs/owners?
Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners to breakfast in the bar. On our first morning, there were several dogs sitting by their owners’ sides at the table — Henry was given a sausage for breakfast. Dog poo bins are located in the grounds of the inn. There are lots of walks from the village, meaning you can leave your car behind for the duration of your stay.
Out and about in the area
*The pebble beach in Branscombe is dog friendly and you can see for miles.
*We walked from the Masons Arms to Branscombe beach, and then along the coast path to Beer. There are several dog-friendly pubs in Beer.
*The Donkey Sanctuary is a short drive away in Sidmouth. Dogs are welcome around the sanctuary and grounds.
At a glance
Charge for dogs? £10 per night.
Maximum number of dogs allowed: One.
Enclosed exercise area/garden? No.
Can dogs be left unattended? No.
Want to find out more?
Contact The Masons Arms, Branscombe Village, Branscombe EX12 3DJ; call 01297 680300; email [email protected]; visit www.masonsarms.co.uk