What do you think is the best way for me to find this holiday?

[mckenzie]

For mid august this year
2 adults, 2 teenagers, 1 dog
Not too far away from North London because of dog travelling in the car
Preferably near the beach as the weather, whichever week we go, will be brilliant
Activities such as swimming, cycling, walking, tennis close by.

There are so so many websites - where shall I start?

Porthcawl in Wales might suit you? I would look for an airbnb there x

Airbnb drives me mad. I've just done a search using Porthcawl and my other filters, up popped a few places as a result of my search. I discounted a few then had one that looked great. When I investigate further though, it's in Crowcombe!!! Absolutely nowhere near Wales!

What type of accommodation are you looking for: self catering? Hotel? Holiday park?

I usually work out what area I’m interested in and then use booking.com for hotels or Google for area + cottages to see what’s available.

Norfolk could be a good place to look. Lots of lovely beaches and seaside towns, lots of countryside to explore etc.

Just warning that you might have left it a bit late so options could be limited if you want to go somewhere popular.

try cottages.com, its usually a bit better than airbnb at getting location right x

Thank you both
I’m really open to any type of accommodation. We don’t normally holiday in the UK so we don’t have any pre conceived ideas or experience to call on.

I’d be happy camping even but DH is a pita and will insist on some luxury. DD and her friend will get what they’re given

I like the idea of Norfolk. The dog having some private space is a priority for me.

With the dog, then I think your own self catering place would be the best option.

As sleepismysuperpower1 said, cottages.com is good as is holidaycottages.co.uk. A quick Google found a couple of more local sites (might have more choice available) such as norfolkcottages.co.uk and norfolkhideaways.co.uk

The sites should allow you to set search filters such as pet friendly and a garden (do you’ve got room for the dog) and whether you want to be near the coast, shops, pub etc.

You could also research dog friendly beaches (some don’t allow dogs at all over the summer) and use that to pick an area to base yourselves.

I'd definitely look at the north Norfolk coast, although it will be very expensive (don't know if that is an issue). Brilliant beaches, walks, boat trips, good food, chichi towns like Burnham Market (Hampstead-on-Sea). Maybe look at a Norfolk holiday cottage site first.

Self catering holidays are always good value. You can stay in static caravans relatively cheaply. If you can increase your budget you can move up market to a lodge or a cottage. We normally use a private rental website because you cut out the middleman and can speak direct with the owners. This year we booked a lodge with www.cherishedholidayhomes.co.uk/lodges/ and got a great deal in somerset.

Sandy balls new forest?

Holiday sites (try park resorts, they allow dogs) , google dog friendly cottages, try Booking.com and select pet friendly. It's pretty late for this year so it's whatever is left. Holiday inn usually allows dogs. Hoseasons is worth a look

I use holidaycottages.com. North Devon is always good for outside stuff / beaches in the summer.

And pretty much everywhere is dog friendly (except wetherspoons!)

Dog Friendly Holiday Accommodation group on Facebook.

Try Lymebay Holidays

Try the HomeAway.co.uk website, I`ve just booked a lovely house on the outskirts of Cardiff for 4nights-Monday to Friday in August for £440, accommodating 4 people.
They do accommodation all over the UK

This is a lovely place and ticks all the boxes Cornwall might be a bit too far but it's worth the drive and this one is a walk from the beach.
www.rivervalleyholidaypark.co.uk

The site is small and well looked after, plenty of activities nearby and the caravans themselves are a generous size and all v modern. Dog friendly too.

Did you sort somewhere? North Norfolk is lovely with a dog. Lots of cottages to rent.

If you mean Crowcombe, Somerset. Then it has everything you need. Beautiful tennis courts. Hill walking and beaches a short drive away. In beautiful countryside.

What's your maximum travel time OP?
Places I know that are "naice" as well as north Norfolk include Suffolk coast, around Southwold/Aldeburgh, or on the south coast Swanage area. All are about 3 hours drive from N London if you avoid peak times.
There are some great beaches near Porthcawl as a pp mentioned, the Gower is better-but it's a long way from you and the weather is less reliable then my above suggestions.

Try www.allfourpaws.co.uk/ for dog-friendly hotels