Best dog-friendly hotels in the UK
Best for coastal walking and swimming: Hotel Meudon
Nestled on the Cornish southwest coast approximately six miles from Falmouth, the Hotel Meudon has been operating since the seventies but has recently been given a thoroughly modern makeover.
The hotel has a unique position, set within nine acres of lush sub-tropical greenery. The micro-climate of the valley means that rare plants thrive and grow to a size not seen anywhere else in the UK. There are four different pathways all leading from the back of the hotel through the gardens down to a secluded beach so there’s plenty of room for your dog to explore. The beach itself, Bream Cove, is the perfect spot for a paddle or even a swim if the weather is a bit warmer. It’s also great to take in the spectacular sunrise and the South West coastal path runs along either side of the beach so you can walk the route to Falmouth if you fancy a proper hike.
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Rooms are large and luxurious, many with balconies overlooking the gardens down to the sea in the distance. Dog beds, bowls and treats are provided in the room and there’s a mini fridge to store your own snacks and drinks. The flagship Restaurant Meudon is headed up by Cornish chef David Waters (who previously worked with Nathan Outlaw). His simple, daily-changing menu aims to showcase the best of local produce and there’s a real emphasis on expert fish cooking. Expect dishes such as delicate Mylor crab tart or a refined take on Cornish fish stew as well as classics such as Cornish sirloin with wild mushrooms and fondant potatoes.
Although dogs aren’t allowed in the main restaurant you can enjoy the same menu in a separate cosy, dog-friendly dining room or you can eat in Freddie’s bar, which offers a light bites menu (think day boat fish and chips and club sandwiches) as well as some expertly crafted cocktails.
Price: Rooms from £120 per night including breakfast.
Best for informal luxury: Lainston House
Just outside Winchester, this five-star manor house hotel stands proudly atop one of many rolling green hills skirting the edge of the South Downs and, being nestled amongst 63 acres, there’s plenty of room for a dog to run around. Getting back indoors, there’s a refreshing lack of formality with muddy wellies lined up by a handsome fireplace in reception, which perfectly sets the tone. All at once grand yet intimate in its surroundings, Lainston wears hundreds of years’ worth of history very lightly in classic-contemporary décor. Of course, canine guests have their own bed laid out, topped off with a tin of premium treats.
The Avenue and Wellhouse restaurants are for humans only, but your four-legged friend is welcome at the cosy, wood-panelled Cedar Bar. You can order from The Avenue menu while looking out over the swooping hillside approach, flanked by lime trees, for which the restaurant is named. The staff (most dog owners) are only too happy to distract your pup with a sausage under the table so you can treat yourself to a Michelin-worthy tasting menu. Succulent pressed rabbit is served with mellow blackberries and artichoke, tender pink lamb loin comes with a moreish side of skewered barbecued belly, and the rhubarb soufflé with rhubarb sorbet is a sweet-sharp sensation. Many ingredients are sourced from the region, and the rhubarb is from Lainston’s own kitchen garden. Fine dining is the priority here, thankfully without the fuss.
Price: Rooms start from £255 (including breakfast), plus £40 for a maximum of two dogs.
Best for inventive pub grub and extensive wine lists: The Feathered Nest Inn
Luxury lodgings, gourmet dining and a wine list as vast as the Cotswold countryside await you at this tempting bolthole. The Feathered Nest Inn is the centrepiece of Nether Westcote, a picture-perfect village punching far beyond its diminutive stature with myriad walking routes, a tip-top equestrian centre (if that’s your thing) and within a short jaunt of Cotswold must-visits Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-water.
The Inn has been a stayover favourite for those serious about their pub grub for a while, but the recent renovation of The Cottage means doggy guests are now welcome to sleep over, too. A cosy blanket, treats, food bowls and a small, enclosed pebble garden are ready to make them feel at home. For their human guardians, enjoy padding around like a modern country laird, sniffing sustainable toiletries in your roll-top bath or stoking the fire in the modern-yet-traditional living area before strolling 50 feet to the pub for dinner, while taking in the views.
