Those looking for dog friendly activities, attractions and accommodation in the Cotswolds are in luck – this popular holiday destination is as dog friendly as they come. Whether you and your pooch prefer to hike and ramble along idyllic country walks, soak in the history of a quintessentially English village, or get to know the region by sampling local food and drink, you’ll find plenty to add to your dog friendly itinerary. There’s also an abundance of dog friendly hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts to suit every budget and preference.
That said, as every pet-lover knows, it pays to plan ahead whenever you’re travelling with your pooch to avoid the disappointment of being turned away – or worse, missing out on hidden gems! Our comprehensive guide will give you all the best tips to plan your dog friendly getaway to the Cotswolds.
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Dog-Friendly Attractions and Must-Sees in The Cotswolds
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is an absolute must-visit for any animal lover. The garden is home to over 260 different animal species, all living within a picturesque garden attached to an impressive gothic manor. It is indeed the stuff of fairytales! Expect to see everything from exotic species like crocodiles, zebras and rhinos, to cuddly goats and sheep in the petting zoo.
Your dog is free to join you – just be sure to keep them on a leash and be mindful of the other animals. They won’t be able to join you in any areas with “free-roaming” wildlife, such as the petting zoo. You can either bring your own picnic or enjoy a meal from the on-site cafe. With family-friendly ticket pricing, it’s the perfect dog friendly day out to occupy the whole family. Check the website for seasonal opening hours.
Cotswold Lavender
Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JY
Cotswold Lavender is a unique nature experience, set on a picturesque family-run farm that grows a range of crops – including stunning fields of lavender. Your dog is welcome to join you (on a leash) as you explore the stunning landscape. With free parking and picnics encouraged, it’s the perfect low cost, dog friendly place to go during your Cotswolds trip if you’re after some seriously elevated “walkies”.
Plan your visit online to ensure you’ll be able to see the lavender in bloom. While July is usually the most picturesque time for the fields, it’s also the busiest month; consider visiting in June to beat the rush, especially if your pup is less fond of crowds.
Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Water Park, Circencester, GL7 6FJ
Despite what the name suggests, Cotswold Water Park is far more than your average park – it is in fact an entire wetland precinct, and you can easily spend a few days exploring the area. The Park is a haven for birdwatchers, wildlife lovers, and fans of all things water-based leisure, with 180 lakes and endless adventures to be had. Dog friendly activities include walks, boating, and picnicking. Rally driving, shooting and horse riding is also on the cards for two-legged visitors.
Dogs are very welcome in most areas of the park, but should be kept on their lead at all times so as not to interfere with the resident wildlife, and mustn’t enter the water. As it’s such a large area, it pays to plan your visit online to choose the most convenient place to park your car, keeping in mind there is usually a small fee.
Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway
Train enthusiasts, take note – the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway offers an unmatched round trip on a heritage railway. While the train itself is enough of a drawcard for some, the priceless views you’ll have of the quaint countryside and villages make this an unmissable Cotswold experience for all visitors.
You’re welcome to bring up to two dogs per travelling group for £4 each, and they must be kept on a leash at all times. Make sure your pup is primed for train travel before you go!
Check online for seasonal timetables, ticket bookings and station details.
Broadway Tower
Middle Hill, Broadway WR12 7LB, United Kingdom
Nothing encapsulates the historic charm and quintessential Englishness of the Cotswolds like Broadway Tower. Set within a beautiful 200-acre parkland estate, it’s the perfect dog friendly Cotswolds attraction to explore with your pooch. After taking in the beautiful scenery, you can explore the site’s rich history at the Tower Museum – just keep in mind that your pooch won’t be able to join you indoors. There are also deer on site, so your dog will need to be well-mannered and kept on a lead at all times.
Explore parking, ticketing and other admissions information online, and plan your walking route. You can also browse the tasty offerings of the on-site cafe, which is the perfect dog friendly place to eat once you’ve finished exploring.
