Mad about dogs

If you just can’t bear to be parted from your pet pooch, you’ll be relieved to hear the Cotswolds offers a whole host of places to stay and things to do for both two and four-legged visitors!  In fact dare we say you’d be barking mad not to book your next holiday here?!

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Cowley Manor know how important your pooch is and are determined to give them as good a time as you!  With 55 acres of grounds and two pet-friendly rooms, they’re proud to be a hotel for dogs and owners alike.  A charge of just £25 a night includes a dog bed, water bowl and doggy treats and dogs are welcome in the Sitting Room, Billiard Room and on the Terrace.  

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Take a ‘walkies on the wildside’ at the wonderful Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – dog-friendly since the park opened in 1970!  The Park was voted ‘Best Day Out’ with a dog for two years running by the Kennel Club members in their ‘Be Dog Friendly’ awards and most of it is accessible to dogs on short leads and under adult control, including the Walled Garden and on the train!  There are various dog bowls near outdoor taps around the park and free poop bags are available at the pay desk. 

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Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham has no fewer than 13 dog-friendly rooms and dogs are welcomed throughout the hotel grounds and in set areas of the hotel itself.  There are 90 acres of beautiful rolling countryside to explore as well as the newly refurbished relaxed eatery, The Horsebox.  This cosy pub-style restaurant is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon lunch or casual dinner with your dog in tow.

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Dogs are always greeted with a warm welcome (and a biscuit) at beautiful Batsford Arboretum near Moreton in Marsh.  They’re free to explore the arboretum with you, as well as the visitor centre and Garden Terrace Café provided they’re well behaved and kept on a short lead at all times.  Drinking water and litter bins are provided and Batsford is home to one of the largest private tree collections of its kind – the perfect place to bring your four-legged friend. 

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If you’re looking for a tailor-made canine retreat then look no further than Tewkesbury Park Hotel.  Their dog-friendly package includes a doggie welcome pack and suggested walks, traditional afternoon tea, a three course dinner for two (along with a Dog’s Dinner) spa voucher, overnight accommodation and full English breakfast (dogs will received a sausage or two…!)   There’re 163 acres of majestic parkland to walk off all the foodie excesses too! 

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Many properties on the Cotswolds Lower Mill Estate welcome pet pooches and are the perfect place to curl up in front of a blazing fire after a long walk.  With 300 acres of nature reserve to explore including lakes, woodland and an amazing array of wildlife, they’re the perfect break for you to enjoy life with your four legged friend. 

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Well behaved owners and their dogs are always welcome at Cogges Manor Farm!  With meadow and woodland to explore, exciting smells to discover in the walled garden and a pooch-friendly café on site, it’s the perfect day for your family, whatever shape and size it comes in!  So waggy tales and wellies at the ready – Cogges has something for everyone!

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The Howard Arms in the beautiful Cotswolds village of Ilmington loves dogs and welcome all shapes and sizes – and their owners too!  They offer a choice of wonderful walks, and of course drinks and biscuits and, while they don’t have doggy bedrooms, are happy to host dogs in the pub for lunch, dinner or a drink. 

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For the dog-about-town, how about a stay at The Fleece at Cirencester?  Centrally located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Cirencester, dogs – and their well-behaved owners are most welcome!  The recently refurbished inn has a new bar and lounge area with more dining space and a private meeting area too.  Dogs are welcome in the bar and, for a supplement, dog friendly guest rooms are available – and 10% of the charge will be donated to the Teckles Animal Rescue Centre. 

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Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn is a recently refurbished 17th century coaching inn with something special to offer all their guests – whether they’re human or not!  From restful rooms and hearty food to artisan coffees and hand-crafted ales, the garden rooms are modern and spacious and perfect for canine travel companions.  They also enjoy the added attraction of their very own private garden terrace! 

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There are interesting walks and smells-a-plenty in Newark Park gardens and estate.  Doggy treats and poo bags are available from the visitor reception and you’ll also find dog bowls dotted around to quench their thirst after all that walking!  Dogs must be kept on a lead to protect the array of sheep, cattle, chickens and peacocks – and assistance dogs only please inside Newark House. 

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Dogs are always welcome at Park Farm Holiday Cottages where a half-acre dog-proof paddock means they can run safely off-lead – and there are even a few jumps and weaving poles should your dog enjoy a bit of agility training!  There are plenty of walks from the cottages on the quiet roads and tracks as well as dog-friendly pubs on route – and a five minute footpath to lovely Stow-on-the-Wold too. 

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Mulberry Cottages have a number of gorgeous dog-friendly properties which are perfect for taking your pooch away with you.  Whether it’s Hunt Cottage in royal Tetbury – just a stones-throw from Westonbirt Arboretum, or The Old Distillery in Stow on the Wold, they’re the perfect places to base yourself for the beautiful surrounding countryside and pet-friendly pubs and inns in the surrounding areas. 

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As dog-owners themselves, the team at Notgrove Holidays know your holiday wouldn’t be the same without your four legged friend and welcome well behaved dogs – and owners in their holiday cottages.  With water and feed bowls and doggy towels supplied, the private 1500 acre Cotswold estate offers endless walks to keep furry family members entertained.  Staff can also advise on dog friendly days out and pubs too.  All cottages allow 2 dogs and the larger barns can accommodate 3 – so no-one has to stay behind! 

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Dogs ride free with Bainton Bikes – in fact all of their Cotswold cycling holidays are dog-friendly, with carefully selected routes offering quiet roads and off road bridleways and dog-friendly accommodation.  There are lovely places to eat and drink including points of interest which all welcome your pooch,  and dog trailers and pet accommodation is free of charge which means you can enjoy your cycling holiday experience with your favourite four legged friend! 

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If you’re planning to hire a car as part of your Cotswold break, make sure it’s Rhino Car Hire.  Dogs – and other pets can be carried for free, as long as no damaged is caused – or excessive mess left in the car!  Discover more at www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-hire-blog/May-2017/Are-dogs-allowed-in-rental-cars

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Prepare to be cuddled when you visit The Vault in Nailsworth – where dog treats, water and a hug or two are always available!   It means you can enjoy wine, cocktails and food accompanied by your favourite doggy companion – everything you could possible want from your Cotswold break. 

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The Tea Set in Chipping Norton and Broadway love dogs and there’s a warm welcome awaiting your four-legged friends.  Water is always available along with a cheeky biscuit treat – and your pooch may even appear in their ‘rogues gallery’ on Instagram and twitter – with your permission of course!  They also offer a full breakfast menu, lunch, afternoon tea and a delicious selection of cakes for well-behaved owners! 

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Tucked away in the corner of the Corn Hall Market in Cirencester is Diversitea -  a pooch-friendly tea room.  It’s the perfect place to stop for a cuppa after exploring the town, or shopping in the adjacent Corn Hall Market.  There's a water bowl for thirsty dogs and locally-roasted coffee or a wide range of tea for thirsty owners - all served in vintage china cups!  Freshly-made sandwiches, panini and soup, and a selection of home-baked cakes are also available. 

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Your dog will love you for taking them along to The Shake Shop in Witney where they’ll receive a tasty biscuit, warm welcome and their very own loyalty card!  After 10 free treats they’ll be able to pick up a bigger, gift-wrapped bone!  Enjoy al fresco drinks in the garden in summer where you’ll always find a fresh supply of water and – for a special treat – why not choose a ‘Doggie Dollop’ ice-cream (whippy ice-cream with a choice of gravy bones or chocolate drops and optional peanut butter) served with a kind word and a pat on the head! 

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