The menu offers inventive British dishes with locally sourced ingredients and extensive wine list, which head barman and lead mixologist, Rui, is happy to help you sample. Stand out dishes included the crispy buttermilk chicken, chargrilled chateaubriand for two and what we believed to be close to the perfect burger, complete with mature cheddar, smoked bacon, pulled pork and crispy onions.
Price: A stay at The Cottage starts at £395 including breakfast, with an additional fee of £25 for dogs. Book through the website or call 01993 833030.
Best for luxury bites and tranquility: The Tawny
Well-behaved dogs and humans alike will be treated to fabulous food and stunning surroundings at The Tawny, Staffordshire. Four-legged friends are welcome in the Glade Huts and Lookouts, set on rolling countryside grounds dotted with lakes and secluded picnic spots. There are 70 acres of greenery to explore around The Tawny and a nearby nature reserve with plenty of muddy meandering pathways. It’s also an ideal place to strike out into the Peak District.
Dogs are welcome in the bar area for relaxed tapas plates or sharing boards and expertly-plated bites from their restaurant, The Plumicorn. Tuck into gin-cured salmon with miso, baked cauliflower or sweet venison with maple and chocolate. There are plenty of classic cocktails on offer and an extensive wine list. This is a truly dog-friendly getaway, where your furry friends will be doted on rather than tolerated, and maybe sneaked a sausage at breakfast if they’re making puppy dog eyes. Want to spend the evening in soaking up your serene surroundings? Order a Portobello mushroom, truffle & mascarpone pizza to your room and while away the night in a bubbly outdoor hot tub. Be sure to hide the treat tin from your furry companion and pack your walking boots.
Price: Rooms start from £265 per night, with a £50 extra fee per dog.
Overlooking the River Stour in Warwickshire, a stay at this imposing neo-Gothic mansion affords an opportunity to follow the trail of William Shakespeare in nearby Stratford-Upon-Avon, as well as enjoy walkies in picturesque countryside skirting the Cotswolds. Your pooch is likely to make new friends springing around the grounds, especially as dog-owners flock for afternoon tea. For £10, the ‘à la bark’ menu includes a pupcake, domutt and woofin (fresh bakes stuffed with veg), plus dog-friendly wine or beer for an additional £4, and a main course of grilled chicken, baked cod or beef stew for £12.50.
Of course, accompanying humans are well catered for, too, but if dining with your pooch, you’ll be seated in the Oak Lounge rather than the Great Drawing Room (which is still rather plush). Intriguing combinations are peppered through a seasonally changing menu; try crisp – and not too gamey – ox tongue nuggets with capers and radishes to whet the appetite, then tender pork cutlets offset by the mellow tang of baby fennel and pickled pears, or rich red mullet dressed with a pleasingly sour pink grapefruit hollandaise. Round off a meal with one of the house cocktails, or have one made bespoke by the talented bar staff. Breakfast features local eggs and homemade sausages, including a generous portion for your furry friend.
If you do spend a day on the history trail in Stratford Upon Avon, dogs are welcome in the gardens at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s New Place and Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and inside Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall where good behaviour is particularly appreciated. Back at base, take advantage of the spa facilities; there’s a small indoor swimming pool and glamorously lit whirlpool, plus the Redwood treatment room where a citrus-scented massage should relieve any aching muscles.
Price: Classic rooms from £239 in summer plus £25 supplement for one dog, including breakfast. Visit Handpicked Hotels for more information on Ettington and the entire portfolio – 20 out of 21 of the group’s historic properties are dog-friendly.
Best for a self-catering family break: Premier Cottages Sparham Hall Farm
Switch off and settle in for a peaceful countryside getaway at Sparham Hall Farm Cottages. These secluded cottages have all the creature comforts you could want, including some homemade welcome treats for you and your pooch; namely, buttery shortbread and peanut butter bone biscuits. This dog-friendly retreat feels like a home away from home. Grab your wellies for a trip to nearby Sparham Pools for a picturesque dog walk, or book a tour of the surrounding farmland to take in the local flora and fauna.
