A DOG-FRIENDLY Bed and Breakfast in Bournemouth has been nominated as the best places to stay in the UK.

Lucy Bright takes pride in the dog-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere at The Ashleigh on Southcote Road.

Her venue is currently in the running for a prestigious DogFriendly Award 2023 in the best hotels/B&B category.

Bournemouth Echo:

Boasting a five-paw rating, The Ashleigh features a secure garden for both dogs and owners to enjoy along with a pet-friendly dining area.

Commenting on the achievement, Lucy said: “I’m really happy with the nomination.

“Last year we lost out to a much bigger hotel because the hotels and B&Bs are grouped together.

“It was an over 50-bedroom hotel and I've only got ten rooms, but we were runners-up in the whole of the UK.”

When guests arrive, Lucy creates a ‘Jet and Co welcome pack’ featuring dog essentials such as a collapsible water bowl, poo bags, a chew toy, and dog treats neatly placed on the beds.  

The 33-year-old added: “We also give out Wolfchester treats, which are called sleepy bones.

“They're meant to calm the dogs down, and especially in a pet-friendly hotel, calm dogs are what we need.”

 

Lucy took over the B&B after her parents Ray and Julie Bright retired and moved to France after running the place for 34 years.

She said: “They retired at the beginning of 2019 and then I took over, I completely redecorated, changed everything, brought it up to date, and decided, let's make it a dog-friendly hotel.

“Then it's just got bigger and bigger, and more dog people have found me.”

“I do the breakfasts, advertising, emails, everything is just me.

"For people to actually come enjoy it and vote for me is really nice and it kind of makes me realise that I did do the right thing."

Lucy is accompanied by Tea and Biscuit, two house cats, and Jet, a Labrador-German Shepherd cross.

In a post on social media, Lucy said: “From the moment you step into our B&B, you'll feel the warm embrace of a true home-away-from-home.

“Our dedication to providing exceptional experiences for you and your furry friends is what sets us apart.

“Your vote would not just be for us but for the countless happy memories we've created together.”

To vote for The Ashleigh, visit the DogFriendly website. 

Nominations close at the end of October and events are due to be presented in late November.