Recommended Dog Walks in The Cotswolds
Most dogs will agree that the walks are some of the best dog friendly activities and attractions The Cotswolds has to offer. Both two-legged and four-legged lovers of hiking, rambling and strolling have a lot to look forward to. You don’t have to venture far to encounter fascinating historic architecture, stunning natural wetlands, or the region’s famous rolling countryside. With so many dog friendly walks to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start! This list of some of the best dog walks in the Cotswolds should help you to narrow down your choices.
Lower Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water
It is no wonder Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best-known villages in the Cotswolds. Here are a series of pretty arched stone bridges crossing the shallow, trickling River Windrush, often used for bathing when it’s hot, and classic Cotswold stone cottages that house quaint cafes and tearooms.
Walking here from Lower Slaughter, where daffodils bloom outside thatched cottages in spring, is a great way to see it without battling the town’s traffic. Dogs should be leashed closely as there may be livestock around.
Blenheim Palace Park Perimeter Walk
It’s as opulent as it gets, Blenheim Palace, one of the most iconic buildings in the Cotswolds. For 300 years, the Duke of Marlborough has called this Baroque palace home, and its wider estate offers spectacular views of its main building across shimmering lakes and rolling pastures. Enjoy a stroll around the grounds with the Estate Perimeter Walk.
If you want to avoid paying hefty entry and parking fees, park for free in Woodstock and enter free of charge via the public footpath north of the town. Dogs must remain on a lead at all times.
Castle Combe
The picturesque village of Castle Combe is a favourite of moviemakers – lots of movies and TV shows were filmed here, including Stardust and Warhorse. In the centre of the village, a medieval market cross stands next to the 13th-century St Andrew’s Church, where small cottages huddle together under their thatched roofs. This walk traverses Ford’s village and takes in wooded areas and farm fields. Before you return to Castle Combe, stop for lunch at the White Hart Inn.
The Rollright Stones Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is Oxfordshire’s highest point and the starting point of this 7.5-mile walk. You then reach Salford, one of Oxfordshire’s most famous villages, before reaching the Rollright Stones, also known as ‘Chippy’ to its locals. Three Bronze Age and Neolithic megalithic monuments exist at Rollright Stones, near Long Compton, in Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. They are locally known as “Whispering Knights”, “King’s Men”, and “King Stone”.
The easy path leads you to Over Norton, a hamlet in a wooded park next to the Stones. You will then complete the walk back to Chipping Norton, where you will have a variety of shops and cafes to explore and several great dog-friendly pubs to enjoy. We know The Blue Boar as one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Chippy. There is even an Instagram gallery of their fluffy pals, who are always welcome.
River Windrush Walk Minster Lovell
Located not far from the historic market town of Witney in Oxfordshire, the circular walk is just over 3.5 miles and begins in the picturesque village of Minster Lovell. You and your dog can enjoy this trail on various terrains, including woodlands, riverside meadows, and farmland. You can explore Minster Lovell Hall’s ruins on the homeward stretch while walking along the River Windrush.
The route typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, with a relatively steep but short descent into woodland. The fields and unmade tracks can become muddy in wet conditions, so appropriate footwear is necessary. There are several kissing gates on this route and two styles, including one with a dog gate. Livestock may be present in some of these fields, so dogs must be kept on a lead.
There are several fantastic dog-friendly pubs in Minster Lovell, including the Old Swan and the White Hart, where you can relax with your dog.
Dog-friendly Cafés and Restaurants in The Cotswolds
Tisanes Tearooms
Cotswold House, 21 The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7AA
For a traditional English tearoom in the Cotswolds, look no further than Tisanes Tearooms. A quaint and cosy establishment located inside a 17th-century stone building, this dog-friendly eatery serves tea, coffee, breakfast and lunch and is licensed to serve alcohol with meals. Pups are welcome, and there’s also a dog friendly outdoor garden if you and your pooch prefer the fresh air.