Sparham Hall is a working farm with a focus on supporting local businesses. Be sure to order an afternoon tea basket from The Norfolk Scone Company for a wealth of local goodies to enjoy when you arrive. Tuck into seasonal sandwiches, sweet bites and artisan teas after a day exploring the North Norfolk coastline at Wells-next-the-Sea. You can also pour yourself a G&T using gin from the Walnut Tree Distillery, produced two miles away. All their spirits use hand-picked botanicals from the farm. Don’t fancy cooking? Take a night off and wander 20 minutes down the road, dog in tow, to The Fox at Lyng for classic beer-battered cod or a satisfying vegan shepherd’s pie.
Price: 3 nights from £435, including two dogs.
Best for luxury shepherd’s huts and seaside strolls: Lympstone Manor
With its abundance of pet-friendly beaches and picturesque woodland walks, Devon is a fantastic spot for dog-friendly mini-breaks. If you’re looking to splurge on a special-occasion stay, you’ll be pleased to hear that fluffy friends are welcome in Lympstone Manor’s luxury shepherd’s huts, all tucked behind its on-site vineyard. While it’s a more rustic experience than the main house, you’ll find the same exquisite attention to detail: deep copper freestanding baths, a fully stocked minibar (with Joe & Seph’s popcorn and Sipsmiths gin) and luxury cosmetics. Dog owners will appreciate the thoughtful details here, like the outdoor shower – ideal after muddy walks – a lantern (for a quick bedtime stroll at night), dog bowls, a large bed and dog biscuits. There’s an option to self-cater, with a small kitchen area and living space, complete with a woodturner to keep warm in the winter.
In the hut, you’ll find helpful, detailed guides for nearby walks: head down to Exmouth beach, walk part of the Exe Estuary Trail, or drive a little further to the rocky Branscombe beach to do some fossil hunting while the dogs splash in the sea.
For dinner, it’s best to secure a table in the restaurant ahead so you don’t miss out on sampling Michelin-starred Michael Caines’ fish-focussed menu using locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try the Triassic pinot noir from Lympstone’s evolving vineyard, too. Alternatively, order room service and sit by your private fire pit, before taking a dip in the hot tub under the trees. If you can part with the cosy bed in the morning, choose from a hearty English breakfast in the main house, or stay with the pooch and order pastries, charcuterie, yogurt, eggs, cheese and fruit in a hamper that’s delivered to your hut.
Price: Huts from £550 a night, including breakfast.
Best for locally sourced seasonal food and outdoor amenities: The Lord Crewe Arms
Built in the 12th century, the Lord Crewe Arms is a unique hotel with medieval architecture and stunning views. Original features such as deep mullioned windows and monumental stone fireplaces are showcased in rooms focusing on comfort – thick woollen blankets and hot water bottles, paperbacks on the bedside table and moreish local fudge by the coffee machine. The hotel sits at the heart of an immaculate village, surrounded by rugged, romantic Northumberland countryside.
The menu makes the most of ingredients from the kitchen garden and local suppliers, therefore boasting a selection of seasonal highlights. Sample delicacies such as foraged mushrooms on toast or the Crewe ploughman for lunch, then in the evening, a hearty meal like venison with salsify.
If you’re one to feel at home in the beautiful outdoors, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. Take yourself off for a quiet fishing trip along the Lord Crewe Arms’ private stretch of river. Or venture off on a borrowed bike to the village of Blanchard, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, across the moors to Hadrian’s Wall. Feeling more romantic? Why not pop over to the dark sky discovery site just around the corner for some stargazing.
Treat your dog to an evening tipple from The Crypt Bar or dinner from the Canine Crewe Room Service Menu. They are more than welcome to dine with you at dinner, and you can prep them perfectly in the hotel’s boot room to make them presentable after a muddy walk on the moor.
