This year we decided to escape Notting Hill Carnival weekend with a few relaxing days on the coast in Devon. We stayed in a lovely dog-friendly hotel, where we did not do much more than sleep in, gaze at the coast, and eat well (hake and steak). It’s funny how a day can fly by and the most you’ve accomplished is a little light reading, watching fishermen and checking in on the resident seal. We did try to coax Dash into the sea, but she was pretty scared of the big waves. One dog was downright unfailing in the water, but he was clad in a canine wetsuit.

Not having a car it was particularly relaxing. The only time we ventured out was to a tiny nearby village called Cockington, known for its atmosphere of a bygone age. A gentle stroll takes you past the village church, an old mill, a few thatched-roof cottages, small ponds, and a large manor house with beautiful grounds (an excellent space for playing fetch). We also browsed around some local crafts studios and dropped a few quid on handmade chocolates. After the grand tour, Dash dragged us into The Drum Inn, where we enjoyed a pint while waiting for our chariot to take us back down the hill to The Cary Arms.

Our first evening we enjoyed having dinner alfresco at the prized “Captains Table.” Unfortunately it was too chilly to do that more than once.  But the last evening we were offered to dine in the “pod” – an enclosed glass structure on a bluff overlooking the ocean, very secluded and lit by candles. It was a beautiful experience – dining in solitude while listening to Jack Johnson on the ipad (modern amenities have their place). For Dash it was fun too – some exploring followed by a hot meal and a well-deserved rest in our cozy orb.