What’s the Cinque Ports Snug like?
This two-bedroom house on the outskirts of Deal is just minutes from the coast and one of the best golf courses in the country. It is located in a quiet residential area that backs on to farmland so is away from the hustle and bustle of the main town. The centre of Deal is approximately 15 minutes away on foot.
How dog-friendly is the Cinque Ports Snug?
Good. You’ll need to bring your own beds, bowls and food as no provisions are provided, but there are no set rules about where dogs can and can’t go in the house either. There’s a pretty, enclosed garden overlooking the neighbouring farm and the grass is artificial. This is really handy if you visit during wet weather, like we did, as you don’t have to worry too much about muddy paws! There is no additional charge for dogs to stay but there is a pretty hefty cleaning fee. When we visited, it was £89 – but that applied regardless of whether you were staying with dogs or not.
Tell me more about the Cinque Ports Snug
From the moment you walk in to this light and airy home, you will feel like you’re on holiday. Open-plan living is very much the order of the day here, with the spacious hallway leading into the kitchen, then on to the living area. Here, you can cosy up in the wingback chair in front of the electric fire or kick back on the comfy sofa and enjoy views over the garden and neighbouring farmland. There is also a selection of books and games to enjoy, as well as excellent WiFi and a TV with Freesat box.
The neutral downstairs space has laminate flooring throughout, with colourful cushions and cosy throws providing pops of colour. The well-equipped grey kitchen, which has a quirky pineapple theme, also has a dining table with bench-style seating. Upstairs, you’ll find two good-size bedrooms – one with a super-comfy kingsize bed and one twin room. The master bedroom overlooks the farmland at the back of the house and also has a TV in it. Both rooms have hotel-quality linens, soft grey carpets, blackout curtains and blinds and plenty of storage, too.
Sandwiched between the bedrooms is the family bathroom, which has a lovely powerful shower over the bath. Aside from handwash, no toiletries are provided either so don’t forget to pack some! The Cinque Ports Snug is located on a fairly modern housing estate but it’s at one end of a cul-de-sac so there is very little passing traffic and, thanks to the surrounding farmland, very little noise full-stop. We stayed at the house in a bid to escape the Bonfire Night fireworks – and it was perfect for that. There is also parking for two cars on the driveway.
What’s the food like at the Cinque Ports Snug?
This is a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own. While tea and coffee is provided, there isn’t a welcome pack so don’t forget the essentials like bread and milk. The kitchen, with on-trend grey cabinets, has everything you need to cook a decent meal though, with plenty of crockery, pots and pans. There is also a dishwasher, to save you having to do the washing up.
If you fancy eating out, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly establishments in Deal. We enjoyed a tasty panini at Welly’s Coffeehouse & Bar, which has a big jar of dog treats on the counter. Pets are also welcome at the Deal Hoy, which has a wood-fired pizza oven, and The King’s Head, right on the seafront. But if it’s fish and chips you’re after, check out The Fryer Tuck, which has an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Are there resident dogs at the Cinque Ports Snug?
No, but you may well see several local dogs out and about from the house – and, of course, the neighbouring horses!
Where are the best dog walks near the Cinque Ports Snug?
The house is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the coast. While the beach in Deal is predominately pebbly – and has dog restrictions during the summer months – a flat promenade runs for miles alongside it and makes for a lovely walk. In one direction lies Deal, with its famous pier and quirky independent shops, and in the other direction, you can head up to Sandwich Bay, past the Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club. Be aware that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the prom.
Betteshanger Country Park, just outside Deal, is also a great place to exercise your dog. There are more than 250 acres of land to explore and several walking trails, but dogs must be kept on a lead here too. Some gorgeous coastal walks can also be had in and around Kingsdown, just south of Deal, and towards Dover. The four-mile circular walk from the White Cliffs Visitor Centre to the South Foreland Lighthouse, for example, is spectacular. For more dog-friendly suggestions for things to see and do, check out my Ruff Guide to Dover, Deal and Sandwich.
What Ernie and Stan loved about the Cinque Ports Snug
The peaceful location, watching the neighbouring horses, being close to the beach
What I loved about the Cinque Ports Snug
The quiet neighbourhood, the stylish decor, having lots of room to spread out
How to book the Cinque Ports Snug
Short breaks start from £75 per night. A two-night minimum applies. For more information or to book, visit the Deal Holiday Lets website.