Price: Rooms start from £314 per night, £20 fee per dog per night.
Best for ultra luxe: Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
If you really want to treat yourself, the Four Seasons Hampshire is the ideal mix of grand country house glamour and relaxed informality, and is truly dog-friendly. It’s Downton Abbey vibes, with all the modern-day luxuries you would expect from a five-star hotel.
The imposing Georgian red-brick manor house is set in 500 acres of rolling lawns, walled gardens, lakes and woodlands, where you can walk the dog. There’s also a lovely path along the Basingstoke Canal to pretty villages with dog-friendly pubs. In the bedrooms, deep, squashy dog beds are provided along with doggie welcome packages of food and personalised bottles of spring water.
Dogs are welcome on the terrace of the hotel’s Wild Carrot restaurant and bar, where cocktails and dinner watching the sunset over the rolling Hampshire hills is a special experience. The restaurant serves classic modern British cuisine, and an extensive wine list can be ordered to your room if you prefer. The staff are all animal-lovers and extremely accommodating; well-behaved dogs are welcome to be left in the bedrooms while guests enjoy the stunning pool and spa, or afternoon tea in the wood-panelled library. It’s a luxurious and pampering country getaway without the stress of having to be parted from your pet.
Price: Rooms start from £746 per night, one-time cleaning fee added on for dogs.
Best for creature comforts: The Fish Hotel
With an assortment of fashionable farmhouse conversions and huts peppering the hillside at this Cotswolds hideaway, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a doggie-friendly commune – albeit a very high-spec one. The well-being of your pooch is central to the philosophy here, something that’s obvious as soon as you step onto the ample grounds where your dog is bound to make new furry friends. In the pretty gardens by the hotel lobby, you’ll find a dog bath (with shower and shampoo), and a muck room just inside; ideal for a quick wash-down and clean-up if you choose to tackle the onsite dog agility course or winding nature trail that offers breath-taking views over the surrounding countryside. On the Farncombe Estate, you’re well placed for more adventurous treks, too, and Broadway Tower is within easy reach.
When it comes to refuelling, dogs are welcome in the spacious yet snug bar area where they’ll have their own padded mat (if not the red carpet) rolled out, and yet more company of the canine variety. While the waiters ingratiate themselves with sausages, humans can dine from the Hook menu, which – unsurprisingly – leans towards seafood, responsibly sourced, mostly from home shores. Enjoy hand-dived Orkney scallops, meaty oysters from Porthilly (tempura-style or fresh off the shell), Cornish crab lasagne with kaffir lime & lemongrass sauce, or a rich bouillabaisse of cuttlefish, cod, king prawns, seam bream & mussels. For a taste of English summertime, round the meal off with a featherlight Paris-Brest of strawberries & crème fraîche mousse. Back at the room, there’ll be dog treats and a complimentary chew toy waiting, if your dog isn’t already wiped out from the social scene.
Price: Dog-friendly double rooms at The Fish start from £199, including breakfast, based on two sharing. There is a £30 charge per stay for dogs. Special canine menus are available for dogs to enjoy in their room.
Best for a luxury spa & dining experience: Pennyhill Park
Nestled in Surrey’s parkland, a stone’s throw away from the England rugby team’s training centre, is the 19th-century manor Pennyhill Park – a perfect country house escape for anyone who wants a relaxing spa experience without leaving their furry friend behind.
The main house is elegant, with chandeliers, stone walls and tapestries, striking wallpaper and light-filled rooms. In one of its homely canine-friendly bedrooms, you’ll find a dog bed, two packs of treats, two bowls and a detailed map of the grounds for walking paths – dog owners will appreciate the hotel’s 120 acres for a close pre-bedtime walk. You can pick up a pair of wellies from reception if it’s muddy, too, and there’s a towel in the room to dry off your pooch after a rainy stroll.
