PetsPyjamas’ Guide to Dog-Friendly Wiltshire
Just under two hours from London, with chalk downs, verdant valleys dotted with gorgeous villages and market towns with wonderful walks from the doorstep – what better place to escape with your canine companion than Wiltshire.
The county boasts a World Heritage Site made up of two landscapes: the world famous Stonehenge in the south of Wiltshire and Avebury Stone Circles in the north which is 11 miles from Swindon and lies between Devizes and Marlborough – both are dog-friendly.
Its landscape borders Dorset to the south west, Somerset to the west, Gloucestershire to the north as well as Oxfordshire to the north east and Berkshire to the east. It has a wealth of dog-walking opportunities with the Ridgeway trail which begins in Avebury as well as the Kennet & Avon Canal Walk, the Wiltshire Downs as well as a myriad of National Trust houses and gardens including Stourhead to explore.
Home to countless beautiful towns and villages all with a wonderful array of dog-friendly hotels, country houses and cottages – from Castle Combe to Lacock and Bradford on Avon to name a few. One of our favourite pet-friendly destinations – we have rounded up all the very best pet-friendly luxury country house hotels, boutique hotels and cottages where your dog can play lord of the manor while being as welcome as you are.
We’ve also sniffed out the best places for walkies, amazing dog-friendly attractions in the area and fabulous country pubs to stop for a well-earned lunch where your four-legged companion will no doubt be given treats and have the chance to rub noses with other Wiltshire canines.
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Dogs are welcome at world famous prehistoric sites, castles, gardens and parkland.
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🍽 Dog-Friendly Pubs and Eateries
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Wiltshire
Just a couple of hours from London and yet a world away, Wiltshire makes a great choice for a dog-friendly escape. Home to fabulous countryside walks, country parks, magical woodlands and charming villages, Wiltshire is one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK.
There is a wonderful variety of dog-friendly places to stay in Wiltshire whether you are looking for a luxury country house hotel, a cosy countryside cottage, or room in a gorgeous village pub, you are sure to find the perfect stay for you and your hound.
Suitable for all breeds and budgets, our pet-friendly Wiltshire hotels and cottages have all been given our PetsPyjamas paw of approval.
Dog-Friendly Wiltshire Hotels
There are plenty of wonderful dog-friendly places to stay in Wiltshire, but to help you find the perfect property for you and your best furry friend, we’ve sniffed out some of our favourites. Suitable for all breeds and budgets, these pet-friendly hotels are truly dog-welcoming and many come with an exclusive PetsPyjamas offer you won’t find anywhere else.
From luxury manor house hotels with spas and Michelin star restaurants to cosy country pubs with rooms nestled away in picture-perfect villages, here are three of the best dog-friendly escapes.
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire
Originally built in the 19th century, the dog-friendly Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa in Wiltshire has been beautifully restored into a five-star Michelin star dog-friendly hotel and spa. Set three miles outside the ancient town of Malmesbury, Whatley Manor’s fabulous Cotswold location will provide your pet with a plethora of walking opportunities. Perfect for a special escape, the hotel has a Michelin star restaurant, 12 acres of grounds and Westonbirt Arboretum on the doorstep.
The Manor House Hotel, Wiltshire
The Manor House Hotel is a luxury dog-friendly country house and golf club on the southern edge of the Cotswolds in Castle Combe, Wiltshire. The hotel dates back to the 14th-century and boasts many original features, including wattle and daub walls, original beams and panelling in the front hall dating back to the 17th-century. The hotel offers fabulous individually designed bedrooms and suites, located in both the main house and the lovely Mews Cottages nestled in 365 acres of woodland and parkland.
The Old Bell Hotel, Wiltshire
A Grade I listed dog-friendly The Old Bell Hotel is England’s oldest hotel and sits next to a 12th-century Abbey in the heart of the historic market town of Malmesbury. Restored to the height of elegance, glamour and English charm, this family-owned hotel is a romantic haven for lovers of fantastic food and cocktails. The bedrooms are individually designed and the Refectory and Bar provide the perfect place for relaxing after exploring the glorious Cotswold town on your doorstep.
Dog-Friendly Wiltshire Cottages
Our PetsPyjamas cottages are super dog-friendly; with each one given our paw of approval. Suitable for all breeds and budgets, here are a few of our favourite pet-friendly cottages in Wiltshire.
The Old Swill house, Wiltshire
Tucked away on a grassland farm, The Old Swill House is a wonderful two bedroom, dog-friendly home. Converted from a listed stone tiled farm building dating back 300 years, it retains all its original features and provides a couple or family of four with a stylish base for a countryside escape. With vaulted ceilings, beams and wood burning stove it is beautifully furnished.
Well Cottage, Wiltshire
A charming two bedroom dog-friendly cottage sitting just above Castle Combe, the property offers a romantic getaway or family retreat. Attractively decorated this 16c cottage has an inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, squashy sofas, wood beams and country style kitchen. It has a large enclosed garden as well as a seating area outside for dining al fresco.
Cosy Cot, Wiltshire
Cosy Cot is a delightful dog-friendly, three bedroom country cottage in Stapleford, near the historic village church. A brick pathway leads to a thatched entrance porch which opens to a cosy living room with two sofas, TV, inglenook fireplace, a ‘shaker style’ fitted kitchen with two king-size bedrooms and one twin bedroom.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Eateries in Wiltshire
For dog owning gourmands the Wiltshire countryside offers a myriad of dining options from gastropubs to fine dining. The area is teeming with award-winning chefs, Michelin star restaurants and quintessentially English country pubs.
Expect locally grown produce, in wisteria-clad, oak-beamed historic buildings in the prettiest of villages and market towns. In addition to the fabulous food and hospitality, you’ll also find that your dog is just as welcome as you are, and may even be invited to rub noses with the locals’ hounds who will be equally pleased to make friends.
There are some fabulous dog-friendly gastropubs in the area that conform to these picture-perfect places with food to match; like the Dog and Gun in Salisbury or the Potting Shed in Crudwell, serving pub classics with their own unique spin.
We’ve put together some of our favourite dog-friendly Wiltshire eateries where you and your dog can enjoy fine dining on a gourmet getaway, an afternoon tea or perfect gastropub fayre.
Our Favourite Dog Walks in Wiltshire
It’s true to say that Wiltshire offers some of the very best walking opportunities in the country. Your dog will love sniffing ancient woodland, running up and down hills, enjoying strolling around historic market towns and villages as well as exploring the grounds of beautiful National Trust properties.
The opportunities are boundless whether you prefer to tackle a shorter circular walk or something more energetic for more active dogs. Either way, you will be rewarded with stunning landscapes, gorgeous vistas and a better still happy dog at the end of the day!
If you think a good walk with your dog should also feature a dog-friendly cafe or pub then we recommend a walk around the gorgeous National Trust village of Lacock or Castle Combe which is frequently voted the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds with its charming honey coloured houses. Both offer a myriad of walks plus picture perfect pubs and cafes for a spot of lunch after a long stroll with your best furry friend in tow.
For a longer walk you could tackle part of the Ridgeway trail which begins at the World Heritage site of Avebury or walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal Walk to the market town of Bradford on Avon. Take a steep path up the Wiltshire Downs or visit the Cherhill White Horse, the second oldest of Wiltshire’s iconic carved horse figures. The horse makes a lovely destination for a walk with your dog and offers splendid views over the pretty Wiltshire countryside!
Dog-Friendly Days Out in Wiltshire
Dogs love adventure. Although they may be happy to enjoy a gentle stroll around the delightful market town or gorgeous village where you may be staying in, one thing they really enjoy is the excitement of getting in the car for an adventure! And Wiltshire is definitely the right place.
Wiltshire is not only graced with amazing landscapes but it’s also steeped in rich cultural heritage and history with a plethora of National Trust gardens to explore. There really is something for everyone in the family including the dog. With endless places to visit and amazing attractions to see, there really isn’t anywhere better to go than Wiltshire.
So take your best furry friend for a fabulous day out where they can discover new sights and smells and have wonderful days out in the dog-friendly Wiltshire.
We have put together some of our favourite dog-friendly attractions – these include historic houses with fabulous grounds for them to roam, gorgeous landmarks with circular walks where they can run off the lead and Arboretums full of awe-inspiring ancient trees.
PetsPyjamas Top Picks
The Peto Gardens at Iford Manor
These gorgeous gardens are situated in the River Frome Valley at the Grade I listed Ilford Manor, near Bradford-on-Avon. Four legged friends are welcome in these beautiful gardens and in the outside seating area of the tearoom.
Avebury Stone Circle
Enjoy walking around a World Heritage Site on a visit to Avebury. There’s the ancient stone circle, the largest in the world, a manor house, museum and garden and the good news is that they are all dog friendly.
Salisbury Cathedral
Well behaved dogs are welcome in Salisbury Cathedral which welcomes 1000s of dogs annually. An amazing historical monument, it towers above the city of Salisbury famous for its beautiful architecture and 800 year old history.