Gwelmor

Dogfriendly Magazine Review

Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.

Name Gwelmor, Bude
Reviewers: Tracy and Graham Parker

Our first thoughts when booking a holiday are not of our own needs but those of our four dogs, Sydney, Stanley, Boston and Parker, and this property definitely has their comfort and enjoyment as a priority.

Upon arrival we found a welcome basket filled with treats, both human and doggy, and fresh milk to make a much needed cup of tea after our four-hour trip. The dogs immediately went out and began exploring the spacious fully enclosed garden. We also had a good check around as we think our boys were trained in escape by Houdini, but we were reassured that the area was as advertised, ‘secure’. Even Sydney, who might start a Great Escape-style tunnel, would be thwarted in his efforts.

The interior of the property could not be described as a home away from home more as an escape to the reality you would like your home to be. The open plan kitchen, diner-cum-living area is to die for, beautifully furnished with a real eye for detail, the finishing touches being to a high quality and of impeccable taste. Upon investigation the kitchen contains everything you could want, ample chopping boards, mugs, a good knife selection and large array of glasses for the obligatory holiday drinks. We were pleased to find kitchen scales which, as raw food feeders, we were very grateful for. The fridge and freezer is also of a good size able to hold a large, full shop if you are planning on staying for a week and eating in.

As seasoned travellers with our dogs we come fully prepared but this property is great for first timers or those with limited space for travelling as everything your dog could possibly require is provided, from bowls to balls, from blankets to bags, and even spare leads should yours get misplaced. This is all located in the utility and garage area which, along with the exterior hose-down area, is great for dealing with soggy, sandy dogs and has the added bonus of spare towels. This can also be accessed via a side gate leading directly to the garden which is great as it negates the need to take the dogs through the front of the property and respects the owners’ wishes that the bedroom and bathroom areas remain pet-free.

At the beginning of November, the weather wasn’t always on our side but that didn’t stop us venturing out and exploring. We grabbed our first opportunity for a slightly soggy beach stroll on our first morning which is only a five-minute walk from the property. We were surprised to find a welcoming dog friendly café where we could grab a coffee to help us on our way.

Widemouth in November is mainly patronised by dog walkers, cyclists and hikers. But it gives the vibe that in the summer months it is a vibrant place filled with families and surfers. It is well-serviced, with two cafes, coffee shops, a family pub/restaurant, ice cream parlours, public toilets and a well-stocked shop. As we found out, even in November on a wet and windy Tuesday evening, booking for an evening meal in a dog friendly place is essential. Our first port of call was The Brendon Arms located just a five-minute drive from the property. Even though they could not accommodate us the establishment had a lovely atmosphere, the staff were friendly and the food smelled amazing.

Feeling adventurous we decided to take our chances and follow Google maps to locate more places to explore. We went on a scenic tour of Bude and its outlying villages but with no success. With our efforts thwarted we remembered the Indian takeaway, Mirchi, we had passed in the centre of Bude, also recommended by Gwelmor. So we retraced our steps and parked outside. The place was full with diners and we were informed of a forty-minute wait for our takeaway so we visited the small but amply stocked Sainsburys just around the corner. We were not disappointed by our takeaway and I’d definitely add Mirchi to your list.

On our second morning, after a bracing walk on the beach and the boys all wrapped up in their jumpers, we decided to drive out to find a place for breakfast. We located Cornish Coasts Farm Shop and Café about a ten-minute drive from Widemouth Bay. With four dogs we thought it prudent to check first that we would be welcome. We were escorted to a corner table and all but one of the boys settled in underneath. Sydney loves to meet-and-greet so remained standing, wagging his tail.

We both ordered the Full English and it was all cooked fresh with good quality ingredients and delivered in a timely manner.  There was no rush so we lingered for a while taking on board more tea and coffee. When we left we visited the farm-cum-gift shop located within the café premises. Dogs were not allowed but Tracy enjoyed a brief perusal resisting the temptation to purchase.

As the skies were brightening, we took the opportunity to explore Bude town centre on foot. We found it to be nicely compact and full of a varied and eclectic range of businesses, many local independents. The majority are open all year round unlike many other seaside destinations and most allowed dogs inside. The boys really enjoyed the experience as every shop assistant seemed to be a biscuit vending machine.

Unfortunately, our trip was cut short by the weather so we headed back to Gwelmor where Graham put the kettle on and Tracy enjoyed a luxuriating soak in the beautiful bathroom and took the opportunity to choose a book from the well-stocked shelves of the library which have something for everyone.

On our final day we were determined to explore further afield but once again the weather was against us. The walk on the beach took us to the Black Rock Café situated at the far end of the beach from Gwelmor. This place looked like it would be full of hustle and bustle in season, with go karting, surfing and events taking place. We just grabbed a coffee, but the food looked delicious.

We then packed the boys into the car and took a drive to areas we had on our wish list even if it was only through a rainy windscreen. Our first visit was the picturesque Boscastle, situated 12 miles from Widemouth Bay. Its striking clifftop views and pretty harbour really are worth a visit as is Boscastle Farm shop, which is just outside the village and stocks a wide selection of Cornish goods.

Another ten minutes’ drive and we found ourselves in the legendary Tintagel associated with King Arthur and housing an historic clifftop castle this place really does have a mystical feel. The weather meant a visit to the castle was unviable but a stop in a clifftop carpark gave an amazing panoramic view.

Our evening meal was something we had been looking forward to since Tuesday night when we had stumbled across The Preston Gate Inn. We were impressed by the ambience and welcome previously even though they could not accommodate us. This time we had booked ahead and our table was waiting. The boys assumed their positions, with Sydney once again happy to greet all and sundry and his efforts did not go unrewarded. The food was amazing and ditto on the service. We later learned that the landlord was actually on holiday and we commented on how he should be proud of his staff. A real locals’ pub but also amenable to tourists, this place is a real gem situated two miles outside of Bude. The food menu was varied, with Graham opting for steak and I had one of the specials, halibut. The portions were generous and well-priced. The dessert menu could not be missed so we took cheesecake to go.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gwelmor and experiencing the surrounding areas. The dogs were catered for throughout our stay, be it relaxing at Gwelmor or out and about. Hands and paws up from this family.

Gwelmor, review by Tracy and Graham Parker and appears in DogFriendly magazine issue 76 .  For more information on the DogFriendly magazine visit https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/magazine