Leave the dog happily chewing on the complimentary chicken bites while you grab your flip flops and head to the spa – a large, soothing space with an indoor and outdoor pool and jacuzzi (with delicate music playing underwater), multiple herbal steam rooms and saunas, an ice room and heated relaxation beds, perfect for lounging with a glass of fizz from the bar.
In the evening, be sure to book a table early at Latymer, the Michelin-awarded restaurant on-site that serves exquisitely presented British dishes and is headed by Steve Smith. The seasonal six-course ‘Discovery’ tasting menu begins with four small welcome dishes, including warm Spenwood cheese & Catalonian truffle bites and smoky BBQ pork with a sweet apple & mustard purée. Stand-out mains include the chef’s signature Orkney scallop with celeriac & smoked eel, and the Anjou pigeon served three ways. Opt for one of the wine pairing options or order something from the cocktail menus, such as the spiced pear gin or low-alcohol blackberry fizz. This dining experience is a real treat.
Wake up to a buffet full English, with a selection of pastries, cheeses and yogurt, or dine in the spa instead for some healthier options to start the day, before heading off on one last leisurely walk before you check out.
Price: Dog-friendly rooms from £470 a night, including breakfast and spa access, with a £40 fee for up to two dogs.
Best for a luxury farm stay: Retreat East
The Suffolk countryside is an idyllic spot for a canine-approved break, thanks to its abundance of woodland walking trails, proximity to the coast for seaside walks and dog-friendly historical sites, such as Framlingham Castle.
Head to Retreat East for a soul-soothing stay – a former dairy farm that’s now a village-like cluster of barns, huts and rooms with a small spa on-site (it houses a hot tub, sauna and steam room). True to its roots, it’s decorated in a contemporary farmhouse style. The main restaurant is a bright, rustic barn with high ceilings, wooden beams and huge, striking pictures of cows.
In one of the cosy rooms, you’ll find a large, inviting dog bed, enamel bowls and liver & bacon treats made in nearby Norfolk for your pet, as well as a large freestanding bath, wood burner and kitchen with a coffee pod machine for the humans. This hotel loves dogs, and they’re even welcome in the restaurant during breakfast and dinner. The restaurant serves produce from its own kitchen garden, including rhubarb, lemon verbena and yellow courgettes, and honey from its own beehives in the morning.
Ask at reception for a map of nearby walks, or hire one of the bikes. For wet days, you can borrow a pair of wellies, and there’s an outdoor shower to wash muddy paws. You’ll leave feeling truly relaxed, with a sleepy pooch in tow.
Price: Rooms from £196.90, which includes use of spa facilities, plus £45 per dog.
Best for country house charm: Dormy House
On the same handsome Cotswold estate as The Fish, discreetly tucked away above Broadway, is another gem built in local stone. The main ‘farmhouse’ is adjoined by a chic spa, which isn’t dog-friendly, but your loyal companion might appreciate a post-walk nap in the plush dog bed provided, along with a complimentary treat. If you don’t want to leave your pooch behind, book a hot tub suite and soothe those aching muscles without the worry of pillows being subjected to anxious chewing. While the grounds aren’t extensive here, there are plenty of trails knitted across the surrounding area to enjoy whether you want to exert yourselves on a hillside hike or have a gentle stroll through picturesque villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water where many pubs and cafés will welcome your pooch with a cooling water bowl.
Back at base, the humbly named but glamorously appointed Shed bar will offer the same – plus sausages under the table – while you can order from The Back Garden menu. Being owned by the same group as The Fish, the menus are similar, though Dormy offers a more equal balance of meat and fish. Share a selection of charcuterie that includes tender Creedy Carver duck breast from Devon or braised ox cheek, and coffee lovers must finish with the floating island bejewelled with pearls of Kahlúa and a delicate caramel tuile. Even with a hit of caffeine, you can’t help but relax and unwind at this charming bolthole.
Price: Dog-friendly double rooms at Dormy House start from £340. There is a £30 charge per stay per dog. Special canine menus are available for dogs to enjoy in their room.
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