✅ How to book your XL Escape

Private hire sessions can be booked directly online through their website. Sessions are available in both 25-minute and 55-minute options. Simply visit their website to check availability and book your preferred session 🐾

Kim & Chris Ewen

We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories.

With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions.

Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special.

If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we’ve designed our cancellation policy to be as fair and transparent as possible.

If You Need to Cancel

More than 5 weeks before arrival: You’ll receive a full refund, including your deposit.
5 weeks or less before arrival:
- 5 weeks or less: 30% of the booking is charged.
- 4 weeks or less: 40% of the booking is charged.
- 3 weeks or less: 60% of the booking is charged.
- 2 weeks or less: 85% of the booking is charged.
- 1 week or less: 100% of the booking is charged.

How Refunds Work

If you’re entitled to a refund, it will be processed promptly and returned via the same method of payment.

Need Assistance?

If you have any concerns or extenuating circumstances, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and will always try to find a solution that works for you.

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Payment Details
At XL Escapes, we strive to make the booking process as straightforward and secure as possible. Here’s how it works:
Deposits

A 20% deposit is required within 7 days of booking to secure your stay.

XL Escapes Booking Fee

We charge a small 5% booking fee, which is significantly lower than other major platforms.

Remaining Balance

The remaining balance, including any refundable breakage deposit (if applicable), must be paid 4 weeks before your check-in date.

Secure Payments with Stripe
All payments are processed through Stripe Connect, a trusted and secure platform. Your funds are safely held with Stripe until after your check-out date. This extra layer of protection ensures peace of mind for both guests and hosts. Your payment details are always handled securely, so you can book with confidence.

Check-in and Check-out

Check-in: 4 PM
Check-out: 10 AM
We can’t guarantee early check-ins or late check-outs, but our housekeeping team will update us on their progress. If the property is ready early, you can let yourself in. Similarly, if no one is arriving immediately after, a later check-out might be possible—just message us on the day to check availability.

Pets

Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome. 🐾
The garden is fully enclosed to keep your furry friends safe.

Hot Tub

The hot tub is for your exclusive use. It will be freshly cleaned and ready when you arrive. Please follow the usage guidelines provided in the welcome book to ensure it remains in top condition.

Parking

Parking is strictly on the driveway only.
Do not park on the grass or the private road, which is also used by neighbours.

Gatherings and Events

Small, private gatherings are welcome, but parties are not allowed.
Be respectful of the property and neighbours during your stay.

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What’s included in the booking?

We provide:

Fresh bedding and towels
Tea, coffee, sugar, sweetener, and coffee pods
A raw doggy hamper (treat your furry friends!) 🐾
Dog-friendly essentials like bowls, poo bags, and towels
A welcome hamper to make you feel right at home
Access to the luxury hot tub

What amenities are nearby?

Owl and Otter Gastro Pub and Restaurant: A 10-minute walk away. Dog-friendly with great food, cocktails, and a beer garden boasting stunning views of the Derwentside Valley.
Boutique cafes: Two charming cafes just a short walk from The Chase.
Local shops: Two within walking distance and larger supermarkets only a 10-minute drive away.

What are some recommended activities nearby?

Beamish Open-Air Museum: A dog-friendly, fantastic day out for all ages. Explore history, meet animals, and enjoy a unique experience.
More local attractions: Ask us for our Local Recommendations Guide before booking to discover even more options in the area.

Can I book The Chase for special events?

Yes! If you’re planning a small celebration or gathering, let us know so we can help accommodate your plans. Please note that large parties are not allowed.

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Meet Your Hosts

The team behind It’s A Dog’s Life St Helens are passionate about creating safe, inclusive and enriching experiences for all dogs — including XL Bullies. As owners of four dogs themselves, including one falling under XL Bully legislation, they understand how important secure off-lead freedom and stress-free environments are for both dogs and owners. Their goal is to provide a welcoming space where dogs can simply enjoy being dogs whilst owners can relax knowing their pets are safe, understood and genuinely welcomed.

XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise

Every business you see on XL Escapes has confirmed to us that they welcome XL Bullies. Before being listed, we ask the questions we’d want answered ourselves — from real experience living and travelling with XL and reactive dogs. That includes confirming they are happy to host XL Bullies, that their listing details are accurate, and that they’ve considered their own legal and insurance responsibilities. We don’t assume. We don’t guess. We ask — and they confirm. If anything changes or a business doesn’t stand by what they’ve told us, we take it seriously. If a business listed on XL Escapes turns you away because of your dogs breed, contact us. We will review it, remove them if necessary, and refund your membership.

