Julie Smith
21 February 2020
The Cotswolds is deservedly one of the UK’s top destinations for a short break or holiday. The gently rolling countryside is peppered with handsome towns, pretty villages and honey-hued cottages that look like they have come straight from the front of a postcard.
The Cotswolds are also extremely dog-friendly so there’s no need to leave pooches behind on a visit to this quintessentially English idyll. We have scoured the region from Warwickshire to Gloucestershire to find some of the best things to do with four-legged friends. From characterful pubs to scenic country strolls, here’s our dog-friendly guide to the Cotswolds.
Dog-friendly Cotswolds pubs
This collection of dog-friendly pubs are the perfect places to call for cold drinks, conversation and a bite to eat during your short break or holiday to the Cotswolds.
A characterful Cotswolds pub in an idyllic spot in pretty Bourton-on-the-Water. The Duke of Wellington serves classic British pub grub made with locally sourced ingredients. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and there are even water bowls and biscuits available for them.
This classic Cotswolds inn dates back to the 15th century and is tucked away down a peaceful Burford side street with handsome leather chairs and roaring log fires to keep you and your doggie toasty and warm on even the coldest winter days. In the summer months, you can both enjoy a refreshing drink in the pub’s pretty cottage garden.
A Grade II-listed country pub where you’ll find real ales, fine wines and locally distilled Cotswolds gin. With a playground in the garden and a games room inside, it’s a great choice for families. Dogs will be welcomed into The Red Lion with a tasty treat from the friendly staff.
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This 16th-century pub stocks a wide range of speciality gins so it is a good pick if you’re partial to a G&T. Their food menu is full of ingredients sourced from local Cotswolds suppliers and on top of delicious homemade cakes there is a good selection of vegan dishes available. There’s a special doggie menu at the Gardeners Arms so dogs can enjoy some tasty treats too.
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A classic country pub located in the heart of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds with two cosy bars plus a large beer garden (with wood-fired pizza oven) for making the most of warmer summer months. You’ll find lots of local ales on their extensive drink’s menu – there’s even a special doggie variety for four-legged friends.
Dog-friendly Cotswolds cafes
On top of the great selection of dog-friendly dining pubs, there are plenty of cafes and other eateries throughout the Cotswolds where dogs can join you while you tuck into a tasty meal. Here are just some of our favourites:
If you’re in the mood for good old fish and chips, it’s hard to beat this Broadway eatery which was featured in The Times list of the top 100 places to eat in 2018. Dogs will be given the five-star treatment when you choose to dine in but if the weather is good you can always get the fish and chips to take away and eat them on the village green.
Enjoy a classic afternoon tea complete with dainty cakes, china cups and traditional sandwiches at this pair of dog-friendly Cotswolds tea rooms. If you’re feeling fancy you can wash it all down with a glass of bubbly for an indulgent daytime treat.
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Part of the Daylesford Estate organic farm, dog-friendly restaurant The White Rabbit uses sustainable, locally sourced ingredients in its dishes and has an open kitchen in the dining room so you can watch your meals being whipped up by their talented chefs.
Well-behaved pups will be rewarded with a biscuit at this charming cafe that has a spot by a bridge across the river in Bourton-on-the-Water. Go for a walk around the village, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, then relax with a coffee and cake at The Riverside Cafe. There are lots of lunchtime favourites on the menu and a good selection of ice creams to keep children happy.
The Boathouse Cafe is nestled by the lakeshore at Cheltenham’s Pittville Park and with indoor and outdoor seating areas available you can watch the boats take to the water as you enjoy some coffee, cake and daytime snacks. Water bowls are provided for four-legged friends so they can enjoy a refreshing drink too.
Dog-friendly Cotswolds attractions
There is an array of attractions to visit during a short break or holiday to the Cotswolds and as many of them are dog-friendly, four-legged friends can enjoy getting out and about in this beautiful part of the world. Here are just some of the dog-friendly Cotswolds attractions that are well worth a visit.
The Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Garden is set in 160 acres of beautiful gardens and there are more than 250 species of animals to see including lions, zebras and giraffes. Well-behaved dogs on leads can be brought into the wildlife park though won’t be permitted in areas where there are any free-roaming animals so do bear this in mind when planning your visit.
Take a scenic trip back in time with your four-legged friend in tow on the heritage Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. The traditional steam trains whistle along a scenic journey from Broadway to Cheltenham racecourse taking in some glorious countryside along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Malvern Hills and stop off at Winchcombe Station for tea and cakes in their 1950s style tearoom.
