If you’re looking for a dog-friendly holiday cottage, the Cotswolds may be just the place. With hundreds of walking routes - over open farmland, through lush woodland and across rolling pastures – as well as countless dog friendly pubs, eateries and attractions, the Cotswolds mean your furry friend can enjoy all aspects of your holiday right by your side.
We have a fantastic collection of Dog friendly cottages, including some beautiful places in the Cotswolds. From traditional stone and thatched cottages to contemporary barn conversions, there’s something for every kind of guest – whether they have two legs or four!
Once you’re settled into your Cotswolds cottage, you may be looking for things to do during your holiday, especially those which your pet can join in with. We’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do with your dog in the Cotswolds, so you can start planning your dog-friendly break right now.
Best things to do with your dog in the Cotswolds
- Cotswold Wildlife Park
- Batsford Arboretum
- Cotswold Lavender
- Cotswold Motoring Museum
- Cirencester Park
- Broadway Tower walk
- The Slaughters walk
- Cotswold Way
- The Duke of Wellington pub
- The Queen’s Head pub
- The Red Lion pub
Best dog friendly places and attractions to visit in the Cotswolds
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Cotswold Wildlife Park
Looking for a dog friendly zoo Cotswolds? Burford’s Cotswold Wildlife Park is a fun day out for all the family, and a great chance to introduce your furry friend to some other animal companions. With animals like rhinos and giraffes, as well as a whole host of others, to see, as well as plenty of spacious lawns and paths to explore, there is lots to do. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to visit alongside their families, but must stay out of areas with free-roaming animals.
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Batsford Arboretum
The Cotswolds are home to two arboretums, one in Westonbirt and the other in Batsford, which is the one we have chosen for our list. Batsford Arboretum is an impressive 56 acres, full of beautiful parkland, colourful flowerbeds, and fascinating trees. Dogs are allowed to walk throughout with a lead, and are also allowed in the garden centre and café.
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Cotswold Lavender
If you want to get that perfect shot for your dog’s Instagram account, make sure to pay a visit to Cotswold Lavender. Open between June and July to coincide with the richest, most beautiful blooms, there is nothing quite like wandering through the swathes of purple, breathing in the floral scent, and watching your dog jump through the field.
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Cotswold Motoring Museum
Dog friendly Bourton on the water is full of eateries and attractions that you can enjoy alongside man’s best friend. One of our favourites is the Cotswold Motoring Museum, where you can take a tour through 20th Century motoring and a fascinating collection of rare vehicles and classic memorabilia. Dogs are welcome.
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Cirencester Park
You and your canine companion are sure to love spending a day at dog friendly Cirencester Park. This Grade I listed parkland includes are dedicated dog walking areas through open park and woodland, including some off-lead areas. There’s a fun adventure playground for children and, after all that, the popular Root & Seeds Kitchen Garden is the perfect place to refuel - and also dog friendly!
Best dog friendly walks in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is covered in fantastic walking routes, including the famous Cotswolds Way. From charming strolls between villages (and village pubs) to more challenging hikes, there’s space for everyone to enjoy a stroll – and that includes your four-legged friend! Here are a few of our top dog walks in the Cotswolds…
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Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower is a famous attraction in the Cotswolds, standing tall on the hill just outside Broadway. Broadway Country Park is also dog friendly and both provide ample room for running, sniffing, and playing. Dogs are permitted at the on-site café, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a cake before continuing your adventures.
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The Slaughters
This genteel stroll along the banks of the River Eye links the villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter – widely regarded as two of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Plucked straight from a story book, these charming villages are full of traditional stone cottages and thatched roofs, while the walk itself is easy enough for all abilities. Extend your day out by joining the Windrush Way and heading to Bourton on the Water.
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The Cotswold Way
Finally, the Cotswold Way is known as one of the best marked walking routes in the country, spanning an impressive 102 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath. Although you can join at any point, one of our favourite stretches is the Cleeve Hill common ring. This is the highest point in the Cotswolds, and the route provides some amazing views!
Dog friendly pubs in the Cotswolds
After a long country walk, there is nothing quite link settling into a cosy, traditional pub for a pint of ale and perhaps even a warming meal. In the winter, the fire might be blazing, while the summer months are the perfect time to enjoy a pub garden. Many Cotswolds pubs are happy to welcome dogs – some even have a handy jar of dog biscuits on the counter, and water bowls on the floor! Here’s some of the best dog-friendly pubs in the Cotswolds...
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The Duke of Wellington, Bourton-on-the-Water
This beautiful traditional pub is ideal for enjoying a hearty meal with your dog curled at your feet. Serving real ale and delicious food, this gem has long been a popular haunt of visitors and locals alike. https://www.dukeofwellingtonbourton.co.uk
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The Queen’s Head, Stow-on-the-Wold
With good food and a great atmosphere, The Queen’s Head is often called one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds. Visit for yourself with your pet, and enjoy this cosy bolthole after a few hours’ exploring. https://donnington-brewery.com/pages/the-queens-head-stow-on-the-wold
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The Red Lion, Long Compton
Another beautifully traditional Cotswolds pub. The Red Lion has both a lovely pub garden and a cosy interior, both of which welcome canine visitors. https://redlion-longcompton.co.uk/
Dog friendly cottages Cotswolds
Two legs or four, we want to welcome all kinds of holidaymakers to the Cotswolds! With our huge selection of dog-friendly cottages, it’s never been easier to enjoy a holiday with man’s best friend. Here’s just a few of the gorgeous properties that you can your pet could enjoy:
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Riverside House
This delightful, three-storey end of terrace house is set within the pretty town of Bidford-on-Avon, on the edge of The Cotswolds. Originally built circa 1650 with an addition in 1947, this lovely property has a sitting room overlooking the River Avon. The kitchen, dining room and bedrooms also have riverside views. Book here.
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Corner Thatch
Corner Thatch, a Grade II listed charming thatched cottage, is situated in the idyllic village of Abbotts Morton, one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Worcestershire. The surrounding countryside provides numerous dog-friendly walks and cycle routes and good pubs and farm shops, while the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon are only a short drive away. Book here.
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Coach House
This studio conversion is in the grounds of Fishpools, a 16th century house in the village of Kyre. Rated 4-star by the tourist board, it offers fantastic views across the countryside. It is 4 miles from the fine spa town of Tenbury Wells. Book here.
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Radcot Bridge House
Located in the rural hamlet of Radcot, Oxfordshire, Radcot Bridge Cottage is a spacious cottage with the River Thames flowing at the foot of the garden. Constructed in the late 18th century, this Grade II listed property boasts stunning views from both bedrooms, providing a tranquil and relaxing setting for all. Book here.
Of course, this is just the start of the things you can enjoy during your dog-friendly holiday in the Cotswolds. Wherever you go, you’re bound to find fun attractions, friendly faces and beautiful places, all ready to welcome you and your furry friend.
Start planning your dog-friendly cottage holiday today with our collection of Dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds.