Clawford Lakes

Somewhere between Devon and Cornwall, there’s a little corner of the countryside where holidays revolve around lakes, wildlife, good food and plenty of fresh air. That’s Clawford Lakes.

Spread across 98 acres near Holsworthy, this waterside holiday resort is made for people who want to slow down without feeling like they’ve run out of things to do. You can spend the morning fishing, take to the water on a paddleboard, wander through the countryside with the dog, book a spa treatment in the afternoon and finish the day with dinner overlooking the valley. Or, of course, you can do absolutely none of that and simply enjoy the view from your own deck.

And then there’s the accommodation. Clawford Lakes has gone well beyond the traditional holiday lodge, with a choice that includes luxury lodges, floating lodges actually sitting on the water, stylish apartments, holiday homes, cosy Lake Pods and the rather more unusual Luxury Cocoons. Many properties also come with private hot tubs, giving you somewhere wonderfully indulgent to unwind while the countryside carries on around you.

For dog owners, this is where Clawford Lakes really earns its paws. Dogs stay completely free, and up to three dogs can join you in suitable pet-friendly accommodation. There are miles of on- and off-lead walks around the estate, dedicated drinking-water stations, poo bins and a fenced doggy dipping area where your companion can enjoy a proper paddle. Orthopaedic dog beds are also available to book, which means a little less packing and a lot more room in the car for treats.

The welcome doesn’t stop at the accommodation. Dogs can join you at the Apple & Grape Bar and Restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the estate. There’s even a cosy dog bed available in the designated dog-friendly dining area. The resort shop also stocks dog food and treats, so forgetting the biscuits doesn’t have to become a holiday emergency.

There’s plenty for humans to enjoy too. The lakes are a major draw for anglers, with 17 lakes offering fishing across the estate, while the Leisure Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming. The resort also has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and flumes, multi-sports facilities, a pump track, play areas and the Lake Spa, where you can swap walking boots for a treatment, steam room and lakeside pool.

And when you do fancy heading out, you’re perfectly placed for exploring the wider region. Clawford Lakes sits close to the Devon-Cornwall border, with the beaches and coastal adventures of North Cornwall and North Devon within easy reach. After a day beside the sea, you can return to your own little lakeside retreat and watch the light disappear across the water.

What makes Clawford Lakes particularly appealing for a dog-friendly holiday is the freedom. You’re not restricted to a tiny patch of grass outside your accommodation. There’s a whole estate to explore, a place for your dog to swim, dog-friendly dining and accommodation where up to three canine companions can come along without an additional charge. And for every booking that includes a dog, Clawford Lakes donates £5 to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Pawfect Verdict: A brilliant choice for dogs who like their holidays active and their humans who like a little luxury afterwards. Clawford Lakes combines proper countryside freedom with waterside accommodation, hot tubs, spa time and some of the best dog-friendly facilities we’ve come across.