Cancellation Policy

Home Rules & Useful Information

It’s A Dogs Life St Helens

⚲ St Helens

Private indoor dog play facility · XL Bullies welcomed · Reactive dog friendly · Private hire sessions · Muzzle free play area once inside · Indoor soft play · Ball pool · Sandpit · Enrichment room ·

Welcome to It's A Dog's Life St Helens! We're a private hire indoor dog play facility where your dog can explore, play, and learn in a safe, stress-free environment. From soft play and a ball pool to a sandpit and enrichment room, every corner is designed to keep tails wagging and minds engaged. Perfect for solo fun, play dates, special occasions, or just a fun day out.

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Full Property Description:

Welcome to It’s A Dog’s Life St Helens — a private hire indoor dog play and enrichment facility designed to give dogs and their owners a safe, secure, and enjoyable space to spend quality time together. We know that many dog owners are looking for a controlled environment where their dogs can play, explore, and relax away from the stress and unpredictability of busy public spaces. Our private hire sessions allow dogs to enjoy the facility at their own pace in a calm and secure setting, making visits enjoyable for dogs of all personalities and needs. Our indoor play space features a variety of enrichment and sensory activities including soft play equipment, a ball pool, sandpit, and dedicated enrichment areas to encourage confidence, mental stimulation, natural behaviours, and physical exercise. Every part of the facility has been thoughtfully created to provide a fun and rewarding experience while promoting positive wellbeing for dogs. We are proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all breeds, including XL Bullies who can play muzzle free once inside the play area. Sessions can be booked for individual dogs or dogs from the same household, in line with current XL Bully regulations and guidance. Our aim is to offer owners peace of mind while giving dogs the opportunity to safely enjoy exercise, enrichment, and bonding time with their family. Alongside our private hire play sessions, we also offer both group and 1-2-1 scent training classes both suitable for XL Bullies to attend. Scent work is a fantastic way to build confidence, provide mental stimulation, strengthen the bond between dog and owner, and allow dogs to engage in natural rewarding behaviours in a positive and structured environment.

About This Listing

This property is owned and managed by the host. The information below is provided by the property owner and confirmed as accurate by them.
XL Escapes publishes this information to help guests make informed decisions and does not own or manage this property.

Full Property Description:

Welcome to It’s A Dog’s Life St Helens — a private hire indoor dog play and enrichment facility designed to give dogs and their owners a safe, secure, and enjoyable space to spend quality time together. We know that many dog owners are looking for a controlled environment where their dogs can play, explore, and relax away from the stress and unpredictability of busy public spaces. Our private hire sessions allow dogs to enjoy the facility at their own pace in a calm and secure setting, making visits enjoyable for dogs of all personalities and needs. Our indoor play space features a variety of enrichment and sensory activities including soft play equipment, a ball pool, sandpit, and dedicated enrichment areas to encourage confidence, mental stimulation, natural behaviours, and physical exercise. Every part of the facility has been thoughtfully created to provide a fun and rewarding experience while promoting positive wellbeing for dogs. We are proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all breeds, including XL Bullies who can play muzzle free once inside the play area. Sessions can be booked for individual dogs or dogs from the same household, in line with current XL Bully regulations and guidance. Our aim is to offer owners peace of mind while giving dogs the opportunity to safely enjoy exercise, enrichment, and bonding time with their family. Alongside our private hire play sessions, we also offer both group and 1-2-1 scent training classes both suitable for XL Bullies to attend. Scent work is a fantastic way to build confidence, provide mental stimulation, strengthen the bond between dog and owner, and allow dogs to engage in natural rewarding behaviours in a positive and structured environment.

Paw of Approval

Photos from real stays, with dogs who gave it their paw of approval.

Got a question about this holiday home?

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Amenities:

Dog-Friendly Details That Matter

XL Bullies welcomed. Reactive dogs suitable. Private hire sessions provide exclusive use of the indoor play area. Dogs can safely remove muzzles once inside the secure private play space. Proof of exemption details may be requested for XL Bullies/Type dogs. Indoor environment helps reduce stress from busy public spaces and unpredictable encounters. Enrichment activities include soft play, ball pool, sandpit and sensory areas. Group and 1-2-1 scent training classes available. Suitable for dogs needing confidence building, mental stimulation or calmer exercise environments.

Neighbourhood Overview:

Located in St Helens within an industrial area. Fully indoor facility suitable for year-round use regardless of weather. Easy access location for local dog owners looking for secure private enrichment sessions.