Tewkesbury Abbey
Church Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5RZ
Tewkesbury Abbey is a great option for a dog-friendly dining experience with a side of sightseeing. The tearoom is the perfect place to stop for tea, coffee or a light lunch before exploring the historic church grounds with your pooch. The abbey is a vibrant and active worshipping community centre that you can get involved in if you’re spiritually inclined. Tours are held on weekends.
Broadway Tower
Middle Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB, United Kingdom
Grab a bite to eat at either of two fantastic cafes at Broadway Tower, a must-visit destination featuring an iconic 18th-century stone tower set within stunning parklands. Both Morris and Brown café and the Tower Barn café are dog friendly. The circular walk around the grounds is the perfect way for you and your pooch to stretch your legs after you’ve finished your meal.
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire, GL56 9AT
The Cotswolds’ Batsford Arboretum is the perfect dog friendly place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, with year-round displays of colour and greenery. Round off your exploration with a visit to The Garden Terrace Café, which has a menu featuring freshly baked treats and breakfast and lunch fare. Dogs are welcome to join you throughout the gardens and at the café as long as they are kept securely on their lead.
The Old Prison
The Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH
If you’re after something a little different, The Old Prison café is a great dog friendly Cotswolds destination for breakfast, lunch or a cuppa, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to keep everyone in your group happy. The building is steeped in history, having been a working prison from the 18th century though to the 1970s. Dog friendly walks around the premises offer plenty of insight, but keep in mind that entry into the prison cells themselves is restricted to humans only.
Old Bell Hotel
The Old Bell Hotel, Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0BW
Whether you’re planning a long Sunday lunch, summer cocktails or a classic afternoon tea, The Old Bell Hotel offers a range of fine dining experiences to suit your tastes. Each venue comes with an air of elegance and old-world luxury, making this a must-visit if you’re looking to inject a bit of opulence and sparkle to your dog friendly getaway. The hotel also offers dog friendly accommodation for you and your pooch.
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Lake 6, South Cerney, GL7 5FP
With unmatched lakeside views, De Vere Cotswold Water Park has three different dining options to choose from. For relaxed drinks, opt for The Lounge, or book in to dine at either the Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar or The Brasserie Restaurant. Like many Cotswolds venues, De Vere is dog friendly, and will even host you and your pooch overnight if you choose to stay.
Speech House Hotel
Speech House Hotel, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 7EL
A historic lodge nestled in the Royal Forest of Dean, the Speech House Hotel is a cosy, welcoming dining destination with plenty of local produce on the menu. Vegan and vegetarian food and drink options cater to all diners. While the hotel offers a range of dining options, from fine dining to more relaxed meals, The Orangery is your best option for dog friendly dining. Bookings are usually not necessary, so feel free to breeze in whenever you’re done with your forest rambling.
Pettifers Hotel
The St, Crudwell, near Malmesbury, Crudwell, SN16 9EW
A self-described “super dog friendly” hotel, Pettifers is conveniently located just off the M4. With free parking, this is the perfect place to duck into after a morning or afternoon exploring the nearby Cotswold Water Park or other local landmarks. The menu changes regularly, and the kitchen places an emphasis on local sourcing.
The Lygon Arms
The Lygon Arms, High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DU
A wonderful choice in the centre of Cotswolds village Broadway, The Lygon Arms Hotel is a treat for dog-loving diners. The hotel hosts a number of dining options, including the outdoor Courtyard Terrace for al fresco drinks and meals. And, to top it all off, there’s a ‘Dog Menu’ available for their most esteemed guests.
Dog-friendly Pubs and Bars in The Cotswolds
The Crown and Trumpet
14 Church St, Broadway, WR12 7AE
In the heart of Broadway’s village green, The Crown and Trumpet is an award-winning pub that is also dog friendly. Enjoy the atmosphere of an inviting open fire and live entertainment on select weekends. Dog parents should check in with staff on arrival, as not all areas of the bar are open to our four-legged friends.
