If you like to go on holiday with your four-legged friend then you’ll love our top 10 pet-friendly places to visit here in Wiltshire. Why not take your best furry friend for a fabulous day out where they can discover new sights and smells and have a wonderful day out in a historic house, picturesque gardens or majestic castle.
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. Originally created by Harold Peto who resided in the Manor between 1899 and 1933, four legged friends are welcome in these beautiful gardens which have magnificent views and are within an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Dogs are also welcome in the outside seating area of the tearoom.
STAY AT: Timbrell’s Yard, Wiltshire
Lacock Village
You and your dog will love walking around the delightful mediaeval streets of Lacock village in the Cotswolds.There’s a lovely circular walk around the village across fields which is very picturesque and beautiful. It’s recommended to keep your dog on the lead as there can be livestock about. During the winter season dogs are welcome in the Abbey Grounds.
STAY AT: Rising Sun, Wiltshire
Corsham Court
Corsham Court is a beautiful stately home set in parkland designed by Capability Brown. There are wonderful dog walks around the grounds and four legged friends can walk around the lake, which is a great favourite with dogs who like the water. Walk across the fields and woods although it is best to stick to the footpaths as there are some sheep around the area. Take turns to visit the House which has an extensive art collection and is much worth a visit.
STAY AT: The Methuen Arms, Wiltshire
The Grounds of Crofton Beam Engines
Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Crofton Beam Engines, near Marlborough. Built over 200 years ago to supply water to the highest point of the canal, it is an important historical landmark of the Industrial Revolution. There are also some lovely walks nearby along the tow path of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
STAY AT: The White Hart, Wiltshire
Old Sarum
Old Sarum is a ruined and deserted site of one of the earliest settlements in Wiltshire. Dogs are welcome within the castle on a lead so you can walk around the castle together to discover the former Bishop’s Palace, the remains of the Cathedral and the remains of the original settlement. The outer bailey is a very popular dog-walking area with locals so you are likely to meet lots of other dogs here where dogs are allowed off lead.
STAY AT: The Grosvenor Hotel, Hampshire
Ludgershall Castle
Explore the ruins of Ludgershall Castle which dates back to the 12th and 13th century on the edge of Salisbury Plain. Used by Henry III as a hunting lodge, three large walls and earthworks survive and at the centre of the nearby village is the remains of a 14th century cross. Dogs are welcome here on leads. The Castle is a great place for a picnic with your furry friend in tow and there are further walks into nearby Collingbourne Woods.
STAY AT: The Jack Russell, Hampshire
Avebury Stone Circle
Enjoy walking around a World Heritage Site on a visit to Avebury Stone Circle. 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. There’s even a cafe where dogs can sit outside with doggy ice cream on sale. Dogs must be on leads as there is livestock about and you can also enjoy longer walks into the Avebury landscape.
STAY AT: The Retreat Elcot Park, Berkshire
Stourhead
Stourhead must rank as one of the most beautiful National Trust properties in the country with gardens and countryside areas open to dogs all year round. With hills, classic temples, lakeside walks and a fabulous collection of trees and shrubs it has been described as a living work of art. There are four fabulous walks your dog will enjoy – The Bonham Wood Walk, a short circular walk taking in the Temple of Apollo, The Stourhead Park Hill Camp walk taking in Park Hill Camp, King Alfred’s Tower Walk taking in beautiful woodlands and Whitehill Sheet walk with fabulous views of the Estate.
STAY AT: The Grosvenor Arms, Dorset
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. Canon Robert Titley believes God’s welcome goes beyond those with two feet “as long as our four legged friends are well behaved and stay on the lead they are welcome.”
STAY AT: Shepherds Hut Retreat, Wiltshire
Lydiard Park
Dogs are allowed into the grounds of this beautiful house and 260 acre country park. Home to Viscount Bolingbroke, dogs are welcome on the lawns at Lydiard Park, in the woodlands and cafe. With so much to see and do in the area, plus some great local walks for you to enjoy, why not make a break of it and book into one of our pet-friendly places to stay?
STAY AT: The Highworth, Wiltshire