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Customer Comments

"Thank you so much for looking after Bailey whilst I was on holiday. I really appreciated the regular updates and photos you sent, and clearly he was having a great time with Benson and the other guests. I'm sure his socialising with other dogs has been so good for him and it was a delight to see him playing in your lovely garden. Thank you again"


Mary & Bailey

"It's so reassuring and we feel so relaxed knowing that my babies are happy and being well cared for by two lovely people. We've definitely noticed the difference with Oscar being with you rather than in kennels, he has that big smile on his face. Thank you both so much".


Lynette, Oscar & Maysie.

"We are so lucky to have found such a fantastic place as this for Archie to stay. He loves visiting Carol, John & Benson, and his excited reaction on arrival confirms this every time. We have left him for different lengths of time, and always had the reassurance that we will be kept up to date with messages from Carol to let us know he has settled, and I can also check he is behaving himself!!! We love the fact he gets to play freely and safely with other dogs within the massive enclosed garden, which is a brilliant social experience for him. But equally, when it's time to relax he gets to have a cuddle on the sofa with John. He is always exhausted when we collect him, and all we hear are contented snores...I'm sure he's already dreaming of his next visit to Barkingham Palace. Thank you Carol & John for your time, patience and doggy understanding."


Clare & Steve Hilditch, with Archie the Beagle.

"Finding Barkingham Palace has been such a relief to us as one of our dogs is very nervous and scared of people, particularly men. Carol & John have made Betsy feel completely at home, and safe within their home. John has been very patient with Betsy and has understood her timidness to a point now where she will take treats from him. Bertie on the other hand is quite happy to go along with everyone else and looks forward to his meetings with his partner in crime, Archie the Beagle. We cannot recommend Barkingham Palace highly enough."


Kim, Chris, Melissa, Bertie & Betsy.

"It's a great comfort to know when we're away, that Purdy will be well looked after, and having as enjoyable time as we are, if not more!! Purdy always enjoys friendly and diverse company on her Barkingham Palace jaunts and has made some firm friends over the years. Our thanks to Carol & John"


George & Suzannah

"When we go on holiday, our dogs have a holiday too. Carol & John are true dog lovers and take care to fulfill all our dogs needs...and more. I know when we go away that Harry & Rosie are safe and happy, enjoying the very large garden, lovely walks, the cozy dog sofa's, and lots of cuddles. My dogs love it at Barkingham Palace, and I would definitely recommend it, and they are already booked in for their next holiday. Thanks Carol & John, and especially Benson for taking such good care of our very precious dogs."


Karen & Ros

"What a wonderful 'palace' for our energetic little dog, Maisie. It's such a relief to know she's so happy and well looked after by Carol & John, and of course Benson. We can tell Maisie is very happy, and so much appreciate Carol keeping us informed with reports and pictures. We can't recommend Barkingham Palace enough. Maisie is not a particularly confident little dog but she came home as though nothing had happened different in her life. We can tell though.... she was worn out which is a first. It's lovely to know that Maisie's needs are met (copious ball games) and not worrying about her. Many thanks to Carol, John & Benson.


Zandy, Terry & Maisie

"At last I am free to go away without worrying about how my little dog, Poppy, is doing. No visions of her whimpering in a lonely, dark kennel, whilst I am in my posh hotel. She is in one too! The accommodation is wonderful, a real home from home, and Carol & John are very obviously fervent dog lovers. I have one hundred per cent confidence in them as carers and, along with their dog Benson, as companions and fun providers. The email bulletins on how Poppy was getting on (along with photographs) were an added bonus. I thoroughly recommend Barkingham Palace to anyone who has worries about putting their dog into Boarding Kennels."


Alan & Poppy

"I love this hotel. From the moment I arrived Carol made me feel very welcome. She introduced me to my fellow guests, and we all had a great time on the expansive lawn. I am particularly fond of running, and I was able to run flat out for as long as I liked, with no danger of losing myself or getting into trouble by chasing cats. I am now best friends with some of my running mates, particularly the female ones, and every time I go back I am hugely excited at the prospect of renewing acquaintance with them. In the evenings Carol & John keep us company and John even lets me sit on his lap. As to the bedroom - well, this is pure luxury. We dogs have our own boudoir where we sleep in our own beds with no petty restrictions preventing us from snuggling up together if we feel like it. Frankly, if I win the lottery, I think I'll move in permanently".


"Star Rating - ***** "


Ruddles - Dictated to Tim & Erica Goodrich

"How wonderful that at last we have discovered a truly fabulous place for our three girls to stay whilst we are away. The professional care, dedication and love that was shown to them all was superb. Sadly we have experienced a couple of disappointments with house-sitters and we were therefore very reluctant to leave 'our girls' again. Our confidence has been well and truly restored, thanks to Carol & John. We know that Barkingham Palace is going to be the place for us in future, without a doubt, and certainly the girls favourite. Thank you so much from an extremely happy and content 'family', and we hope to see you both and Benson soon."