The Kings Arms
The King’s Arms, The Street, Didmarton, Gloucestershire, GL9 1DT
The Kings Arms combines a quintessential British countryside pub experience with a seasonal focus, and it’s an absolute must-visit if you’re after a traditional Sunday roast at a dog friendly Cotswolds pub. Connoisseurs of wine, cider, and beer are also well-catered to. If you and your dog prefer a bit more space to stretch out, you’ll love the al fresco beer garden.
The Seagrave Arms
The Seagrave Arms, Friday Street, Weston Subedge, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6QH
If you want to sample a local Cotswolds tipple, The Seagrave Arms has you covered. The venue sources ales, lagers, spirits and ciders from around the area, and serves it from their welcoming and comfortable country inn. While dogs can’t stay overnight at this venue, they can join you at the bar.
The Trout Inn
The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, Buckland Marsh, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 8RF
It’s all about craft beer, local cider and a carefully selected wine menu at The Trout Inn. As one of Butcombe Brewing’s offerings, you can be confident that your experience will be both memorable and high-quality. Like many Bucombe venues, this pub is a great dog friendly option to add to your Cotswolds itinerary.
The Hare and Hounds
Hare & Hounds, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QL
The aptly named Hare and Hounds is the perfect place to drop in for a drink with your pooch during your Cotswolds tour. The atmosphere is country-pub-meets-luxury-bistro, and the food menu is well worth a perusal if you’re after something more substantial with your beer. Your dog is, of course, welcome to join you.
The Lion Inn
37 North Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5PS
The Lion Inn is an excellent dog friendly pub for Winchcombe travellers. The minute you set foot in this historic venue, you’re transported back to 15th Century Gloucestershire. While you and your pooch might prefer cosying up near the indoor fire during the colder months, there’s also a spacious outdoor beer garden, so you can take full advantage of the longer summer evenings.
The Wychwood Inn
The Wychwood Inn, High Street, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, OX7 6BA, United Kingdom
Another perfect choice if you’re after a quintessential English pub atmosphere, The Wychwood Inn offers both a cosy main bar indoors and an outdoor garden (with heating). Both areas are dog friendly, so you and your pooch can take your pick. Alongside a range of ales for beer connoisseurs, the Wychwood also has an extensive offering of gins, whiskies and other spirits.
The Fleece Inn
The Fleece Inn, The Cross, Bretforton, Evesham, WR11 7JE
It doesn’t get more quintessentially Cotswolds than The Fleece Inn. The cosy, traditional pub occupies a heritage building set within a picturesque apple orchard. Your pooch is welcome throughout this dog friendly venue. Keep in mind that the inn can fill up fast, so it pays to book ahead if you’re planning to dine with your pint.
The Cardinals Hat
The Cardinal’s Hat, 31 Friar St, Worcester, WR1 2NA
If you find yourself exploring Worcester City, stop in at The Cardinals Hat. This dog friendly pub has been watering weary travellers since the 15th century, so you know you’re in good hands! On offer are a range of ales and snacks, served in historic and atmospheric quarters. The vibe is casual, so no need to doff your walking gear.
The Amberley Inn
Amberley Inn, Culver Hill, GL5 5AF
The Amberley Inn is a historic building nestled within the rolling, green countryside of Culver Hill. Your dog is welcome to join you in every area of the inn, whether you’re just after a pint or you’re settling in to dine with your drink. The Amberley is particularly sensitive to coeliac and gluten-free diners and other dietary considerations, so you’re sure to satisfy every member of your party.
Dog-friendly Accommodation in The Cotswolds: Where to Stay
Over the Bridge
4 Letch Hill Drive, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2DQ
A dog friendly Cotswolds cottage, staying at Over the Bridge is like discovering a home away from home. It’s a family run bed & breakfast, offering a private self-contained suite suitable for both couples and families – which of course includes your dogs! Rates are reasonable and bookings can be made through their website.
