If you have a friend of the four-legged and furry variety, you’ll know that one of the best things in life is being able to take them on holiday with you. With that in mind, we’ve created a hotlist of dog-friendly UK boltholes that will keep the little canine in your life wagging their tail for many days to come.
1. New Forest Cottage, Hampshire
The sleek and contemporary New Forest Eco-Cottage goes that little bit further for both the environment and your pets. Not only are dogs very welcome (as long as you request ahead of arrival), you can also arrange stabling if you happen have a horse in tow! The nearby Hampshire coastline and surrounding forests provide bags of outdoor entertainment, and there’s a large garden for lazier times. Aimed squarely at holidaying families, there are maps for exploring the local area and a cosy wood-burner for warming up afterwards.
2. The Ship Inn, Sussex
Dogs are very welcome aboard The Ship Inn, where the warm and convivial atmosphere means guests on both two and four legs are quickly made to feel at home. There is a small charge for pets, but this covers housekeeping and a fun sausage breakfast especially for your canine friend. The location is perfect too; positioned right beside a nature reserve and the stunning Camborne Sands, in the village of Rye. It’s a delightful foray into rural Sussex with retro-coastal décor and bags of character.
3. Blenheim Cottage, Oxford
Blenheim Cottage is a beautiful self-catering riverside hideaway on the edge of the Blenheim Estate – possessing all the charm of its namesake but with none of the crowding. The space is shaped for the comfort of your group and this means that – although they cost a little extra per night – dogs are provided with wet and dry dog food, treats, a bed and blankets, and wipes for muddy paws.
4. Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, Cornwall
Not only is seafront Tresanton one of Cornwall’s top hotels – polished to perfection by famed hotelier Olga Polizzi – it’s also fantastic for pets. There are a handful of dog-friendly bedrooms to choose from (including one with a private garden), and all pooches get their own bed, blanket and food bowl. Guests can choose to take their meals in the special Dog’s Bar, bedecked with chairs and cushions in cute doggie prints, and Hunter wellies can be borrowed for walks along the coastal path and local beaches. Man’s best friend need never leave your side.
5. The Wheatsheaf Inn, Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds are home to a number of restyled coaching inns, but few possess the style and attention to detail of The Wheatsheaf Inn. Popular with well-heeled socialites as well as weekending families, The Wheatsheaf also keeps a place at the bar for their furry friends. Dogs are welcome in the fashionable communal areas (there’s even a tempting jar of pig ears waiting behind the bar) and can stay in the 3 downstairs guest rooms, where dog beds, bowls and snacks are provided.
6. The Gurnards Head, Cornwall
A charming pub with bags of character, The Gurnard’s Head sits on an untamed stretch of the Cornish coastline and warmly welcomes any four-legged stowaways you have in tow (free of charge). Laid-back and low-key, dogs are also welcome in the dining room and there are some glorious coastal walks leading out of the large pub garden – just be sure to mention your canine companion when booking.
7. The Grosvenor Arms, Dorset
Set in the heart of green-welly country, there’s plenty for you and your pooch to get up to while staying at this funky coaching inn, although you may find it difficult to stray beyond it’s warm, hospitable bar and restaurant. With beautifully decorated rooms (best for a smaller pup), a pretty guest courtyard and a unique doggy menu, The Grosvenor Arms offers tempting indulgences for all its guests!
8. Malmaison Cheltenham, Cheltenham
In a spa town known for finesse and style, Malmaison Cheltenham doesn’t disappoint. The sleek rooms, small spa and beautiful restaurant ooze a sense of opulence that laid-back weekenders and families will love. Luckily, the luxuries behind this neoclassical facade also extend to the lap dog in your life: with complimentary treats in the bar, plus dog beds, dog bowls and leads provided.
9. The Peacock, Derbyshire
Set amongst some of the finest countryside in Britain, The Peacock is within striking distance of the Peak District’s breath-taking natural scenery and the historical opulence of Chatsworth Estate and Haddon Hall. Dogs are welcome for a small charge and there’s always a bowl ready at the front door for thirsty pets.
10. Monachyle Mhor, Scotland
And, for those who don’t have their own dog to take on a weekend away, there’s always Monachyle Mhor’s impeccably behaved Labrador ‘Midnight’. If you’re a dog lover, you’re more than welcome to whisk him out for a walk along the glen – a treat we’re sure will earn you a friend for life! This relaxed, family-run retreat will also welcome your own pooch, by prior arrangement.
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