Jesmond Dene

Book a stay at this elegant, York retreat, which welcomes guests wishing to bring their dogs. Sleeping five guests, the two bedroom holiday home sits close to the river, 1 mile from the city s famous Shambles, with its array of shops and eateries.

Stylishly finished, the period bolthole comes with a large, south facing courtyard where you can dine out in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine together on summer evenings. Take a couple of steps up to let yourselves into this pretty, red brick cottage, which has a bay window to the front.

Leave your outerwear in the hall and amble through to the airy, open plan lounge/diner, with its chic, mid 20th century appeal. Settle on the stylish sofas with a cup of tea or bottle of wine to catch up with each other or to watch the Smart TV.

Make your way through to the well equipped kitchen to prepare homemade meals whenever you choose to dine in. Find everything you need in here to help you in your endeavours then pull chairs out from under the table next door and gather to dine.

An immaculate, period style family bathroom is also downstairs. When eyelids begin to droop, climb the stairs to the first floor to your sumptuous bedrooms.

These include a king size room and a triple bunk room with a single bed above a double. Spill outside on sunny days to read your books, let your happy hound roam about and perhaps dine under the stars.

Spend happy mornings in York, browsing in the shops and taking in the historical sites, such as the minster and city walls. Make a day trip into the magnificent Howardian Hills, 11.5 miles away, to go walking or cycling.