Pet Inspector’s Report: Dukes Hotel, Bath – A Winter’s Tail

One paw-sitively perfect stay in a grand Georgian house, with my four-legged travel buddy, Kiki

 Getting There

With Kiki’s overnight bag packed (and ours considerably heavier), we set off on our festive escape to Bath, one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, especially during winter. The train from London Paddington was super smooth, and in true seasoned traveller fashion, Kiki curled up and snoozed all the way, just occasionally opening one eye to check if snacks were incoming.

After arriving at Bath Spa station, it was about a 10 minutes walk to Dukes Hotel. The crisp winter air, Georgian architecture, and twinkling festive lights already had us feeling like we were stepping into a Christmas card scene.

 Arriving at Dukes Hotel

Dukes Hotel is situated on Great Pulteney Street, one of Bath’s most elegant addresses. This beautiful row of Georgian townhouses has been lovingly restored, and the hotel itself strikes the perfect balance between period charm and warm hospitality. The hotel was easy  to spot as it had a huge red Christmas bow on its frontage and soon as we stepped through the door, we were greeted with a big smile, and of course, the star guest Kiki received plenty of attention and a warm welcome from the lovely staff.

Our bedroom was as elegant as the exterior, super spacious with a luxurious four-poster bed that looked like it belonged in a Jane Austen novel. There was plenty of room for Kiki to stretch out, and the thick carpets and sumptuous furnishings made it feel more much more like a grand private home than a hotel.  A comfy bed which she hopped into immediately, woof box, bowl and toy were provided which received a tail-wagging seal of approval.

What We Did

Being centrally located, Dukes is perfectly placed for exploring Bath on foot – ideal when you’ve got paws in tow. Just behind the hotel is Henrietta Park, a gorgeous green space that’s perfect for an early morning leg stretch (or pre-bedtime sniffing session). A little further afield but still well within walking distance we took a lovely circular route taking in The Circus and the Royal Crescent, as well as the Botanical Gardens with its fabulous collection of shrubs, rock garden and replica Roman Temple. The city’s iconic canal path, which was a highlight.

We followed the waterway until we reached Dexter’s Café, a welcoming little dog-friendly spot where Kiki enjoyed a biscuit while we sipped hot chocolate  and warmed up. The staff here love dogs, and it’s a great place to pause before heading back into town.

We couldn’t resist a bit of festive shopping, and were pleasantly surprised by how many big-name stores in Bath now welcome dogs. Kiki happily trotted through The White Company, Mint Velvet, and  Zara, receiving compliments and the odd cuddle from fellow shoppers. The Christmas lights were twinkling, buskers were playing carols, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air gave it a very festive feel.

 Dog-Friendliness

Dukes really understands what it means to be dog-friendly. From the thoughtful touches in the room (bed,treats, water bowl, and ball) to the staff who clearly adore dogs, it felt like Kiki was a VIP guest.

The central location means you’re minutes away from green spaces and walking routes, which is ideal for early morning or evening strolls. Plus, with so many shops and cafés welcoming dogs, it’s easy to plan a day out without ever needing to leave your pup behind.

We only stayed one night, but everything felt incredibly relaxed and welcoming – which is exactly what you want when travelling with a dog. No awkwardness, no restrictions  just genuine hospitality.

Eating and Drinking

After a busy day exploring, we were lucky enough to have dinner at The Bird, Dukes’ stylish sister hotel just a short stroll away. Dogs are welcome to dine with you, and the vibe is relaxed and lively – think cosy lighting, colourful, stylish décor, and a modern British menu with hearty, seasonal dishes. We tucked into a superb roast – perfectly cooked and very generous while Kiki looked hopeful under the table with some roast potato sneaking her way.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast back at Dukes, served in their elegant breakfast room. We both had the Dukes breakfast, a full English with all the trimmings, sneaking Kiki a sausage – her favourite treat plus a proper pot of tea – the perfect send-off before catching our train home.

 Final Thoughts

Bath in winter is pure magic – cobbled streets, Georgian buildings, festive lights, and hot drinks in cosy corners. And Dukes Hotel made it all the more special. It’s the kind of place that feels both indulgent and wonderfully homely, where nothing is too much trouble.

Whether you’re visiting for the Christmas markets, a romantic weekend, or just a well-deserved break with your pup, Dukes Hotel offers luxury, comfort, and true dog-friendly charm right in the heart of this historic city. We left feeling totally relaxed – and Kiki slept the entire journey back to London, clearly dreaming of Georgian grandeur and leftover roast potatoes.

Would we return? Absolutely, it’s a top-paw pick for a stylish dog-friendly city break.