The Pet Inspectors: The Lygon Arms

PetsPyjamas Pet Inspectors Rufus and Heidi have been on their travels again. This time it was a pre-Christmas winter escape to super luxurious, 17th century dog-friendly hotel.

The Pet Inspectors: The Lygon Arms

The Lygon Arms is in the gorgeous Cotswold village of Broadway. The hotel has recently undergone a massive refurbishment programme by new owners Iconic Luxury Hotels (Cliveden House and Chewton Glen are part of the collection) so the ever-intrepid Rufus and Heidi went along to see to check out just how luxurious and pet-friendly the hotel really is!

They were accompanied by owners Denise and Rory and their daughter Camilla, her boyfriend Hugo and their rescue Cavachon, Lulu.

Friday night

Heidi and I love weekends away, so we were super excited when we saw our personalised pet beds, bowls and food heading out to the car. We showed our appreciation with lots of tail wagging that seemed to go down well and some barking that didn’t.

We were whisked down the M40; in no time at all we saw the twinkling lights of Broadway and the giant Christmas tree outside the hotel. The car door was flung open and we were escorted inside. The lovely receptionist came out from behind her desk and greeted us along with Duty Manager, Harry, who took our leads and showed us around.

Nearly the entire hotel seemed to be pet-friendly apart from the main restaurant, although we were welcomed for dinner in the bar and the wine-bar restaurant.

Our courtyard bedroom was very handy with doors out to the grounds, and we were delighted to find a bed bowl, treats and a rope toy waiting for us!

These people love dogs! We were offered a run around the enclosed garden before bedtime, which was great fun as Hugo threw a ball and chased us round in the dark. We then repaired to bed whilst the humans had a delicious meal in the main restaurant.

Saturday

We started the day with a lovely walk around the grounds before breakfast. Harry had very helpfully set up a breakfast table for us three dogs and the humans just outside the breakfast area in front of the fire.

Hugo and Rory had a full English (which was one of the best) and we had a secret sausage under the table. Lots of toddlers rocked up to the table to say hello and we felt very privileged and important – as though we were true VIP guests.

After coffee at very dog-friendly cafe the Leaf & Bean just outside the hotel we headed to Cheltenham – just a half hour’s drive – for some last minute Christmas gifts. We were practically mobbed in Oliver Bonas and the delightful staff looked after us whilst Denise and Camilla bought up the shop!

Lunch was at the pet-friendly Kindness Cafe where we received plenty of attention. In the evening we met up with some other friends and their dogs in the bar and all had dinner together in the Lygon Wine Bar. Such fun!

Sunday

Next morning the humans headed for the spa, looking for a swim and sauna before breakfast, and then we had a lovely walk around the town. We even saw the Broadway Tower – the highest castle in in the Cotswolds. The trip was about an hour’s walk there and back.

We had coffee in the charming, dog-friendly Morris & Brown. We said a sad farewell and were then off to Wiltshire to spend Christmas with Hugo’s parents. What a weekend!

Pet Inspectors Verdict

Pet Welcome: 10/10
Dine With Your Dog: 9/10
Pet-Friendly Bedroom: 10/10
Off The Lead: YES
Overall: Golden Bone Award