Three paw-fect weekend breaks in the Cotswolds with your dog

BEST FOR FAMILY FUN

Stay at: Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat

Located within grounds of the beautiful Blenheim Estate, these one, two and three-bedroom lodges are withing dog-walking distance of lots of lovely family friendly activities and offer the perfect home-from-home to retreat to at the end of a day filled with adventures. Two four-legged friends are welcome to join you in your luxury lodge and will love the open plan layout meaning they get to spend lots of quality relaxing time with their pack.

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While the lodges have impeccable self-catering amenities, if you want to treat your canine companion to a meal out, head to The Killingworth Castle. Built in 1637, it was once frequented by Winston Churchill when he lived at Blenheim Palace, but now it’s much-loved by foodies. Call ahead to book a table as there are limited dog friendly spaces.

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Obviously, Blenheim Palace is a must-visit. Both children and dogs will love exploring the 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Harry Potters fans need to seek out the tree that was featured in the Order of the Phoenix. Clue: it’s located next to Blenheim Lake and Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge.

Cogges Manor Farm is within easy driving distance of Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat. An historic farm in the heart of Witney, it’s now open to the public as a heritage centre. With a beautiful manor house (no dogs allowed inside though, sorry), pretty gardens, an adventure play space and 17 acres to enjoy, it’s brilliant for a family friendly, as well as dog friendly, day out in the Cotswolds.

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BEST FOR THE STYLE SEEKERS

Stay at: Daylesford Kingham Village Cottages

You’ll find this curated collection of traditional stone cottages in the quiet village of Kingham deep in the heart of the Cotswolds. Ranging from chic one bed boltholes to spacious farmhouses for all the family, they’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the natural beauty of the English countryside. Aside from the idyllic location, they all have two things in common … one, they’re dog friendly and dog beds are provided, and two, you can expect straight-from-the-pages-of-a-luxury-interiors-magazine décor. Yes, you’ll not only be leaving with amazing holiday memories, but serious style inspiration too.

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Also located in picture-perfect Kingham, head to The Kingham Plough and enjoy a bite to eat in one of its many cosy corners … think comfy armchairs and sofas with a roaring fire for your pooch to snooze in front of. This welcoming country pub is known for its modern British dishes with a Mediterranean influence as well as craft ales and expertly mixed seasonal cocktails. See how long it takes your furry friend to sniff out the doggy treats!

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Beautiful Burford is one of the most picturesque towns in England, and you should definitely spend some time discovering its charms. Honey-coloured cottages line the streets and there’s an array of chic independent shops to browse and dog friendly cafés to enjoy a puppuccino in.

Two miles south of Burford, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens makes for a dog friendly day out with a difference. Rarely do you get an opportunity to visit an animal park with your pooch. Get up close with the giraffes, marvel at the rhinos grazing on the lawns, say hello to the llamas, or simply admire the stunning grounds.

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BEST FOR THE ROMANTICS

Stay at: The Double Red Duke 

It’s one of the most stylish hotels in the Cotswolds and ideal to steal away to for a romantic weekend. Yes, canine companions too. The dog friendly bedrooms are all located in the gorgeous barn annex (opt for a family room if you want a touch more space), and furry friends are welcome to dine with you in the cosy bar. However, if the sun is shining, grab yourself a table in the beautiful garden.

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If you want to head out and about to eat, take a short drive to The Trout at Tadpole Bridge. Close to Faringdon yet surrounded by fields and perched on the edge of the River Thames, it’s well worth trying to time your dinner date with sunset for the ultimate romantic moment in the pub’s spacious garden. Alternatively, the Sunday roasts are pretty special too.

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The 1,000 foot Faringdon Folly Tower was the last major folly to be built in England and offers a picture-perfect view over the surrounding countryside, including the famous White Horse Hill. But it’s not just about the tower, it’s well worth strolling hand-in-hand through the woodland with your loved one … and your four-legged friend.

A little further afield, head into Oxford and treat your significant other to an afternoon of punting. Even if your pooch hasn’t perfected their doggy paddle, they can don a doggy life jacket and spend an idyllic hour or two enjoying a leisurely punt and seeing the countryside from a different perspective. The season runs from mid-March to mid-October and you can rent a punt from Cherwell Boathouse.