From Stroud’s five valleys to Woodchester Park and Minchinhampton Common, there are no shortage of fantastic dog walks close to this 18th-century manor in the Cotswolds (ask knowledgeable staff for other local recommendations too). Contemporary, dog-friendly rooms are in the historic coach house: they share an entrance and have direct access to the four acres of grounds (beds, bowls and treats are provided). Dogs are also welcome in the lounge and bar – a relaxed social space for morning coffee while reading the newspapers, Afternoon Tea and pre-dinner cocktails with views over Stroud Golden Valley – and in a smaller dining space within The Burleigh restaurant. Here, the modern British menu is dictated by seasonal, locally sourced produce and just-picked vegetables from the kitchen garden (think dishes such as braised beef cheek and whole baked plaice). While your four-legged friend is napping, don’t miss the tranquil wellness garden with a hot tub, sauna, plunge pool and treatment hut.
The Michelin-starred Dining Room at Hambleton Hall might be one of the big draws to this family-run dog-friendly country house hotel on the peninsula above Rutland Water but so too are the 17-acres of grounds and surrounding countryside – especially for anyone checking-in with a dog (let the reservations team know in advance). Everything from bowls and biscuits to crates, cuddly toys and towelling for muddy paws can be provided, alongside a dog sitter for the evening so you can enjoy dinner in the restaurant. The drawing room and bar are also a dog-free zone; instead, hang out in the hall, sitting by the fire and watching the world go by. Ask at reception for a map of the best local walks: the fisherman’s track around the Hambleton Peninsular is a firm guest favourite and begins from the property. There’s also a croquet lawn, tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool for a dip in summer.
On the outskirts of Stroud and just a few miles from the start of the Cotswold Way, this neo-gothic mansion is set in 40 acres of a picturesque valley with the River Stour winding through it. Dog-friendly rooms (there are some across all categories, from Feature to Classic) have easy access to either a lawn or courtyard, making a pre-breakfast stroll a pleasure. Canine companions are also welcome in The Oak Lounge, which overlooks manicured Victorian gardens and the ruins of a Norman chapel. It has an informal menu that includes burgers, sandwiches and steaks (there’s also a fabulous outdoor terrace for when the weather is fine). The team at Ettington Park can recommend excellent walking routes including the Alderminster Circular which begins from the hotel itself and Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
A five-minute drive from sandy Brancaster Beach (handy for morning walks; dogs are allowed all year round), this restored dog-friendly hotel is a must for foodies. Owned by chef Eric Snaith, this country house hotel has two restaurants: a more formal conservatory for modern European food (as well as a Sunday roast) and the casual Terrace Bistro. Dogs are welcome in the bar and lounge, which has a roaring fire in winter and a patio within the pretty, secluded walled garden for drinks alfresco. A selection of rooms are dog-friendly, including the Signature Rooms (some come with a cedarwood hot tub) and Best Rooms – choose one located around the courtyard herb garden with French doors. After a day exploring the north Norfolk coastline with your four-legged friend, grab takeaway fish and chips or pizza from Eric’s other two restaurants, both in the neighbouring village of Thornham.
The former home of Lord Snowdon, Plas Dinas is a historic dog-friendly country house hotel in Wales set in 15 acres of grounds. The Gatekeepers Holiday Cottage is at the entrance, a dog-friendly, self-catering rental with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and sitting room (it sleeps four). Dip into Plas Dinas itself for supper at The Gunroom, a Michelin guide restaurant where Welsh produce is the star of the monthly-changing menu (there are two sittings: 6 or 8pm), or for Afternoon Tea. There’s also a drawing room, adorned with antiques and family portraits, where you’ll find a log fire on a chilly spring day. Sweeping three-mile Dinas Dinlle beach is nearby, as is the medieval town of Caernarfon and the village of Llanberis – where you can set off to hike one of the many routes on Mount Snowdon.
