As part-time travelers, we often only have time to travel on the weekends. However, that is also the only time we get to take Giorgio to the park for an extended period of time. So, as a compromise, we decided to pursue dog friendly travel adventures. One of our first decisions as travel bloggers was to try to go Around the UK in 80 Weekends, taking Giorgio along with us. The UK is full of dog friendly hotels, pubs, and attractions, so traveling with a dog is actually pretty easy. The hardest decision is deciding where to go!
Places like the Lake District and the Cotswolds offer countless opportunities for countryside walks and cozy evenings in the pub. Cornwall and the Isle of Wight offer sandy beaches and delicious seaside restaurants. The options for dog friendly getaways in the UK are endless, and we’re not complaining! To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the dog friendly hotels in the UK that we are most looking forward to visiting:
8 Dog Friendly Hotels in the UK
Updated 20 August 2017
Old Swan & Minster Mill [Cotswolds]
I found out about this hotel through tunameltsmyheart, the chiweenie that everyone should be following on Instagram. I am always looking for an excuse to get up to the Cotswolds and I think this hotel might be it. Why, you ask? Four words: canine country etiquette classes. Not only can this give you a few hours away from your pup, but you can return to them being a whole new proper pup! Old Swan & Minster Mill looks like such a charming and romantic country property that truly appreciates dogs (they’re mentioned all over the site!).
The Wild Rabbit [Oxfordshire]
If you know me, you know that the interior design pictured above is basically my dream – or my real life Pinterest board! In fact, I had to send some photos to a contractor the other day to show him what we are looking to do with our home renovations, and I nearly sent him the link to The Wild Rabbit. The natural wood floors paired with the light brick walls sends happiness through me. The Wild Rabbit is an 18th century pub that has been upgraded to a modern design without losing its charm, supports independent vineyards, and – according to reviews – serves incredible food. Oh, and of course, they also offer dog beds. From The Wild Rabbit, you can reach a multitude of country and Cotswolds attractions, including Blenheim Palace.
Overwater Hall [Lake District]
The Lake District seems like the perfect place to go with a dog in tow – tons of walking opportunities, incredibly adorable towns, and plenty of dog friendly places. Honestly, I feel like everything I looked at was dog friendly – people obviously love dogs in the Lake District! Overwater Hall is in a Georgian country house and, based on the photos I saw online, truly looks like a place you would feel at home at. It looks like such a perfect place to explore Cumbria from! Even if it weren’t, I think I’d be quite happy just exploring the garden and the grounds!
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Inn on the Square [Lake District]
Inn on the Square, in central Keswick, is a downtown alternative for the Lake District. The hotel has a modern design, mixed with country accents that I absolutely love (like massive photos of sheep on the walls). With all that Keswick has to offer on your doorstep, and all the Lake District has to offer a short walk/paddle/ride away, it’s a lovely way to get a bit of town and a bit of country into one trip. Dogs are welcome in the bar, lounge, and bedroom. The best part? The Kennel Club named Keswick the #1 dog friendly town in the UK – meaning you’ll be able to take your pooch most places with you!
Talbot Inn [Somerset]
The dog in their logo says it all – this is the place to getaway with your furry friend! The Talbot Inn is another pub hotel, but this time in the Somerset countryside. The property has stunning country views and is a short drive from Bath. They only have one dog-friendly room, so book early! Your dog can also join you in the public areas of the hotel. I want to bring the dog along and curl up to read in their traditional country sitting room. There are also a ton of pure country things to do nearby, such a shooting and horseback riding. This is the place to go to really get away from city life!
Hotel Felix [Cambridge]
Hotel Felix boasts itself as a luxury dog friendly hotel – which sounds just like my cup of tea! Located in Cambridge, this hotel gives you the opportunity to explore the liveliness of Cambridge or the nearby countryside. Hotel Felix is a beautiful Victorian property with modern accents. The rooms have a simple design and the restaurant looks like a bright, friendly brasserie. With spacious grounds and walking opportunities nearby, this is the perfect place for a city break with the pup. They are even partnered with a dog friendly punting company allowing your dog to really enjoy Cambridge with you!
Grange Hotel [York]
We stayed in the Grange Hotel for a night during our dog-friendly weekend in Yorkshire and were so impressed by the grandeur. It felt like we had been transported back to the era of Downton Abbey as we sipped our gin & tonics in the sitting room! The Grange Hotel is actually the sister hotel of Hotel Felix, but has a much more traditional style. The hotel is not located within the city walls of York, but is only a short walk to York Minster and all that awaits inside the city.
Godolphin Arms [Cornwall]
This is one of the dog friendly hotels that I am most excited about. 1) It’s located in Cornwall – perfect for a seaside getaway. 2) It has STUNNING views of St. Michael’s Mount, the perfect excuse to sit in the restaurant and just stare all day. 3) The decor features perfect little seaside touches that make me very happy. Is that convincing enough? You should definitely be convinced, get online, and book a stay at Godolphin Arms!
We can’t want to check out all of these hotels as we travel around the UK! Check out where we have been so far on our dog friendly adventures, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on our progress going Around the UK in 80 Weekends.
Do you know of any dog friendly places in the UK and Ireland?
Let us know which places we need to visit in the comments below!
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