This lovely garden dates back to the 1740s and is now the only surviving rococo garden in the country. There are follies, hidden valleys and woodland walks to explore and a maze to get lost in as you try to find the centre. Discover duck ponds, seasonal flowers and stunning countryside vistas in this wonderful dog-friendly Cotswolds garden.
Credit: National Trust / Peter Young
Croome is a National Trust site near Worcester with Capability Brown-designed grounds that are filled with statues, lakes, temples, and interesting corners. Dogs can sniff out adventures in the woodland and there are lots of water bowls available to keep them hydrated. The wild play area at Croome is great for children, there are several trails through the grounds and it’s worth seeking out the Croome Rotunda where you’ll get one of the best views around.
This dog-friendly Cotswolds attraction is only open for a couple of months each year, but from June to August you can breathe in the sweet smell of lavender as you walk around the purple coloured fields at this aromatic Broadway farm. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also allowed into the on-site shop during quiet times so you can pick up a range of lavender-scented goodies and there is plenty of outdoor seating and water bowls available.
Dog-friendly Cotswolds walks
Get out and about on this selection of dog-friendly Cotswolds walks that include riverside strolls, pretty villages and sections of the Cotswolds Way National Trail.
Broadway and the Tower
This Cotswolds walk is an absolute classic and definitely makes it onto our ‘must-do’ list for any visit to the region. Starting off in the picturesque village of Broadway, the route circles along some historic paths up to Broadway Tower before returning back by the Cotswolds Way National Trail. Dogs are welcome to explore the grounds of Broadway Tower and are also permitted in the on-site cafe where you can stop for some well-earned refreshments.
Chipping Campden circular
The Cotswolds Way starts in Chipping Campden so what better place to kick off a walk with your four-legged friend than this charming market town. You’ll find an array of cafes and pubs in Chipping Campden and the walk takes in woodland and a stone monument that marks the top of Dover’s Hill.
Cleeve Common
The rolling hills of Cleeve Common are a popular Cotswolds dog-walking spot so there will be lots of canine companions about for your doggy to make friends with. You can take some interesting pathways through Cleeve Common and there are designated off-lead areas where dogs can run around and let off some steam.
The Slaughters
Take a gentle riverside walk along the River Eye from Lower to Upper Slaughter and spend some time exploring this pair of postcard-pretty Cotswolds villages. The easy-going route makes it suitable for older dogs and if you fancy extending the walk you can pick up the Windrush Way along the River Windrush to nearby Bourton-on-the-Water.
Tewkesbury Abbey and the Severn Ham
The 11th-century Tewkesbury Abbey is set in large pooch-friendly grounds which dogs will love to explore. It’s just a short stroll from the Severn Ham where the Avon and Severn Rivers meet, and you can take a peaceful 3-mile walk around this Site of Special Scientific Interest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the walk and soak in views across to the Malvern Hills.
Dog-friendly Cotswolds cottages
If the Cotswolds is a dog-friendly destination that you would like to visit, there is a fabulous selection of pet-friendly holiday cottages to choose from including:
This traditional stone cottage for two has an idyllic spot by the river in Lower Slaughter. Thimble Mill is charming, characterful and has an enclosed garden that’s just right for four-legged friends.
The Bell Yard has a prime spot behind the high street in Broadway so you’ll be spoilt for choice of dog-friendly tearooms and cafes to try. It’s a classic honey-hued Cotswolds cottage with a cosy wood burner for winter and a lovely courtyard garden for summer.
A rural barn conversion in the Gloucestershire countryside with riverside walks from the front door and glorious views from the spacious living area. Exposed beams and quirky styling touches make Jimmy Barn an extra-special place to stay.
Located on the historic Fosse Way, Crumble Cottage is just a short walk from the market square in Stow-on-the-Wold so there is lots to see and do nearby. Dogs can get some fresh air in the courtyard garden which is an ideal spot for your morning cuppa.
This three-bedroom holiday home is located in the peaceful village of Blockley which is just a few miles from Moreton-under-Marsh and there’s a dog-friendly pub within walking distance of the cottage. A separate annexe means that grandparents or friends can join you on holiday and the enclosed garden is just right for children and four-legged friends.
Browse our full collection of dog-friendly cottages and start planning a holiday to the Cotswolds that will get your dog’s tail wagging.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.