There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a road trip when you’ve got your furry friends by your side. Kiki and Lulu, our own PetsPyjamas pet inspectors, were ready for their latest adventure—this time to the Cotswolds. Our journey kicked off with a cruise down the M4, a familiar route that we jazzed up by stopping at the fabulous, dog-friendly Membury Service Station. This is no ordinary pit stop; four-legged friends are welcome inside, meaning you can stretch those paws and grab a coffee without worrying about leaving your pup in the car.
After a quick snack (and a dog treat or two), we were back on the road, heading towards the idyllic Cotswolds town of Malmesbury. This is home to our next stop: The Old Bell Hotel, said to be one of England’s oldest hotels.
As we approached the charming market town, with its honey-hued stone buildings and rolling countryside views, tails wagged and the excitement grew. The Old Bell Hotel is a gorgeous dog-friendly property in the heart of Malmesbury. A historic building steeped in centuries of stories with a modern warmth that made us all feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
The Hotel: Old World Charm Meets Modern Luxury
The Old Bell Hotel, is a 13th-century gem brimming with old world charm but with a super relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere that greets you upon arrival. It is now owned by Kim and Whit Hanks whose ancestors used to own it. Nestled right next to the awe-inspiring Malmesbury Abbey, the dog-friendly hotel has lovely, colourful interiors and a boutique feel. Featuring an eclectic mix of traditional architecture and contemporary design that creates a unique sense of style. The moment we walked through the door, Kiki and Lulu were given a wonderful welcome from Mads on reception who petted the dogs and told us all about her furry friends too. The staff were all smiles, and the dogs felt instantly at home.
From the sweeping oak staircase to the cosy nooks and crannies of the lounge areas, this pet-friendly hotel oozes warmth. A delightful mix of traditional and modern with beautiful vases and pictures – it’s like the very best version of a beautiful country house hotel. The Old Bell manages to blend its rich history with contemporary touches, making it the perfect spot for a chic, countryside getaway.
Our Dog-friendly Bedroom: Comfort and Character
For our stay, we were shown to one of the dog-friendly rooms, which was absolutely charming. We could hardly contain the dogs as they raced up the windy stairs to our room which was beautifully decorated with charming wallpaper and a warm mix of colours. The bedroom boasts plenty of character with original features like exposed beams and elegant furnishings. It also had a charming bathroom including Bramley toiletries, thick luxe bathroom robes – and best of all – a Dyson hairdryer! It was spacious enough for Kiki and Lulu to explore. They both immediately made themselves thoroughly at home as they flopped into their super fluffy dog beds.
The windows looked out onto the beautiful town of Malmesbury, and we were anticipating exploring the town later. After a long journey, it was the perfect place for all of us to unwind and enjoy some downtime.
Dog-friendly Features: Tail-wagging Dog Treats
The Old Bell Hotel certainly goes out of its way to make sure your canine companion is as comfortable as you are. Not only are dogs allowed in all the main reception rooms (apart from the main restaurant), but they are also pampered wherever they go.
There are so many gorgeous comfy velvet sofas in the lounge areas. Plus, plenty of spaces for the dogs to relax while we enjoyed a glass of prosecco. What stood out to us, was the genuine love for dogs among the staff. Many of which seemed to own a furry friend themselves! We swapped stories and made special friends with Nicola. She couldn’t have been more helpful as we tried to decide which restaurant to eat in and whether to bring the dogs or not.
As well as the dog-friendliness of the hotel, the main draw are the wealth of fabulous walks you can take straight from the hotel. There are also an array of dog-friendly cafes in the town and dog-friendly places to visit nearby like the amazing Westonbirt Arboretum. We found the staff were very happy to guide us to a fabulous circular walk out of the hotel.
Food and Drink: Gourmet Dining for All!
We eventually decided to eat in the main Abbey Row restaurant. The menu created by Executive Chef Daniel Kerr looked so tempting. Kiki and Lulu didn’t mind being left behind as they had already joined us for a drink beforehand… and they were feeling tired after their river walk! The restaurant offers a menu filled with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. We chose summer truffle tartlets for starters. I had the delicious Bath blue gnocchi and Camilla opted for the John Dory. Then, we shared a naughty Malmsbury honey cheesecake. Although we chose to eat at the Abbey Row restaurant, you can dine with your dog in the bar area too.
Kiki and Lulu joined us for breakfast which was beautifully laid out for us. Camilla opted for granola, while I tucked into the most heavenly eggs benedict made with local farm eggs. There were plenty of options ranging from a Malmsbury full English to lighter choices like fresh fruit and yoghurt. We were thrilled that Kiki and Lulu could join us at the table and felt right at home. Their tails were wagging as we sipped our morning coffees!
What We Did: Exploring Malmesbury and Beyond
Malmesbury itself is a fantastic town to explore with your four-legged friend. It’s rich in history, from its stunning Abbey to the quaint medieval streets. After settling in at The Old Bell, we walked through Mamesbury Abbey Gardens, then along the River Avon, past Daniels well to the river fields and then back exploring the town. This is a beautiful walk, and along the way, we met a few locals and their dogs for Kiki and Lulu to rub noses with.
For those looking to explore further afield, The Old Bell is perfectly located for dog-friendly adventures in the Cotswolds. A short drive away, you’ll find Westonbirt Arboretum, which is a must-visit for nature lovers and their pups. With over 600 acres of woodland to explore, it’s a dog’s dream! Kiki and Lulu had a fabulous time scampering through the trees. The arboretum is well-known for being dog-friendly, with plenty of open space for dogs to roam off-lead in certain areas. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Kiki and Lulu’s Verdict: A Paw-some Stay
Kiki and Lulu gave The Old Bell Hotel a resounding paws-up! From the moment we arrived, it was clear that dogs are more than welcome—they are celebrated. The hotel’s combination of luxurious comfort, attentive service, and fantastic features made for a dog-friendly holiday that exceeded all our expectations.
Both of them appreciated the thoughtful little touches. For example, the welcome dog treats and the fact they could join us in so many areas of the hotel. It’s rare to find dog-friendly hotels that cater so well to both humans and dogs. The Old Bell strikes the perfect balance.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds for both you and your beloved canine companion, we couldn’t recommend The Old Bell Hotel more. It’s a charming, historic spot that manages to make everyone—both dog owners and canine guests – feel at home. Kiki and Lulu have already made it clear they’re keen to return. And after such a fabulous stay, we’re sure we will too.
Dog-Friendly Holidays with PetsPyjamas
The dog-friendly Cotswolds is full of the best dog-friendly hotels for you and your four-legged friend to stay in. You’ll never be short of dog-friendly walking trails and other exciting activities during your dog-friendly getaway. Plus, plenty of dog-friendly pubs, restaurants, and cafes will offer a warm welcome to you and your canine companions. To find out more about our pet-friendly hotels, visit out website today!