Sandy, Geoff, Aimee, Mia & Lily

"Thank you so much for looking after Chica so well, she obviously had a wonderful time. Since she came home she has slept a lot..!! We will certainly book Chica in to stay with you again as it's so reassuring for us to know she is in good hands. The photos you sent along the way were very much appreciated. Many thanks again."


Lulu & Nigel xx

"This was the first time our boy Paddy had stayed with Carol & John at their wonderfully welcoming home and garden. We wondered how he would settle, as it was his first time also being left somewhere on his own after he lost his two girlie companions recently. Well, there were no worries whilst staying with Carol & John. He entertained, and was entertained, kept busy playing fetch and socialising with visitors. I'm not sure he actually missed us at all..!! We certainly missed him but were pleased as punch that he had such a lovely time. Thanks you so very much."


Carol, Dave & Paddy xxx

"Rupert had not been separated from us since we got him 18 months ago, so when we left him with Carol we were very nervous as to how he would react. We need not have worried. Carol coped with Rupert (and us.!) by giving us the reassurance we needed with text messages and photos showing him snoozing and eating and playing with the other dogs. We could not be happier with the care and consideration we have all been shown and would not hesitate to either take Rupert back again to board or for day care, and would unreservedly recommend Barkingham Palace to any dog owner. Many Thanks"


John & Pam (& Rupert.!)

"We think that, because of the way she sulked when she came home, maybe Leia had a better time than us, or maybe it's because she fell in love with a Doberman.... However, it's not as if she's not going to see him again. Excellent care by Carol & John, thank you so much, you took away the worry."


Allan & Sue Hilton

"I looked high and low for a suitable kennels for our Labrador when she was only 6 months old, as we had used kennels before with our previous dog and had not been happy with any of them. As soon as I found Carol & John's Barkingham Palace, I knew I had found the perfect place. This was confirmed when we left Lexi for a weekend with them for a trial run before our 2 week holiday in August. She had a great time in a home from home environment, playing in the huge garden all day with the resident dogs, Benson & Molly. Carol sent reassuring texts over the weekend with accompanying pictures of ball games in the garden, and I know she is looking forward to going back in August. I would recommend Barkingham Palace to anyone, though as previous customers have said, I'm loath to share the 'secret'. Many thanks Carol & John".


Alison & Ian Fisher

"A well organised, idyllic and tranquil retreat where your dogs safety and well-being are uppermost. Holly, Harry & Harris thoroughly enjoyed their stay at Barkingham Palace. The resident dogs - Benson & Molly - made them very welcome, as did the 'Alpha's', Carol & John, who are a smashing couple, dedicated to looking after your dogs every whim. Our 3 dogs are eagerly looking forward to their next visit"


Geraldine & Bob

"Russell and I would just like to say how delighted we are following Jasper & Baileys first stay at Barkingham Palace. It is quite obvious that the dogs were completely happy and have enjoyed being with you as it is a real home from home with lots of fuss for them. We always said that when we go on holiday to relax and enjoy ourselves, it is important that the dogs do the same, and this has obviously been the case. On returning from our trip of almost two weeks we were greeted at your home by two very happy, well looked after and contented dogs. Thank you so much for your attentiveness, professionalism and love regarding the dogs needs and happiness, it really shows, and we look forward to leaving the dogs in your care during our many future trips abroad".


Tim & Russ x

"We have tried various kennels in the past and our holidays have always been marred by returning to an unhappy dog. This was not the case with Barkingham Palace. Lurch (our lurcher) was just as happy when we picked him up as he was when we dropped him off, and judging by the photos that Carol took of him, he made himself quite at home during his stay. We have booked him in for next year already.!


Felicity & Roy 

"Our dog, Bobby, had a great time staying with Carol, John, Benson & Molly while we went on holiday. The communication before, during & after the stay was fantastic - we particularly enjoyed the email update half way through his stay. Living near to Carol & John, we regularly find ourselves passing their house, and every time Bobby tries to head up the drive, wanting to go back! We are still not sure who had the best holiday - Bobby or us. With our thanks.


Charlie, Fiona, Isabella, Lucy..... and of course Bobby 

"We would like to say a big thank you to you both for the excellent care you provided for our boys Jazz & Jack. It was lovely to receive updates & pictures during our holiday showing that they were also having a lovely time. Jazz had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness so it was reassuring to know he was happy and enjoying himself, which really meant a great deal to us. It made us smile & laugh to see them playing in the sea on their days out at the beach, and also to learn that the sea water was having a beneficial effect on Jacks poorly ear. We wouldn't hesitate to use you again in the future and would recommend you to anyone who asks us. Thank you from Jazz & Jack, woof woof.


