The Cotswolds
PetsPyjamas’ Guide to the Dog-Friendly Cotswolds
Just two hours from London, with honey-coloured villages, rolling hills and brilliant walks – what better place to escape with your canine companion than the dog-friendly Cotswolds.
The name is said to derive from two very English words – Wolds – meaning gentle hills – and Cots – meaning sheep closures. The Cotswolds history dates back to the Bronze and Iron Age, with plenty of Roman roads running through the area. From the Middle Ages, the Cotswolds became prosperous from the wool trade and wealthy merchants invested their money in the beautiful churches and houses you can see today.
The area stretches from Oxford, Cheltenham, Stratford and Bath and is Britain’s largest designated Area of Natural Beauty. It also includes some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the country all with a wonderful array of dog-friendly hotels and pet-friendly holiday cottages.
One of our favourite dog-friendly destinations – we have rounded up all the best dog-friendly properties for you. Whether you’re looking for country house hotels, boutique hotels or holiday cottages, dogs will be as welcome as you are!
We’ve also sniffed out the best walking trails, dog-friendly attractions, and fabulous dog-friendly pubs where you can stop for refreshments together. Let’s get you both ready for your Cotswolds adventure!
Bow-Wow Factor
Your dog will love the fabulous dog walks, amazing dog-friendly pubs and attractions, and you will love the absolutely stunning scenery!
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Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in The Cotswolds
A wonderful array of dog-friendly accommodations await to welcome you and your furry friend to the Cotswolds. With luxurious country houses, lovely spa hotels, cosy cottages and charming country pubs, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Suitable for all breeds and budgets, our pet-friendly hotels and cottages have all been given our PetsPyjamas paw of approval.
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Set in the beautiful village of Broadway, this historic luxury hotel is super dog-friendly with wonderful gardens for four-legged friends to enjoy and a luxurious spa for humans.
The Manor House Hotel Moreton-in-Marsh
A dream getaway for dogs and their humans! A beautifully preserved 16th-century manor, this charming hotel in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh combines historic character—think timber beams and leaded windows—with modern comforts. Foodies will delight in the 2AA rosette restaurant or you can dine with your dog in the aptly named Beagle bar. After a hearty meal, enjoy strolls around the hotel’s stunning walled gardens together.
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
This 16th century castle is a haven for four-legged friends. With 14 acres to roam and large, baronial rooms, your dog will feel like the king of the castle. After all, Thornbury Castle has welcomed famous figures like Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, so this wonderful dog-friendly hotel is clearly fit for royalty! With that being said, get ready to immerse yourself in regal luxury and grandeur with your canine companion by your side.
Dog-friendly Pubs & Eateries in the Cotswolds
For those who love their gourmet food and wine, the Cotswolds countryside offers a myriad of dining options from gastropubs to fine dining. The area is teeming with award-winning chefs, Michelin star restaurants and English country pubs.
Expect locally grown produce, in wisteria-clad, oak-beamed historic buildings in the prettiest of villages. In addition to the fabulous food and hospitality, you’ll also find that your dog is just as welcome as you are. They may even be invited to rub noses with the locals’ hounds who will be equally pleased to make friends.
Four-legged friends are also welcome in cafes, where they are likely to be offered a treat or two. Treats may also be offered in the pubs, as well as doggy biscuits, their own gourmet food, doggy beer and maybe even a map of local walks too!
There are some fabulous dog-friendly gastropubs in the area that conform to these picture-perfect places with food to match. For example, there’s the Daylesford-owned Wild Rabbit in Kingham or the Potting Shed in Crudwell, serving pub classics with their own unique spin.
We’ve put together some of our favourite dog-friendly Cotswold eateries where you and your dog can enjoy fine dining, an afternoon tea and perfect gastropub fayre.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cotswolds Pubs
Our Favourite Dog Walks in the Cotswolds
The dog-friendly Cotswolds, the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers some of the very best walking opportunities in the country. Your dog will love sniffing ancient woodland, roaming the hills, strolling around historic market towns, and swimming in lakes along the way.
The opportunities are boundless, whether you prefer to tackle a shorter circular walk or something more energetic. Either way, you will be rewarded with stunning landscapes, gorgeous vistas and a happy dog!
Extending from the market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath, The Cotswold Way offers over 100 miles of magical walks. Embark on one of its countless trails with your furry friend and enjoy panoramic views, fresh air and lots of off-lead frolics!
The charming market towns and villages of Winchcombe, Stanton, Broadway and Snowshill can be explored along your way. The walking trails runs to Cotswold Escarpment and passes through gorgeous villages. It’s also close to a number of historical sites. For example, the Roman heritage of Bath, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe as well as many gorgeous churches.
The 10 Best Cotswolds Dog Walks
Dog-friendly Days Out in the Cotswolds
Dogs love adventure. As much as they enjoy a gentle stroll around a delightful market town or gorgeous village, one thing they really enjoy is the excitement of getting in the car for an adventure! And the Cotswolds is definitely the right place.
The Cotswolds is not only graced with amazing landscapes but it’s also steeped in rich cultural heritage and history with a plethora of National Trust properties to explore. There really is something for everyone in the family including your beloved canine companion. With endless places to visit and amazing attractions to see, you can’t beat a dog-friendly holiday in the Cotswolds.
So, take your best furry friend and discover new sights and smells and have wonderful days out in the dog-friendly Cotswolds.
We have put together some of our favourite dog-friendly attractions. These include historic houses with fabulous grounds, gorgeous landmarks with circular walks where they can run off the lead, Arboretums full of awe-inspiring ancient trees and there’s even a dog-friendly Zoo and steam train.
Must see places:
Blenheim Palace and Gardens
Home to the Duke of Marlborough and one of the grandest houses in the country. Explore the amazing Capability Brown-designed lake and grounds.
Westonbirt Arboretum
An awe-inspiring collection of over 2,500 trees to see from the far corners of The Globe. Your dog will love exploring here with places to run off the lead and a fabulous cafe.
Broadway Tower
Climb up the hill from the gorgeous village of Broadway to marvel at this Georgian Folly. Your dog will love the walk up to the top where you will be rewarded with a view of over 16 different counties and a great dog-friendly cafe.
PetsPyjamas Guide to the Cotswolds
We hope our dog-friendly Cotswolds guide has helped you prepare for an exciting dog-friendly UK holiday in the Cotswolds. In this enchanting destination, you’re sure to find the best properties, attractions and dining establishments for the whole family and your four-legged friends.