The Marlborough Arms
The Marlborough Arms, 26 Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1TS
A dog friendly bed & breakfast experience with a hint of luxury, The Marlborough Arms is the perfect central base from which to explore the Cotswolds, Oxford and surrounds. The inn itself dates all the way back to the 15th century, and old-world charm is tastefully blended with all the modern hotel conveniences that you (and your dog) need for a comfortable getaway.
Toghill House Farm
Toghill House Farm, Freezing Hill, Wick, Near Bristol, BS30 5RT
For those looking to really get away from it all, Toghill House Farm is the ideal country escape. The historic guesthouse is situated on a picturesque – and working – farm, just near Bristol on the edge of the Cotswolds. Choose from traditional rooms or get a real taste of country life with their ‘glamping’ offering. The accommodation is dog friendly, but do keep in mind that other dogs and animals are on site, so it’s best for social pooches.
Forthay Bed and Breakfast
North Nibley, Gloucestershire, GL11 6EA, United Kingdom
This Grade 2 listed farmhouse is a true taste of the Cotswolds from a bygone era, with dog friendly rooms inside a 17th century building made from local Cotswolds stone. The atmosphere at Forthay Bed and Breakfast is cosy-meets-luxury. Pooches are welcomed with all the creature comforts you could hope for, including complimentary treats, beds and even dog sitting available. Your pooch will love the proximity to stunning walks around the neighbouring countryside, too!
The Abbey Townhouse
14-16 Bath Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7HN
For a more central option, The Abbey Townhouse, located in Cheltenham, is a great choice. The chic and contemporary townhouse has a range of dog friendly hotel rooms on offer, from singles to family suites. Just remember to let the staff know you’re travelling with your pup when you book, as not every room is open to pets.
Tewkesbury Park
Tewkesbury Park, Lincoln Green Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 7DN
If relaxation and luxury are high on your Cotswolds agenda, Tewkesbury Park is an excellent choice. Their dog friendly hotel rooms have recently been updated, and even include a private terrace to allow your pooch to stretch their legs and get some fresh air without the need to leave your suite. Again, be sure to notify the staff on booking that you’ll be travelling with your dog, so they can accommodate you accordingly.
Lygon Arms Hotel
The Lygon Arms, High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DU
Boasting a 600-year history, the Lygon Arms Hotel is a quintessentially British hotel located right in the centre of Broadway village, providing you and your pooch easy access to everything the Cotswolds has to offer. There are also excellent on-site dining options and a luxurious day spa to enjoy. Dogs are welcome (for a modest room fee) and will be greeted with their own bed and a complimentary treat. A full ‘dog menu’ is also available on request!
Swan Hotel Wotton
16 Market Street, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, GL12 7AE
Located conveniently within Wotton-under-Edge, and yet with the distinct feel of being “off the beaten track”, the Swan Hotel is as dog friendly as it gets. You and your pooch will love taking long walks to explore the surrounding local villages and hilly countryside. The hotel boasts unmatched Southern Cotswolds views, day-long dining, and proximity to some of the best golf in the region.
Noel Arms Hotel
Lower High St, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AT
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep where King Charles II once slept, now is your chance. Noel Arms Hotel is a site rich in Cotswolds history – though of course with contemporary updates that make for a very comfortable stay! It’s a great base from which to explore all the magnificent hiking and country walks that the Cotswolds has to offer. Be sure to request a dog friendly hotel room when you book.
Lords of the Manor
Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2JD
If you’re after something really special, Lords of the Manor offers the Cotswolds’ ultimate dog friendly luxury hotel experience. The fairytale-esque 17th century hotel is situated within stunning manicured gardens, and their food service is richly awarded. With 25 rooms available, it’s a popular venue for special occasions and events. Dogs are always warmly welcomed.