The beautiful green rolling countryside, sheltered wooded valleys and excellent choice of dog friendly cottages to rent makes the Cotswolds a great place to bring your dog on holiday. Whether you are looking for gentle walks between the pretty honey coloured villages, challenging hikes across the hills, or a selection of dog friendly attractions to keep everyone amused, you and your four legged friend will find plenty to do whilst on holiday here. Read more
It is easy to see why the Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The charming market towns and picturesque villages of Stow on the Wold, Broadford and Burford are steeped in history and culture. Explore the interesting alleyways and side streets, visit the impressive market squares or stock up on goodies at one of the farmer’s markets.
However, the Cotswolds extends far beyond its’ famous market towns. Covering nearly 800 square miles, with 3,000 miles of footpaths, it is the perfect place to bring your dog on holiday. Explore part of the Cotswold Way National Trail which spans over 100 miles from Chipping Camden in the north, to Bath in the south. Join the trail at any point and enjoy one of the numerous scenic circular walks. You will be rewarded with sweeping views, woodlands carpeted with springtime bluebells, and historic monuments such as the Cistercian abbey at Hailes Abbey and the Neolithic long barrow at Belas Knap. If you are after dramatic views make sure you don’t miss Broadway Tower. Set in a 50 acre estate of parkland this is an ideal day out. Take a picnic and see how many deer you can spot as you stroll round the park.
Alternatively, get close up to the wildlife at the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford. Dogs are allowed in the majority of this 160 acre parkland which surrounds an impressive manor house. It’s a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll and it’s not every day that your dog gets the chance to meet giraffes and rhinos!
Any plant lovers should visit the Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, near Morton in the Marsh. Kids will love the children’s trail and you and your dog can enjoy the 56 acres of stunning botanical collections. Make sure you don’t miss the handkerchief tree in May!
From fine dining to cosy cafés, the Cotswolds has a huge range of dog friendly eateries to suit every taste and budget. Having a tipple of your choice with your dog in one of the many traditional Cotswolds country pubs is arguably the perfect end to a perfect day of exploring this stunning part of the country. And with a wide selection of dog friendly cottages to rent, the Cotswolds is a beautiful and relaxing place to go on holiday at any time of the year.
