Top 10 things to do with your dog in the Cotswolds

Embark on a quintessentially British adventure with your best four-legged friend in the picturesque Cotswolds. Stroll with your dog through the historic Blenheim Palace’s lush gardens, where every paw-step takes you amidst timeless elegance and natural beauty. Meander along the tranquil Bath Canal, a haven of peace that offers a serene backdrop for leisurely walks and whimsical doggy paddles. Discover the vibrant charm of Cheltenham, with its dog-friendly cafes and boutiques welcoming you and your faithful companion. 

The Cotswolds is a treasure trove of pet-friendly delights, blending the allure of the best of the English countryside with its honey-coloured houses and gorgeous villages with warm hospitality, ensuring an unforgettable escapade for every dog lover and their cherished canine companion.

Take a read through our Top 10 things to do with your dog in the Cotswolds & Gloucestershire and be inspired for your next adventure!

Blenheim Palace and Gardens, Woodstock

This is one of our favourite attractions in the Cotswolds and a definite must-see.  Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of the grandest houses in the country it is steeped in history. Now home to the Duke of Marlborough it possesses a definite bow WoW factor.  The house was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor and whilst dogs are not allowed in the house itself (although you can take turns to visit) – you and your dog are welcome to explore the fabulous estate. The grounds are wonderful, and include woodlands and a magnificent tree-fringed 40-acre lake designed by Capability  Brown. There are plenty of outdoor cafes where your dog will be welcomed and a charming shop.

Broadway Tower, Broadway

Broadway Tower is a Georgian folly built in 1794, designed by Capability Brown and is set above the delightful Cotswolds village of Broadway. The Tower is the second-highest point in the Cotswolds with fabulous views at the top where you can see up to 16 different counties. Dogs will love the walk up to the top  – take the 4-mile circular walk from Broadway and stop off at the Morris and Brown Cafe which has a stunning location and is very dog-friendly. There is also a dog-friendly gift shop and a new dog agility course.  Dogs will love the fabulous walk to the top and you will love the amazing views!

The Cotswold Lavender Farm

The Cotswold Lavender Farm open between June and August is well worth a visit as the fields of lavender are truly spectacular!  The best time to visit is  June and through July.  The lavender gets harvested when the plants are at their peak.  Dogs on leads are welcome around the lavender fields and will love the gorgeous sights and smells. There’s a  gift shop and dog-friendly tearoom with very friendly staff.  You can come away with bundles of lavender, soaps and even lavender-infused chocolate  All tickets need to be booked in advance.

Cotswolds Discovery Trail Self-Guided Tour

Explore the Cotswolds with your canine on your own terms with this self-guided, private tour pack. You’ll get a fold-out map with two different trails, each one designed to be tackled in one day. The maps are full of useful information and details, along with a variety of clues and questions to help you learn more about this celebrated region. The Cotswolds is full of gorgeous villages and market towns for you and your dog to explore with dog-friendly shops and cafes where your dog will be as welcome as you are.

Gloucester Walking Tour – Ghouls & Giggles

Combine comedy with crime on a dog-friendly walking tour of Gloucester with a difference. You’ll delve deeper into the history of the city than you would if you just read the guidebook alone, as you listen to stories that combine humor with hauntings. The route changes according to the date you book, and you can upgrade to make this a private tour. On this trip, you will get a unique perspective on the city and visit top attractions such as Gloucester Cathedral and the Folk Museum.

Bath Canal Walk

Escape the crowds of the city centre and enjoy one of our favourite scenic strolls through Bath. This dog-friendly walking tour will give you an opportunity to soak up the city’s incredible architecture and meander along the peaceful Kennet and Avon Canal. Your dog will love this walk and you will be able to see a beautiful, historic side of Bath that’s often missed by tourists. During the walk, you’ll hear the fascinating stories behind Bath’s famous buildings as well as some of its lesser-known corners. On a nice summer’s day, you could take a picnic to enjoy in the park with your best furry friend or purchase some refreshments at the park café.

Highlights of Cheltenham Self-Guided Tour

Explore the best sights of Cheltenham, a beautiful regency town in Gloucestershire famous for the Cheltenham Festival filled with dog-friendly cafes and gorgeous shops. Go at your own pace with this flexible, self-guided audio tour which will offer an insight into this beautiful city combining a lovely walk for your dog. On this tour, you will see sights like the Royal Crescent, Neptune Garden, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square and Gardens, and more. The tour includes convenient turn-by-turn directions and maps, and automatic GPS playback, which can all be used offline.

Cirencester – Tall Tales and Hidden History

Explore Cirencester, a gorgeous market town in Gloucestershire. with your best furry friend. Go at your own pace on this fascinating walking tour while listening to producer Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region – who is an expert on the area.  See Anne Boleyn’s silver gilt chalice, believed to be the last thing she touched before her execution and stroll down Cecily Hill, the most exclusive street in Cirencester. Do it all in just 90 minutes, a perfect workout for your dog, or linger at stops along the way – maybe visiting a dog-friendly cafe or one of Cirencester’s stylish shops with complete control over when you start and finish.

Newent Ghost Tour

Newent is a dog-friendly market town in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, blessed with ancient architecture and many of its original buildings that are still standing. On this ghost-themed walking tour, you and your canine companion will discover more about the former inhabitants who lived in these buildings, and lesser-known stories about the spirits that are still believed to lurk in the town. The route showcases ghostly landmarks such as the Old Jailhouse, The George Inn, the Tudor Fish & Chip Shop, and plenty of surprises along the way.

Bath Treasure Hunt

Discover Bath’s amazing history and unique hidden gems on this dog-friendly treasure hunt with plenty of fun for you and the family, including the dog. In 1812, as the Prince Regent was celebrating his lavish birthday party, a mysterious thief broke in and swapped his golden statue for a cabbage! Was it an act of revenge? Nobody knew. But the villain left a trail of clues. And this is where you come in. Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects and gradually unravel the crime. And an exciting twist awaits. When you make it to the end you’ll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed.

Take a look at our dog-friendly properties in Gloucestershire for your next trip away with your pooch.