The best dog-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds
Discover the very best dog-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds
Head to the Cotswolds with your dog in tow for a wholesome countryside escape; famous for some of the most picturesque villages amidst miles of rolling hills and cosy country pubs, as well as some brilliant dog-walking spots, you will also find some of the best dog friendly hotels in the Cotswolds – making it the perfect base to holiday with your four-legged friend.
As an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s over 800 square miles of unspoilt countryside for you and your dog to explore – from wooded valleys and moorland to wetlands and hill forts, there is a vast amount of ground to cover, and after a lengthy jaunt, what could be better than settling by a log fire in a traditional countryside pub with a glass of something local.
A charming part of the world, the Cotswolds cover five counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire - drenched in history with some fascinating rural towns and villages to discover, along with some exceptional National Trust properties.
The region is fast becoming a popular foodie destination and there are some superb hotels with designated dog-friendly rooms, just waiting to welcome your pals for a pawsome stay.
The Bay Tree, Burford, Oxfordshire
Boasting lashings of comfort, as well as style and history, The Bay Tree is a handsome dog-friendly hotel to have on your radar. Set in the staggeringly pretty village of Burford – considered as the gateway to the Cotswolds - it’s a peaceful spot, away from the hustle and bustle, with design notes that strike just the right balance between old and new; think huge fireplaces, exposed brickwork and flagstone flooring.
It’s a quaint location for a relaxed stay with plenty of tea rooms and antiques, as well as some great local walking spots. Dogs are welcome in the Garden rooms where they will find a dog bed and feeding bowl, and can accompany you when dining in the bar and outside areas – a breakfast sausage is also on the menu at this brilliant dog friendly hotel in the Cotswolds.
Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Wiltshire
A welcoming escape in the glorious Cotswold countryside; Whatley Manor provides quintessential comfort within 12-acres of gardens, Michelin-starred dining and a luxurious spa.
There are seven dog-friendly rooms, some with their own private entranceway and garden, where dogs are welcomed with a pampering pack including a dog bed, Bob & Lush wet food, a towel, bowl and feeding mat, a toy and a welcome letter, along with some Ramble Routes, the hotel’s garden map and some useful information surrounding places to visit.
A poo bin is situated outside the courtyard rooms and there are treat stations positioned around the grounds, where dogs are welcome to wander on the leash. At the bottom of the garden you will find a pathway down to the river where dogs can run free. Guests are welcome to dine with their dogs in the Bar, Drawing Room and the Reception Hall, Terraces, Kitchen Garden and Courtyard.
Thyme, Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Britain’s answer to rural Tuscany, Thyme is an absolute haven to discover - the perfect dog friendly hotel in the Cotswolds – country-chic with an acclaimed restaurant and spa, set in the honey-stone village of Southrop, beside the River Leach.
A superb weekend getaway for grown-ups, it’s countryside position makes it an ideal spot to holiday with your four-legged friends, overlooking it’s very own fields, there are myriad walks to discover. The site is made up of a farmhouse, The Swan pub, the villages former rectory, cottages and barns and some elegant new builds.
It’s the perfect rural spot to recharge with morning tours of the thriving kitchen garden, flasks of mead at left in the rooms at turndown and delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Dogs are welcomed at the Old Walls Cottage, complete with its own private walled garden that backs onto the Thyme estate.
The Swan Inn, Ascott under Wychwood, Oxfordshire
Set within endless rolling hills in the bucolic Cotswold countryside, The Swan Inn offers a welcoming spot to stay – your four-legged friend happily kicking at your heels at this super dog friendly hotel. An idyllic location, expect seasonal, artisan dishes, local ales, a brilliant wine cellar, traditional afternoon tea and a buzzing beer garden in the summer, with the station positioned just around the corner, it’s the perfect city-escape.
Great for four-legged friends too, Ascott Under Wychwood is a secluded Cotswold village with lots of great walks to discover; furry friends will particularly enjoy the Wychwood Way – a lengthy 37-mile long woodland walking route through ancient woodlands, former royal hunting ground and picturesque villages.
The stately Blenheim Palace is also in easy reach offering gorgeous gardens to sniff out. After a day of exploring, what could be better than cosying up with your canine companion back at base.
The Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire
Oozing character with bags of historic charm, The Lygon Arms is a traditional dog-friendly, spa hotel in the Cotswolds, serving contemporary British cuisine, using locally sourced produce. Think dimly lit interiors, lots of wood panelling, creaky floorboards and winding staircases set against a backdrop of rolling countryside.
Many of the original Tudor features have been preserved including large wooden beams, wrought-iron doors, huge fireplaces and flagstone flooring. Dogs are welcomed with open arms, with a dog bed, feeding bowl and treats left in the room, as well as three-acres of gardens, perfect for morning strolls.
Canine companions can dine with you in the Russel Room or the Lygon Lounges and there’s even a doggie menu to wag about. There’s a pretty courtyard for summer months, along with some brilliant local walking trails for you and your four-legged friends to explore, with a muddy paws station back at base.
The Fleece, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
A grade II listed coaching inn, set across three pretty townhouses, The Fleece is a great dog friendly spot in the heart of Cirencester – capital of the Cotswolds. Home to 28 rooms, featuring a quirky design - think bright colour pops, chesterfield sofas, floral wallpaper, velvet headboards and sheepskin rugs with some heritage features including large wooden beams and ornate fireplaces.
There’s a small selection of dog friendly rooms where your four-legged friend will be welcomed with a bed and feeding bowl and you will also find a relaxed bar with cosy fireside seating and a buzzing atmosphere to enjoy pub classics and local craft ales.
Aptly positioned in Market Place, just a few minutes’ walk from Cirencester Park, perfect for your dog’s morning stroll - it’s a great location to explore the quaint courtyards and 18th century townhouses, with plenty of stunning Cotswold countryside on the doorstep.
Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire
A traditional county pile, Lords of the Manor is an award-winning dog-friendly hotel in the Cotswolds, housed in a stunning former rectory of classic honey-coloured stone.
Set in eight-acres of landscaped gardens and rolling parkland, it’s a brilliant spot for a countryside escape for you and your four-legged friend in tow, with endless picturesque walks to discover; positioned next to the River Eye, in the midst of the leafy Cotswolds AONB – just a short walk from the sleepy village of Lower Slaughter.
Back at base, dogs are welcomed to dine with you in the bar and lounges where you can tuck into British-European dishes, created with seasonal produce or perhaps indulge in a gourmet afternoon tea or local tipple. There are five dog-friendly rooms available, where your canine companion will find treats, as well as a bed and a blanket for a comfortable stay.
The Kingham Plough, Kingham, Oxfordshire
A cosy dog friendly pub in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Kingham Plough became a name-to-know through Great British Menu-winning chef, Emily Watkins. With an acclaimed menu, the new owners strive to fulfil her ethos, built around creating exceptional food, sourced locally.
The classic Cotswold property sits in a peaceful spot with immediate access to the surrounding fields, perfect for taking your dog for a morning jaunt; brilliantly positioned near the popular town of Chipping Norton with Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop a short drive away, it’s a great countryside escape with a dog in tow.
Information on short local walks is provided on arrival, and there’s plenty of treats on offer throughout dinner, where your four-legged friend is welcome to join you in the bar area. Bedrooms are separate from the pub, with dogs welcome in two annex rooms where a bed and bowl await them.
BOOK NOW
Read more of our hotel reviews:
The best women's wellington boots for rainy days
The best Airbnbs in Portugal's Algarve
12 best packing cubes, tried and tested
Best Airbnbs in Barcelona for your next city break