Gary & Fiona, Joanne & James 

"It was with some trepidation that we left Slim, our nervous 15 year old mongrel at Barkingham Palace for 2 weeks. She had previously had a bad experience in kennels but life in 'The Palace' couldn't have been more different. Living in their home with all the comforts she is used to, and enjoying the company of Molly & Benson and other guests made for a stress free stay. For our peace of mind Carol sent emails with photo's to let us know she was OK. A first class service was given and I know that Slim would be very happy to spend more time in your 'home from home'. Thank you Carol & John - your excellent care meant we had a care free holiday.


Alison & Keith Flower 

"Our Border Terrier, Alfie, has just had his first stay at Barkingham Palace. We were initially worried about him in that he was staying a while (12 nights) and were concerned whether he would get on with other dogs. As soon as I met Carol & John I knew we would have no worries - they are clearly experienced dog handlers. The location is fantastic, plenty of country walks on the doorstep, a huge garden for Alfie to run around in, and the luxury surrounds of their beautiful home at night. If it was classed as a dog hotel it would without doubt be given 5 stars. When we picked Alfie up he looked as healthy & happy as could be - in fact he probably wanted to stay longer".


Rob & Jo O'Boyle 

"Thank you for looking after Harley, Molly, Aslan & Zara, they came home as happy as when they came to you. They've obviously enjoyed the freedom of your large enclosed garden and lots of walks. To be able to have them experience home comforts they are used to is reassuring. I would have no hesitation in recommending Barkingham Palace and the outstanding care given by Carol & John, & have already booked for our next holiday..!!"


Tracy Elwood 

"We met Carol & John on the beach whilst walking our Doberman, and got chatting as they had their two Dobermans with them. Bruce had recently been in kennels and seemed distressed when we picked him up after just 2 nights. When Carol mentioned she had recently started a home stay business for dogs, we visited and immediately felt very welcome in their lovely home with its beautiful garden. We booked for Bruce to stay for 9 days whist we were abroad, and Carol emailed us with photos of Bruce looking very relaxed and at home, and clearly having a lovely time. We felt very reassured (and slightly jealous) that he had settled so well, so we could relax and enjoy our holiday. When we picked Bruce up, although he was pleased to see us, he was in no hurry to leave, which again was reassuring. Thank you Carol & John for looking after our lovely boy so well (he is still missing Benson, his new 'older brother') We will definitely be leaving Bruce with you again".


Tricia & Mark (and Bruce) Ellis 

"We were so pleased when we were told about Barkingham Palace, Moley certainly enjoyed his stay in such a lovely dog friendly house and garden, and was so well cared for as part of the family. He settled down quickly, making friends with Benson & Molly, and to cap it all, his friend Jim was there too so there was lots of playing and chasing around the garden & copse. When he got tired there were plenty of warm comfy sofas to chose from for a nap. Thank you Carol & John for giving him such a good time and allowing us to have a lovely weekend away with no worries".


John & Sheila Killingworth 

"I've never liked being away from home but with Barkingham Palace it's different. I settled in very quickly, receiving a warm welcome from Benson & Molly, the resident dogs. There is a large garden for me to run around in, and best of all, comfy sofas to lounge on, essential for a greyhound. I now have day care every week and love my days there. It really is a home from home and my owners have peace of mind knowing I am happy, receiving the very best of care from Carol & John".


Jim the Greyhound, Owner of Jo & Derek 

"I am so pleased that we found out about you, it helped massively to enable me to relax and enjoy my time away, knowing they were having a good time with you. We will be recommending you to every dog lover we know... although I wish we could keep you a secret..!!"


Julie Moore 

"From our initial meeting we knew that Oscar would be left in very safe hands, and the photos you sent us certainly proved that. He looked very happy and content in your home, and seems to have loved every minute of his stay. He has come home very relaxed and seems as if he too has had his own holiday! It is lovely to have found somewhere that we can leave him in the future, and is nice to know that someone else will treat him as we would. Thank you both again".


Roger & Claire Stubbs 

"We have never used kennels but thought we had no option this time, so when we found Barkingham Palace it was such a huge relief. Our two active dogs played in the secure acre of land with Carol's dogs... no being cooped up in a small space with limited exercise here..! Both were treated as part of the family, and such a lovely touch was when Carol sent photos by email showing our two dogs having great fun. Thank you... We have already booked for next year!"


Beverley & Robert Riddle 

"We used Barkingham Palace recently whilst on a winter holiday. We're not keen on leaving our Labradors in normal circumstances, but our minds were put at rest by Carol's reassuring manner and sumptuous surroundings. We returned to two extremely relaxed hounds who clearly enjoyed their stay. I was especially impressed by the fact that Carol uses reflective collars when out walking, which is an added security and a reassuring touch. Thanks for making our (and their) holiday so chilled."


Russell Outen-Coe 

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